Pei Lingyue was quite pleased with his sudden stroke of inspiration.
In the past, Concubine Xian would have been the undisputed mistress of her palace, even if she had been demoted, since she still had the Second Prince under her care. But now, there was another woman of equal rank—the Princess of Liang—who could rival her in status.
For the position of palace mistress, the two women would never coexist peacefully. This was perfect—it would divert their energy toward fighting each other.
Concubine Xian’s expression darkened as she realized the implications. If the Princess of Liang were promoted to consort before her, the ownership of Qiongming Palace would change hands.
For years, her status had been second only to the Empress and Consort Hui. Yet in just one year, she had fallen so low that she might lose even her position as mistress of her own palace. The thought was unbearable.
Forcing a smile, she said, "Your Majesty, the princess is of noble birth. The side hall of Qiongming Palace is too humble for her."
She currently occupied the main hall, while the side chambers housed lower-ranking concubines who relied on her favor.
Concubine Xian couldn’t understand—why place the princess in her palace when there were other vacant ones? Did His Majesty truly despise her so much?
Yun Xia, the Princess of Liang, frowned. How could a princess of her stature be relegated to a side hall? Once she gained favor, she would demand a grander residence.
She had heard that Guanju Palace was the largest after Fengyi Palace and conveniently close to the Emperor’s quarters. But remembering Consort Hui’s formidable reputation, Yun Xia reluctantly dismissed the idea for now. It was unwise to challenge Consort Hui at this stage.
However, she had no reservations about confronting Concubine Xian. The fact that a woman who had raised a prince had been demoted to concubine proved she had long fallen out of favor.
Pei Lingyue smiled. "Concubine Xian is right—the side hall is indeed beneath Consort Hua’s dignity. In that case, let her take the main hall. Concubine Xian has always been considerate and gracious—surely you will accommodate her well?"
Yun Xia couldn’t help but smirk. To directly suppress a concubine like this only reinforced her standing in the Emperor’s eyes.
"Sister Xian, I’ll be troubling you from now on."
Concubine Xian felt a chill run through her body, blood rushing to her head, leaving her mind blank.
Just moments ago, she had been scheming to regain her position before losing her status as palace mistress. Now, she was being evicted from the main hall entirely—forced to yield to an upstart.
And this newcomer was ruthless. Even before entering the palace, she had already poisoned the Empress Dowager and herself. Anyone who crossed her might not live to see another day.
Regret and resentment surged within her.
Concubine Xian truly regretted her actions. She had prided herself on her cunning and patience, believing she could manipulate others effortlessly. Yet now, she had set herself on fire.
If only she hadn’t secretly aided the Princess of Liang in hopes of pitting her against the Empress and Consort Hui.
Seeing Concubine Xian’s pale face, many concubines pitied her. The Emperor’s treatment of her was too heartless.
[Looking at the other concubines’ expressions, they must sympathize with Concubine Xian. His Majesty will surely be labeled as cold and ungrateful now.]
[System, the Emperor is definitely doing this to avenge the Empress Dowager. He can’t publicly admit that his own concubine colluded with a foreign princess to poison the Empress Dowager—it’s too shameful.]
[Concubine Xian dug her own grave.]
Pei Lingyue turned and saw Yu Miaohua’s exchange with the system. His eyelid twitched—originally, no one else knew, but now, thanks to Yu Miaohua, even the Grand Preceptor and Grand Tutor would find out!
While this might clear his name to some extent, it also exposed his family’s disgrace to outsiders.
Pei Lingyue gritted his teeth.
Ministers like Jiang Kangyou finally understood—attempting to poison the Empress Dowager was a grave offense. The fact that the Emperor hadn’t banished both women to the cold palace was already an act of mercy.
Yu Miaohua continued her commentary.
[I despise Pei Lingyao even more. As a son, he didn’t even speak up for his own mother. What a waste of upbringing.]
[System, what were you thinking, putting him on the candidate list before?]
[That was automatically generated based on qualifications—don’t blame me. Thankfully, you were wise enough not to choose him.]
Yu Miaohua rolled her eyes at the system.
The ministers who could see the dialogue were all swayed by Yu Miaohua’s words.
Indeed… the Second Prince hadn’t uttered a single word in defense of his birth mother, as if her humiliation meant nothing to him. How could anyone trust such a man? If he wouldn’t even protect his own mother, who would believe he wouldn’t discard his followers at the first sign of trouble?
When Concubine Xian regained her composure, she suppressed her hatred and thanked the Emperor before weakly returning to her seat.
As for the Second Prince, he remained silent, hoping to be forgotten. Openly defying the Emperor during the imperial birthday celebrations would only earn his father’s disdain.
His mother might have suffered a setback, but surely the Emperor would remember her grievances and compensate her later.
With this self-assurance, he felt no guilt for his silence.
After the Princess of Liang’s investiture, the court musicians performed the programs they had rehearsed for so long.
But the audience seemed distracted—today’s events had given them too much to digest.
Since this was a milestone birthday, the celebrations lasted three days.
Even the most dazzling performances grew tedious after three straight days. When it finally ended, Yu Miaohua sighed in relief—freedom at last!
Pei Lingyue had the gift inventory sent to Yu Miaohua so she could pick what she liked.
She mainly selected fragrances and jewelry.
At first, she was drawn to a pair of mutton-fat jade lotus hairpins and a set of cloisonné peony hairpins—exquisite and elegant, practically works of art that she hesitated to wear.
But the moment she picked them up, the system chimed in.
[Wow, Host, you’ve got great taste! These were sent by Pei Yuheng.]
Yu Miaohua immediately put them back. No matter how beautiful they were, she didn’t want too many ties to Pei Yuheng. She settled for other pieces instead.
Yet the next day, those very hairpins were delivered to her—personally presented by Chai Xiu.
Chai Xiu smiled. "His Majesty thought you selected too little, so he chose additional jewelry and silks for you."
"The Emperor said the cloisonné peony hairpins would pair perfectly with your moon-white cloud-patterned gown."
Yu Miaohua understood.
She’d wear them just like that next time!
As she sorted through the gifts, selecting fragrances and jewelry for Noble Lady Sun—who had been tirelessly teaching her various medicinal recipes—Noble Lady Sun herself arrived.
Yu Miaohua greeted her warmly. "Perfect timing, Sister! Take anything you like."
Noticing Noble Lady Sun’s serious expression, Yu Miaohua dismissed the attendants.
Then Noble Lady Sun dropped a bombshell.
"I’m pregnant."
Yu Miaohua froze for a moment before smiling brightly. "Sister, you’ve finally been rewarded after enduring so much hardship."
Noble Lady Sun had been coming to her every day recently to take medicine and recuperate. Yu Miaohua knew how long she had yearned for this child.
Someone like her, who didn’t want children, was practically an anomaly in the imperial harem.
Yu Miaohua paced back and forth. "Once the baby is born, we can make soft, breathable clothes from cotton fabric."
The Emperor had once gifted her a royal estate in the capital where cotton was cultivated. After the winter harvest, it could be spun into fabric.
"Should I prepare gifts in advance? What’s usually expected?"
Noble Lady Sun felt slightly dizzy from her pacing and chuckled. "It’s still too early—not even two months yet."
Yu Miaohua suddenly recalled that the Emperor’s birthday had been two days prior. "Sister, you must have known earlier, right? Why didn’t you announce it during the celebration?"
Noble Lady Sun had gifted a self-embroidered pouch for the occasion. Had she shared the news then, the Emperor might have been so pleased that he’d promote her rank.
Noble Lady Sun replied, "That would have been too conspicuous. I only suspected it two days before the celebration."
She gently touched her belly, her expression tender. She hadn’t expected to conceive again.
[Host, Noble Lady Sun is pregnant—proof that the Emperor isn’t the problem. Why won’t you take the initiative and seduce him?]
The system was exasperated.
[I’m perfectly content with my life as it is. I don’t want to disrupt the balance.]
Yu Miaohua refused to listen. She wasn’t cut out for motherhood either. Playing with a child occasionally was fine, but raising one? She’d lose her mind!
[Then why not adopt? If a child is registered under your name, they’d legally be yours.]
[No. Keep pushing this, and I’ll mute you.]
Yu Miaohua was adamant. Why would she snatch someone else’s child?
As Consort Hui, she had already contributed so much to the Great Qi. No matter who ascended the throne in the future, they’d have to treat her with reverence. She didn’t need an adopted child to secure her old age.
Wait—did Noble Lady Sun think the same way?
Lower-ranking concubines sometimes sought to register their children under higher-ranked consorts for the child’s benefit.
But Noble Lady Sun was already a Noble Lady. If she delivered this child safely, she might even be promoted to Consort.
Yu Miaohua placed her hand on Noble Lady Sun’s abdomen. "You must save the position of godmother for me—no one else."
Being a godmother was enough for her.
Noble Lady Sun understood her implication. "You don’t want to adopt them?"
Yu Miaohua shook her head. "I only like playing with children occasionally. Raising one isn’t for me."
"Besides, our bond doesn’t need formal titles to be real."
Noble Lady Sun sighed. "You really are a fool."
Willing to protect her yet asking for nothing in return—what kind of person did that?
Yu Miaohua asked, "Should we wait three months before telling the Emperor? Or announce it now?"
Noble Lady Sun thought for a moment. "Now."
It wouldn’t stay hidden for long anyway. This time, she would ensure her child was born safely.
Yu Miaohua immediately escorted Noble Lady Sun to see Pei Lingyue.
Pei Lingyue didn’t have many heirs, and his visits to the harem had been sparse in recent years. Delighted by the news, he noticed Yu Miaohua’s eager expression and granted Noble Lady Sun the privileges of a Consort.
This meant that once the child was born, regardless of gender, she would at least be promoted to Consort.
Yu Miaohua was satisfied.
Pei Lingyue sent lavish gifts to the Pear Blossom Palace. With no higher-ranking consort residing there, Noble Lady Sun would likely become its mistress after the birth.
Noble Lady Sun promptly expressed her gratitude, and Pei Lingyue assigned a dedicated imperial physician to oversee her pregnancy.
Yu Miaohua then went to the Empress Dowager to request a senior maid for Noble Lady Sun—someone who could keep troublemakers at bay.
The Empress Dowager observed Yu Miaohua’s carefree demeanor and couldn’t resist tapping her forehead.
"Aren’t you afraid of being used as a stepping stone?"
Yu Miaohua replied, "Sister Sun isn’t that kind of person. And even if I misjudged her, I wouldn’t lose anything."
At worst, she’d lose some affection and material gifts—things she could afford to lose.
[Host, don’t worry. Noble Lady Sun adores you. Her loyalty score is fifty. If you and the Emperor were drowning, she’d save you first.]
The Empress Dowager caught the divine words and nearly twitched. Well… she could understand Noble Lady Sun’s choice.
Since the divine had vouched for Noble Lady Sun’s reliability, she set aside her concerns.
Out of regard for Yu Miaohua, the Empress Dowager increased Noble Lady Sun’s rewards by thirty percent.
The Empress followed suit with additional gifts.
News of Noble Lady Sun’s pregnancy spread swiftly through the harem, stirring waves of shock and envy.
Noble Lady Sun had been so low-profile that many had forgotten her existence—until she began associating with Consort Hui. Even then, she hadn’t seemed particularly favored. No one expected her to conceive so quietly.
Concubines flocked to her chambers, eager for answers. "Sister, did you take some special tonic?"
Noble Lady Sun smiled. "Thanks to Consort Hui’s daily medicinal brews for nourishing the body, I received this blessing."
"Was it the same formula she used for fundraising?" Concubine Shen blurted out.
Everyone knew Yu Miaohua had publicly shared the recipe, claiming its restorative effects. Back then, most had doubted her sincerity, and only a handful had tried it. Now, Concubine Shen and others were consumed by regret.
Noble Lady Sun nodded. "It was the recipe gifted to Consort Hui by Concubine Xian."
She instructed her maid, "Fetch that fifty-year-old ginseng and deliver it to the Jade Brilliance Palace. Concubine Xian also deserves credit for this."
She had privately uncovered clues linking her past miscarriage to Concubine Xian.
The other concubines exchanged glances. They doubted Concubine Xian would appreciate this "gratitude."
Compared to Concubine Xian, Consort Hui was unexpectedly open and generous.
Many who had hesitated now resolved to try the tonic themselves.
…
In the Jade Brilliance Palace, Concubine Xian sat in silence. By imperial decree, she had been demoted from the main hall to a side chamber.
She had secluded herself these past days, unwilling to let others witness her humiliation.
Yesterday, the Emperor had sent her a Buddhist sutra—a clear message that he knew everything. If not for the Empress currently managing the harem, the sycophantic servants might have turned against her completely.
"Madam, it’s time for lunch," her maid said, setting out four dishes from a food box.
Concubine Xian frowned. "Where’s the roasted lamb I asked for?"
The maid lowered her head further. "Consort Hua’s servant took it."
Consort Hua sent over the Ice Heart Pills, which alleviated her mistress’s headaches considerably. After that, Consort Hua began acting as if she were her mistress’s benefactor, treating her with increasing disdain and frequently seizing supplies meant for Qionghua Palace.
As a princess, her behavior was shockingly vulgar—utterly detestable.
Concubine Xian nearly gritted her teeth to dust. The Princess of Liang was definitely doing this on purpose!
She could only console herself with the thought that since the Emperor knew the reason behind the Empress Dowager’s poisoning and had specifically allowed the Princess of Liang into the palace, he wouldn’t let her off easily.
All she had to do was wait and watch her downfall.
“It’s just one dish. The princess is my benefactor—if she likes it, let her have it. Don’t you dare show them any displeasure.”
The palace maid bowed in acknowledgment, though she felt deeply wronged. Concubine Xian was too soft and easily bullied. Serving such a mistress meant her future prospects were dim.
Concubine Xian forced herself to eat half a bowl of rice before another commotion erupted outside. Soon, she learned the news—Noble Lady Sun was pregnant.
“Thanks to Concubine Xian’s prescription, Noble Lady Sun will personally come to express her gratitude once the child is born.”
Concubine Xian’s face drained of color—Sun Shanlan was pregnant? She hadn’t heard she was taking any medicine to regulate her body.
Then it dawned on her. The medicine brewed in Guanju Palace wasn’t for Yu Miaohua—it was for Noble Lady Sun.
She refused to believe Yu Miaohua was simply doing a good deed. More likely, she intended to use Noble Lady Sun as a surrogate.
With that thought, Concubine Xian calmed down. Even if the child wasn’t Yu Miaohua’s, as long as it was recorded under her name, it could still threaten the Crown Prince’s position.
She wasn’t the one who needed to worry.
So she put on her usual gentle smile. “Noble Lady Sun has finally gotten her wish. The palace hasn’t heard a baby’s cry in so long. As long as she delivers safely, it will be a great achievement.”
She also opened her treasury and sent over several precious medicinal herbs.
Meanwhile, the Princess of Liang was far from pleased.
Since entering the palace, the Emperor had only visited her once—on the first day—and left after sharing a meal without spending the night.
How could she bear a child without his favor?
And now, Noble Lady Sun had suddenly become pregnant.
“Who is Noble Lady Sun?” she asked Changru, the palace maid assigned to her by the Office of Palace Affairs.
She contemplated controlling Changru’s family to ensure the maid’s absolute loyalty.
Changru replied, “Noble Lady Sun is a longtime resident of the palace. Everyone was surprised by her pregnancy. She’s quite close to Guanju Palace, and rumors say she owes her good fortune to Consort Hui’s efforts in regulating her health.”
The Princess of Liang suddenly understood—so this was Yu Miaohua’s doing?
The first thought that came to mind was killing the mother and taking the child.
Yu Miaohua must be scheming this—why else would she help Noble Lady Sun so selflessly?
Noble Lady Sun had once been insignificant, relying on Yu Miaohua for protection. But with a child, everything would change.
The Princess of Liang didn’t dare poison or curse Yu Miaohua directly, but she could sow discord and let them tear each other apart.
Three days later, after paying respects to the Empress at Fengyi Palace, the Princess of Liang personally presented a box to Noble Lady Sun. “Congratulations, elder sister. This is a century-old Tianshan snow lotus I prepared especially for you.”
Noble Lady Sun smiled faintly. “Thank you, Consort Hua.”
The Princess of Liang blushed shyly. Her beauty was dazzling, and her smile seemed to brighten the room. “I hope to share in your blessings and receive good news soon.”
Yu Miaohua couldn’t help but remark to her system.
[Though this princess has a venomous heart, she’s undeniably beautiful.]
A feast for the eyes—especially with the butterflies fluttering around her, as if she had a built-in filter.
[Host, if you’re willing, we can activate the ‘Lotus Steps’ effect and completely overshadow her!]
Yu Miaohua wouldn’t waste points on such frivolities. She sat calmly, savoring the almond tofu the Empress had prepared for her. As she moved, the agate chains on her enamel peony hairpins swayed gently.
The Princess of Liang’s gaze settled on Yu Miaohua. “Elder sister should also come and share in Noble Lady Sun’s joy. I’ve heard you’ve been in the palace for over a year, and the Emperor dotes on you so much—why haven’t you shown any signs?”
Yu Miaohua smiled. “Children are a matter of fate. What will be, will be.”
The Princess of Liang’s eyes flickered to Noble Lady Sun’s belly, her smile bright and innocent. “True. Noble Lady Sun and you are so close—her child might as well be yours. One day, they might even call you ‘Imperial Mother.’ I’ll be sure to congratulate you then.”
Concubine Xian sat quietly in the corner, eyes downcast, silently enjoying the spectacle.
Consort Hui, Yuan Huirou, frowned. Even she could tell Consort Hua was deliberately stirring trouble.
Coldly, she said, “If Miaohua wishes, my Mingyao can call her ‘Imperial Mother’ too.”
Rumor had it that the eldest prince of Fan Country, who had once sought her hand, still spent his days chanting Buddhist scriptures.
Since Miaohua was close to her and her daughter, Consort Hui wouldn’t mind letting Mingyao show her filial piety.
Consort De chimed in, “My two children complain daily that I’m not as interesting as Consort Hui. They’d be thrilled to have her as their mother.”
She turned to Yu Miaohua. “If you’re willing, just take them with you.”
Consort Li, who was also close to Yu Miaohua, added, “If Consort Hui would take my third child, it’d be his great fortune.”
The Empress sighed inwardly. Her son was older than Yu Miaohua and one of her targets—best to stay out of this.
Yu Miaohua preened, boasting to her system.
[System, see this? This is my charm! Hehe!]
The Princess of Liang stared at them in disbelief.
Were they all fools? Since Consort Hui entered the palace, it was said the Emperor lavished all his favor on her, ignoring everyone else. Yet instead of resenting her or competing for his attention, they rushed to defend her.
Where was their pride?
Pathetic.
She cursed them silently in her heart.
[Host has triggered Main Quest 4.2: Plant seeds of doubt about Consort Hua in the Emperor’s mind and teach her a lesson. Reward: Mature techniques for mulberry-dyke-fish ponds and rice-fish co-culture systems.]
[Oh! Mulberry-dyke-fish ponds—that’s where silkworms feed on mulberry leaves, their waste feeds the fish, and the pond silt fertilizes the land, right?]
[Correct. These farming models boost economic output, maximize land use, and create a zero-pollution, high-efficiency ecological cycle.]
Even without the quest, Yu Miaohua wanted to retaliate against the Princess of Liang. Now, she could teach her a lesson and reap the rewards—a double victory.
So she smiled sweetly at the Princess of Liang.
The Princess of Liang suddenly felt a chill—was Consort Hui about to strike back?
If she truly acted against her, it would only damage her image in the Emperor's eyes. She hadn’t said anything offensive earlier—she had merely offered Noble Lady Sun a kind reminder. Consort Hui was so favored by the Emperor; surely she wasn’t foolish enough to make such a mistake.
...
That same day, the Empress relayed the new task to the Emperor.
Pei Lingyue instantly brightened. "I knew it—the Princess of Liang should have entered the palace!"
See how quickly the mission had been triggered?
He truly was brilliant.
Without delay, he set off for the Guanju Palace.
Meanwhile, Yu Miaohua had already received a message from the Empress.
Her Majesty said she knew Yu Miaohua had suffered an injustice today.
Yu Miaohua couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—the Empress was truly kind-hearted.
She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, and in an instant, tears began to flow freely.
She had prepared in advance by soaking the handkerchief in a special fragrance—one that was colorless and odorless but could irritate the eyes.
Elder Sister Sun had taught her many useful tricks, and now they were coming in handy.
So when Pei Lingyue arrived at Guanju Palace, he found Yu Miaohua sitting by the window, silently weeping.
"Consort Hui, who has wronged you?" Pei Lingyue asked, his voice heavy with authority.
Yu Miaohua turned her head, feigning surprise, then clutched her handkerchief. "All the sisters in the palace treat me well. No one has wronged me."
Hong Xing, standing nearby, wore an indignant expression.
Originally, Yu Miaohua had planned to have Cuiwei or Qingluo play this role, but their acting skills were simply too poor—Hong Xing was the only one who could pull it off.
Pei Lingyue’s voice carried the weight of his position. "Hong Xing, you tell me—who dared mistreat your mistress? How could you stand by and do nothing?"
Hong Xing knelt. "Her Highness refuses to say. But before she went to pay her respects, she was looking forward to befriending the new sister. She even personally wrote an invitation yesterday. Yet after returning today, she tore it up."
"The new sister—is it Consort Hua?"
Hong Xing lowered her head. "This servant wouldn’t dare speculate."
Yu Miaohua interjected, "Your Majesty, please don’t press Hong Xing. She knows nothing."
She bit her lower lip and continued, "It’s not Consort Hua’s fault. My own health is weak. I was just thinking about the medicine I’ve been taking and felt sad. Consort Hua didn’t mean to upset me. Elder Sister Sun and I are close, and I’m happy for her good news."
[Host, your acting skills have improved so much!]
[Of course!]
Yu Miaohua felt quite proud of herself.
Pei Lingyue was pleased. Back then, Yu Miaohua’s attempts at subtle manipulation had been painfully clumsy, but now she had finally mastered the art.
"No need to explain further. I understand."
"You sacrificed yourself for Da Qi, yet Consort Hua used the matter of heirs to wound you. How despicable. I will see that justice is served."
Yes!
Yu Miaohua’s heart soared with triumph as she watched Pei Lingyue storm off in anger.
[Congratulations, Host, for completing Main Mission 4.2: Subtly undermining Consort Hua in front of the Emperor, making her realize she can’t trifle with you. Reward has been issued.]
...
Princess Yun Xia of Liang was rehearsing a dance, intending to use it as her secret weapon to win the Emperor’s favor.
Suddenly, news arrived that the Emperor was coming. Yun Xia’s eyes lit up with joy as she greeted him with a radiant smile, boldly saying, "I was just thinking of Your Majesty, and here you are. It seems our hearts are connected."
Then she noticed the anger on his face. Had something upset him in court?
Pei Lingyue glared at her coldly. "Why did you mention heirs in front of Consort Hui?"
Yun Xia froze, disbelief flashing in her eyes. Had Consort Hui actually tattled on her?
She put on a wounded expression. "I merely teased them because I envied how close Elder Sister Sun and Consort Hui are. What have I done wrong?"
Pei Lingyue said, "Consort Hui suffered divine retribution for peering into the heavens for Da Qi’s sake. Heirs have always been a sore spot for her. I’ve spent the last six months easing her heart, only for you to reopen her wounds."
"Since you’ve entered the harem, you should know the importance of discretion."
"For the next month, you will remain in your palace and copy sutras to pray for Consort Hui’s well-being."
With that, he turned and left.
Yun Xia stared at his retreating figure, stunned.
She had just entered the palace, and already she was under house arrest? And she had to copy scriptures for Consort Hui?
The Emperor hadn’t even let her explain—he only cared about avenging Consort Hui. Just how important was she to him?
Yet Consort Hui was unfaithful, secretly entangled with another man. She didn’t deserve the Emperor’s favor.
"Princess," her confidante Wu quickly supported her, worry etched on her face.
Yun Xia gritted her teeth. "Wu, summon the Emperor. I’ll tell him about Consort Hui’s affair with that scholar!"
She had planned to gather more evidence before using this leverage, but Consort Hui had gone too far—reporting her over a single remark. Yun Xia refused to endure this any longer.
