Due to her divine fragrance, the Princess of Liang was treasured by the Liang royal family, and her father's favor toward her surpassed even that of her brothers. From childhood, she had been accustomed to getting whatever she desired—be it the wind or the rain.
This upbringing meant she had rarely suffered any setbacks in her life.
From the Emperor's birthday celebration until now, she had already been bested by Yu Miaohua twice. If not for that so-called "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix," she would never have been relegated to the mere rank of concubine. Historically, Great Qi had always treated princesses sent for marriage alliances with at least the title of consort. Only because Great Qi was militarily powerful and prosperous had she swallowed her pride and endured the humiliation, hoping to win the Emperor's favor.
Now, however, her resentment had boiled over, and she could no longer restrain herself.
Her maid, Wu, hurriedly interjected, "Princess, we still don’t have solid evidence."
The Princess of Liang shot her a sharp glance. "The people in that tavern are witnesses—they are all proof."
"He is the Emperor of Great Qi. If he wishes, he can uncover even more."
"Even if we can’t bring down Consort Hui this time, at least we can plant seeds of doubt in the Emperor’s mind, so he won’t favor her so blindly." The more Chu Yunxia thought about it, the more convinced she became.
Wu, persuaded, decided to bring the Emperor back.
A quarter of an hour later, Pei Lingyue returned to Qionghua Palace.
He looked at Chu Yunxia. "Your maid said you have urgent matters to discuss with Us? Our time is precious and cannot be wasted on trivialities." He still had to visit Consort Hui later to confirm the completion of his task.
Chu Yunxia nodded. "Your Majesty, this humble consort cannot bear to see you deceived by a woman as fickle and disloyal as Consort Hui."
Pei Lingyue narrowed his eyes, his expression unreadable. "Continue."
Chu Yunxia said, "The warriors of Liang arrived in the capital months early to prepare gifts for Your Majesty’s birthday. Hearing that Shen Sushang was one of Your Majesty’s favored officials, they sought to learn Your Majesty’s preferences from him." She glanced at Pei Lingyue’s inscrutable face. "I know their methods were improper, but they only wished to please Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness."
"On the day of the Maidens’ Festival, they witnessed Lord Shen meeting secretly with a woman of extraordinary beauty. He addressed her as ‘shijie’ (senior sister), gazing at her with unmistakable tenderness. The envoys assumed she was his betrothed—only to later discover that Lord Shen was not yet engaged."
"It wasn’t until I entered the harem that I learned Lord Shen has only one senior sister—Consort Hui. As Your Majesty’s consort, she should conduct herself with dignity and restraint. How could she betray Your Majesty in such a brazen manner?"
Pei Lingyue was surprised. It seemed the people of Liang had been targeting Yu Miaohua long before this—likely from the moment they decided to send Chu Yunxia into his harem.
Coldly, he replied, "On the day of the Maidens’ Festival, Consort Hui and Scholar Shen were entrusted by the Grand Preceptor to visit a tavern to solve lantern riddles and win two pots of green chrysanthemums for their teacher. We were already aware of this and even dispatched guards to protect Consort Hui."
"Consort Hui and Lord Shen acted with utter propriety, without the slightest hint of impropriety. A celestial being like her, pure and radiant—how could someone as tainted as you possibly slander her?"
"We had hoped that confining you would make you reflect on your mistakes. Instead, you’ve doubled down, attempting to frame Consort Hui. We are deeply disappointed. For the sake of Liang, We will not demote you this time, but you will remain confined for two months. Reflect carefully."
With that, he turned and left once more.
Chu Yunxia was stunned. Originally, her confinement was to last only a month, but now it had doubled. The Emperor’s words had been unusually harsh this time—he had even considered stripping her of her rank.
If she were truly demoted, she would become a disgrace to Liang.
Though her father doted on her, it was only because he placed great hopes on her beauty and unique constitution, expecting her to bring benefits to Liang. Once she lost her value, she would be cast aside like rubbish. Liang had more than one princess.
She had overestimated the influence of her beauty and underestimated Consort Hui’s place in the Emperor’s heart.
"Princess, don’t lose heart. The Emperor’s anger may well be a sign of guilt." Wu’s heart ached to see her princess so pale. To others, the princess might seem ruthless and scheming, but to Wu, she was the divine being who had rescued her from the snake pit.
Far from comforting her, Wu’s words only made Chu Yunxia want to cry even more.
"He won’t even direct his anger at Consort Hui—instead, he takes it out on me. Am I, a princess, just his punching bag?"
Didn’t this only prove how insignificant she was?
"This time, our evidence was insufficient, so of course the Emperor wouldn’t side with us. Once we obtain irrefutable proof—catch them in the act—then His Majesty will see that the princess is innocent."
Chu Yunxia exhaled deeply. "You’re right. With evidence…"
Even if there was none, she would manufacture it.
"Regarding Consort Hui, this servant has some suspicions," a timid voice spoke up.
Chu Yunxia's sharp gaze turned toward the door, a flash of killing intent flickering in her eyes. "Chang Ru, were you eavesdropping?" Though she had intended to have her subordinates seize Chang Ru’s family to control her, she was, after all, in Great Qi—not her own territory—and thus couldn’t act so swiftly.
Trembling, Chang Ru stepped inside and knelt before Chu Yunxia. "This servant feared Her Ladyship might inadvertently provoke His Majesty’s displeasure, so I waited by the door."
Suppressing her murderous intent, Chu Yunxia said, "Rise. What is it you wish to say?"
Chang Ru blinked. "This servant suspects that the heir of Fengwang Palace has long harbored admiration for Consort Hui."
Chu Yunxia frowned. "If I recall correctly, didn’t Fengwang Palace once slander Consort Hui?"
Liang Country had thoroughly investigated Yu Miaohua’s affairs over the past year, and Chu Yunxia had done her homework. She vaguely remembered this detail.
"That’s ancient history now. During the New Year’s banquet, the heir was utterly captivated by Consort Hui’s virtue. Not only did he personally compose poetry for her, but he also had his scholars write numerous verses. They compiled them into a collection and had it published."
Chu Yunxia couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. This was essentially promoting Consort Hui’s reputation.
Though her father doted on her, he would never go out of his way to commission poetry to elevate her name.
"Perhaps they’re merely trying to make amends for their past offense against Consort Hui. Do you have any other concrete evidence?"
Lowering her head, Chang Ru replied, "The heir of Fengwang Palace frequently inquires about Consort Hui’s preferences in private, showing great attentiveness. Moreover, the hairpin Consort Hui wore today was personally designed by him. Because she favors peonies, he had it crafted in that style."
Chu Yunxia remembered that hairpin—exquisite and striking, impossible to forget.
"On the Maidens’ Festival, the heir of Fengwang Palace molded several clay figurines. Unable to bear destroying them, he had them buried beneath a tree. Those figurines bore a faint resemblance to Consort Hui."
Previously indifferent, Chu Yunxia’s beautiful face suddenly lit up at the mention of the clay figures. "Is this true?" The earlier gestures could still be dismissed as Fengwang Palace’s attempts to reconcile with Consort Hui, but the clay figurines betrayed an unmistakable youthful infatuation.
"This servant was assigned to serve Your Ladyship and recognizes no other master. I dare not deceive you."
Chu Yunxia smiled and personally helped Chang Ru to her feet. "You’ve done well. As long as you remain loyal, I will not treat you poorly."
She slipped a jade bracelet from her wrist onto Chang Ru’s arm. "Next time you learn of such matters, you must inform me immediately."
The fact that Chang Ru had uncovered these details yet chose to report them to her instead of currying favor with Yu Miaohua proved her unwavering loyalty.
Chu Yunxia was willing to extend a measure of trust.
Of course, even with this knowledge, she wouldn’t immediately report it to the Emperor. For now, it seemed more like the heir’s unrequited longing. Unless she could uncover irrefutable evidence, she would bide her time.
A smile played on her lips. "Who would have thought the heir of Fengwang Palace is such a devoted soul? I can’t bear to see him pining in vain. Perhaps I should lend him a hand."
She resolved to facilitate their union, thereby removing Consort Hui—her greatest obstacle—once and for all.
The two-month confinement would serve as the perfect opportunity to retreat from public view and recuperate.
……
News of Noble Lady Chu Yunxia’s punishment—confinement and copying scriptures—quickly spread through the imperial harem.
None of the concubines were surprised. The young princess, arrogant and dismissive of others due to her beauty and status, had long been a thorn in their sides. Now, she had finally been taught a lesson.
Concubine Xian was so delighted she ate an extra half-bowl of rice at noon, even finding Yu Miaohua slightly more tolerable for once.
She did regret, however, that the Emperor had shown leniency by not expelling Chu Yunxia from the main palace—likely out of deference to Liang Country.
But her good mood was short-lived. Soon, her son Pei Chiyan said to her, "Mother, I’ve realized I’m not cut out for the succession struggle, and you lack the talent for harem intrigue… Let’s just give up."
The words "let’s just give up" struck Concubine Xian like a boulder, leaving her dizzy. "What nonsense are you spouting?"
"I mean it. The more we fight, the more we lose—favor, rank… It’s all for nothing. We might as well stop."
Pei Chiyao had truly given up, even turning to vegetarianism and Buddhist recitation lately. But Concubine Xian had been too preoccupied with Chu Yunxia to notice.
His words pierced her heart like sharp arrows. "You’re talking foolishness. If you’re tired, rest for a while."
Pei Chiyao said, "I'm not confused. In fact, I've never felt clearer in my life. Otherwise, Mother, tell me this—after all your scheming, did you become Empress? Did you even make it to Imperial Noble Consort? No. You were even driven out of the main palace by Father."
Concubine Xian took an involuntary step back, her son's words cutting deep.
"I'm just informing you now—I'm done. I won't lift a finger against the Crown Prince or Consort Hui anymore."
"If you insist on continuing, then you’re on your own. Don’t blame me later for cutting ties to protect myself."
With that, he turned and left.
Concubine Xian collapsed into her chair, her ears ringing so loudly she could barely hear anything else.
She and the Empress were of similar age. Back then, her reputation in the capital had even outshone Yang Zhaopei’s. As the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Suyi, she was noble-born and praised for her virtue. The Empress? She merely had a general for an uncle. Everyone had assumed she was the inevitable Crown Princess—until Empress Zhenyi intervened, and the title went to Yang Zhaopei instead.
Her family had placed such hopes in her. Losing the position of Crown Princess made her taste the fickleness of human nature for the first time. Unwilling to accept defeat, Concubine Xian gambled again, entering the prince’s mansion as a secondary consort, forever beneath Yang Zhaopei.
But Yang Zhaopei’s luck surpassed hers, bearing the firstborn son sooner.
Then came Yuan Huirou. As the daughter of the Grand Preceptor, Yuan Huirou’s status eclipsed hers. Before she could deal with Yang Zhaopei, another rival appeared. A subtle scheme of hers turned the other concubines against Yuan Huirou—only for the Empress to meddle, shielding Yuan Huirou and allowing her to secure her footing and bear the first daughter.
When the Emperor ascended the throne, Yang Zhaopei was named Empress, Yuan Huirou became Noble Consort Hui, while she was dismissed with a mere consort title.
All these years, the palace sang praises of the Empress’s virtue, but Concubine Xian believed it was nothing more than luck. Had she been in that position, she wouldn’t have done any worse.
The Empress gained everything effortlessly—supreme status, the Emperor’s favor, her son named Crown Prince.
Every time Concubine Xian recalled the efforts of her lifetime, resentment coiled like vines in her chest, keeping her awake at night. A beast gnawed at her heart, relentless. She knew it would never stop unless she claimed that throne for herself.
After all her struggles, her son was giving up so casually?
What did that make her? A joke?
Should she really give up?
Sitting in the shadows, her face darkened with bitterness.
A palace maid who had entered with a food box swallowed her words of reminder and quietly set the dishes aside.
By the time Concubine Xian snapped out of her daze, the oil on the food had congealed.
No. She would never surrender. The Emperor had taken longevity pills—combined with his natural lifespan, he might live another twenty or thirty years.
If Pei Chiyao was useless, she could raise another. This time, she’d learn from her mistakes.
Of course, she wouldn’t bear the child herself. At her age, risking her life for childbirth wasn’t worth it. The Empress, despite her enduring favor, had only raised the Crown Prince.
She could easily borrow another’s womb. Since Noble Lady Sun’s pregnancy, many concubines had begun using fertility tonics—good news would come eventually.
If all else failed, she could adopt Noble Lady Sun’s child. She didn’t believe Chu Yunxia’s words had left no mark on Noble Lady Sun’s heart.
If something happened to Noble Lady Sun, suspicion would naturally fall on Consort Hui. Playing the caring elder sister, Concubine Xian could win her trust.
Then, if Noble Lady Sun died in childbirth, the child would rightfully fall into her hands.
She could only hope Noble Lady Sun bore a son—otherwise, she’d have to wait longer.
……
After Chu Yunxia’s confinement, the palace returned to its usual tranquility.
Yu Miaohua remained as before, spending most of her time in Guanju Palace reading novels and comics, visiting the Grand Preceptor’s residence every seven days for her mentor’s lessons. From Zhang Changying, she also heard that envoys from Liang Country had been ambushed in an alley after leaving the diplomatic quarters—beaten bloody, with the Third Prince nearly disfigured.
Furious, the Liang envoys reported it to the authorities, but nothing came of it.
Yu Miaohua couldn’t help but remark, "Which righteous soul delivered justice for heaven?"
Well done!
The Emperor’s birthday celebrations had long ended, and most envoys had departed. The only ones lingering in Great Qi were from the grasslands and Liang Country.
Zhang Changying chuckled. "The Great Qi envoys were indignant, insisting you hired the attackers. The assailants kept shouting, ‘This is for bullying Consort Hui!’"
"They all adore you. They’ve seen everything you’ve done."
"Especially now that they’ve learned about the Champa rice—they’re overjoyed."
Rice that yields two or even three harvests a year—how many mouths could that feed?
After the Emperor's birthday celebration, the royal shipyard launched its grand vessels. Barring any mishaps, they would set sail this year to retrieve more corn seeds. By then, Yu Miaohua's reputation among the people would soar even higher.
Zhang Changying sometimes worried for her—the Emperor made no effort to conceal his favor for Consort Hui in public, even declaring her his most beloved during the birthday festivities. Wasn’t such attention too conspicuous?
Yet her husband reassured her, putting her mind at ease. The Emperor, he said, had long prepared numerous safeguards for Consort Hui.
Hearing this, Yu Miaohua felt both pleased and slightly embarrassed. She hadn’t done these things expecting anything in return. She only undertook tasks that didn’t jeopardize herself, never imagining they’d remember her efforts—or even seek to avenge her.
"They should be careful," Yu Miaohua said. "If they’re caught, it’d be troublesome."
Zhang Changying chuckled, as if recalling something. "Once, the envoys from Liang Country actually caught someone. But the moment they reached the courtroom, the guards ‘lost focus,’ and the prisoner escaped. The magistrate claimed the guard hadn’t eaten breakfast, so he lacked the strength to hold them. He blamed the Liang envoys for reporting the crime too early, leaving no time for a proper meal."
Yu Miaohua: "..."
That "lost focus" was quite the creative excuse.
The people were good, the lenient guards were good, the biased magistrate was good—only the envoys of Liang were the villains.
Zhang Changying chatted with Yu Miaohua a while longer about outside affairs—she knew her disciple loved such stories—before resuming her lessons.
Afterward, she said, "I see you’ve begun mastering calligraphy. Would you like to learn painting next?"
"Of course." Yu Miaohua agreed eagerly, her eyes alight with anticipation. "To practice painting, I’d need to immerse myself in landscapes and nature, right?"
This way, she’d have an excuse to wander more—perhaps an outing to the countryside.
Zhang Changying saw right through her and smiled indulgently. "Book knowledge alone is shallow. You should indeed explore the world."
After a thoughtful pause, she added, "I’ve heard Yunji Temple has a thousand-petaled lotus. If there’s a chance, we ought to visit."
The lotus was rumored to be divine, said to have descended from Guanyin’s throne. The once-obscure Yunji Temple had gained fame overnight, drawing flocks of admirers.
Fearing harm might come to their treasure, the temple allowed only ten visitors a day to view the lotus.
Zhang Changying suspected that if Yu Miaohua expressed interest, Yunji Temple would fling its gates wide open.
There might be many thousand-petaled lotuses in the world—but only one Yu Miaohua.
"A lotus like that? I must see it for myself," Yu Miaohua said.
Just as Zhang Changying predicted, the temple responded enthusiastically to her request, scheduling the visit for three days later.
Jiang Kangyou was disappointed—the date wasn’t a rest day, so he couldn’t arrange for Shen Sushang to accompany Yu Miaohua.
Given Yu Miaohua’s status, Yunji Temple made an exception: she could bring her maids and guards inside.
Rumor had it the temple would receive no other visitors that day.
The moment they met, the abbot dropped to his knees in reverence, his voice fervent. "To host the Divine Maiden is our temple’s greatest honor. Your presence illuminates our humble halls."
The monks behind him were equally awestruck.
Yu Miaohua now grasped just how highly they regarded her.
Clearing her throat, she smiled gently. "Rise, please. Before the Buddha, all are equal. Such gestures aren’t necessary."
Her gaze drifted to the monks at the back—wait, why were they all so strikingly handsome? Delicate features, jade-like elegance, androgynous allure… It was like walking into a gallery of beauties.
[System, is this really a proper temple?]
If not for their robes, she’d have thought she’d stumbled into a male brothel.
[Wow, their looks are top-tier! Not quite on par with your three romance targets, but close!]
[That last monk is playing dirty—showing off his collarbone like that. Host, I’ll snap some extra footage for you. You’re welcome!]
Her system was ever eager to indulge her.
Zhang Changying frowned. What kind of temple was this? Some den of vice? She was already reconsidering the visit.
The abbot, sensing their unease, adopted a serene expression. "Divine Maiden, these junior brothers were rescued by me during my travels."
"Because of their appearances, they suffered greatly and sought death. After I saved them, they chose to renounce the world and devote themselves to Buddha."
Yu Miaohua’s eyes widened in realization. Had this monk perhaps raided a male brothel?
She avoided looking at them, lest they mistake her gaze for disdain.
She changed the subject, "I wonder where the thousand-petal lotus is being cultivated now?"
The abbot smiled, "The thousand-petal lotus is in the back mountain. Let me take you there."
Yu Miaohua and the others followed the abbot, passing through a long corridor before arriving at the back mountain.
Upon witnessing the blooming thousand-petal lotus in person, Yu Miaohua felt the trip was well worth it—it was breathtakingly beautiful. Unlike the usual red or pink lotuses, the thousand-petal lotus at Yunji Temple was white, with countless petals layered upon each other, forming an elegant and graceful shape. The petals had a jade-like hue, appearing even more pristine and pure under the sunlight.
One could say it perfectly matched people's imagination of the lotus beneath Guanyin's seat.
With this thousand-petal lotus alone, Yunji Temple's future prosperity was assured.
[System, how many petals does this thousand-petal lotus have?]
[1,088 petals!]
Yu Miaohua gasped—that was an astonishing number!
[System, I’ve decided—if I ever use the 'lotus steps' skill, I want this kind of lotus!]
So dazzling! This was the kind of grandeur befitting a divine maiden.
[Consider it done!]
Yu Miaohua admired the lotus for a long time before finally standing up to stretch her legs, having grown tired from sitting.
Yunji Temple’s vegetarian cuisine was quite famous, and since Yu Miaohua had come all this way, she naturally had to try it.
Zhang Changying had already taken out paper and brushes, completely absorbed in sketching the thousand-petal lotus.
Without looking up, she said, "I’ll eat later. You go ahead—don’t starve yourself."
Not wanting to disturb her, Yu Miaohua returned to her quarters to enjoy the vegetarian meal. Her guards waited outside the door, while Qingluo stayed by her side.
Soon, a monk arrived carrying a tray.
This monk was tall and strikingly handsome, his sharp features carrying a hint of exotic charm, his eyes reflecting a light amber hue in the sunlight.
With his long, muscular arms, he carefully placed each dish on the table. As he moved, his loosely tied robe slipped slightly, revealing glimpses of his well-defined physique.
Embarrassed, he quickly adjusted his robe, though in his haste, it ended up looking even more disheveled.
[Damn, he’s totally doing this on purpose! If he’s not, I’ll eat this entire vegetarian feast by myself!]
[Host, don’t you think this adjustment makes it look even more like… post-coital disarray?]
"Divine Maiden, please enjoy your meal. If you need anything, just call for me."
He smiled faintly before retreating.
[Thank goodness my willpower is strong, or I might’ve given in.]
Yu Miaohua sighed inwardly.
[Host has triggered Main Quest 4.3: Reject the grassland prince’s recruitment and dissuade them from taking you back. Reward upon completion: 1,000 Ferghana horses.]
[Holy crap!! That was the grassland prince just now?!]
The system shrieked.
Yu Miaohua was stunned: So her value was high enough that the grassland prince himself had come to recruit her? He hadn’t appeared in the envoy delegation—likely to remain hidden in the shadows.
[System, check if there’s anything extra added to this vegetarian meal.]
[No, it’s clean. You can eat safely. And he personally prepared it.]
Only then did Yu Miaohua relax and take a bite. Her eyes lit up—the flavors were incredible, possibly the best vegetarian food she’d ever tasted.
Who knew he had such culinary skills? Truly a man who could impress in the hall and excel in the kitchen.
[Host, if only he’d appeared at the New Year’s banquet, he could’ve been one of your romance targets!] The system lamented. Given the grassland prince’s relentless enthusiasm, he wouldn’t miss a single chance to get close to the host. Ah, the wasted energy points!
Compared to the grassland prince’s proactive efforts, the other three romance targets suddenly seemed lackluster.
Yu Miaohua: "..."
Thankfully, she’d already settled on her target. This prince was a bit too intense—hard to handle.
Recalling the prince’s chiseled abs, Yu Miaohua couldn’t help but marvel: This prince was really going all out. To get close to her, he’d shaved his head and was flaunting his looks—what dedication! Was this the legendary "beauty trap"?
[System, next time he shows up, take more pictures for me.]
After finishing the meal, the prince, still disguised as a monk, returned—this time with handmade lotus pastries.
"These pastries are made from the lotus in the back mountain. If the Divine Maiden doesn’t mind, please try them."
The grassland prince had the kind of eyes that could make even a dog feel adored, radiating an irresistible charm.
Thinking of her mission, Yu Miaohua smiled. "Of course. Why don’t you explain how these pastries are made?"
She wasn’t worried about them making a move—her lightning-strike skill was always ready. And judging by the quest, their goal was likely to win her over and persuade her to side with the grasslands willingly.
The grassland prince explained each step to her in his magnetic voice, even personally wading into the pond to pluck a lotus flower—though not from the one that nurtured the thousand-petaled variety, as there were two lotus ponds in the back mountain.
However, the flower he intended to pick was farther from the shore, and with a deliberate slip of his foot, he tumbled into the water. His kasaya, soaked through, slid off his shoulders.
Yu Miaohua: "..."
If that wasn’t an intentional slip, she’d take the system’s surname.
[W-wet clothes PLAY?] The system even stammered.
Yu Miaohua sighed inwardly: He’s really going all out! This was nothing short of a relentless test of her willpower!
Just then, a guard approached and whispered, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince has arrived."
