In her past life, Yu Miaohua had visited a museum and seen a three-spindle treadle spinning wheel, so she still had some recollection of it.
"I remember this spinning wheel was improved by Huang Daopo. With a few more tweaks, it can spin both hemp and cotton yarn."
"Indeed, this spinning wheel can spin three threads simultaneously, increasing efficiency by three to four times, saving both time and effort. Combined with the expansion of cotton cultivation, within a few years, the price of cotton cloth could be driven down even further."
After some thought, Yu Miaohua made her decision.
Well, it wasn’t the first time Beauty Concubine Zhao had crossed her. She might as well make an example of her.
When Yuan Huirou saw the divine message, her eyes lit up—the efficiency improvement was far greater than she had imagined. She had initially thought a 30% increase would be remarkable.
She wondered how Yu Miaohua would play her next move.
Yuan Huirou watched with anticipation as Yu Miaohua opened her embroidered pouch in front of them and pulled out a handkerchief—one she had deliberately placed there, suggesting it wasn’t an ordinary one.
Yu Miaohua dabbed the handkerchief against her eyes, and in the next moment, tears began rolling down her cheeks like pearls, unstoppable. Her eyes turned as red as a rabbit’s, making her look utterly pitiful.
Yuan Huirou: "…"
Was that handkerchief previously soaked in ginger water?
Couldn’t she at least pretend a little? This was practically treating them like fools.
Yuan Huirou consoled herself: This just meant Yu Miaohua saw them as close confidantes, so she didn’t bother putting on an act.
With a choked voice, Yu Miaohua said, "Empress, Sister Yuan, my heart is truly overwhelmed with grievance!"
"Previously, Beauty Concubine Zhao took advantage of my misfortune. Considering it was her first offense, I forgave her. Yet she showed no remorse, mistaking my mercy for weakness."
Yang Zhaopei played along perfectly. "I know you’ve suffered this time. Beauty Concubine Zhao even bribed your palace maid to spy on the Emperor’s movements. If we let this go lightly, it would send the message that anyone in the harem could do the same. Rest assured, I will see justice done for you."
Yu Miaohua hadn’t even considered the angle of spying on the Emperor—she doubted Beauty Concubine Zhao had the nerve for that. She had planned to voice a few more grievances, but before she could even organize her thoughts, the Empress had already stepped in to act on her behalf.
"So, how will she be punished?"
Yuan Huirou: "…"
Her father often lamented that she wasn’t clever enough to navigate the intrigues of the palace. Yet Yu Miaohua was even worse! If not for divine protection and the fact that the Emperor and Empress could see her tasks, she would have been devoured long ago.
Yang Zhaopei didn’t specify the punishment outright. Instead, she said, "Come grind ink for me."
She walked to the desk beside Yu Miaohua and personally retrieved her imperial seal, placing it beside a sheet of fine silk.
Yu Miaohua obediently began grinding the ink, though her movements were somewhat clumsy from lack of practice.
She circled the inkstick over and over, watching as the black pigment gradually spread across the inkstone, growing thicker and darker.
Yuan Huirou couldn’t help but interject, "It’s getting too thick. Add a little water."
Grinding ink was considered a basic skill for imperial consorts—after all, one never knew when the Emperor might summon them to assist in this refined task.
Judging by Yu Miaohua’s awkward technique, it was clear she had never actually done this before, only observed.
Couldn’t she at least put in a little effort?
Yuan Huirou felt a pang of exasperation.
Yu Miaohua hastily added water. It wasn’t her fault—the inkstick was just too dense.
Yang Zhaopei began drafting the imperial edict on the silk.
Given their close relationship, Yu Miaohua didn’t stand on ceremony and leaned in to read.
The Empress wrote at length, condemning Beauty Concubine Zhao for bribing palace servants, spying on the Emperor’s movements, harboring sinister intentions, disrespecting her superiors, and violating palace regulations.
At the end of the edict, the involved servants were sentenced to twenty strokes of the rod and demoted to the laundry bureau. As for Beauty Concubine Zhao, she was stripped of her rank and reduced to the lowest position of Consort Jiang, with six months of confinement.
Yu Miaohua was stunned. She had expected a few months of house arrest at most, but the punishment was far harsher—reducing Beauty Concubine Zhao to the lowest rank, effectively erasing her years of advancement.
The system’s voice rang out, brimming with delight.
"Host has completed Main Mission 5.6: Display your grievances before the Empress and Yuan Huirou, using them as weapons to punish a rival consort. Rewards have been issued~"
"As expected of the host, effortlessly winning over the Empress with sheer charisma, manipulating the nation’s most powerful woman into fighting your battles."
"…Exactly. That’s just how skilled I am. Which is why I’m better off not being Empress—having someone else take the spotlight means I don’t have to dirty my hands. A master strategist like me belongs in the shadows, pulling strings as the true power behind the throne."
Convincing the system she was a palace intrigue prodigy was better than constantly being urged to overthrow the Empress.
"The host is absolutely right. My perspective was too narrow before."
When Yuan Huirou saw Yu Miaohua’s exchange with the divine voice, she nearly choked.
How could Yu Miaohua admit so brazenly to using the Empress as a weapon? Wasn’t she afraid of causing a misunderstanding?
With her transparent schemes, Yu Miaohua fancied herself a mastermind? She had no self-awareness at all. Such jokes were not to be made lightly.
She glanced at Yang Zhaopei, only to find amusement flickering in the Empress’s eyes. Clearly, she hadn’t taken Yu Miaohua’s words seriously. Yuan Huirou sighed in relief.
These two were like sisters to her—she couldn’t bear to see any rift between them.
Yang Zhaopei truly didn’t mind. She knew the divine voice often urged Yu Miaohua to seize the highest position, but Yu Miaohua refused to scheme against her. These words were merely to deceive the system.
For her sake, Yu Miaohua was willing to lie even to the divine. If Yang Zhaopei took it seriously and turned against her, she would only be betraying Yu Miaohua’s sincerity.
Once the edict was finalized, Yang Zhaopei dispatched a eunuch to the Palace of Vermilion Blessings.
The primary consort of the Palace of Vermilion Blessings was Consort Li. When she learned of Beauty Concubine Zhao’s actions, she was mortified. Since Beauty Concubine Zhao resided in her palace, others would assume she was behind the scheme. This scandal had tarnished her reputation, especially since she was on good terms with Noble Consort Hui. She worried the Noble Consort might suspect her involvement.
Her maid suggested, "Your Highness, perhaps you should send an apology gift to Guanju Palace and explain the matter personally to Noble Consort Hui."
This was truly an undeserved misfortune for her mistress.
Consort Li nodded. She had been thinking the same.
"Later, bring out the peony ‘Wei Purple’ from the flower garden. I’ll take it to Guanju Palace myself."
This flower had been painstakingly procured by her family and sent to the palace for her enjoyment.
Though Consort Li adored flowers, and this peony was particularly dear to her, resolving the misunderstanding was far more important.
"Your Highness, perhaps wait a little longer. Noble Consort Hui has gone to Phoenix Pavilion."
Consort Li, who had been about to leave, reconsidered and decided to visit the next day. Given Noble Consort Hui’s closeness to the Empress, she would likely dine at Phoenix Pavilion. She wondered how the Empress would punish Beauty Concubine Zhao this time.
If possible, Consort Li truly wished Beauty Concubine Zhao would stop residing in her Vermilion Blessing Palace. The concubines in her palace only sought to live quietly and peacefully, minding their own business—they couldn’t afford to host such a troublesome figure.
At that moment, a palace maid came to report.
"Your Highness, Beauty Concubine Zhao is kneeling at the gate, begging for Your Highness to save her life."
Consort Li felt a sharp pain in her chest—what sin had she committed to be saddled with Beauty Concubine Zhao? To outsiders, it might seem as if she had instigated Beauty Concubine Zhao’s actions.
With a cold tone, Consort Li said, "If she wants to kneel, let her kneel. She can stay there until tomorrow if she dares." She was a consort, after all—how could she let a mere beauty manipulate her?
She turned and retreated into her chambers, deciding it was better to play with her cat. Out of sight, out of mind.
……
At the gate, Beauty Concubine Zhao knelt on the ground, feeling the biting cold seep into her knees. The numbness, pain, and chill were unbearable. She took shallow breaths, then inhaled sharply, only for the frigid air to pierce her lungs. Shivering uncontrollably in the wind, her body swayed unsteadily.
Though Beauty Concubine Zhao had never enjoyed much favor, she at least held the rank of a beauty, and her superior, Consort Li, was not a domineering woman, so her life had not been difficult.
Yet, deep down, a lingering sense of dissatisfaction drove her to vie for the Emperor’s affection. In the harem, Noble Consort Yu’s favor was unmatched. Many whispered that the Emperor treated her well only because of her divine status.
But if that were the only reason, the Emperor could have simply elevated her as a revered figure, treating her as nothing more than an auspicious ornament. Why, then, did he visit the Guanju Palace so frequently?
Even during the busiest days of court affairs, he never failed to make time to dine with Noble Consort Yu.
She had thought that bribing a mere courtyard maid would, at most, grant her some insight into Noble Consort Yu’s preferences and the Emperor’s movements—surely not enough to draw Noble Consort Yu’s attention.
Who could have guessed that Consort Jiang had also bribed the same maid, dragging her down in the process?
In her heart, Beauty Concubine Zhao cursed Consort Jiang vehemently, lamenting her own wretched luck.
Noble Consort Yu had never liked her, and now, with this incident, she would surely not let her off easily. Panic-stricken, Beauty Concubine Zhao had no choice but to beg Consort Li for help. Consort Li was close to Noble Consort Yu—if she spoke a few words on her behalf, perhaps Noble Consort Yu would show mercy.
She lifted her head, but Consort Li never appeared. She wasn’t surprised—Consort Li was likely still furious.
If she kept kneeling, even until she fainted, Consort Li would eventually come.
She didn’t know how long she had been kneeling, but her knees had gone completely numb. The slightest movement felt like countless ants gnawing at her flesh.
Her vision began to blur.
In her daze, she thought she saw a crowd approaching.
Had Consort Li finally come?
Summoning her strength, Beauty Concubine Zhao focused her gaze—only to see the head palace maid of the Empress standing before her, holding an imperial yellow silk edict.
A terrible premonition seized her as the maid began to read the decree.
"...Demoted to Consort Jiang, confined to quarters for six months. Let this serve as a warning to all in the harem—those who repeat such offenses shall face severe punishment without leniency."
Demoted to Consort Jiang...
Beauty Concubine Zhao had assumed the worst would be confinement or copying scriptures. Never had she imagined being stripped of her rank entirely.
After years of struggling for favor, this was how she ended up.
The Empress had always been lenient, making her forget that she held the authority to demote any concubine below the rank of consort. She had simply chosen not to exercise it—until now.
"Consort Jiang Zhao, receive the decree."
Zhao Shujing, her face deathly pale, accepted the Empress’s edict. Having knelt for so long, her legs gave way as she tried to stand, and she collapsed back onto her knees.
The pain in her knees was excruciating, but it paled in comparison to the agony in her heart.
Her life was over.
News of Beauty Concubine Zhao’s demotion spread like wildfire through the harem, sending shockwaves among the concubines.
Yang Zhaopei had overseen the harem for years, and her usual punishments had never gone beyond confinement. This was the first time she had demoted someone.
Rumors swirled like snowflakes.
Some said Noble Consort Yu had gone to the Phoenix Pavilion, weeping until the Empress, heartbroken, immediately drafted the edict.
Others claimed Noble Consort Yuan had also been present, unable to stop it.
There were even whispers that the Empress had initially intended to send Beauty Concubine Zhao to the cold palace, only relenting at Noble Consort Yu’s plea.
The concubines couldn’t discern truth from hearsay. The only certainty was this—the Empress and Noble Consort Yu were truly close.
This was what they called "rage unleashed for the sake of a beauty."
Yet, seeing this between an empress and a favored consort left them both astonished and strangely unsettled.
Noble Consort Yu was truly enviable—not only did she enjoy the Emperor’s favor and the Empress Dowager’s affection, but she also had the Empress’s unwavering protection.
If anyone dared cross Noble Consort Yu, she might not retaliate, but the Empress surely would.
Meanwhile, Yang Zhaopei, having issued the decree, soon headed to the Qian Yuan Palace.
Her audience with the Emperor concerned two matters—Beauty Concubine Zhao’s punishment and the fact that Noble Consort Yu could now see divine spirits.
Pei Lingyue paid little attention to Beauty Concubine Zhao’s case. Since the Empress had already dealt with it, there was no need for him to intervene.
What intrigued him more was the divine spirit’s recent ascension—and that Noble Consort Yu could now perceive them as well.
"Can Crown Prince Chi Yan see them?" Pei Lingyue asked.
If the Crown Prince could, it would make completing tasks much easier.
Yang Zhaopei shook her head. "Chi Yan still cannot."
She had invited Noble Consort Yu to stay for dinner and specifically summoned Chi Yan to test this.
Incidentally, Yang Zhaopei had also explained the matter of the three "targets" to Noble Consort Yu, instructing her to cooperate if she encountered related missions in the future.
The memory of Noble Consort Yu’s stunned expression—as if she could swallow an egg whole—still amused her.
Yang Zhaopei said, "During the next greeting ceremony in two days, Noble Consort Yuan and I will observe closely to see who else in the harem can perceive them."
Recalling how Noble Consort Yuan had nearly blurted it out earlier, Pei Lingyue sighed in exasperation.
He paced back and forth. "With the divine spirit’s ascension, more court officials might gain the ability to see them. If any of them speak carelessly..."
The mere thought made Pei Lingyue’s breath hitch.
In many tales, once a deity’s identity was exposed to mortals, they would vanish without a trace.
He feared the same might happen to their divine guardian. Thus, this secret had to be kept at all costs—he couldn’t risk losing divine protection over careless words.
"We must identify those who can see before the New Year’s banquet."
They couldn’t possibly exclude Noble Consort Yu from the event.
The New Year’s banquet was held on the third day of the first lunar month—only seven days remained.
"Perhaps I could have Noble Consort Yu gift them calligraphy blessings?"
They would surely appreciate it.
Yang Zhaopei reminded him, "There are also the noblewomen with titles... Some among them might also gain the ability."
Pei Lingyue acknowledged the point—this meant their investigation would be even more extensive.
Suddenly, Yang Zhaopei smiled. "Your Majesty, I have a foolproof plan."
She said lightly, "Noble Consort Hui has rendered outstanding service to the Great Qi. If not for me occupying the position, given her status and achievements, she is worthy of being the Empress."
Pei Lingyue replied, "Set your mind at ease. I have no intention of deposing you as Empress."
Yang Zhaopei responded, "This concubine naturally trusts Your Majesty."
In truth, compared to the Emperor, Yang Zhaopei trusted Yu Miaohua more. Yu Miaohua would never accept such a task. The Emperor, however, was different—if offered a sufficiently grand reward, he would certainly be tempted.
"Yu Miaohua has never coveted the position of Empress and has treated me with genuine sincerity. I do not wish for her to suffer further grievances. Why not confer upon Noble Consort Hui the title of Imperial Noble Consort?"
Once appointed as Imperial Noble Consort, she would receive ceremonial homage from officials and noblewomen in turn.
"With me still serving as Empress, appointing her as Imperial Noble Consort would be a grand enough gesture to demonstrate Yu Miaohua’s favor—one that might very well trigger a new hidden quest."
Pei Lingyue had refrained from considering this idea out of concern for the Empress’s feelings.
Yet now, the Empress had taken the initiative to propose it…
Not only would this resolve the immediate issue, but it might also yield hidden quest rewards.
Pei Lingyue was deeply moved. "Zhaopei, you truly live up to being my virtuous partner."
"I shall issue the decree within the next two days!"
As for the investiture ceremony, it could be scheduled directly for the first day of the new year. Though the timing was tight, the officials would simply have to work harder. Since they enjoyed the Emperor’s patronage, they ought to share his burdens.
Once Yu Miaohua received the decree, she would surely be overjoyed. Hmm, his standing in her heart would undoubtedly rise—perhaps even surpassing the Empress this time.
Seeing through the Emperor’s petty calculations, Yang Zhaopei smiled gently. "Your Majesty, this concubine believes that to avoid malicious speculation from outsiders, it would be best to truthfully announce that I was the one who proposed this. That way, no one will assume you slighted me for Noble Consort Hui’s sake."
If the Emperor’s reputation suffered, so be it—but Yu Miaohua must not bear undeserved blame.
Pei Lingyue’s smile faded. "I think it’s better if I make the announcement."
Yang Zhaopei’s voice remained soft, but her tone was firm. "For the sake of harmony in the inner court, let this concubine handle it. We cannot allow Yu Miaohua to be branded a seductive consort."
Pei Lingyue gritted his teeth—the Empress’s words sounded noble, but wasn’t she just competing with him for a higher place in Yu Miaohua’s heart?
Still, the Empress had a point… If it were publicly acknowledged that she had advised him to confer the title of Imperial Noble Consort, it would prevent unnecessary complications.
……
Pei Lingyue summoned ministers Jiang Kangyou, Yuan Xinji, and others to the palace to announce the conferment of the Imperial Noble Consort title.
Lu Lingyun couldn’t help but ask, "Was this the Empress’s suggestion?"
Pei Lingyue nodded. "It was the Empress’s idea. I suspect she just wants to secure a higher place in Noble Consort Hui’s heart."
Though he had accepted the situation, mentioning it still made Pei Lingyue gnash his teeth. The Empress was indeed virtuous, but unlike before, she no longer obeyed his every whim.
Hearing this, Jiang Kangyou and the others, who had initially harbored doubts, were instantly convinced.
The Emperor’s expression made it clear—he had lost this round to the Empress.
Under normal circumstances, an Imperial Noble Consort would not be appointed while the Empress remained blameless… But Yu Miaohua’s status was exceptional, and since the Empress herself had no objections, they quickly accepted it.
If neither the Emperor nor the Empress opposed it, why should they play the villain?
They also understood that the Emperor had informed them in advance so they could steer the court’s discourse.
After discussing strategies for guiding public opinion, the ministers turned their attention to identifying which officials might soon join their faction.
Once the discussion concluded, Pei Lingyue said to Lu Lingyun, "Marquis Liewu, remember to pay your respects to the Empress later. Noble Consort Hui has prepared many gifts for you."
Those items… Even he coveted them, and it had taken tremendous willpower not to withhold a few for himself.
Seeing the poorly concealed envy on Pei Lingyue’s face, the other ministers confirmed—these must be rare treasures, judging by how jealous the Emperor looked.
Lu Lingyun’s eyes lit up. With exaggerated humility, he said, "Then this subject shall shamelessly accept the Imperial Noble Consort’s generous gifts."
Though the decree had yet to be issued, he was already addressing her by the new title—partly out of joy, and partly to declare his stance.
If the Empress had no objections, neither did he. No one would use his name to oppose the conferment.
He glanced around, his grin so smug it begged for a punch. "Try not to be too envious."
The others clenched their fists—Marquis Liewu was becoming insufferable.
Under their collective glare, Lu Lingyun cheerfully visited the Empress and left the Phoenix Palace carrying a chest.
Upon returning to the Lu residence, he eagerly showed the contents to his wife, Lady Shen, explaining each item in detail.
Lady Shen gasped. "All these were given to you by Noble Consort Hui?"
Lu Lingyun replied, "Who else but Noble Consort Hui could obtain such divine treasures from the gods?"
Lady Shen murmured, "Noble Consort Hui and the Empress share an extraordinary bond. You’ve benefited from Her Majesty’s goodwill."
Had their relationship not been so close, she would never have parted with such treasures.
Of course, the affection between Noble Consort Hui and the Empress was mutual.
Lady Shen had been anxious for days, unable to sleep well, fearing for her husband’s safety in battle. Now, seeing these gifts, she finally felt some relief.
Lu Lingyun corrected her, "From now on, you must address her as Imperial Noble Consort."
Lady Shen thought she misheard. "Which Imperial Noble Consort?"
"Noble Consort Hui."
Her voice turned faint. "You mean… the Emperor intends to confer the title of Imperial Noble Consort upon Noble Consort Hui?"
Realization dawned. "It must have been the Empress’s suggestion."
Otherwise, her husband wouldn’t be so composed—his expression practically screamed that he was waiting to relish her shock.
Unable to resist, she pinched his arm.
Lu Lingyun sighed, disappointed at missing a more dramatic reaction. Dodging her hand, he teased, "You’re not surprised at all? Don’t you worry the Empress might resent the Imperial Noble Consort? Seems you have great faith in their relationship."
They knew of the gods’ existence, which erased any doubts about the bond between the Empress and Imperial Noble Consort. Yet his wife, unaware of this, had immediately grasped the truth.
Lady Shen blurted, "Because the Empress adores the Imperial Noble Consort. She’d be delighted, not resentful."
The moment she spoke, she regretted it—until she saw her husband nod in agreement. Relieved, she thought, At least he didn’t overanalyze.
She suspected the Empress had proposed this to ensure she and Yu Miaohua could be buried together in the imperial mausoleum.
Lu Lingyun said, "The Emperor will issue the decree tomorrow. Expect many visitors seeking information. Be careful not to give them any openings."
Lady Shen rolled her eyes. "As if I need reminding." Was she the unreliable one here? If anything, he was the loose-lipped one.
She muttered to herself, "The investiture on the first day of the Lunar New Year—this timing is far too rushed."
There wouldn’t even be enough time to prepare congratulatory gifts.
Given the relationship between their families, and considering the lavish presents the Imperial Noble Consort had sent, the congratulatory gifts couldn’t be anything less than exceptional.
Hmm, if absolutely necessary, she could repurpose some of the New Year gifts originally intended for the Empress—Her Majesty surely wouldn’t mind.
After all, every time she sent fine treasures to the Phoenix Palace, the Empress would invariably present them to the Imperial Noble Consort for her to pick and choose.
...
On the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Empress personally drafted the "Memorial Requesting the Investiture of the Imperial Noble Consort," petitioning for Yu Miaohua’s elevation to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort in recognition of her merits.
After a moment of contemplation, the Emperor dipped his vermilion brush and wrote "Approved," decreeing Yu Miaohua’s investiture as Imperial Noble Consort.
This marked the first instance in the history of the Great Qi Dynasty where an Imperial Noble Consort was appointed while the Empress still reigned.
When the imperial edict arrived at the Guanju Palace, Yu Miaohua was in the middle of eating a frozen pear.
[Ahhh! Holy—! Host, you’ve been appointed as Imperial Noble Consort! And it was the Empress who petitioned for it! Anyone would think you’re her Imperial Noble Consort. Good heavens, I never imagined this hidden quest could actually be completed!]
[Congratulations, Host, for completing the hidden quest: "The Emperor’s Imperial Noble Consort, but Even More the Empress’s Imperial Noble Consort." Quest rewards: Three Weather Manipulation Skills, Three Illusion Skills, and 3,000 Points.]
Yu Miaohua was so startled that the pear slipped from her hand.
