"Ahhh, Host, you're the god of completing missions!" The system showered Yu Miaohua with effusive praise.
Being conferred as the Imperial Noble Consort left Yu Miaohua more bewildered than elated. She wasn’t even sure how this mission had been accomplished. Imperial Noble Consort? Was it real? And it was the Empress herself who proposed it? Was she truly not coerced? If Yu Miaohua hadn’t already known the Empress’s lifespan, she might have suspected Her Majesty was gravely ill and paving the way for her before departing.
Tsk, tsk—the Empress must live a long and prosperous life.
Truthfully, Yu Miaohua already enjoyed the highest privileges in the palace, practically receiving the same treatment as an Imperial Noble Consort. So, the title itself didn’t change much for her.
Well, except for one thing—during New Year celebrations, she’d now have to receive formal greetings from noblewomen.
Cuiwei picked up the pear she had dropped and tidied it away.
"I’m done eating. Take it away," Yu Miaohua said.
Since the system had declared this hidden mission complete, there was no doubt about it. Soon, the imperial edict would arrive.
Just as she expected, within a quarter of an hour, the decree was delivered.
The sudden good news sent the entire Guanju Palace into a daze, as if water had been poured into boiling oil.
Yu Miaohua, who had mentally prepared herself, wore a perfectly measured expression of delight and received the edict with grace.
She couldn’t help but grumble inwardly: This conferment ceremony is rushed! Normally, there should be at least half a month’s preparation.
It was almost as if they deliberately timed it right before the New Year’s banquet.
[Host! Let’s create some auspicious signs!]
Yu Miaohua rejected the idea. She was a mature adult now—no need for flashy displays!
[What auspicious signs? I don’t need them. I’ve transcended such shallow pursuits—I’m a low-key person now.]
The system was speechless. Hadn’t she always enjoyed showing off before?
The conferment was a joyous occasion, so Yu Miaohua announced that Guanju Palace’s servants would receive an extra six months’ worth of wages. For someone as wealthy as her, this was a trivial expense.
The palace maids and eunuchs were overjoyed. Over the past year, Guanju Palace had already rewarded them so often that their bonuses far exceeded their regular wages.
With wealth, prestige, and a kind mistress, their loyalty and unity only grew stronger.
News of Yu Miaohua’s promotion spread swiftly through the harem.
The concubines were stunned.
Is the Emperor truly this infatuated?
To confer the title of Imperial Noble Consort while the Empress remained blameless—wasn’t this unprecedented?
First an Imperial Noble Consort, and next—would he actually depose the Empress?
With the ambitious ones like Consort Xian and Consort Hua gone, most of the remaining concubines preferred peaceful lives. A faint unease settled in their hearts.
Now that the Imperial Noble Consort is established, can the harmony between Yu Miaohua, the favored consort, and the Empress last? Before, Yu Miaohua had always been respectful and affectionate toward Her Majesty. But with this promotion, could she stay true to her original intentions?
If they were in her place, they’d have already let it go to their heads.
Such dazzling favor—who wouldn’t be intoxicated?
Though rumors claimed the Empress had repeatedly urged the Emperor to confer the title, few believed it. An Imperial Noble Consort was akin to a deputy Empress—usually only appointed if the Empress was absent. Why would Her Majesty willingly create trouble for herself?
Surely, the Emperor was using the Empress as a shield to conceal his own favoritism over his lawful wife.
Now, how should they prepare their congratulatory gifts? Too modest would be disrespectful, too lavish would slight the Empress.
Many concubines cursed the Emperor inwardly—his sudden move had left them in an impossible position.
Yuan Huirou had learned of this earlier than Yu Miaohua and had even prepared gifts in advance.
Once the news spread, she cheerfully said to her daughter, "Come, let’s congratulate your Consort Mother Yu."
Yuan Huirou and Yu Miaohua were close, so her gifts were all treasured items from her private collection.
Pei Mingyao hesitated. "Mother, won’t such lavish gifts overshadow Empress Mother’s?"
She worried that the conferment might sow discord between the two women she deeply admired.
Reading her daughter’s concern, Yuan Huirou tapped her forehead lightly. "You don’t actually think this was solely the Emperor’s doing, do you?"
"I knew about this yesterday. The Emperor hadn’t even considered it—it was the Empress who proposed it."
She knew many expected the Empress and Yu Miaohua to clash, waiting for Guanju Palace and Fengyi Palace to fall into strife. Little did they know, they were the ones who’d look foolish.
Relieved, Pei Mingyao finally smiled.
When Yuan Huirou arrived at Guanju Palace, the place was bustling yet orderly.
She was ushered into the inner chambers, where her favorite tea was promptly served.
Noticing Nanny Zhou and Nanny Li present, she deduced that the Empress Dowager, concerned Yu Miaohua might be overwhelmed, had lent her own capable attendants.
Yu Miaohua skimmed the gift list Yuan Huirou brought and grinned. "Another windfall today."
Yuan Huirou said, "Let me see what others have sent."
Yu Miaohua handed her a stack of papers.
Yuan Huirou flipped through—the Emperor’s rewards were the most extravagant, with the finest tributes from the year-end offerings sent directly to Yu Miaohua.
Next came the Empress Dowager and the Empress, followed by her own gifts.
Consort De and Noble Lady Sun’s presents were notably generous—with snow beginning to fall and Noble Lady Sun nearing childbirth, her attendants dared not let her venture out. She had sent her chief maid to deliver the gifts instead.
Though not adept at harem schemes, Yuan Huirou was sharp in social etiquette.
She compared the current list with past ones, analyzing each gift for Yu Miaohua.
"Consort Zhang’s gifts are conventional—valuable but lacking warmth. She’s likely wary of taking sides in case you and the Empress clash over the throne."
"Consort Gu’s gifts are 10% less than last time, even though your rank is higher now. Her stance is clearer than Consort Zhang’s."
"Now, Consort De’s gifts—she’s always been on good terms with you. Hers are thoughtful, second only to mine."
"Noble Lady Sun’s ivory mat—wasn’t that a reward from the Emperor when she announced her pregnancy? She truly holds you in high regard."
The ivory mat, a tribute from the distant land of Fan, was so rare that only two had been presented in the past decade.
Yu Miaohua found Yuan Huirou’s analysis far more entertaining than receiving guests. She listened with rapt attention.
Encouraged by her interest, Yuan Huirou elaborated with even greater enthusiasm.
Just as they were engrossed, a maidservant from Prince Zhuang’s residence arrived to pay respects.
The gifts from Prince Zhuang’s household were far more extravagant than expected.
The nanny said, "Her Imperial Highness the Noble Consort has been most gracious in caring for our young mistress these past days. Upon hearing of Her Highness's joyous occasion, the Princess Consort has specially prepared a humble gift. Now that the eldest princess and His Highness have returned to the capital, the Princess Consort wishes to bring the young mistress home to enjoy some family time."
"Has the eldest princess returned as well?"
Upon hearing that Pei Yueli was back in the capital, Yu Miaohua immediately perked up.
She hadn’t forgotten—she still had an unfinished main quest related to Pei Yueli.
Ah, perfect! She could present the quest reward and the blueprint for the treadle spinning wheel during the celebration!
The nanny replied with neither arrogance nor deference, "Once Your Highness has some leisure, the Princess Consort will bring both young mistresses to pay their respects."
Yu Miaohua’s lips curled slightly. "I’ll have time tomorrow."
The sooner she could interact with Pei Yueli, the sooner she might complete the quest.
The nanny noted Yu Miaohua’s reaction and resolved to report it to her mistress later.
Though Pei Yuesheng was reluctant to part with Yu Miaohua, she missed her elder sister dearly. After bidding Yu Miaohua a proper farewell, she departed.
Yu Miaohua examined the gift from Prince Zhuang’s residence and frowned slightly.
Yuan Huirou glanced at it and remarked, "Even as a token of gratitude for your care of the young mistress, this gift is far too extravagant. It surpasses even the birthday tributes for Her Majesty the Empress, falling only slightly short of those presented for His Majesty’s own celebrations."
Yu Miaohua nodded. Was Prince Zhuang’s household trying to elevate her status, using her to overshadow the Empress?
She said lightly, "Since they claim it’s a thank-you gift, I’ll simply treat it as rent paid by Yuesheng for her stay."
Yuan Huirou stifled a laugh—that was one way to look at it. She stayed behind to assist Yu Miaohua in receiving the consorts who came bearing gifts.
Given her rank, a few words from her were enough to leave the lower-ranking consorts flattered and awestruck.
Yuan Huirou and the Empress had been close for decades, and she had always openly aligned herself with the Empress.
Yet today, she had come to Guanju Palace, taking charge of the reception as if she were the hostess. Had she thrown her support behind the Noble Consort?
Or was it that the Empress and the Noble Consort were not at odds after all?
The harem buzzed with speculation over Yuan Huirou’s actions.
...
News of Yu Miaohua’s promotion to Noble Consort spread fastest within the palace, then to the imperial relatives, and finally to the noble families and officials in the capital.
Upon receiving the news, Yu Miaohua’s father, Yu Weixu, took his wife and younger daughter to a hot spring estate in the outskirts, shutting the gates of the Yu residence to keep out those seeking to curry favor.
Their daughter’s rapid rise in the palace meant they couldn’t offer her much support, but at the very least, they wouldn’t drag her down.
Meanwhile, Pei Yuesheng arrived at the princely residence before nightfall and was reunited with her beloved elder sister.
Compared to half a year ago, Pei Yueli looked thinner, her skin roughened.
Pei Yuesheng’s eyes reddened. While she had been living luxuriously in the palace under Yu Miaohua’s care, free from hardship, her sister had endured wind and sun in the Taoist temple, suffering for their future.
She couldn’t wait to tell her sister—the Emperor had granted them a new path forward. There was no need for her to toil so hard anymore.
Pei Yuesheng quickly averted her gaze, forcing a cheerful expression as she greeted her father, Pei Lingjun.
Pei Lingjun smiled warmly. "Our Yuesheng has grown into such a lovely young lady, more beautiful than ever."
Yuesheng resembled her birth mother, and seeing her was like seeing his cousin again.
He knew he had failed his cousin, but for the sake of his grand ambitions, he had no choice but to sacrifice such sentiments. Once he ascended the throne, he would posthumously honor her as a Noble Consort, clear her family’s name, and make his wife pay.
But for now… he still needed the Fu family’s support. Without their plundered wealth from the seas, he would lack the resources to seize the throne.
Pei Yuesheng replied sweetly, "No matter how old I get, I’ll always be Father’s daughter."
She expertly played the role of the adoring child, a performance that never failed to please.
True to form, Pei Lingjun rewarded her with lavish gifts.
Pei Yuesheng, ever observant, noticed her father and the Princess Consort had matters to discuss and soon excused herself.
She would have liked to take her sister with her, to share her thoughts in private, but Pei Lingjun stopped her. "Yueli should stay and keep your mother company. She’s missed you dearly."
Pei Lingjun noted that the Princess Consort had grown much thinner in the past six months, her cheeks hollow and dark circles barely concealed beneath powder.
Upon his return, he had caught the scent of burnt paper money in the residence. Had the Princess Consort been spending her days praying to the gods?
The Princess Consort’s gaze lingered on Pei Yuesheng and Pei Yueli. Seeing them, she was reminded of Xu Caixuan.
To rid herself of the haunting presence of Xu Caixuan and Consort Gan, she had consulted countless masters, spending tens of thousands of taels.
At last, the mysterious bruises had stopped appearing, and she could sleep peacefully again.
Pei Lingjun dismissed the servants, leaving only the three of them in the room.
Pei Yueli stood behind him, head bowed, the picture of docility.
Pei Lingjun asked, "What’s the matter with your nephew? Even in Zhuangzhou, I heard of his disgraceful behavior."
The Princess Consort flushed with embarrassment. Her nephew’s exposure for cheating during the winter hunt had brought shame upon the Fu family, and she had suffered the backlash. Combined with the recent hauntings, she was utterly drained.
Her voice softened. "He was merely unlucky, caught up in the Liang Kingdom’s plot against Consort Hui. Many others cheated—it’s practically tradition—so it’s unfair to blame him alone."
Because of this, Cong Bai had lost his position as heir.
With him out of the running, none of her other nephews were fit for the role. The struggle over the next clan leader would surely breed chaos.
The thought gave her a headache. She needed to groom another nephew loyal to her, ensuring her family’s unwavering support—only then could she secure her position as Princess Consort now and Empress in the future.
Pei Lingjun had long endured his wife’s condescension due to her family’s influence. Now, at last, he had a chance to retaliate.
He said coolly, "If he had real skill, why resort to cheating? I heard the second-place winner in the hunt was Consort Hui’s younger sister. That he lost to a girl younger than him proves his usual ‘prowess’ was just others deferring to his status. The hunt revealed his true mediocrity. You praised him so often that I believed it, even boasting about him abroad. Now I’m the laughingstock—I don’t even know how to explain his disgrace."
The Princess Consort’s face burned with humiliation. Why dredge up old grievances now?
Pei Lingjun relished her discomfort. "Thank heavens we didn’t betroth Yueli to him. At least I can face Xu Caixuan’s spirit with a clear conscience."
The Princess Consort’s veins bulged as she suppressed her rage. "Yueli is a grown woman now. It’s improper to discuss such matters in front of her. Let her retire."
Pei Lingjun shook his head. "She’s old enough to understand. Don’t arrange any marriages for her—I intend to keep Yueli by my side for a few more years."
"Pei Yueli has exceptional talent in the art of alchemy. The elixirs she concocts are so potent they can blow up an entire furnace."
As he spoke, Pei Lingjun's eyes burned with fervor. Given Yueli's skills, he couldn't possibly marry her off. What if her loyalty shifted to her husband's family in the future?
Pei Yueli obediently replied, "I'm glad to be of use to Father."
Princess Consort Zhuang had also regained her composure. "Has the potency of the elixirs increased?"
Pei Lingjun nodded. "With enough quantity, they can even collapse a dilapidated house."
If they could lure Pei Lingyue, the Crown Prince, and others into such a place, then ignite the elixirs with a bang... they would surely be blown to pieces.
The mere thought of such a scene flushed Pei Lingjun's face with excitement.
Princess Consort Zhuang clicked her tongue, her gaze involuntarily settling on Pei Yueli.
Given the value of those elixirs, she could tolerate keeping Yueli around.
A smile curled on her lips. "Who knew our Yueli possessed such talent?"
Pei Lingjun added, "I've sent a batch of elixirs to Daliang."
"With these, the Marquis of Wulie is bound to suffer heavy losses this time—perhaps even lose his life on the battlefield."
Princess Consort Zhuang's lips curved. "Without the Marquis, the Empress's faction will weaken significantly. If Noble Lady Sun bears a prince, the Imperial Noble Consort might just rival her in power."
Though the Imperial Noble Consort had publicly declared she wouldn’t raise Noble Lady Sun’s child, Princess Consort Zhuang doubted her sincerity. Given the Emperor’s favor, a mere coquettish plea would surely sway him.
"Imperial Noble Consort?" Pei Lingjun, having just returned to the estate, was unaware of the news.
Princess Consort Zhuang explained, "Consort Hui has been elevated to Imperial Noble Consort."
Pei Lingjun was stunned. Even the late Emperor, who doted on Empress Zhenyi, had only posthumously honored her—partly due to vehement opposition from the court.
Yet the current Emperor had surpassed even his predecessor in this regard.
"The Empress didn’t object? How... virtuous of her."
Princess Consort Zhuang scoffed. "The Emperor claims it was the Empress who petitioned for the title. Do you believe that?"
Pei Lingjun pondered. "Perhaps the Empress saw through the Emperor’s intentions and preemptively proposed it herself, showcasing her magnanimity to the world. By enduring such humiliation, she ensures the Imperial Noble Consort won’t covet her position. A strategic retreat."
Princess Consort Zhuang found her husband’s reasoning sound.
Pei Lingjun smirked. "With the Emperor’s harem in turmoil, it’s the perfect opportunity for us. By the way, why did you send Yuesheng to the palace?"
Princess Consort Zhuang naturally avoided the truth. "The Imperial Noble Consort seems fond of her. I thought she could gather intelligence for us."
Pei Lingjun merely nodded, quickly moving on.
"I have an idea for the Imperial Noble Consort’s investiture ceremony—a grand gift for the Empress..."
---
The next day, Princess Consort Zhuang brought Pei Yuesheng and Pei Yueli to the palace to pay respects to the Imperial Noble Consort.
Though the ceremony hadn’t yet taken place, the Emperor’s decree ensured everyone addressed Yu Miaohua as Imperial Noble Consort.
Yu Miaohua observed Pei Yueli. Compared to Yuesheng, Yueli seemed quieter and more composed, listening attentively as Princess Consort Zhuang spoke.
Yu Miaohua mentioned the gifts sent the previous day. "They were rather extravagant."
Princess Consort Zhuang demurred, "Gold and jewels are mere trifles. If they bring even a smile to Your Highness, they’ve served their purpose."
"Moreover, Yuesheng has been imposing on your hospitality. We’re deeply grateful for your kindness."
Yu Miaohua smiled. "Yuesheng is delightful. I’d love to have a sister like her."
After the audience, when Princess Consort Zhuang prepared to leave with the sisters, Yu Miaohua insisted they stay for dinner.
Princess Consort Zhuang didn’t refuse—she hoped Yu Miaohua’s fondness for Yuesheng would grow.
Yu Miaohua perfunctorily invited her to stay, but Princess Consort Zhuang excused herself. The New Year preparations, compounded by the sudden investiture, had thrown their plans into chaos, leaving her swamped.
Once alone, Yu Miaohua dismissed the attendants and turned to Pei Yueli. "You’ve endured much these years."
"The Emperor knows of your maternal family’s wrongful persecution. After the New Year, he will exonerate them."
She’d expected the Emperor to deliver this news himself to win Yueli’s favor. Yet he’d entrusted her with the task.
Pei Yueli froze. "Truly?"
From her sister, she’d learned of the Emperor’s plan to have them adopted by Prince Zhao. She hadn’t dared hope for her family’s vindication.
Memories of Princess Consort Zhuang’s icy voice resurfaced:
["Your mother was a criminal’s daughter. Had the Prince not rescued her from the brothels, she’d have been defiled long ago. You’re lower than bastards. Remember your place, and don’t emulate your mother’s disgrace."]
Yet her family had been scapegoats—a fact twisted into some grand mercy.
Pei Yueli’s eyes reddened. "Thank you, Imperial Noble Consort."
Yu Miaohua shook her head. "Don’t thank me. This is your due. The late Emperor wronged your family. He owed you this justice."
She’d almost said "the imperial family" but caught herself—she was part of it now. She refused to shoulder the late Emperor’s sins.
She doubted he’d remained ignorant of the truth. But admitting error would undermine his authority, and with the Empress’s family involved—a powerful ally for his son—he’d let the Xu family suffer.
The thought infuriated her.
The late Emperor’s reputation wasn’t worse only because he’d died early and Pei Lingyue had cleaned up his mess.
At least the current Emperor ruled competently.
Pei Yueli stood stunned.
She’d known her family was framed. She’d hated her father, her stepmother—but never dared resent the late Emperor.
The Emperor’s will was absolute; if wrong occurred, it was the fault of underlings.
Yet in the dead of night, resentment had festered.
When she’d first created the lethal elixirs, a dark thought had crossed her mind: how glorious it would be to reduce this corrupt palace to rubble.
She’d continued aiding her father while secretly informing the Emperor, secretly yearning to watch them tear each other apart.
This was the first time someone had told her: the late Emperor owed her family.
She blinked, a tear rolling down her cheek.
The tears seemed to fall into the depths of her own heart, extinguishing the hidden flames that had long been smoldering there.
"The late emperor was also deceived by the Fu family," she forced out these words with difficulty.
Yesterday, when she met her younger sister, the girl had spent the entire evening talking about the Imperial Noble Consort.
She felt a twinge of jealousy, but also curiosity: What kind of person could make Yuesheng like her so much?
She had even asked the question aloud.
Yuesheng had simply replied, "You’ll understand when you meet her. Big Sister will definitely like her."
Now, she finally understood.
[Ahh, congratulations, Host, for completing Main Mission 5.4: Become Pei Yuesheng’s trusted confidante and win over Pei Yueli. The seismic thunder technology has been unlocked. As expected of you, Host—effortlessly handled.]
[?? So fast?]
Yu Miaohua had originally thought she would need to spend more time with Pei Yueli to truly open her heart. Yet, the task turned out to be much easier than expected.
Was it because she had insulted the late emperor?
Indeed, sharing a common enemy was the quickest way to bond.
Yu Miaohua decided to keep dissing. "If a single Fu family could deceive him, it just proves how poor the late emperor’s judgment was—utterly incapable of distinguishing right from wrong. He was just lucky to be born into privilege and sire a capable son. Otherwise, he’d definitely have a spot in the annals of history as one of the worst rulers."
The more Yu Miaohua ranted, the more fired up she became. That damn emperor!
And to think that because of his posthumous dreams, he had somehow managed to whitewash his reputation among the common people. Wasn’t he just riding on her coattails?
The thought made her even angrier, so she kept cursing.
After all, the system would monitor things for her. No need to worry about anyone overhearing her insults.
Pei Yueli broke out in a cold sweat: Were these words really something that could be spoken so casually? Was this something she was even allowed to hear?
She had previously speculated that the Imperial Noble Consort’s ability to earn such overwhelming praise, both inside and outside the palace, must be due to her unfathomable cunning and extraordinary methods.
But now it seemed… the only reason the Imperial Noble Consort’s position remained unshakable was because the Emperor was utterly smitten with her.
Pei Yuesheng stood there, dumbstruck, unable to utter a single word.
Pei Yueli hurriedly interrupted Yu Miaohua, "Your Highness, there’s something urgent I must report!"
"Prince Zhuang plans to blow up the side hall of Fengyi Palace during your coronation ceremony—to stage it as divine retribution!"
Originally, Pei Yueli had intended to use this intelligence as leverage in a negotiation with the Imperial Noble Consort. But now? Forget negotiations—she just needed to divert her attention.
If the Imperial Noble Consort kept cursing like this, even her nine familial clans wouldn’t be safe.
The explosives Pei Yueli had were an early version of gunpowder, not the improved black powder formula Yu Miaohua had introduced, so the destructive power wasn’t the same.
Updates will definitely be on time tomorrow!!
