Father Yun was drenched in sweat.
He had never imagined that his eldest daughter—who had married into the Lu family, lost her husband soon after, given birth to a posthumous child, and had no contact with her maternal family for years—would one day rise to such heights, entering the palace as an imperial consort, and as a widow no less.
Even more shocking was how Emperor Jingxuan had fabricated facts out of thin air in response to the censors' objections.
But when Father Yun raised his head and met the emperor's cold, indifferent gaze—a look that seemed to say, "Minister, you'd best think carefully before you speak"—more a silent threat than an overt one, he took a deep breath and lowered his once-proud head.
"Your Majesty," he replied, "...it is indeed true."
"Five years ago, after my son-in-law Feng Lan passed away, my eldest daughter severed ties with the Lu family. I had intended to bring her back home, but she was already with child, so she remained at the Lu residence to rest and prepare for the birth."
"After the child was born, her heart softened, and she could not bear to leave the infant to grow up alone. Thus, she chose to stay at the Lu family to raise the child. To the outside world, it was said she was observing mourning for her late husband, but in truth, the marital bond had already been dissolved."
He elaborated at length, but in essence, his words aligned with Emperor Jingxuan's claims—only with added details to make them more convincing.
Upon hearing this, the gathered officials wore expressions of disappointment.
Censor Wang steeled himself and turned to another man. "Duke Lu, is Vice Minister Yun's account accurate?"
All eyes shifted to Lu Yuanduo.
To the court, he was still the solemn, steady leader of the Lu family—a man who had risen to the rank of Duke at a young age and shouldered the responsibility of his lineage. But in truth, his mind was in turmoil.
The news of Yun Wan's appointment as an imperial consort had struck Lu Yuanduo like a bolt from the blue. He had spent days ordering the thorough cleaning of Cuwei Courtyard in preparation for her return—how had she suddenly become an imperial consort, forever confined behind those crimson palace walls?
Now, court officials were attacking her status, their words dripping with disdain—"a widow is unworthy of being a consort."
And the emperor, in response, had spun a lie they all knew to be false.
Should he acknowledge it?
Lu Yuanduo’s heart rebelled.
But to deny it?
That would not only defy the emperor but also place Yun Wan in an even more precarious position.
If she remained recognized as a member of the Lu family while being elevated to the imperial harem with such blatant favor, the scholars who prided themselves on upholding morality would surely tear her reputation to shreds behind her back.
Rumors could kill.
Lu Yuanduo closed his eyes briefly, then made his decision.
Stepping forward, he declared loudly, "Your Majesty, Censor Wang, Vice Minister Yun speaks the truth. Consort Yun had indeed dissolved her marital ties with my younger brother long ago."
Having affirmed this, he continued with righteous indignation. "I believe that the emperor's selection of consorts is a private matter—a joyous occasion for the prosperity of the Great Qi imperial lineage. Yet, some seek to obstruct it without cause. How sinister!"
"As for Consort Yun, she remained at the Lu family out of compassion for a motherless child. Yet now, her kindness is being twisted into a weapon against her by those with ulterior motives. It is truly disheartening!"
His sharp gaze swept over certain individuals as he added coldly, "If any of you doubt this, you are welcome to visit the Lu residence after court. I will personally present the annulment document for your inspection."
The officials under his scrutiny forced awkward smiles, waving their hands dismissively.
"Duke Lu, you exaggerate! Of course we believe you!"
"Yes, we have no doubts!"
"Your integrity is beyond question!"
"......"
By now, Censor Wang hung his head in shame. No matter how others glared at him, he refused to utter another word.
He knew the difference between upholding a reputation for integrity and preserving his life.
He was old, but not yet ready to die.
Seeing that matters had settled, Emperor Jingxuan spoke from his throne, his voice cool. "Our two ministers have clarified the matter. Does anyone else have questions?"
The officials exchanged uneasy glances before one dared to murmur, "Your Majesty, Consort Yun has been granted the rank of Consort immediately upon entering the palace. This... seems somewhat irregular?"
If she was already a consort upon arrival, how high would she climb in the future?
Emperor Jingxuan raised a brow, feigning surprise. "Irregular? We find it perfectly reasonable."
"Moreover, the imperial decree has already been issued. Are you suggesting We revoke Our own command and break Our word to Consort Yun—to Our own harem?"
His chin lifted slightly as his frosty gaze pinned the man in place.
The official hastily covered his face with his sleeve. "T-This subject would never dare!"
Emperor Jingxuan chuckled, his tone laced with mockery. "We think you dare quite a lot. It was Our will to elevate the Yun family’s daughter to consort. If word of today’s events spreads, how heartbroken Our beloved consort would be!"
"Who knows? She may already carry Our imperial heir. By your actions, you seek not only to drive Our consort to her death but also to destroy Our unborn child!"
His expression darkened with disappointment as he surveyed the court, as if they had committed some unforgivable atrocity that shamed the empire.
Under the weight of such an accusation, the officials broke into cold sweats.
The matter wasn’t truly so dire—they had merely sought to prevent excessive favor from destabilizing the court.
Yet beneath the emperor’s reproachful stare, they flushed with shame. "Your Majesty, we meant no such thing!"
Emperor Jingxuan ignored them. With a furious sweep of his sleeve, he rose and stormed out.
The court trembled—especially Censor Wang, whose aged face twisted with regret.
......
Yun Wan’s procession out of the palace was grand, moving unimpeded through the capital. By the time they reached the bustling Vermilion Bird Street, the Imperial Guards had already cleared the way, ensuring no delays.
At the gates of the Lu residence, the entire household stood waiting, their expressions varied.
It was almost laughable—she had once been a daughter-in-law of the Lu family, yet after a single trip to the palace, she returned as an imperial consort, forcing them to kneel in welcome.
Concubine Zhong and the other wives burned with humiliation, yet none dared stay away.
Ding ling ling—
The chime of golden bells rang out as an exquisitely ornate carriage came into view under the sunlight. Its body was crafted from dark nanmu wood, carved with intricate patterns and draped in precious silks. The windows were veiled by blue satin curtains, adorned with beaded tassels of gemstones.
Every detail exuded extravagance. The onlookers stiffened—she had arrived.
The carriage halted on the smooth stone pavement. With Fuling’s support, Yun Wan stepped down gracefully.
For a moment, the crowd held their breath, as if gazing upon a celestial goddess.
"Auntie!"
Lu Changning blurted out before catching herself.
Yun Wan smiled faintly but said nothing.
The Lu family members knelt in unison. "This commoner pays respects to Consort Yun. May Your Grace be blessed with eternal peace."
Surveying the familiar faces, Yun Wan gestured lightly. "There’s no need for such formality. Rise."
As they stood awkwardly, she turned to the eunuch beside her. "Eunuch Jiang, would you care to come in for tea?"
Jiang Fusheng smiled apologetically. "This humble servant is deeply honored by Your Grace’s kindness, but His Majesty has urgent matters awaiting. I shall escort you no further and return to the palace at once."
The crowd paled. This plump, amiable eunuch was none other than Jiang Fusheng—the emperor’s chief attendant!
For the emperor to send him personally as Yun Wan’s escort… the rumors of her favor were clearly true.
Yun Wan nodded. "Very well. I won’t keep you. Please convey my gratitude to His Majesty."
Jiang Fusheng bowed in acknowledgment before departing.
