Qiyun Palace.
Originally named Yongfu Palace, its previous resident was a consort of the late emperor. After the emperor's passing, she was honored as a dowager consort and voluntarily moved out of the palace to live with her daughter following Emperor Jingxuan's ascension to the throne.
After meticulous renovations, the palace now looked vastly different—its glazed tiles, carved beams, and painted rafters exuded luxury and refinement.
The front eaves of the main hall were lined with flowerpots, blooming in such vibrant clusters that they rivaled the imperial garden. The eastern side hall was prepared for Sui, providing him a place to stay whenever he visited Yun Wan.
The western side hall had been converted into an incense chamber, equipped with underfloor heating like the main hall, ensuring Yun Wan could blend fragrances comfortably even in the depths of winter while keeping the spices dry and free from moisture.
Additionally, small gardens flanked the front and rear gates. The front courtyard featured a pomegranate tree transplanted from elsewhere, while the backyard had a raised canopy for drying spices.
......
Every detail of Qiyun Palace's layout catered to Yun Wan's preferences, clearly reflecting thoughtful planning.
As for why the inner court had gone to such lengths, it was naturally on Emperor Jingxuan's orders.
Yue Jian wandered around for a while before returning to Yun Wan and sighing, "My lady, this place is so spacious!"
It was easily ten times the size of Cuiwei Garden—just looking at it lifted one's spirits.
Yue Ya shared the sentiment. She knew other palaces housed multiple consorts, where clashing personalities often bred resentment and conflict. Thankfully, her mistress wouldn’t have to endure that.
After several days of training under the Office of Ceremonies, Yue Ya and Yue Jian had become competent palace attendants, fit to serve by Yun Wan's side.
Yun Wan was also pleased. She spent nearly an hour touring Qiyun Palace before returning to the main hall.
No sooner had she sat down than Fuling led Sui inside.
"Mother! I missed you so much."
The moment he saw Yun Wan, he eagerly threw himself into her arms, clinging to her and whining affectionately.
Yun Wan leaned down to press a kiss against his plump cheek, her voice tender as water. "Mother missed you too."
"They say a day apart feels like three years—we’ve been separated by so many years already."
Sui mumbled, counting on his fingers. The last time he’d seen his mother was... well, the last time. It had been so many days.
Yun Wan chuckled, but her brow furrowed when she touched his hands. "Why are your hands so cold? Are you chilly?"
Sui shook his head. "The wind outside made my hands cold, but I’m warm otherwise."
The autumn air was brisk, so he wore a thick outer robe. Only his hands, exposed to the breeze, had chilled. His cheeks, however, were rosy and full of vitality.
He looked up, his expression puzzled. "Mother, are you really going to be a palace consort now?"
On his way here, he’d learned that his mother had suddenly become Consort Yun of the palace.
Yun Wan tapped his nose and answered honestly, "That’s right."
Sui muttered under his breath, "So His Majesty really wanted to be my father..."
His words were soft, slurred, and spoken quickly. Yun Wan frowned. "What did you say, sweetheart?"
Sui shook his head, gripping her sleeve with a sullen tone. "Can I still call you Mother? Or do I have to call you 'Consort' like everyone else?"
Realizing his little mind was tangled with worries, Yun Wan pulled him into a tight embrace and kissed his forehead. "Silly boy, you’re my child. Of course you’ll call me Mother. In my heart, I’m Sui’s mother first and Consort Yun second."
She whispered secretly into his ear, "To me, the most important person in the world is our Sui."
She hoped this would give him more confidence and security.
Sui blinked, his eyes shining. He mimicked her, leaning close to her ear and whispering, "Then, Mother, will you ever go back?"
Back where? Naturally, he meant the Lu family.
Yun Wan didn’t want to lie. "Mother probably won’t return. That place... isn’t my home anymore."
Sui puffed out his cheeks and declared firmly, "Then I’ll stay with you! Wherever you go, I’ll go too!"
Though he’d miss his uncle, his cousin Changning, his cousin Changze... they all had their own families. His mother only had him.
Yun Wan cupped his chubby little hand in hers and agreed.
Sui giggled, kicking off his shoes and climbing onto the divan to snuggle beside her. "Mother, in two days, I’ll have my teacher-acceptance ceremony. Will you come?"
Yun Wan: "I’d like to, but I’ll need His Majesty’s permission first."
Sui tilted his head, swinging his short legs. "His Majesty decides that too? If he says no, you can’t go?"
Yun Wan nodded. "His Majesty governs all matters under heaven."
Sui nodded, only half-understanding.
So being emperor meant having such immense power? He could control everything?
"Then later, I’ll go with you to see His Majesty and ask him to agree."
Yun Wan hesitated, her expression strained. "Not today. Mother and His Majesty..."
"Had a fight?"
Sui tilted his head, his face brimming with innocence and curiosity.
Yun Wan sighed. "...You could say that."
"Okay then."
Sui sighed too, though he wasn’t discouraged. He’d think of a way himself.
Suddenly, he remembered something important. "Oh! Mother, that day, His Majesty wanted to throw away the handkerchief you embroidered and told me not to tell you..."
His little mouth rattled on, leaving Yun Wan mortified.
Now she knew how her secret had been exposed.
Sui had lessons in the afternoon and had promised Pei Qian lunch, so he could only stay at Qiyun Palace for an hour before leaving.
Yun Wan had someone bring her an embroidery frame and sat beneath a tree to sew.
Fuling approached quietly. "My lady, Eunuch Jiang has asked me repeatedly when you’ll visit His Majesty."
Yun Wan glanced at the unfinished garment in her hands and murmured, "Let’s wait a little longer."
Before Fuling could say more, a mocking voice drifted from the entrance:
"Well, if it isn’t Consort Yun?"
The two turned to see Concubine Hui, dressed in pale yellow, sauntering in uninvited. Her words dripped with sarcasm:
"Today marks Consort Yun’s grand move into Qiyun Palace, yet it’s so quiet here. I heard His Majesty didn’t even send congratulatory gifts?"
She pretended to survey the surroundings before offering a shallow, insincere curtsy. "This lowly one came uninvited. Surely Consort Yun isn’t displeased?"
Yun Wan set down her needlework. "What brings you here, Concubine Hui?"
Concubine Hui adjusted her hairpin and drawled, "Oh, nothing much. Just taking a stroll. Imagine my surprise when I ended up here and saw you sitting all alone. Curiosity got the better of me."
No one stopped her, so she seated herself beside Yun Wan without hesitation.
Her eyes flicked over Yun Wan’s flawless profile, and she scoffed. "Truly, men are the ficklest creatures. When they dote on you, they’ll move mountains. When they grow cold, you’re left with nothing."
"We women, without power or influence, are doomed to be cast aside. What use is beauty rivaling the heavens? They only ever favor the new and forget the old—mmph!"
Before she could finish, something sweet and sticky was shoved into her mouth.
Concubine Hui gaped in shock.
Yun Wan smiled faintly. "The malt candy is quite good. Do try it, Concubine Hui."
With something in her mouth, Concubine Hui found her words stuck in her throat, unable to speak.
By the time she finished the candy, the words she had meant to say slipped her mind, leaving her momentarily frustrated.
Silence lingered as Concubine Hui said nothing, and Yun Wan paid her no mind, focusing instead on the delicacies the palace maids had brought.
Concubine Hui glanced over and asked sourly, "What are you eating?"
Yun Wan replied, "Snow Lotus Nourishing Elixir. It beautifies and rejuvenates."
Hearing that it enhanced beauty, Concubine Hui’s eyes lit up. "Give me a bowl too."
"I won’t take it for free. I’ll trade you this jade bracelet."
With that, she slipped the bracelet off her wrist and thrust it toward Yun Wan.
Just as Yun Wan was about to refuse, Jiang Fusheng’s shrill voice echoed through Qiyun Palace:
"His Majesty, Emperor Jingxuan, arrives at Qiyun Palace—"
"All idlers, disperse—"
Concubine Hui: ?
Idlers?
