Upon learning of Emperor Jingxuan's injury during the hunt, the imperial consorts hurried to Zichen Hall, only to be turned away without even stepping foot inside the gates.
The reason given: His Majesty's health required undisturbed rest.
It wasn't until three days later, when a summons arrived from the Emperor's presence, that they were permitted to visit.
By then, the wound had begun to heal, allowing Emperor Jingxuan to rise from his bed and move about, so long as he took care not to reopen the injury.
Yun Wan's sudden rise to favor had stirred hope among the long-neglected consorts of the inner palace. Before setting off for Zichen Hall, each took great care with her appearance, hoping to catch the Emperor's eye.
Some even seemed to imitate Yun Wan's style—elegant yet understated.
Yet upon arrival, they were stopped by Jiang Fusheng.
Flicking his horsetail whisk with a smile, he announced, "Noble ladies, kindly remove all jewelry and refrain from carrying any sharp objects into the hall."
The consorts hesitated, ready to protest, but Jiang Fusheng added, "These are His Majesty's orders. Those unwilling to comply may leave."
Having waited so long for this chance, none dared to turn back. Reluctantly, they removed their hairpins and placed them on the trays held by palace maids.
Inside the hall, they found Emperor Jingxuan seated on his bed in sleeping robes. One after another, they voiced their concern:
"Your Majesty, how is your injury?"
"Your Majesty, you've suffered so!"
"Your Majesty, this humble consort has been sleepless with worry since hearing of your injury..."
"Those beasts who dared harm you deserve to be flayed alive by the Imperial Guard!"
"......"
Sui, who sat by the bed holding a bowl of medicine, was entirely overlooked.
The clamor grew unbearable. Emperor Jingxuan finally snapped, "Silence!"
"Do you take this place for a marketplace?"
Chastened, the consorts fell quiet, each more subdued than the last.
Indeed, His Majesty remained unchanged—as stern as ever. Their hopes deflated.
Seated on a low stool, Sui set the medicine bowl aside and placed a soothing hand on the Emperor's chest, gently smoothing his robes. "Calm your anger, Your Majesty. Drink your medicine first."
With that, she lifted a spoonful of the dark, bitter brew to his lips, blowing lightly to cool it.
Though the taste numbed his tongue, Emperor Jingxuan swallowed without flinching, his expression softening slightly.
Noticing this, Consort Lu nudged the Third Prince forward.
Trembling under his father's gaze, the boy offered a piece of dried fruit. "F-Father Emperor, please have this."
His hand shook—and the fruit ended up poking the Emperor's nostril.
!!!
The Third Prince froze in horror, on the verge of tears. Emperor Jingxuan's face darkened.
Seeing this, the Crown Prince shrank back, ignoring Imperial Concubine Li's pointed looks.
Better to do nothing than bungle things like his foolish younger brother.
"Uncle!"
Pei Qian's voice boomed through the hall as he strode in, clutching an ornate box.
Reaching the bedside, his dark eyes brimmed with worry. "Uncle, how are you? Has your wound healed?"
Without waiting for an answer, he thumped the box down and opened it, chattering nonstop:
"I found this century-old ginseng in the storeroom—it's incredibly nourishing! Have the servants brew it for you, and you'll recover in no time!"
"If one isn't enough, I'll fetch more!"
"Don't worry, Mother has plenty of these in her collection!"
His confidence came from experience—once, he'd sneaked a sip of Princess Yongshou's ginseng tonic and felt invigorated, though the subsequent nosebleed (diagnosed as over-nourishment) had been less pleasant.
Emperor Jingxuan massaged his temples. The noise was unbearable. Had he known, he'd have kept his injury secret.
Sui blinked, then abruptly slapped a hand over Pei Qian's mouth.
Pei Qian: "Mmph—!"
Spotting the ginseng, the Crown Prince brightened. "Father Emperor, last month my uncle gifted me a millennium-old lingzhi mushroom. I offer it to you!"
Emperor Jingxuan replied indifferently, "Your uncle is thoughtful. Keep such treasures for yourself."
The Crown Prince's lips quivered. "As you wish."
Father truly dislikes me.
Imperial Concubine Li fretted inwardly—this foolish child!
Emperor Jingxuan swept his gaze over the assembled crowd and declared, "Since you're all here, I have an announcement."
The consorts straightened attentively.
After a pause, he spoke with authority: "By imperial decree: Consort Yun Wan, gentle and virtuous, has rendered meritorious service in tending to Our illness. She remained steadfast during Our convalescence, laboring tirelessly. In recognition of her dedication, she is hereby entrusted with the Phoenix Seal and granted authority to oversee the Six Palaces."
Shock rippled through the room.
They'd been summoned only to hear of Yun Wan's elevation?
"Does anyone object?" The Emperor's piercing glance silenced all dissent.
No one dared speak—though inwardly, many seethed. "Meritorious service"? When His Majesty had allowed no one but Yun Wan near him!
It was plain to all: the Emperor was paving Yun Wan's path to power.
The balance of the inner court was shifting irrevocably.
Imperial Concubine Li swallowed her bitterness. "Your Majesty, Consort Yun has been in the palace less than half a year. Granting her such authority may... stir discontent."
"Discontent?" Emperor Jingxuan scoffed. "Do you imply that tending to your gravely injured sovereign is an insignificant contribution?"
She bowed her head. "This concubine would never presume—"
"Then what do you mean?" The Emperor's voice turned icy. "Li-shi, Lu-shi—We previously entrusted you with the Phoenix Seal. And what resulted?"
"Chaos. Spreading rumors, hoarding forbidden items, embezzlement, disrupting palace order. And now you question Consort Yun's fitness?"
Imperial Concubine Li paled. The accusations were undeniable—the Seal had been stripped from her first.
Consort Lu, equally chastised, attempted diversion: "Your Majesty, managing the Six Palaces is arduous. Might other sisters share Consort Yun's burden?"
To her surprise, the Emperor agreed. "A fair point."
"Consort Xian. Concubine Hui."
Consort Xian stepped forward. "This concubine is here."
Concubine Hui, who'd been quietly observing the scene, startled at her name. "P-present!"
Emperor Jingxuan commanded, "Henceforth, you two shall assist Consort Yun in administrative duties. Serve diligently."
"Jiang Fusheng, draft the edict."
To the assembly: "If there's nothing else, you are dismissed."
Jiang Fusheng: "At once, Your Majesty."
The consorts: "......"
Arrived in haste, departed in defeat.
