Chapter 13

After His Majesty left, Consort Yuan remained seated in the hall for a full half hour before she could straighten her back, weakened from weeping.

Qian Ning, worried, softly advised, “Your Highness, please rest assured. His Majesty must be mindful of the Empress’s dignity, which is why he behaved as he did. There is no way he truly neglects you. Besides… your words earlier were somewhat inappropriate in front of so many.”

Consort Yuan shook her head, tears still streaming down her face.

In all these years, she had never experienced such estrangement from His Majesty—especially over the Empress—and how could she remain indifferent to it?

Moreover, this was a critical moment with a new entrant taking the main position in the palace. If His Majesty slighted her now, how could she, as Consort, maintain dignity before this newcomer?

Everyone would surely think she was insignificant, someone anyone could easily replace.

What she did not understand was what exactly had angered His Majesty. Was it only because of that incident at the Star-Picking Pavilion? There had been countless graver matters before, yet her cousin had never been blamed.

Consort Yuan cried into her hands for a long while, but unwilling to remain passive, she hurriedly rose and ordered the palace attendants to prepare her palanquin. She went straight to the residence of Dowager Consort Zhao.

The Dowager Consorts lived near the Longevity Palace, separated from Yaohua Palace by just a few walls. Consort Yuan was anxious, and the palanquin bearers quickened their pace, arriving at Cian Palace within the time it took for two incense sticks to burn.

As the palanquin touched down, palace maids were sweeping the courtyard. Golden sunlight fell upon a crane spreading its wings in the yard, and faint sandalwood incense drifted from the Buddhist hall.

Dowager Consort Zhao, the foremost among the dowagers, had been a close confidante of the Empress Dowager in years past and had watched His Majesty grow up. Since the Empress Dowager’s passing, His Majesty had treated Dowager Zhao with even greater reverence—renovating Cian Palace extensively for her peaceful retirement and attending to her every need, surpassing even what the late Empress had received.

Because of this connection, Consort Yuan was quite close to Dowager Zhao, often visiting to keep her company. Naturally, she sought comfort there now after her recent distress.

She dismounted swiftly and headed for the main hall, but as the door opened and she was about to speak, she saw another figure at Dowager Zhao’s side: a palace maid named Zhao Yuyan, who served His Majesty and was quietly sobbing on the dowager’s lap.

Consort Yuan looked closely and, surprised, recognized her.

Having arrived in haste, Zhao Yuyan had not expected any other visitors and, with tears still in her eyes, turned away in confusion.

Seeing Consort Yuan’s entourage, she quickly wiped her tears and stepped forward with a soft greeting, her voice trembling, “Your Highness, your humble servant pays respects.”

Dowager Consort Zhao, seated in the main seat, was amused by the unexpected bustle and beckoned, “Ah Yu, come sit down—no need for formalities.”

Though the dowager was casual, Consort Yuan maintained propriety, formally paying her respects before lightly saying to Zhao Yuyan, “Rise.”

After Zhao Yuyan stood, Consort Yuan took the highest seat beside Dowager Zhao, effectively leaving no space for the maid to stand.

Zhao Yuyan, also close to the dowager, was stunned by Consort Yuan’s disregard. Normally gentle and mild, Consort Yuan’s brusqueness was unexpected.

Now that Consort Yuan was a consort and she merely a maid, Zhao Yuyan could only shyly glance at the dowager before moving aside.

Seeing her obedient retreat, Consort Yuan felt somewhat relieved.

She was well aware of Zhao Yuyan’s status and her intentions upon entering the palace.

But having admired His Majesty from childhood, how could she tolerate a woman who brazenly sought His Majesty’s favor and clung to Dowager Zhao’s identity to serve him?

Though now a palace maid, Zhao Yuyan was not as restrained as Sang Qingyun, and harbored ambitions to stand shoulder to shoulder with the consorts in the future.

Given this, even as the dowager’s niece, Zhao Yuyan’s status did not warrant any special regard from Consort Yuan.

The atmosphere inside the hall grew subtly tense.

Dowager Zhao, sensing Consort Yuan wished to speak, kindly said, “Since you are here, Yuyan, you should take your leave and rest these days. I will look after your affairs.”

At this, Zhao Yuyan brightened and, forgetting Consort Yuan’s presence, bowed deeply, “Thank you, Aunt.”

Once she left, Dowager Zhao turned to Consort Yuan, taking her hand gently. “Ah Yu, what troubles you? You have lost weight in just a few days.”

Hearing the dowager’s concern, Consort Yuan momentarily forgot to inquire about Zhao Yuyan and instead recalled every moment with His Majesty earlier that day at Yaohua Palace.

The cold distance between them was painful to remember, and she began to weep again softly. “Your Highness, has Ah Yu done something wrong lately? Today, His Majesty seemed unusually distant.”

“You know him best in this palace. Can you tell me what His Majesty is thinking?”

Tears filled Consort Yuan’s eyes. Dowager Zhao wished to comfort her but faltered in words.

She had served the late emperor faithfully for decades without favor, bore no children, and though not a figure of prominence, was considered fortunate by others.

From the start, she befriended Empress Ji and was sheltered by her, enjoying a life free of worry.

Now honored as dowager and residing in Cian Palace, it was only because she had watched His Majesty grow up and had been called “aunt” by him.

Despite her privileges, she knew she was not the Empress Dowager and rarely involved herself in palace affairs, leading a life of vegetarianism and prayer.

Thus, unless something serious happened, she did not intervene or concern herself with palace matters.

Like today, she was unaware of the minor quarrel between Consort Yuan and the emperor.

In the end, it was probably just a small quarrel that would pass in a few days.

Dowager Zhao pondered and said softly, “His Majesty has known you since childhood—you know him well. Even if you have made a mistake, with time, things will improve soon.”

“But you must learn to be open-hearted in the palace. His Majesty is not yours alone, nor will he always care for you alone. If you hold every trifling matter in your heart, you will only be disappointed.”

Consort Yuan trembled at this advice, looking up with tearful eyes, more sorrowful than before. “Yes… His Majesty will never be only mine…”

She sobbed harder in Dowager Zhao’s embrace, evoking sympathy. The dowager gently patted her back, soothing, “Enough, enough. Don’t cry like this. If His Majesty knew, wouldn’t he think you’re not repentant?”

She smiled warmly, clearly a kind elder, warming Consort Yuan’s heart. “Listen to me. Rest well these days. When the time comes, even if His Majesty is still displeased, I will plead with him on your behalf. Now you have nothing more to worry about.”

Consort Yuan smiled through her tears, cuddling like a child in Dowager Zhao’s arms, showing their closeness. “Thank you, Your Highness. Without you, I wouldn’t know what to do.”

—

Since His Majesty left Yaohua Palace, Consort Yuan had fallen ill, not stepping outside her residence for ten days, nor paying respects to the Empress as usual.

By late April, His Majesty had not visited her once but went daily to see the second prince during his illness. As the weather warmed, the prince soon recovered.

Among the palace women, Noble Lady Xu was close to the Empress, who was inclined to promote her. One day, His Majesty, visiting the ailing prince, happened to encounter her at Fengyi Palace. That very night, Noble Lady Xu was summoned to the imperial bedchamber and again later, quickly becoming the most favored new consort.

Within Fengyi Palace, all seats were properly filled except for the consort’s place, which remained empty.

The Empress had been in good spirits these days, smiling as she spoke. She first arranged matters for the Dragon Boat Festival banquet, then expressed concern for the other concubines before dismissing them.

Before leaving, she generously gifted Noble Lady Xu two fine gauze robes.

Gauze was a precious silk fabric, perfect for spring and summer, its delicate texture making garments appear cloudlike and ethereal.

The gifts were not just generosity but a clear sign to all that the Empress favored Noble Lady Xu, and that those who aligned with her would prosper.

Though precious, Noble Lady Xu was from a distinguished family and had seen many such luxuries. She was pleased but not overly surprised.

The most envious were a few concubines born of commoner origins, especially Tong Baolin. Seeing Noble Lady Xu receive such treasures, her eyes reddened with envy. She scowled and left Fengyi Palace ahead of the others, resentful of having followed Consort Yuan earlier and now clearly outshone by Noble Lady Xu.

Anger flared in Tong Baolin’s heart. As she walked, she swung her handkerchief fiercely several times. “Bad luck, bad luck! Who cares anyway!”

She and Noble Lady Xu had never been on good terms, and she had not forgotten how Noble Lady Xu had deliberately made things difficult for her on the first day of paying respects to the Empress.

Now that Noble Lady Xu’s star was rising, Tong Baolin, of humble birth, felt she had no face left before her and could not stand up to her. Even Li Xixi might speak rudely to her.

In terms of beauty, Tong Baolin was the most outstanding among the group. If someone recommended her, gaining favor would be easy! How could it fall to Noble Lady Xu?

The more she thought, the more resentful she became, swinging her handkerchief as she hurried ahead.

Lost in thought, she failed to notice and tripped over the threshold of Zhaochun Palace, falling to the ground.

“Ouch!”

The fall hurt, and with palace maids coming and going, she was greatly embarrassed, which made her even angrier. “What are you doing? Can’t you even support your mistress properly?”

The young maid was startled and hurried forward to help her up. “It’s my fault, please forgive your humble servant!”

Tong Baolin was already in a bad mood, and the maid’s clumsiness only fueled her anger. Just as she was about to scold her, Noble Lady Xu, unnoticed until then, appeared leisurely from behind, smiling coldly, “If you lack skills, why blame the servant? This is all you’re capable of.”

With that, she left with her maid, leaving Tong Baolin’s face dark with fury.

No good!

She had to find a way to gain favor—she could not be trampled by Noble Lady Xu!

At that moment, Li Xixi appeared from another palace corridor, seemingly heading back to Zhongling Palace.

Seeing her figure, Tong Baolin suddenly recalled that on the day they entered the palace, she had seen Li Xixi speaking intimately with a senior palace maid. Since then, no new consort had gained the emperor’s favor except Li Xixi, who received imperial delicacies.

Could it be that Li Xixi had inquired about His Majesty’s preferences that day to curry favor when attending the imperial bedchamber? Who was she connected with?

In the rush, Tong Baolin had not seen the senior maid’s face clearly.

But if Li Xixi had a channel, surely she could find one too.

With this thought, Tong Baolin’s anger subsided, and she asked thoughtfully, “Do you know which palace personnel are the most influential and closest to His Majesty?”

The young maid, nervous but eager to please, immediately replied without hesitation, “The Chief Eunuch Dai Zheng attends His Majesty closely and is the most trusted. Besides him, Lady Sang Qingyun, the palace attendant, has been favored these past years. She serves His Majesty frequently in the Hall of Governance, attending to his writing, tea, and other needs—more than even Dai Zheng.”