Phoenix Sun Palace.
Wang Wan Ning held fish food in her hand, feeding the fish in the pond before her.
Consort Hui and Consort Jing accompanied her, chatting and laughing with the Empress.
At that moment, the Empress’s personal maid Ling Qian approached. While curtsying, she anxiously reported to the Empress, “Your Majesty, something has happened.”
Wang Wan Ning tossed all the remaining fish food into the pond. The fish scrambled for it, inevitably splashing some water. She coldly asked, “In broad daylight, what could possibly happen?”
Knowing the shocking nature of the news, Ling Qian didn’t hesitate and immediately replied, “Your Majesty, Yang Jieyu has been punished. His Majesty has issued an edict demoting her… to Cainu.”
“Cainu?” Consort Hui and Consort Jing wore expressions of disbelief, speaking in unison, “How did this happen? Where is Yang Jieyu now?”
Ling Qian then detailed everything the palace servants had just reported from outside, adding, “Yang Jieyu is still kneeling in punishment at the Chrysanthemum Garden. When she was being punished, Shen Meiren and Liu Cairen were present. They would know the specific details most clearly. This servant has already sent someone to summon both mistresses.”
Wang Wan Ning frowned deeply, her face grim.
Consort Hui and Consort Jing exchanged glances, sensing the tension. They didn’t dare speak recklessly at this moment, merely silently following the Empress to the chairs arranged under the corridor and sitting down. The demotion of Yang Jieyu—from Jieyu all the way to the lowest rank of Cainu—was truly unexpected.
Before long, Shen Meiren and Liu Cairen were brought to Phoenix Sun Palace and escorted before the Empress.
Shen Meiren and Liu Cairen bowed together, “We pay respects to Her Majesty the Empress, to Consort Hui, and to Consort Jing.”
Wang Wan Ning demanded sternly, “Tell me everything that happened in the Chrysanthemum Garden of the Imperial Garden, leaving nothing out.”
Shen Meiren and Liu Cairen understood that being summoned by the Empress’s people must be regarding Yang Jieyu’s demotion. They recounted the entire sequence of events in detail, omitting nothing, and reported everything to the Empress.
Wang Wan Ning let out a heavy sigh, her voice laced with anger, “That arrogant fool!”
Shen Meiren and Liu Cairen knelt prostrate on the ground, both frightened by the Empress’s outburst. Shen Meiren’s voice trembled as she said, “Your Majesty, Yang Jieyu showed disrespect to Consort Chen and was punished by her. But unfortunately, everything Yang Jieyu said was overheard by His Majesty, leading to his punishment. From the beginning, both of us tried to warn Yang Jieyu. We beg Your Majesty to see this clearly.”
Liu Cairen added, “Yes, yes, please investigate thoroughly, Your Majesty.”
Consort Hui and Consort Jing sat to the side. Consort Hui gave Consort Jing a meaningful look.
Consort Jing spoke first, “Your Majesty, please don’t be angry. Take care not to harm your health.”
Following immediately, Consort Hui picked up a cup of tea from the nearby table and offered it to the Empress, “Your Majesty, please have some tea to calm your anger.”
Wang Wan Ning took a sip of tea, suppressing the fury in her heart. “Utterly foolish! Receiving the foremost favor among the new consorts, she really thought she could defy the heavens. I originally had hopes for her, and now she’s caused such a scene, making us a laughingstock. How detestable!”
Upon hearing this, everyone present understood: Yang Jieyu’s demotion, decreed by the Emperor, would naturally be announced throughout the Imperial Harem. And the one who would dare laugh at the Empress’s expense could only be Noble Consort Lan.
Initially, after dismissing Wei Meiren who had attached herself to Noble Consort Lan, the Empress had gained the upper hand following the entry of new palace ladies. Yet Consort Yang’s sudden reversal had created this scene, undoubtedly slapping the Empress in the face and making her a laughingstock. How could the Empress not be furious?
Wang Wan Ning glanced at Shen Meiren and Liu Cairen kneeling on the floor. “You two have shown some restraint. Very well, you may withdraw now.”
Shen Meiren and Liu Cairen sighed with relief and promptly responded, “Yes, your humble concubines take our leave.”
After the two departed, Consort Hui thoughtfully inquired, “Your Majesty, how should we handle this matter concerning Consort Yang?”
“With the Emperor’s decree, she’s essentially finished. For now, we can only wait and observe, seeking opportunities later.” Wang Wan Ning massaged her temples. “Yang Shen taught his daughter well – all looks and no brains.”
Consort Jing spoke softly, “Your Majesty, this subject will visit her later to advise her to remain quietly in her palace, reflecting on her mistakes while awaiting future opportunities.”
Wang Wan Ning merely responded with a noncommittal “Hmm.” If not for Yang Shen’s standing, she would have gladly disposed of the woman immediately.
Consort Hui remarked, “Your Majesty, according to what Shen Meiren and Liu Cairen said, Consort Chen immediately punished Consort Yang. Even if His Majesty intended to demote her, reducing her all the way to the bottom – isn’t this punishment excessively severe?”
Consort Jing explained, “Consort Chen is frail and often ill. The Imperial Hospital physicians have declared her unfit for serving the Emperor, requiring extended rest. Though she doesn’t serve or receive favor, that doesn’t mean the Emperor ignores her. Remember that Consort Chen represents the Duke Stabilizing Country Residence behind the scenes. While she remains in the palace, His Majesty won’t permit anyone to openly disrespect her. Coincidentally, Consort Yang created this incident today, so the Emperor used her as an example.”
Wang Wan Ning was well aware of this reasoning, but thoughts of Noble Consort Lan only intensified her headache. “Enough, you may all withdraw now.”
Consort Hui and Consort Jing said no more, rising to perform a curtsey. “Your subjects take our leave.”
Ling Qian and Ling Xi stood attending the Empress. When Ling Qian began, “Your Majesty…” her words were cut off before she could continue.
Wang Wan Ning declared, “This consort is fine. Although this matter gives Noble Consort Lan amusement at my expense, dealing with her presents no real difficulty.”
Hearing this, Ling Qian and Ling Xi exchanged glances but remained silently attentive, offering no further comments.
…
Meanwhile, at Yuehua Palace.
Xin Yi returned to her mistress and reported, “Your Highness, Consort Yang has been taken back by her maid. Judging by her demeanor, she likely harbors resentment toward you. Should this servant take action…”
Qin Shu responded, “Unnecessary. She’s a brainless fool not worth our attention. Moreover, her father remains the Minister of Rites. As the legitimate daughter of a second-rank court official, if she were to die so easily in the Imperial Harem before her family’s influence declines, it would create numerous complications.”
Xin Yi acknowledged, “Yes, this servant understands.” Then she added quietly, “Your Highness, when His Majesty appeared earlier, this servant observed how perfectly matched you appeared standing together in the Chrysanthemum Garden beneath the warm sunlight – like a divinely created pair of jade people.”
Qin Shu lifted her gaze to Xin Yi. “You silly girl, why mention such things out of nowhere?”
Xin Yi said, “Your Highness, I was merely speaking the truth of what I witnessed with my own eyes. Your Highness, regarding the Emperor…”
Before Xin Yi could finish her sentence, Qin Shu interjected, “If you wish to know, find time to ask Xin Lian.”
“Ah?” Xin Yi was puzzled but had no choice but to suppress her curiosity and wait to seek out Xin Lian later.
Coincidentally, Xin Lian entered at that moment, “Your Highness, the small kitchen has prepared the midday meal. Please have your meal now.”
Qin Shu replied, “Very well.”
Xin Yi promptly assisted Qin Shu in rising and accompanied her to the outer chamber, prioritizing the task of serving her mistress the meal.