Zheng Shiyao cast a sidelong glance at Consort Hui and let out a cold laugh. “I’ve heard His Majesty has only summoned Consort Hui once in the past three months. Now that new sisters have entered the palace, Sister Hui should pay more attention to yourself. If even this single occasion disappears, His Majesty might truly forget you exist. Empress, don’t you agree with what I said?”
Su Yunhui felt deeply frustrated upon hearing this. She had originally intended to sow discord between Noble Consort Lan and Consort Chen, but instead found herself counterattacked, with Noble Consort Lan redirecting the conflict toward the Empress. At this moment, she dared not say more nor lift her head to look at the Empress. Anxiously and fearfully, she lowered her head.
Qin Shu’s gaze swept past, observing Su Yunhui’s unpleasant expression. It was a clear case of lifting a stone only to drop it on one’s own foot—and this stone had even struck the Empress. After all, from what she knew, aside from important occasions like the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month when the Emperor would accompany the Empress, Noble Consort Lan enjoyed the greatest favor at all other times. Noble Consort Lan’s earlier words, while ostensibly directed at Consort Hui, were actually filled with sarcasm aimed at the Empress.
Wang Wanning maintained her usual composure, smiling slightly as she spoke unhurriedly to Noble Consort Lan. “All our sisters are like flowers and jade. This selection was also the Empress Dowager’s wish to have more agreeable companions by His Majesty’s side. As long as they can serve His Majesty well and please him, that is what matters most. Don’t you think so, sister?”
Zheng Shiyao glanced at the Empress. “What Your Majesty says is naturally correct. However, winning His Majesty’s favor isn’t as simple as mere words.”
As she spoke, Zheng Shiyao shifted her gaze to Qin Shu seated opposite her. “The Empress is right. Sister Consort Chen, your health is so frail. The differences between the capital and Southern Xiang City are substantial. You must take good care of yourself. Moreover, the physicians in the palace are among the finest. Have them examine you carefully—they might just cure your condition. We mustn’t let your illness worsen.”
Qin Shu thought to herself that she would never use the palace physicians. Superficially they were master physicians with exceptional skills, but who knew what schemes hid beneath? Besides, regardless of her own medical expertise, the skills of her attendants Xin Lian and Xin Yi might not be inferior to those old fellows at the Imperial Hospital.
Covering her mouth with a silk handkerchief, she coughed, performing the role of frail, sickly weakness to perfection. In the blink of an eye, she signaled to Xin Lian beside her.
Understanding immediately, Xin Lian stepped forward and gently patted Qin Shu’s back, smoothing her breathing while replying, “Reporting to Your Majesty and Noble Consort, Consort Chen’s frail constitution has been like this since childhood. Palace physicians treated her back then, and later in Southern Xiang City, the Duke searched extensively for famous doctors. All physicians agreed that Her Ladyship’s condition can only be managed through careful nurturing and ample rest—she must avoid mental and physical exertion.”
Wang Wanning observed Qin Shu’s pale complexion, feeling as if the woman might collapse at any moment. With such severe frailty, what did it matter how illustrious her background was? In the Imperial Harem, she could never escape the Empress’s control. The only pity was that hoping for her to rival Noble Consort Lan was probably futile. Still, she would serve well enough to irritate Noble Consort Lan.
Thereupon, Wang Wanning put on a mask of deep concern and gently said to Qin Shu, “Sister Consort Chen, you should summon the imperial physician for an examination later. The Mid-Autumn palace banquet is just two days away—we wouldn’t want you to miss it.”
Qin Shu inwardly scoffed: With my parents and elder brother far away, why would I attend your palace banquet to compete in ostentation? Today’s objective is achieved; everything can be handled through the imperial physician’s testimony.
She delicately furrowed her brows, feigning discomfort, and coughed weakly twice before responding, “Thank you for your concern, Empress.”
Zheng Shiyao cast a cold glance at Qin Shu, dismissing her entirely. How could someone so frail and helpless pose any threat? Lifting her eyes to the Empress, she remarked with a hint of provocation, “The Empress is indeed thorough. After today’s audience, the newly entered consorts may begin serving the Emperor. Missing the Mid-Autumn banquet is trivial, but delaying this matter would be no small affair.”
Wang Wanning maintained a faint smile but ignored Noble Consort Lan’s remark.
The chief eunuch attending the Empress then guided the new consorts to pay respects to each of the senior consorts present.
Wang Wanning wore a gentle smile and spoke with earnest solemnity, “All you sisters were personally selected by the Empress Dowager and the Heavenly Emperor. Henceforth in the palace, you must devote yourselves to serving the Emperor and continuing the imperial lineage, while also maintaining harmony and avoiding conflicts.”
The assembly respectfully replied in unison, “Yes, we heed the Empress’s guidance.”
Zheng Shiyao pretended to yawn, her expression full of indifference. She paid no mind to the Empress’s admonitions.
Qin Shu likewise let the words drift past her ears, thinking: Even you, the Empress, constantly contend with Noble Consort Lan openly and covertly—where is this harmony you preach? Expecting harmony in the Imperial Harem is ludicrous; these are merely empty formalities.
Then, Wang Wanning asked her maid, “Ling Qian, what is the Empress Dowager’s directive?”
Ling Qian replied, “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager said the new consorts need not pay their respects today. It will be sufficient to meet at the Mid-Autumn palace banquet.”
Wang Wanning nodded and said, “Very well. All sisters must be weary; you are dismissed for today.”
Everyone rose, performed the farewell rituals, and gradually filed out of Phoenix Sun Palace.
Qin Shu played her part to the end, leaning on Xin Lian and Xin Yi as she shuffled forward with feebly steps.
No sooner had Qin Shu exited the hall than she spotted a bustling crowd ahead—undoubtedly Noble Consort Lan’s entourage.
Among them were several newly entered consorts, including the very one who had publicly mocked and belittled her.
It had to be said, these newcomers were quick to choose sides.
At that moment, the woman’s voice carried over:
“Your Highness, your beauty eclipses the nation. I had heard tales long before entering the palace. How could a sickly Consort Chen compare to you? Her immediate appointment as consort merely rides on her lineage from the Duke Stabilizing Country Residence. With the Duke holding military power, rumors abound that she was selected to curb his influence—essentially, she’s a pawn. Once the Emperor reclaims the military authority, the Duke’s house will be but an empty shell, and she will be cast aside like a discarded piece.”
Qin Shu listened to the person’s words, her eyes glinting with icy coldness. No one had ever dared to repeatedly gossip about her behind her back without restraint, and now they even dragged her family into it. Since this person followed you, Noble Consort Lan, then she would use your own blade to eliminate your own follower.