Since deciding to kill Shuixian, Consort Yi’s attitude toward her gradually changed.
It seemed she couldn’t even be bothered to keep up appearances.
The term “sisters” never again passed her lips. Instead, she adopted the imposing dignity of a superior.
These past few days, Consort Yi frequently visited the Empress Dowager’s Cining Palace, attending to her with utmost diligence.
With the Empress currently ill and weak, Noble Consort Li held authority in managing the six palaces to share the Empress’s burdens. However, the Empress Dowager suddenly bypassed Noble Consort Li and assigned Consort Yi to oversee the final preparations for the New Year’s banquet.
Whispers began circulating throughout the palace, suggesting that a new noble consort would soon be appointed.
In the West Side Hall, the scent of medicine had yet to dissipate.
Shuixian sat upright on the soft couch, a warm hand warmer pressed against her lower abdomen.
She looked at Xiao Chuanzi standing attentively nearby, her eyes filled with appreciation. “These past few days, thanks to the medicine you secretly prepared, I’ve been able to recover so quickly. Your medical skills are truly remarkable.”
Xiao Chuanzi quickly bowed, his gaze firmer than before. “You flatter me, my lady! This servant… this servant is merely fulfilling his duty. Without your protection, my lady… how would this servant have the opportunity to study these things…”
He was no longer the emaciated young eunuch he once was. Days of nourishment and dedicated study of medical texts had gradually diminished his timid demeanor.
Though Xiao Chuanzi remained slender, his eyes now held a greater calm.
Shuixian’s recent encouragement had been like spring rain, silently nurturing him.
“Studying is a good thing,” Shuixian smiled slightly, winning his loyalty. “Here with me, you will always have that opportunity. The greater your skills, the better it is for both of us.”
She knew well of Xiao Chuanzi’s passion for medicine. As long as she gave him the freedom to study, he would remain fiercely loyal.
Xiao Chuanzi felt a surge of warmth in his heart and was about to kneel in gratitude again when Yinzhu’s somewhat nervous announcement came from outside the hall: “My lady, Xuemei from Consort Yi’s entourage is here.”
Xuemei strode in with her head held high, announcing arrogantly, “This maid pays respects to Lady Shuixian. By Her Highness’s verbal decree, with the New Year’s banquet preparations keeping everyone busy and manpower scarce everywhere, you are requested to proceed immediately to the side hall of Baohua Palace to assist in arranging and taking inventory of the utensils.”
Shuixian sighed. “My health hasn’t fully recovered yet, this abdominal pain…”
“Her Highness said,” Xuemei cut her off coldly before she could finish, “when you were a servant in the Yi residence, you were quick and efficient, never tiring all day long. How is it that now that you’re a mistress, you’ve become so delicate?”
“It’s just light work. If you make excuses and refuse, others might think the people of Changxin Palace are spoiled and arrogant, daring to neglect Her Highness’s orders!”
Her words were laced with sarcasm, both reminding Shuixian of her origins and delivering a blatant insult.
Shuixian’s hand hidden under the brocade quilt tightened slightly, while a fragile expression surfaced on her face. “You exaggerate, Miss Xuemei… I’ll go right away.”
Xuemei snorted coldly and turned to leave.
“My lady!” Yinzhu, standing nearby, looked full of concern. “Your health…”
Shuixian waved her hand. “It’s fine.”
She whispered to Yinzhu, “I’m not afraid of Consort Yi openly tormenting me; what I fear are her underhanded tricks. Today won’t be easy, but you don’t need to come with me. I’ll go alone.”
Yinzhu wanted to persuade her further, but Shuixian insistently waved her off.
Not long after, Shuixian arrived at the side hall of Baohua Palace, where she saw Consort Yi, dressed in resplendent robes, seated imposingly on a temporary throne, overseeing the bustling activity in the hall.
From afar, Consort Yi caught sight of Shuixian entering with unsteady steps, and a satisfied smile curled at the corners of her lips.
“Changzai Shuixian has arrived?” Consort Yi’s voice, neither too loud nor too soft, was just enough for all the busy palace servants to hear.
“Perfect. The imperial kitchen has just delivered several gold-plated serving trays, and I find them somewhat unsatisfactory. Go there at once and carefully inquire with the head eunuch in charge. Ensure they comply with the regulations—we must not disgrace the imperial family.”
The imperial kitchen was located nearly half an Imperial Garden away from Baohua Palace.
Shuixian paused mid-step, the dull ache in her lower abdomen seeming to intensify from the walk.
She lowered her gaze and replied softly, “Yes, I will go immediately.”
After the exhausting trip to the imperial kitchen, she had barely caught her breath upon returning when Consort Yi assigned her another task:
“Changzai Shuixian, your eyesight is sharp. Go and carefully inspect all the bowls, plates, cups, and chopsticks prepared on those dozens of tables over there.”
“Ensure every set is complete, flawless, and properly arranged. If there is the slightest defect, report it immediately for replacement.”
Dozens of tables, hundreds of place settings—this was clearly a tedious and exhausting chore.
Without protest, Shuixian silently walked to the tables and began meticulously checking each item.
Bending down, straightening up, then bending again… The pain in her abdomen grew slightly worse, and she could only rely on sheer willpower to keep going.
Throughout the entire afternoon, Consort Yi kept Shuixian running around under various pretexts.
From verifying gift lists to counting flowers, from inspecting lanterns and candles to running errands and delivering messages—there was not a moment’s rest.
Her face grew increasingly pale, and the cold sweat at her temples kept reappearing no matter how many times she wiped it away.
As the sun set and lamps were lit in the hall, Consort Yi finally spoke as if bestowing a great mercy: “Very well, that will be all for today.”
Shuixian could barely stand steady, feeling increasingly dizzy and faint.
Consort Yi picked up the hot tea offered by a palace maid, blew on it leisurely, and cast a glance at Shuixian’s unsteady figure. Her tone carried a hint of admonishment:
“Changzai has worked hard today. However, I must say, your constitution since becoming a mistress seems far less sturdy and resilient than when you were a servant in the Yi residence.”
“Back then, you could kneel for hours under the scorching sun without uttering a single complaint… You still need more training.”
Nearby palace servants snickered softly, and Consort Yi’s expression grew even more smug.
Watching Shuixian’s pale-faced retreating figure, she thought to herself:
No matter how favored you are, you’re still nothing but Consort Yi’s servant!
Shuixian, oh Shuixian, you will never escape my grasp in this lifetime!
Around the same time, in the Qianqing Palace.
The brightly lit candles illuminated Emperor Zhaoheng’s handsome profile as he worked through the pile of memorials on the Imperial Desk, most of which had already been processed.
Feng Shunxiang entered quietly, holding a vermilion lacquer tray bearing the Green Head Placards. Bowing, he said, “Your Majesty, it is getting late. What would you…?”
Emperor Zhaoheng set down his vermilion brush, his gaze sweeping over the neatly arranged placards on the tray.
Consort Wan, Noble Consort Li, Tuoba Changzai… His fingers slowly passed over them, but he did not see the placard he was looking for.
“Changzai Shuixian,” he asked, “is she still unwell?”
It had been some time since her last attendance, and by all accounts, her monthly courses should have ended by now.
Feng Shunxiang lowered his head further, his voice reverent: “Your Majesty, the servants from Changxin Palace report that Lady Shuixian… remains unwashed.”
He weighed his words carefully, not daring to speak too bluntly, though the meaning was clear.
Emperor Zhaoheng furrowed his brows, the image of Consort Yi’s earnest assurance surfacing unbidden in his mind.
“That girl Shuixian possesses a Constitution of Fertility specially sought by my family, certain to bear fruit for Your Majesty…”
How could she remain without pregnancy after multiple nights of favor?
He picked up the Green Head Placard bearing Consort Yi’s name from the tray. Perhaps he should question Consort Yi directly.
“Summon Consort Yi.”
Feng Shunxiang immediately acknowledged the order and went to relay the command.
Not long after.
Consort Yi entered the bedchamber in meticulous attire, her demeanor flawless.
Compared to her previous fortnightly summons, she hadn’t received imperial favor for quite some time.
With graceful movements, Consort Yi approached from behind Emperor Zhaoheng, her slender jade-like fingers lightly resting on his broad shoulders, kneading with practiced pressure.
“Your Majesty, how is my service?”
Consort Yi chuckled softly, her fingertips deliberately trailing down along his firm muscles with suggestive intent.
Just as her fingers were about to slip into the collar of his sleeping robe, a large hand abruptly seized her wrist!
Consort Yi’s heart leaped, her coquettish smile freezing momentarily.
Emperor Zhaoheng directed her to sit beside him, his voice low calling: “Consort Yi.””
“Your Majesty?” Consort Yi pouted delicately. “Has my service… displeased you?”
“I ask you,” Emperor Zhaoheng released her hand, his gaze penetrating, “It has been considerable time since Shuixian first received favor. You previously vowed she possessed a fertile constitution… Why has there been no sign of pregnancy?”
Shuixian again!
Even during their intimate moments, the Emperor remained fixated on that wretched maid!
The coquettishness drained from Consort Yi’s face, replaced by barely concealed jealousy and resentment.
She drew a deep breath, suppressing her irritation, striving to maintain a gentle tone:
“Your Majesty must understand…” She lowered her eyelids, presenting her prepared excuse.
“My mother did indeed mention Shuixian’s special constitution. However… such blessings are never guaranteed. As the ancient saying goes, heaven’s will is unpredictable… Perhaps Shuixian’s fortune ultimately proves insufficient…”
She sighed, feigning regret on Shuixian’s behalf.
Disappointment clouded Emperor Zhaoheng’s eyes.
Though he remained captivated by Shuixian’s flower-like beauty and cherished her,
The initial high expectations left him with a hollow feeling.
Noticing the Emperor’s disappointment, Consort Yi sneered inwardly.
Shuixian, you’re finished! The Emperor’s greatest expectation of you has been shattered!
Seizing the opportunity, she stepped closer, softening her voice further: “Your Majesty… The imperial lineage forms the foundation of the state, the concern of all subjects. This weighs on me day and night, disturbing my rest and appetite.”
“In my humble opinion, rather than pinning hopes on… uncertain possibilities, would it not be better to secure the succession early to calm the empire?”
Emperor Zhaoheng regarded her coldly: “Oh? What wise counsel do you offer?”
Consort Yi’s heart leaped with hope, believing she had swayed the Emperor: “What of Duan Qinwang Shizi? Your Majesty, Prince Duan shares the same mother as you, connected by blood! The young master displays intelligence and filial piety, and though youthful, already bears imperial bearing!”
“If the heir of Prince Duan could be adopted into Your Majesty’s lineage and established as crown prince, it would firstly fulfill brotherly affection, secondly legitimize the succession with his noble lineage, and thirdly…”
She laid out all her recent calculations, as if already beholding the supreme glory of becoming the foster mother of the future crown prince—or even the Empress Dowager!
Consort Yi completely overlooked the rapidly gathering frost in Emperor Zhaoheng’s eyes!
“Adopt Prince Duan’s heir?” Emperor Zhaoheng interrupted her, his entire being radiating terrifying imperial authority!
“Yi Guichun!”
He addressed her by name, his voice icy cold: “Who gave you the audacity to presume to discuss my succession?! And who gave you the delusion that Prince Duan’s heir… is worthy of inheriting my throne?!”
Consort Yi hurriedly knelt, her expression fearful and uneasy: “Your Majesty, please calm your anger! This subject merely… merely worries about the nation’s foundation with sincere loyalty…”
The Emperor laughed in extreme anger, pointing toward the palace entrance: “Take your filthy schemes elsewhere! My empire, my descendants—these are not yours to meddle with! Get out!”
Consort Yi scrambled away from Qianqing Palace, with Xuemei closely following behind. Only when they reached a secluded spot did a faint smile emerge on her face.
Today’s incident of being expelled from Qianqing Palace would certainly reach the ears of the Empress Dowager.
This was her demonstration of loyalty to the Empress Dowager—this way, she could significantly increase the likelihood of personally raising Prince Duan’s heir after the adoption.
When that time came, the position of Empress would be within her effortless reach!