Someone asked, “Which manors do these two young ladies come from?”
Consort Xian (Xie) swept a glance across the hall before leisurely replying, “One of the young ladies is from Ding’an Viscount Manor. She is the biological niece of the Empress Dowager and, by seniority, should address our Emperor as cousin.”
“The other young lady comes from an even more illustrious background—she is the eldest daughter of Li Duke Manor. The late Emperor’s first wife, Empress Li, who is also our Emperor’s adoptive mother, also came from this manor.”
The hall filled with sharp intakes of breath.
The imperial concubines understood that these two young ladies, who had entered the palace through special means bypassing the selection process, must have significant backing—but they hadn’t expected their backgrounds to be this formidable.
This wasn’t merely about prestigious lineage; it meant they either shared personal connections with the Emperor or blood relations with him.
As long as they didn’t cause trouble, they would undoubtedly secure high positions eventually.
No. Perhaps they would enter the palace directly with high ranks.
At this thought, the imperial concubines felt a complex mix of emotions—both envy and jealousy.
What they had painstakingly pursued would be effortlessly obtained by these two young ladies. How could they possibly remain balanced?
Despite their discomfort, none showed it outwardly. Instead, each wore a smile.
“Empress, when will these two young ladies enter the palace?”
“The Empress Dowager said that early June marks the Emperor’s birthday. On that day, after the two young ladies perform their arts, they will be considered to have joined the Imperial Harem.”
“That leaves about two months. The tasks of renovating palaces and preparing for new imperial concubines will once again trouble the Empress.”
…
The hall grew lively again.
Pei Tingyue didn’t join in. Her eyes held a contemplative look.
The beautiful young lady who had blocked her path earlier was likely one of the new imperial concubines to enter the palace.
She just didn’t know which one.
Recalling the woman’s earlier arrogance and domineering attitude, Pei Tingyue felt a headache coming on.
It wasn’t that she was afraid.
But such people—foolish yet well-connected—if they deliberately targeted and troubled her, it might be difficult to crush them in one move.
A sharp glint flashed in Pei Tingyue’s eyes.
If soldiers come, we’ll block them; if water comes, we’ll dam it. If they wanted to make trouble for her, she would be waiting!
If one attempt couldn’t crush them, then she’d try twice. If twice wasn’t enough, she’d double her efforts!
Meanwhile, in the hall, the imperial concubines engaged in banter, lightening the atmosphere considerably.
Lin Zhaorong also spoke a few words. Smiling, she asked, “Your Majesty mentioned there were two pieces of good news earlier. We’ve only heard one—why is the Empress keeping the other good news hidden from us?”
All the imperial concubines looked toward the main seat. Pei Tingyue collected her thoughts and also looked over.
“This is even greater good news.” Empress Cui’s smile deepened as she said, “Consort Shu just sent word that she is three months pregnant.”
Like a thunderclap from a clear sky.
This news shocked the imperial concubines once more.
Almost all eyes in the hall fell upon Jiang Shu’s abdomen.
Lin Zhaorong was the first to regain her composure. She glanced around the hall and, except for Consort Xian (Xie), all the imperial concubines understood and rose to their feet. Together, they bowed to Consort Shu (Jiang).
“Congratulations to Consort Shu on your pregnancy.”
Consort Shu (Jiang) hurriedly said, “Sisters need not be so formal. Please rise quickly.”
A few quick-witted ones added some auspicious words before everyone returned to their seats.
Consort Xian (Xie) remained steadily seated. As she and Consort Shu (Jiang) both held the rank of second-grade consort, she didn’t need to stand, but congratulations were still necessary: “Consort Shu is most fortunate.”
Consort Shu (Jiang) gently stroked her abdomen, speaking modestly, “If I could have but half of Elder Sister Consort Xian’s fortune, it would be enough. Yuchuan is intelligent and filial. If the child in my womb could possess even a fraction of his qualities, I would be utterly content.”
Yuchuan was the prince born to Consort Xian (Xie).
Though her son was being praised, Consort Xian showed little joy, responding with a few hollow words and a strained smile.
After the imperial concubines offered their congratulations, Empress Cui on the Phoenix Throne spoke in a gentle tone, “Our Emperor has few heirs. Since ascending the throne, he has only had the Eldest Prince born of Lin Zhaorong and the Second Prince born of Consort Xian. Consort Shu’s child has come at just the right time.”
Consort Shu (Jiang) caressed her abdomen, a soft smile gracing her delicate features. “I have served His Majesty for many years without conceiving a child and had slowly resigned myself to being childless. Who would have thought this child would come so suddenly? It left me quite flustered for a while.”
“It’s normal to be nervous during your first pregnancy,” Empress Cui reassured her. “I have already instructed the imperial physician you frequently summon. From now on, he will be at your disposal exclusively. If you feel unwell, do not endure it in silence.”
Consort Shu smiled in response, “Thank you for your concern, Empress.”
The Empress nodded, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes as if recalling something. After a pause, she said, “You have served His Majesty for many years and are now with child, making you deserving of merit. In principle, a promotion in rank would not be unwarranted.”
A promotion in rank—above the Second-Rank Consorts of Virtue, Integrity, Propriety, and Benevolence lies the First-Rank Consort. The palace already had one Guifei, with one position still vacant.
If this vacancy were filled, the highest possible promotion for the others would be the Second-Rank Consort position.
Empress Cui’s words once again stirred unease among the imperial concubines.
Pei Tingyue discreetly observed the reactions of the consorts.
Consort Xian (Xie) tensed briefly before regaining her composure.
Lin Zhaorong showed little reaction, but among the remaining consorts from the Donggong days, a few looked displeased.
Pei Tingyue quickly understood.
These consorts held high ranks and were the most senior. They had once dared to hope for the First-Rank position, however unlikely—at least they could dream.
If Consort Shu (Jiang) were to become Guifei, that position would be forever beyond their reach, not even a distant hope.
The consorts who had entered the palace through the same selection as Pei Tingyue showed little reaction. For now, they barely dared to aspire to becoming the mistress of a palace; the rank of Guifei was far too distant.
Empress Cui seemed oblivious to the undercurrents in the hall. After a long silence, she spoke slowly, “However, regarding the one in Yaohua Palace—whether she is Consort Liang or Guifei, even I am uncertain. If she is Consort Liang, I could still promote you. But if she is Guifei, then I fear there is nothing I can do.”
Before Consort Shu could respond, Consort Xian interjected, “Without the formal investiture ceremony, Consort Liang remains Consort Liang and cannot be considered Guifei.”
She cast a glance at Consort Shu across from her. “I fear His Majesty favors her so much that even without the ceremony, he acknowledges her as Guifei! Otherwise, I would not be sitting here—I should be in the seat of honor!”
Consort Shu lowered her gaze and shook her head. “I dare not aspire to the position of Guifei.”
Empress Cui rubbed her temples with a sigh. “What her exact rank is, it seems I must go to Chengming Hall to clarify. Very well, you may all take your leave.”
On her way back to the palace, Pei Tingyue’s expression was grave.
The earlier conversation replayed in her mind.
In the time since she had transmigrated, this was the first time Pei Tingyue had heard the imperial consorts mention the female lead, Consort Liang (Shen).
Though brief, their words left her astonished.
Consorts of the same rank, like Consort Xian and Consort Shu, dared not show the slightest edge against her.
And then there was the emperor’s extreme favoritism.
What immense imperial favor this was!
No wonder she had lost her child—to the other consorts, she was far too great a threat!