After Consort Xian (Xie) had taken her seat, Empress Cui continued speaking, “Consort Shu (Jiang), although I cannot grant you the position of Guifei, I have secured something else for you.”
Consort Shu (Jiang) was both flattered and overwhelmed, “Your Majesty has troubled yourself on my behalf. I don’t deserve this.”
“There’s nothing you don’t deserve.” Empress Cui didn’t keep her in suspense and stated directly, “The affairs of the Six Palaces are numerous, and I inevitably overlook some matters. After you give birth and complete your postpartum confinement, you shall assist in managing the Six Palaces together with Consort Xian.”
Although assisting in managing the Six Palaces couldn’t compare to a promotion in rank, it wasn’t far off.
After all, it was genuine power.
Consort Shu (Jiang) was naturally delighted and quickly rose to express her gratitude, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
This news came as a pleasant surprise to Consort Xian (Xie). Who would have thought that the reward for Consort Shu (Jiang) would include her as well?
She shed her usual cold demeanor and smiled sincerely, “I will certainly live up to Your Majesty’s trust.”
“Very well, you may all rise.”
Consort Shu (Jiang)’s recent prominence had made several other imperial concubines extremely envious, wishing they were the ones pregnant.
They were all contemplating ways to win the Emperor’s favor.
Suddenly, Lin Zhaorong spoke up, “Speaking of which, Consort Shu has only been pregnant for three months. It will be seven more months until delivery, and with the postpartum confinement, it will be at least eight months before she can assist in managing the Six Palaces. The thought of Your Majesty having to handle palace affairs alone for so long pains me. Why not let me share some of Your Majesty’s burden?”
The concubines were astonished.
Was Lin Zhaorong offering herself, trying to get a share of the power?
This was too direct.
Wasn’t she afraid of offending Consort Xian and Consort Shu?
Pei Tingyue watched Lin Zhaorong as she spoke, feeling that things weren’t so simple.
Lin Zhaorong was an intelligent woman—how could she do something so foolish?
After Lin Zhaorong finished speaking, Consort Xian’s good mood vanished. Her face showed clear displeasure, “Lin Zhaorong, what do you mean by this?”
Consort Shu remained silent.
Lin Zhaorong looked somewhat confused, as if she didn’t understand why Consort Xian’s attitude was so poor. She glanced around the hall, seeing everyone watching her, pondered for a moment, and then suddenly showed an expression of realization.
“Sister Consort Xian, you’ve misunderstood!” Lin Zhaorong hurriedly clarified, offering an apologetic smile. “It was my fault for not making myself clear.”
She quickly explained, “Because new consorts are entering the palace, some halls need renovation. The residences for the two new consorts are right next to my Yongfu Palace. I thought that since Your Majesty inspects the sites daily, it might be inconvenient. Why not let me keep an eye on things?”
“I didn’t expect to cause misunderstandings among my sisters.”
With this explanation, the concubines understood—she hadn’t been trying to share power.
But new doubts arose in their minds.
Supervising palace renovations was a dirty and exhausting task that others would avoid if they could. Yet Lin Zhaorong was volunteering for it.
What was her motive?
The concubines began speculating among themselves.
From the seat of honor, Consort Xian snorted coldly, though her tone softened considerably, “Next time, make yourself clear.”
“Yes.” Lin Zhaorong looked somewhat embarrassed and turned to the main seat, “What does Your Majesty think?”
Empress Cui frowned slightly, “That’s thoughtful of you, Lin Zhaorong, but this task is too arduous. I fear your health might not withstand it.”
Lin Zhaorong shook her head, “I’ll be fine.”
Since she insisted, Empress Cui naturally granted her request, “If you find it too difficult, come and tell me.”
Delight shone in Lin Zhaorong’s beautiful eyes, “Thank you, Your Majesty!”
With no other important matters, this morning audience soon concluded.
As April arrived, the weather gradually grew warmer.
All palaces bustled with activity – removing winter warm curtains and charcoal basins, replacing bedding with lightweight brocade, and preparing to tailor spring garments.
Only Yongfu Palace remained utterly silent and still.
Lin Zhaorong, the principal consort of Yongfu Palace, was currently supervising renovation work in the adjacent palace quarters.
This task proved truly arduous.
Wood chips and dust filled the air.
Thoroughly reducing the usually elegant Lin Zhaorong to a disheveled state.
Her natural seven-tenths beauty now dimmed by three-tenths.
Seeing her coughing incessantly, her trusted maid Xiuping hurriedly shielded her and led her to a cleaner spot, then bent to dust off her clothes.
“Your Highness has been here too long. Should you return to rest?”
Lin Zhaorong covered her mouth as she coughed for a long while before the itch in her throat gradually subsided. “No, I must oversee this personally.”
“Your Highness, why torment yourself like this?”
Lin Zhaorong tucked stray hairs behind her ear, her eyes flashing with determination. “I declared I would supervise for the Empress, so I shall perform this duty impeccably!”
Xiuping knew persuasion was futile and ceased her efforts.
She could only sigh repeatedly.
After composing herself, Lin Zhaorong gazed at the renovation site. “Have all our palace staff arrived?”
“Everyone is here.” Xiuping voiced her concealed concern, “Your Highness, palace renovation is rough labor. Many among our staff have been complaining.”
Lin Zhaorong understood perfectly.
After all, the Yongfu Palace maids and eunuchs typically enjoyed light duties. Being assigned such dirty, exhausting work inevitably bred discontent.
After brief contemplation, she declared, “After this busy period, reward them with three months’ extra monthly stipend as consolation.”
“As you wish.”
“By the way, Yuqi should finish his studies soon?” Lin Zhaorong estimated the time by observing the sky. “Fetch him later. Upon his return, have him write twenty pages of large characters to be presented to the Empress at Fenghua Palace.”
“Your Highness…” Xiuping hesitated before mustering courage, “This servant noticed yesterday that the Eldest Prince’s wrist was swollen. Perhaps grant him a day’s respite?”
“Absolutely not!” Lin Zhaorong’s heart clenched painfully. She closed her eyes briefly, lowering her voice. “Do you think I desire this? I have no alternative!”
The Crown Prince position follows primogeniture or legitimate birth.
Her Yuqi, being the eldest son, had no choice about competing for the throne.
Countless people viewed them as thorns in their flesh, eager to eliminate them!
Her maternal family held little influence – her father merely a minor fifth-rank official in the capital, offering meager support for her son. Moreover, her imperial favor had long faded!
With no backing in court or the Imperial Harem.
Only one path remained for them.
To align with Empress Cui!
If… if the Empress remained childless, and they could win her favor, perhaps Yuqi might even become her adopted son!
Therefore, she must diligently share the Empress’s burdens, and Yuqi must demonstrate his worth!
Bitter anguish filling her heart, Lin Zhaorong stood motionless for a long moment before urging Xiuping, “Go now. Tell Yuqi not to cry or fuss. When he finishes writing, our work here should conclude. I shall return to apply medicine to his wrist personally.”
Xiuping accepted the order and departed.
Once her figure vanished from sight, Lin Zhaorong covered her nose and mouth with a handkerchief, reentering the dust-filled renovation site.