Entering the palace means entering a high position; I'm His Majesty's cousin, who am I afr

"So that's how it is."

No wonder Consort Hui embarrassed the Empress in public; it turns out it was a drama of sisters turning against each other.

The first day of paying respects was so exciting, and I also learned about such an old story.

The waters in the palace are truly deep.

The established figures are deeply entrenched and rife with hidden scheming, while new talents are also eager to make their mark.

Shen Jiayu felt that the days to come would become even more interesting.

*

The moon rises above the branches.

Cining Palace.

After Empress Dowager Shen finished reciting the Buddhist scriptures, she chatted with Granny Li. "I sent messages in secret several times before, saying that Ayu was naughty and spoiled, and asked me to take better care of her. But now I see that Ayu is doing very well, not at all as troublesome as he said."

Granny Li poured her a cup of tea: "Yesterday, the Empress Dowager was worried after seeing the Duke's letter, so she sent me to inquire about it. But who knew that our people couldn't get any more information from Yihua Palace, only some perfunctory answers. In such a short time, Consort Gui has developed such skill in managing her subordinates, which shows her shrewdness. I suppose what the Duke meant by spoiled is just that she likes to throw little tantrums in ordinary times. But on important matters, Consort Gui has her own ideas and is a very decisive person."

Empress Dowager Shen took it and sipped it: "That's what I think too. Moreover, I think it's a good thing that Ayu has a bit of a temper. She's lively and vivid, much better than those boring and dull wooden beauties."

"Indeed," Li Mama chimed in with a smile. "Not only is the Noble Consort decisive in handling matters, but she is also extremely filial to the Empress Dowager. Hearing that the Empress Dowager was going to take refuge in seclusion, she insisted on accompanying her. Such a sentiment is truly rare."

Empress Dowager Shen put down her teacup and smiled gently. "My daughter is so thoughtful. Before, I only had one son, the Emperor. As you know, the Emperor is cold-hearted. He would come and talk to me for less than ten words before running out of things to say. Mother and son would just sit there in silence, wasting time. I always sent him away early. But after seeing Ayu today, I realized how thoughtful my daughter is. I love her so much that I can't bear to send her away."

Granny Li said with a smile, "His Majesty will be jealous if he hears this."

Empress Dowager Shen quickly waved her hand: "Let him eat. I only care about Ayu's future now."

Just as Granny Li was about to reply with a smile, Chu He, a female official who had served her for many years, said, "The Noble Consort entered the palace as a third-rank official, only one step away from the principal position. Why should Her Majesty the Empress Dowager worry about the Noble Consort's future? She will surely be favored and promoted to the rank of Imperial Consort in the future, enjoying endless glory."

Chu He originally meant to say something auspicious and pleasant to please the Empress Dowager.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Shen's smile gradually faded. She placed the Buddhist prayer beads in her hand on the small table beside her, slowly rose, and said, "I am tired. Please settle down."

Chuhe didn't understand what she had said wrong, but she knew the Empress Dowager was unhappy.

Her face turned deathly pale instantly, and she stood there at a loss for what to do.

Granny Li sternly scolded, "Get out of here."

After seeing Chuhe off, Granny Li helped Empress Dowager Shen into her bedchamber, helped her undress and wash, and served her until she was ready to rest.

Only then did they slowly retreat from the main hall.

As soon as I came out, I saw Chuhe standing under the eaves with red eyes and a look of panic on her face.

Having served in the palace for many years, Granny Li sighed and said coldly, "Come with me."

The two found a quiet spot to stand.

Chu He could no longer hold back and asked tearfully, "Granny, is there something I said wrong about Her Majesty the Empress Dowager's behavior?"

Granny Li said, "Of course you misspoke."

A hint of confusion flashed across Chu He's eyes. "Granny, I don't understand. I clearly praised Consort Gui just now. What was inappropriate about it?"

Granny Li said in a deep voice, "Think carefully, what did you praise about Consort Gui?"

Chu He tried hard to recall: "Gained favor...became a concubine..."

What's wrong with that statement?

She still didn't understand.

Granny Li became serious and slowly said, "The rank of Consort is only a second-grade official. To put it nicely, she's an Imperial Consort, but in reality, she's just an ordinary concubine in the imperial family. If Consort Gui had stopped there, the Empress Dowager wouldn't have let her enter the palace long ago. Instead, she would have given her a prestigious position, marrying her off to a noble family, a talented and virtuous man, to become a respectable wife. Since Consort Gui has entered the palace, and she's intelligent and insightful, her desires are naturally more than that! Think about it now, were you wrong with what you just said? Do you think the Empress Dowager would be happy to hear that?"

After hearing these words, Chuhe suddenly realized what a stupid thing she had just said.

Her breathing quickened slightly: "So, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager wishes to elevate Consort Gui to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort..."

Observing Li Mama's expression, she hesitated for a moment, then carefully changed her words, "To ascend to the position of... Vice Empress?"

Granny Li paused for a moment, neither denying nor confirming, but simply lowered her voice slightly: "Just keep it to yourself; there's no need to say it aloud. Think before you act and speak in the future, understand?"

Chuhe nodded repeatedly: "I understand, Granny."

Granny Li turned around and said indifferently, "Alright, it's late, go to sleep. Tomorrow I'll serve the Empress Dowager, you just need to take good care of Consort Gui."

*

From this day forward.

After paying her respects each day, Shen Jiayu would come to Cining Palace to accompany the Empress Dowager in her quiet contemplation.

After breakfast, she would accompany the Empress Dowager to the small Buddhist hall to chant scriptures and pray for blessings. In the afternoon, she would either burn incense and sit quietly, or listen to the royal abbot preach.

Ten days passed in this quiet and peaceful manner.

During this period, the emperor never set foot in the inner palace, seemingly forgetting both the old and new concubines there.

Until the eleventh day.

News has spread that the female officials of the Imperial Bedchamber Bureau are already waiting outside the Xuanzheng Hall.

This means they are about to summon the imperial concubines.

The entire palace was waiting to see who would be chosen to serve the emperor tonight, but in truth, all the concubines knew the answer in their hearts.

Who else could it be?

It's just that one.

They are first cousins, blood relatives, no one else can compare.

But I can't help but hope, what if?

What if I'm the exception?

As darkness fell.

The concubines grew increasingly anxious.

*

at this time.

Xuanzheng Hall.

Silence reigns both inside and outside.

A female official from the Imperial Bedchamber Bureau brought the booklet into the hall, and Rongbing said, "Please, Your Majesty, have the pleasure of visiting me."

The booklet was presented.

Pei Yan's face was expressionless. He glanced down and, with his long, slender hand holding a vermilion jade pen, circled a name.

The female official of the Imperial Bedchamber looked at it and immediately looked at Qing'an with a troubled expression.

Qing'an bowed slightly: "Your Majesty, it seems that Consort Gui is not very available these days."

Pei Yan assumed she had started her period, so he said in a deep voice, "Let's bring her over when she's better."

"..." Qing'an knew he had misunderstood, so he quickly explained, "For quite some time to come, I'm afraid the Noble Consort will not be able to serve the Emperor."

That's a strange statement.

Pei Yan tilted his head slightly, his eyes filled with inquiry: "What?"

Qing'an said, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager needs to spend two months in Buddhist rites due to celestial phenomena. She will be in seclusion and lonely. Consort Gui, not wanting Her Majesty to be alone, has volunteered to keep her company. Therefore, she will probably be unable to serve the Emperor during these two months."

Pei Yan's expression remained unreadable after hearing this.

He slowly turned the dark black thumb ring between his fingers.

After a long while, he stopped moving: "Go and issue an imperial decree that I will visit Consort Shen in the inner palace tonight."