That Imperial Concubine is both wicked and cunning! Your Majesty, wake up!

December of the fifth year of the Xihe era.

The Ministers of Revenue and Rites requested a report on the selection of imperial concubines. The Minister of Revenue bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the imperial concubine selection ceremony is approaching next March. All ministries need to select a list of candidates in advance. We request Your Majesty to decide on the relevant regulations."

Xiao Yan took the memorial but did not open it; he simply placed it casually on the side of his desk.

"This winter has been bitterly cold, and snow disasters have been reported one after another in the Guanzhong region. Most of the national treasury's silver has already been allocated to disaster relief, and money and manpower are needed everywhere. The selection of imperial concubines involves a wide range of issues, and the people's livelihood is the priority at present, so this matter should be postponed. To hold a selection of imperial concubines at this time would not only violate the virtue of Heaven's benevolence towards life, but also hurt the people's hearts."

The Minister of Revenue paused slightly, then turned and exchanged a glance with the Minister of Rites beside him.

The Minister of Rites cleared his throat, stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty is wise. However, the selection of imperial concubines is a grand ceremony of the state, concerning the continuation of the imperial family and the stability of the court. I believe that the scale can be reduced, and only a simplified ceremony for selecting imperial concubines can be held. This will neither violate ancestral rules nor deplete the national treasury. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan gave a cold laugh.

"Ancestral rules? Ancestral rules also include the saying 'the people are the foundation of the state.' Times have changed. Disaster victims are displaced and homeless. Instead of thinking about how to relieve the people's suffering, you are obsessed with the empty title of selecting officials?"

The Minister of Rites and the Minister of Revenue both knelt down, their inner robes instantly soaked with cold sweat.

In the autumn, they had discussed the preparations for the imperial concubine selection with the emperor, but the emperor postponed it on the grounds that the empress was unwell.

At that time, the national treasury was still full and the snow disaster had not yet occurred. Now that the old story has been brought up again, it makes it seem as if they have no regard for the people's suffering.

Just as the two were in turmoil, the Emperor's cold voice rang out again:

"Furthermore, the Empress Dowager's mourning period is at least three years, so the matter of selecting concubines must wait until after the three-year period has passed."

"Three...three years...?" The Minister of Revenue looked up in astonishment.

Is the triennial draft system really going to be shelved like this?

What weighed heavily on their minds was that the Emperor was clearly using the disaster as an excuse to postpone or even cancel the imperial concubine selection.

Everyone in the imperial court and harem knows that the Emperor's eyes and heart are now only for the Imperial Noble Consort.

After the birth of the fourth prince, the emperor made an exception and promoted her to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort, and even put her in charge of the six palaces, a position of honor that no one could match.

Their concern is not about the draft itself.

But...

In short, today's remonstrance has completely hit a brick wall, leaving no room for maneuver.

"Get up," Xiao Yan glanced at them, his voice exceptionally clear in the silent hall, "From now on, focus more on important matters and worry less about these unimportant things."

After the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Rites withdrew, Xiao Yan leaned back on the dragon throne, his slender fingers twirling the mutton-fat jade thumb ring on his fingertip.

He never intended to participate in any more talent shows.

However, this matter cannot be rushed.

The court officials were focused on ancestral rules, and the imperial family members were concerned about the continuation of their lineage. He had to proceed step by step and plan gradually.

His hand holding the jade thumb ring paused slightly, and a soft light flashed in his eyes.

He wanted Ningning to stand safely by his side, without any worries, and to give her the confidence to feel secure.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The twelfth lunar month is also Yu Tuotuo's first birthday.

Yu Tuotuo was a chubby little boy with a tiger-like face and a budding intelligence. At eight months old, he could already babble "Mother" and "Father". Although his pronunciation was unclear, it was still audible.

On the day of his first birthday celebration, Song Shuangning specially dressed him in a bright red brocade jacket, which was made by his aunt.

The tiger-head shoes she was wearing were hand-sewn by her grandmother.

But Yu Tuotuo was too restless and extremely uneasy when changing clothes. Song Shuangning spent a lot of effort to finally dress the little darling up properly.

She was about to carry him to the front yard when Xiao Yan strode into the hall.

Without a word, he picked up the little guy and turned to Song Shuangning beside him, a smile playing on his lips: "This chubby boy is quite heavy, I'm afraid you can't carry him."

Song Shuangning smiled and said, "I really can't carry you."

The people in the front yard who witnessed this scene instantly fell silent.

The emperor personally carried the prince to the banquet, a gesture that was unique in the entire harem.

Everyone secretly sighed, "Indeed, a son's status rises with his mother's."

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects to Your Majesty and to the Imperial Noble Consort." Everyone bowed in unison.

After Xiao Yan called out, he placed the jade ball on the long table covered with a red velvet carpet.

The table was filled with a dazzling array of exquisite objects, which were used for the first birthday celebration, the traditional "grasping ceremony."

Yu Tuotuo blinked her round eyes, curiously examining the things on the table.

"Heng'er, go and choose one you like," Xiao Yan said gently.

Yu Tuotuo immediately perked up and began to crawl forward, huffing and puffing.

He first grabbed a calligraphy brush with a mutton-fat jade handle, played with it in his hand for a while, and then put it down. He then grabbed a small tiger doll, put it to his mouth, and took a couple of bites.

Finally, he gathered a wooden sword into his bosom, clutching it tightly and refusing to let go.

"Is the Fourth Prince going to become a great general guarding the four directions?" a courtier joked with a smile.

The crowd joined in the laughter, making the atmosphere in the hall even more lively.

Yu Tuotuo seemed to understand, nodding her little head in response.

"This humble woman, Liu Yunxi, congratulates the Fourth Prince on his first birthday. The Fourth Prince is truly adorable." Liu Yunxi, daughter of the Minister of Revenue, said with a smile as she looked at Xiao Yan.

Song Shuangning suppressed her smile and glanced at her almost imperceptibly.

Xiao Yan ignored him and instead pinched his son's soft cheek, laughing, "You brat, being a great general requires a lot of hard work. With your chubby appearance, you probably can't even climb a horse."

Liu Yunxi's smile vanished instantly, leaving her embarrassed and at a loss for what to do.

The first birthday ceremony (Zhuazhou) is complete.

Song Shuangning then carried Yu Tuotuo to the plum garden.

Plum blossoms are budding in the garden, their subtle fragrance wafting through the air. Silver charcoal burns in the warm pavilion, creating a cozy atmosphere, perfect for sitting and relaxing with Yu Tuotuo in your arms.

Tinglu leaned closer to Song Shuangning and whispered, "Your Highness, Liu Yunxi was sent by her father, the Minister of Revenue, to deliver the Fourth Prince's first birthday gift. I heard that if the imperial concubine selection is held as scheduled next year, she will definitely be selected to enter the palace."

Song Shuangning smiled faintly and continued to tease her son in her arms.

"Mother Ash~ Cake~" Yu Tuotuo stared at the pastries on the table, drooling with envy, pointing with her little finger and shouting incessantly.

Song Shuangning ordered the pastries to be taken away, and said helplessly, "Son, I heard from your mother that you really should eat less."

Yu Tuotuo couldn't understand, but when she saw her favorite cake being taken away, she didn't cry or make a fuss, just stared longingly at it.

Tinglu added, "I heard that Miss Liu wanted to run into the Emperor in the Imperial Garden, so she wandered around the plum grove for a long time."

Song Shuangning said, "Please bring Miss Liu over to sit down."

She added casually, "The snow has melted quite a bit today, and the stone path is slippery, lest the distinguished guest slip and fall."

Then, she whispered to the chubby little boy in her arms, "Tuotuo, if your mother tells you to cry later, then cry, okay? When we get back, your mother will give you some cake."

Cake!

Yu Tuotuo tilted her little head and thought for a moment, then immediately pouted and made a whimpering, fake crying sound.

Song Shuangning kissed her son's chubby cheek with delight: "Yes, yes, that's it. Tuotuo is so smart."

Tinglu brought Liu Yunxi along as instructed. The snow on the road had melted, and a thin layer of ice had formed on the stone path.

Liu Yunxi had only taken two steps when she slipped. Although she didn't fall, she stumbled and fell to the side of the plum tree. Her cloak was soaked with snow water, and one of the pearl flowers in her hair had fallen off. She looked quite disheveled.

Tinglu feigned concern as she helped her up, asking, "Miss Liu, are you alright?"

"I...I'm fine."

Liu Yunxi forced herself to maintain her composure and followed Tinglu to sit down in the pavilion, chatting with Song Shuangning for a while.

Song Shuangning called Tinglu to serve tea and also instructed her to bring some exquisite pastries.

However, what was served was a plate of cold mung bean cakes.

Liu Yunxi forced a smile, but inwardly she thought to herself, "Mung bean cake is cold in nature, and who eats cold cake in winter?"

However, due to her status, she dared not say it outright.

"It seems Miss Liu is not used to the palace snacks. I did not consider this carefully," Song Shuangning said calmly.

Liu Yunxi quickly waved her hand: "No, no, no, I can eat it."

She gritted her teeth, picked up a piece, and slowly swallowed it.

A moment later, her gaze fell on the little jade-like boy in Song Shuangning's arms, and she said softly, "The Fourth Prince is so adorable, like a porcelain doll. May I hold the Fourth Prince?"

"Of course," Song Shuangning nodded.

Liu Yunxi was secretly delighted. If she could win the favor of the Imperial Noble Consort and build a good relationship with her, it would be a good thing.

Just as she reached out to hug her, Yu Tuotuo suddenly burst into loud sobs, attracting the attention of the surrounding palace servants.

Liu Yunxi froze on the spot, at a loss for words: "I...this humble woman..."

Song Shuangning's face turned cold. She picked up her son and said, "Perhaps Heng'er is shy with strangers. I'll take him back first."

As Liu Yunxi watched the Imperial Noble Consort turn and leave, surrounded by palace servants, she felt utterly humiliated.

As soon as I reached the covered walkway, I overheard two young palace maids sweeping the corridor whispering, "I heard that His Majesty is going to the Plum Blossom Pavilion in the West Courtyard, where the red plum blossoms are in full bloom."

Liu Yunxi's heart stirred, and she quietly went around to the plum blossom pavilion to wait.

They waited for half a day, until the sun set, but the emperor was nowhere to be seen.

She couldn't hold back any longer, covered her face, and returned home looking aggrieved.

After returning to the mansion, Liu Yunxi buried her face in Minister Liu's arms and cried her heart out.

She exaggerated her hardships and struggles in the palace, and every word she uttered was aimed at Song Shuangning in her tearful complaint.

How the Imperial Noble Consort deliberately made things difficult for and mistreated the daughters of court officials.

Minister Liu already harbored resentment towards Song Shuangning because of the Emperor's postponement of the imperial concubine selection. Now, upon hearing that his beloved daughter had suffered such "injustice," he was even more furious.

He contacted several close colleagues overnight and wrote a memorial detailing Song Shuangning's "crimes" of abusing her favor, interfering in the inner palace, and bullying female officials, vowing to seek justice for his daughter.

But he still wasn't satisfied, so he secretly sent people to investigate Song Shuangning.

This investigation led him to uncover two old incidents based on mere speculation: first, Rong Lian's death seemed to be related to Song Shuangning; second, the sudden decline of Song Shuangning's maternal family, the Song family, hinted at the involvement of the Marquis of Zhenbei.

Minister Liu included these unfounded rumors in his impeachment memorial.

The next morning at court, Minister Liu was the first to step forward and present his memorial with a passionate speech.

All the officials held their breath, waiting for the emperor's decision.

To everyone's surprise, Xiao Yan took the memorial, glanced at it casually, and then let out a very soft, cold laugh.

With a wave of his hand, the lengthy pamphlet was tossed onto the imperial desk, its pages fluttering in the air, and the entire hall fell silent.

Before Minister Liu could defend himself, Xiao Yan's face darkened. "Minister Liu, you have failed in your duty to raise your daughter! You have allowed her to enter the palace under the guise of celebrating a birthday, where she has been scheming and spreading rumors in the harem! The Fourth Prince is still an infant, an innocent child, yet she insisted on disturbing him, causing him to cry incessantly. She has shown absolutely no manners befitting a lady of a noble family. As his father, you have done nothing to discipline him!"

He snorted coldly, his gaze sweeping over the silent officials below the steps: "I had hoped that you, holding the position of Minister of Revenue, would be concerned with the people's livelihood, but I never expected you to be so preoccupied with crooked paths, even raising your own daughter to such a state. It is clear that your daily conduct is far from prudent! Effective immediately, you are hereby deducted three months' salary, dismissed from your post as Minister of Revenue, and transferred to the Court of State Ceremonial to reflect on your mistakes and properly discipline your children!"

Upon seeing this, all the civil and military officials in the court fell silent, as if trembling with fear.

The Emperor's words only rebuked Minister Liu for failing to properly educate his daughter and for fabricating charges, but he made no mention of the rumors about Rong Lian's death and the downfall of the Song family mentioned in the memorial.

This deliberate silence carries more weight than any words.

The courtiers understood immediately, exchanging knowing glances.

The Emperor's attitude clearly shows that he is protecting the Imperial Noble Consort, but he is unwilling to bring up the past.

Only then did they belatedly realize that this seemingly gentle imperial concubine was far from being as simple as she appeared.

She was able to maintain her favor with the emperor and manage the six palaces, and the emperor was willing to refute the court officials on her behalf. There must be some methods and confidence behind her that others could not understand.

Immediately, the government and the public were abuzz with discussion.

Even during court sessions, some officials still risked their lives to offer their advice.

After the court session, some colleagues surrounded her and tried to persuade her, all claiming it was "for the sake of the country" and listing the "wrongdoings" of the Imperial Noble Consort.

They insisted on persuading Xiao Yan to repent.