The day of receiving the imperial decree was bright and sunny. The one tasked with delivering the decree to Song Yunzhao was a familiar face—Zhang Maoquan.
At the same time, heading to Huayang Palace was Xu Sixi, Zhang Maoquan’s counterpart. These two, after Meng Jiuchang, held the highest positions among the imperial eunuchs.
Song Yunzhao barely paid attention to the elegant couplets in the decree or the Emperor’s formulaic praise of her wit and intelligence, which were insincere compliments. Her eyes were fixed on the small Noble Concubine seal.
Though small in size, it carried significant weight. It represented the foundation of her position in the palace and the formal acknowledgment of her status.
Zhang Maoquan rolled up the decree and stepped forward, handing it to Song Yunzhao as she stood up. “Congratulations, Noble Concubine Song.”
“Thank you, Chief Zhang, for your hard work.” Song Yunzhao smiled warmly, glancing at Xiang Xue.
Xiang Xue quickly stepped forward with a prepared purse, slipping it into Zhang Maoquan’s hand. “Thank you for making the trip, Chief Zhang. Please accept this for some tea—it’s just a small token, so we hope you won’t refuse.”
Zhang Maoquan didn’t decline, and he expressed his gratitude. Courtesies like this ensured lasting relationships. By accepting the gift, Noble Concubine Song could deal with him more easily in the future. These kinds of exchanges were customary in the palace—moments of celebration called for such gestures.
“Thank you for the reward, Noble Concubine,” Zhang Maoquan said with a smile, bowing politely.
“Anshun, please escort Manager Zhang out,” Song Yunzhao said with a cheerful demeanor.
Zhang Maoquan was momentarily taken aback. He had expected Noble Concubine Song to ask about her turn to serve the Emperor, but she said nothing. Since she didn’t bring it up, he refrained from doing so either. He simply took his leave, as he still had other decrees to deliver.
Once Zhang Maoquan departed, Song Yunzhao brought out silver to reward everyone in Wangyou Palace. The festive atmosphere spread throughout the residence.
Yu Momo, brimming with happiness, allowed Xiang Xue and the others to get on with their tasks. Finally, with some time to herself, she said, “Mistress, should I go find out about tonight…?”
Song Yunzhao shook her head, cutting her off. “Momo, there’s no need to stir up attention with such things. I know what I’m doing.”
There was no way the Emperor, who was so calculating, would immediately visit the harem after issuing the decrees. He needed to maintain the image of a wise ruler.
Besides, in the book, the Emperor hadn’t entered the harem for half a month after conferring titles on the new concubines. So why rush? Acting too eagerly would only invite ridicule.
With this in mind, Song Yunzhao’s eyes glinted mischievously as she turned to Yu Momo. “We won’t do anything, but we also won’t stop others from acting.”
Yu Momo, being sharp, immediately understood her mistress’s intent. Grinning, she said, “Then I’ll go out for a stroll and enjoy the spectacle.”
“Go ahead,” Song Yunzhao said, waving her off before heading back to her study. Half a month would be plenty of time to finish writing her story. Then, stopping mid-thought, she called Yu Momo back. “Momo, find out when I can see my family.”
Yu Momo smiled and nodded, turning to leave.
The study now looked vastly different from when Song Yunzhao first moved in. Fresh flowers adorned the windowsills and they were changed daily. A white jade incense burner filled the room with curling wisps of smoke. On the desk sat her unfinished manuscript, surrounded by brushes, ink, and paper.
Nearby, a large white porcelain vase held several rolled-up sketches she had done in her spare time—nothing remarkable, but entertaining enough.
The palace was bustling with excitement that day. The investiture decrees reached every corner of the harem, spreading cheer. Even Lu Zhixue, usually one to stir up trouble, wore an uncharacteristically bright smile.
“Yu Xiu.”
“I’m here, Mistress. What are your instructions?”
“Find out tonight’s arrangements in the palace,” Lu Zhixue said, absentmindedly touching her face. She knew that, in terms of beauty, she couldn’t match Song Yunzhao’s flamboyance. In talent, Qin Xiyue surpassed her slightly. Both of them held higher ranks. If the Emperor had to choose, it would likely be one of those two.
She leaned toward the belief that Qin Xiyue would be chosen first. After all, Qin Xiyue’s family background was significant, and the Emperor would naturally want to show respect to Grand Tutor Qin.
If Qin Xiyue preceded her, Lu Zhixue could accept it. But if Song Yunzhao came first, that was something she could not tolerate.
Lu Zhixue picked up a book to read but soon found herself too restless to concentrate. She began pacing back and forth in her palace, feeling uneasy. Naturally, she wanted to be the first to gain favor, but her rank made that nearly impossible. Even if Song Yunzhao had a lower family background, it didn’t matter—her position was higher, and that alone meant Lu Zhixue would be overshadowed unless she somehow caught the Emperor’s favor and surpassed Song Yunzhao.
She thought back to the time when the Emperor dealt with the Beauty Zhen incident. With so many people present, why had the Emperor only asked for Song Yunzhao’s opinion? Wasn’t it because she was a Noble Concubine?
The more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became, her expression growing darker.
After a long while, Yu Xiu returned. Seeing her mistress’s displeasure, she softly said, “Mistress, this servant couldn’t find out anything about Taiji Palace, but I did notice that Yu Momo from Wangyou Palace was wandering around the palace, looking rather suspicious.”
Lu Zhixue sneered. “I knew Song Yunzhao wouldn’t behave herself.”
Yuxiu thought for a moment and suggested, “Mistress, how about I go out and take a look as well?”
Lu Zhixue hesitated briefly. If Song Yunzhao could do it, why couldn’t she? Gathering information about the other palaces was certainly worthwhile. She nodded. “Be careful.”
Yu Xiu smiled. “This servant heard that Mulan, who serves Lady Fan, is skilled at knot-making. I’ll go ask for some advice.”
Lu Zhixue’s Yihua Palace and Fan Qingru’s Qingyun Palace were on opposite ends of the imperial palace, just as Wangyou Palace and Qin Xiyue’s Huayang Palace were situated in opposing locations.
Leaving Yihua Palace, Yu Xiu planned to make her way to Qingyun Palace and then circle back, effectively covering the palace grounds.
Lu Zhixue, feeling hopeful, sent Yu Xiu on her way and waited impatiently for news.
After making a conspicuous round of the palace, Yu Momo briefly lingered near the path to Taiji Palace before heading back to Wangyou Palace.
Yu Xiu, on her own round, stopped by to chat with a maid from Yaohua Palace and a gatekeeper from Cuiwei Palace, subtly mentioning Yu Momo from Wangyou Palace in her conversations.
When Yu Xiu was gone, the staff at Cuiwei Palace reported back to Consort Shu.
Consort Shu, already irritated, frowned deeply upon hearing the news. “Wangyou Palace is causing such a fuss. Yunshang, go and find out what’s going on.”
Yunshang, noting her mistress’s displeasure, replied with a smile, “Mistress, the information came from Yihua Palace—it may not be reliable. Besides, even if these new concubines win favor, they can’t compare to you in His Majesty’s eyes.”
Consort Shu’s expression softened slightly, and she smiled faintly. “You always know what to say. Go on.”
“This servant will leave at once,” Yunshang said, smiling as she left.
Unlike Yu Momo and Yu Xiu, Yunshang’s movements drew attention immediately, heightening tension across the harem.
Meanwhile, Song Yunzhao had already washed up and was preparing for bed. Sitting before a bronze mirror as Xiang Xue took down her hair, she looked at Yu Momo and remarked with a laugh, “Well, now no one’s getting a good night’s sleep.”
Yu Momo chuckled. “If everyone’s so focused on you, it only shows how much they fear you. They’re afraid you’ll take the lead. Besides, I didn’t do anything—just chatted with a few acquaintances. If anyone misunderstands, that’s their problem, not ours.”
Song Yunzhao, in high spirits, appreciated Yu Momo’s shrewdness. They complemented each other perfectly.
With a light heart, Song Yunzhao lay down and fell asleep, completely unbothered by the thought of some palaces fuming with anger. What did their frustration have to do with her?
That night, many palace lights stayed on until late, with some only extinguished deep into the night. Meanwhile, Wangyou Palace turned off its lights and locked its doors early, plunging into complete darkness well before the third watch.
The movements in the harem didn’t escape Feng Yi’s notice. After hearing Meng Jiuchang’s report, he fell silent.
Song Yunzhao had gone to bed so early—it didn’t align with her usual ambitious demeanor. Feng Yi had expected her to stay up, awaiting potential favor. Is this all?
Feng Yi felt an odd, inexplicable discomfort. Yet, it wasn’t something he could discuss, so he kept it to himself. He finally said to Meng Jiuchang, “I’ve been busy with state affairs lately. Let’s delay the matter of evening visits. Spread the word.”
Meng Jiuchang was startled and glanced at the Emperor, trying to decipher his intentions. Unsure of the reason behind this decision, he didn’t dare overthink it and immediately replied, “As you command, Your Majesty.”
Feng Yi waved his hand to dismiss everyone, but the more he thought about it, the more frustrated he felt. He couldn’t understand why Song Yunzhao would act this way—it was completely out of character for her.
Feng Yi didn’t want to let Song Yunzhao feel too comfortable. After spending some time reviewing memorials, he pointed to the table and said, “Send this Bamboo Shoot and Ham Soup to Noble Concubine Song.”
Zhang Maoquan couldn’t hide his delight, his face creased with a pleased smile. He had known it—he had always suspected the Emperor held Noble Concubine Song in special regard.
At Wangyou Palace, Song Yunzhao stared at the bowl of Bamboo Shoot and Ham Soup, practically trying to bore a hole through it with her gaze. Faced with Zhang Maoquan’s exaggerated grin, she had no choice but to plaster on her own smile, handing him a reward before sending him on his way.
As a Noble Concubine, Song Yunzhao’s daily meal allocation was already excellent: four dishes and a soup with dessert afterward. Without expecting lavish delicacies every day, her meals were far better than those she’d had back at the Song family.
Still, this soup was hardly anything extraordinary. For the Emperor to specifically send it, what did it signify?
It was a shove toward a pit.
The Emperor is truly a scoundrel.
Seeing their mistress’s less-than-enthusiastic expression, Yu Momo and the others cautiously asked, “Mistress, shall I pour you a bowl of soup? This ham is quite rare—it’s part of the southern tribute.”
Unable to explain the Emperor’s hidden motives to her servants, Song Yunzhao had to force herself to appear cheerful and drink the soup.
That soup filled her to the brim, leaving her mentally and physically exasperated.
She wouldn’t take this loss lying down.
After some thought, she instructed Yu Momo, “Use my private silver and go to the Imperial Kitchen to order Ginseng Chicken Soup. Have Anshun deliver it to Taiji Palace tonight.”
Yu Momo was startled. “Mistress, wouldn’t that be improper?”
Song Yunzhao responded with an innocent smile. “The Emperor cares for me so much—it touches my heart deeply. How can I not repay his kindness? Instruct Anshun not to seek an audience with the Emperor; he should simply hand the soup to Manager Zhang for delivery.”
Yu Momo felt a sense of unease but didn’t notice anything unusual in her mistress’s demeanor. Perhaps she was overthinking it?
Regardless, she retrieved the silver and personally went to the Imperial Kitchen.
By noon, news of the Emperor sending soup to Song Yunzhao had spread throughout the harem. By dinner, Wangyou Palace had successfully sent soup to Taiji Palace, shaking the harem to its core.
Song Yunzhao smiled inwardly, feeling smug that the Emperor had accepted her soup. Had he not, the rift between them would have deepened further.
“Mistress, today’s events were perhaps too conspicuous,” Yu Momo remarked, her face filled with worry as she noticed the stir in the palace.
Without looking up, Song Yunzhao replied, “Momo, so what if it was conspicuous? The Emperor insisted on sending me soup—was I supposed to refuse?”
Yu Momo shook her head. Refusing would have amounted to defying an imperial order.
“But you didn’t need to send soup to Taiji Palace in return,” Yu Momo hesitantly pointed out.
Only then did Song Yunzhao look up at her. “Momo, lasting relationships require give and take. I simply showed my gratitude for the Emperor’s favor—naturally, I wanted to reciprocate. Look, Anshun delivered the soup to Taiji Palace, and the Emperor accepted it, didn’t he? That means I did the right thing.”
Yu Momo admitted that her mistress’s reasoning was sound, but food sent to Taiji Palace underwent strict inspection. If anyone tampered with it, it could lead to irreversible consequences.
She explained this palace intrigue to Song Yunzhao, though the latter already knew from the book.
The Emperor was highly cautious about his safety. Throughout the novel, there wasn’t a single instance where someone successfully poisoned him—his intelligence was unquestionably sharp.
“Momo, you forget—I had Anshun deliver it directly to Zhang Maoquan.”
Yu Momo paused, then laughed. “Mistress, you’ve thought everything through—I was worrying for nothing.”
“Momo, I deeply appreciate your advice. I know you have my best interests at heart, and I won’t forget your loyalty. We’ll be partners in this for the long haul—trust me,” Song Yunzhao said earnestly, determined not to let Yu Momo’s loyalty go to waste.
In a place like the harem, where overwhelming odds often prevailed, her priority was building a circle of trusted allies.
Building a trusted confidant wasn’t something that could be rushed. It required careful observation. So far, Yu Momo had handled the tasks given to her well and had even considered Song Yunzhao’s perspective. Song Yunzhao couldn’t afford to let someone like that feel unappreciated.
Yu Momo was momentarily stunned by her mistress’s words. She had served in the palace for many years and had attended to numerous masters, but none had ever spoken to her like this. In the eyes of her previous masters, she was just a servant, her life as insignificant as grass. But Noble Concubine Song was different.
Her heart warmed, and she felt an indescribable emotion. Bowing her head, she softly said, “Mistress, you overpraise me. This is merely what I should do—I dare not take credit.”
Song Yunzhao smiled but said nothing more, waving her off.
After Yu Momo left, Song Yunzhao knew her days of peace were likely over. The Emperor’s maneuver had set her up, and while Qin Xiyue and others might still be observing, Consort Shu and her faction would undoubtedly be displeased.
The harem’s reaction to the Emperor gifting soup to Song Yunzhao was mixed, but Consort Shu and her allies were particularly upset.
The newer concubines didn’t understand, but those who had been in the palace for years knew that while the Emperor often rewarded gold, silver, and silk, he rarely gifted food. For Song Yunzhao, who had only recently entered the palace, to receive such a gesture—it left many with complicated feelings.
“Bamboo Shoot and Ham Soup? Do you think I care about the soup? It’s the Emperor’s special treatment of Noble Concubine Song!” Consort Shu fumed, slamming her teacup onto the ground. “I’ve been in the palace for so many years and have never received even a bowl of soup from the Emperor. The only time he ever gifted soup was to Imperial Noble Consort Chu, and she flaunted it until the day she died!”
Consort Shu clutched her chest, struggling to breathe. Mentioning Imperial Noble Consort Chu brought a flicker of unease to her expression.
Wen Momo, standing nearby, gently consoled her. “Mistress, there’s no need to take this to heart. A mere Noble Concubine—His Majesty’s favor may not be a blessing. Beauty often leads to misfortune, and Noble Concubine Song’s prominence may bring her downfall.”
Hearing this, Consort Shu’s anger subsided slightly. She sneered, “Our Emperor truly does as he pleases.”
Wen Momo dared not comment on the Emperor. Instead, she said, “Mistress, this servant has heard that Noble Concubine Song has some connection to Imperial Noble Consort Chu. Could it be that His Majesty values her because of this?”
Consort Shu’s irritation deepened. “The Song family and Imperial Noble Consort Chu’s family are distant relatives at best. If His Majesty values her, it’s more likely because of her face.”
“Mistress, there’s no need to worry too much. This servant has also heard that His Majesty has been busy with state affairs and won’t have time for the harem anytime soon. Even if Noble Concubine Song is in the spotlight now, it won’t matter if His Majesty doesn’t summon her. In a few days, he might even forget who she is.”
Though Wen Momo’s words weren’t meant to comfort her, Consort Shu found them somewhat soothing. “Keep an eye on Consort Wan and Consort Zhuang. And don’t forget Noble Concubine Qin. She and Noble Concubine Song are of the same rank, yet she didn’t receive soup from His Majesty. Who knows what she might be thinking or planning? When the time is right, add fuel to the fire.”
Even without a spark, a fire could rise. Consort Shu refused to believe these people could remain calm.
“Yes, Mistress. Rest assured, this servant will handle everything properly,” Wen Momo replied with a smile.
Meanwhile, Meng Jiuchang presented the harem’s name plaques to Feng Yi.
Feng Yi, intending to suppress the harem’s ambitions, had no interest in selecting anyone. He waved his hand dismissively. “Take them away.”
Meng Jiuchang bowed and left, sighing inwardly. The concubines would undoubtedly be disappointed, and the high-profile Noble Concubine Song would likely be among them.
After Meng Jiuchang left, Feng Yi initially planned to review a few memorials but quickly lost interest. Rising, he headed to his sleeping quarters, with Zhang Maoquan following closely behind.
Meng Jiuchang, that old fox, must have taken someone’s silver. Despite the Emperor’s clear statement about avoiding the harem for a few days, he still brought the name plaques. Ridiculous!
“Your Majesty, shall I have someone bring water for you?” Zhang Maoquan asked with a smile.
Feng Yi nodded absentmindedly and reclined on a soft pillow in his chambers.
Zhang Maoquan immediately instructed a young eunuch to bring water. The Emperor was a stickler for cleanliness, bathing and changing clothes daily. When visiting the harem, he would even bathe again in the middle of the night. On such matters, there was no room for negligence.
After bathing, Feng Yi lay on the dragon bed, unable to sleep. His mind kept returning to the soup Song Yunzhao had sent.
Ha, I knew it. She’s not one to take a loss.
Recalling her behavior outside the palace, he suspected she might have discerned his intentions and deliberately reciprocated with the soup. He had pushed her into the spotlight, and she had dragged him along with her.
Upon further reflection, Feng Yi grew even more irritated. Song Yunzhao’s tactics weren’t subtle at all—she was blatantly making it clear that her actions were deliberate.
How infuriating!
Feng Yi sat up abruptly. No one had ever been this bold toward him before.
This wasn’t going to end here.
Feeling determined, Feng Yi lay back down with a sense of satisfaction. If Song Yunzhao dared to scheme against him, he would make sure she understood exactly whose domain this was.
The next morning, Feng Yi was in high spirits as he attended court. After court adjourned, he instructed Zhang Maoquan, “Go to Wangyou Palace and summon Noble Concubine Song to accompany me.”
Zhang Maoquan: ?!
“Yes! This servant will go at once!” Zhang Maoquan could hardly contain his joy. His bet had paid off!
Noble Concibine Song was truly remarkable!
Nearly giddy with excitement, Zhang Maoquan hurried to Wangyou Palace to deliver the decree, only to find the palace bustling with activity. A number of people were present.
Song Yunzhao, already in a sour mood, had just finished speaking with Han Jinyi when Feng Xiao Yuan arrived with Talented Lady Zhu and Noble Lady Chen in tow, making the palace even livelier.
Naturally, Song Yunzhao couldn’t throw them out—was she supposed to go to war with the entire harem?
She understood the importance of alliances and strategic partnerships.
What she hadn’t anticipated was Zhang Maoquan’s arrival at this very moment.
“Greetings to Noble Concubine Song, Lady Feng, Lady Chen, and Lady Zhu,” Zhang Maoquan said with a bow.
As a chief eunuch close to the Emperor, Zhang Maoquan’s presence made Feng Xiao Yuan and the others visibly uneasy. Song Yunzhao, being more familiar with him, remained composed and smiled. “Eunuch Zhang, please rise. What brings you here at this hour?”
Hearing the cordial tone between Noble Concubine Song and Zhang Maoquan, Feng Xiao Yuan and the others exchanged thoughtful glances, each lost in their own calculations.
Zhang Maoquan straightened up and smiled at Song Yunzhao. “His Majesty has summoned you to accompany him.”
“What?” Song Yunzhao was taken aback. What is this? Is the Emperor addicted to setting me up?
“Noble Concubine, we must leave now. We can’t keep His Majesty waiting,” Zhang Maoquan added with a knowing smile.
Suppressing her complaints, Song Yunzhao forced a smile. “Chief Zhang, please wait a moment while I change my clothes.”
Zhang Maoquan nodded and patiently stood aside.
Feng Xiao Yuan and the others were equally stunned. The Emperor had summoned Noble Concubine Song to accompany him? A mix of emotions flickered across their faces. Noble Concubine Song appeared to be ascending rapidly.
Unwilling to linger, they made their excuses and left.
Outside Wangyou Palace, Noble Lady Chen turned to Feng Xiao Yuan and remarked, “Who would have thought the Emperor favored Noble Concubine Song so highly? It seems she’s destined to become the foremost among us.”
Feng Xiao Yuan noted the sour tone in Noble Lady Chen’s voice but chose not to engage. With a polite smile, she said, “Noble Concubine Song is beautiful—there’s nothing surprising about this. I must take my leave now. Let’s chat another time.”
Feng Xiao Yuan quickly departed, leaving Noble Lady Chen to roll her eyes. Turning to Talented Lady Zhu, she was about to speak when Zhu softly said, “Lady Chen, I should return as well. Let’s have tea together another day.”
Noble Lady Chen: …
