Empress Yu was so sensible, and since he himself had always intended to use Empress Yu, the Emperor of Xiyun would not be so ruthless. Instead, he said, "The Yu Family has spread rumors and made a mockery of dukes and nobles, which should be severely punished; but considering she did so out of concern for me and without self-interest, I will show leniency. Today, the Empress is demoted to Concubine, and she shall be confined for one year without leave."
Thus, Empress Yu became Concubine Yu. In just a few days, she had been demoted from Imperial Consort to Concubine and was now also forbidden to leave for a year. Concubine Yu's heart was filled with hatred, but she had no choice. To be with the Emperor was like being with a tiger; a single word from him could claim her life, or even the lives of her family's Nine Clans. She could only accept this punishment.
And she had to accept it gratefully.
