Zheng Guipin was the highest-ranking consort in Caiwei Palace, occupying the central hall. Though ranked among the twelve noble consorts of the third rank, she had long fallen out of favor.
In the past, the monthly allowances for the palace consorts were delivered directly to each consort by the Imperial Household Department. However, none of the consorts in Caiwei Palace had enjoyed any special attention for some time. Even Zheng Guipin, who held the highest rank in the palace, only saw the Emperor three to five times a year, usually during festive banquets. As a result, the Imperial Household Department had grown slack, delivering the entire palace's supply to Zheng Guipin's residence, where the consorts could collect their share. Naturally, there was always a little something skimmed off the top.
Su Mi entered Caiwei Palace and was led by a young maid into a back room. On the table were several red packets containing silver ingots, a few loose bags of copper coins, and two small chests. Zheng Guipin's capable maid, Xiang Luo, was busy counting them. On the bed, piles of colorful silk and satin lay scattered. From the west courtyard, Chang Zai's attendant, Hao Yingchun, was going through the silks with her own maid. When she suddenly looked up and saw Su Mi enter, her face flushed slightly.
Each palace had its own established rules for receiving the imperial allowances, and there was a certain order to it. Those of higher rank received their share first, followed by those of lower rank. During festivals and holidays, rewards were given first to the consorts of higher rank, then passed down in order to those of lower rank.
In Caiwei Palace, aside from Zheng Guipin, the consort of highest rank was Wei Qing'er. However, Wei Qing'er had never been favored, and her health had been frail for some time. Because of this, she was often looked down upon, and no one showed any real regard for her. The maid Hao Yingchun was timid, easily cowed, and avoided confrontation. When she saw Su Mi enter, her heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but feel nervous.
Su Mi, however, was not concerned with such things. She gave a slight bow to Hao Yingchun before turning her attention to Xiang Luo.
Before Su Mi could ask anything, Xiang Luo had already walked over, smiling and saying, "We were just talking about you. We were wondering if that little witch, Hui'er, had forgotten all her duties again, and then you showed up just in time. How is your lady's health? Our lady was thinking of visiting Wei Caijin this morning but was afraid that her visit might disturb her recovery. It's really such a shame that Wei Caijin, so young, has to suffer so much."
Su Mi quickly replied, "The esteemed Consort has managed the affairs of Caiwei Palace with such dedication, working tirelessly day and night. We, the servants, are fortunate to attend to Master Wei, and it is no burden at all. How could I dare to complain of hardship when it is our honor to serve her? And we are always blessed by the Consort's favor, so when you see her, please do convey our deepest gratitude on behalf of my lady."
Xiang Luo, who had been brought into the palace from Zheng Guipin's family, was naturally her trusted confidante. In Caiwei Palace, even the more senior maids like Hao Yingchun were respectful toward her, so Su Mi made sure to be polite in return.
"Ah, no wonder Xiang Lin often speaks highly of you, saying you are such a sensible and thoughtful girl. Master Wei is truly lucky to have you serve her. If there is anything you need, be it food, clothing, or any supplies, just come to me, and I will help you," Xiang Luo said with a smile, pulling Su Mi toward the table.
She pointed at the pile of silver and copper coins. "This is the monthly allowance from the Imperial Household Department. Compared to the usual amount, it seems Wei Caijin's stipend is only three taels of silver this month. But, alas, due to the war at the frontlines, the New Year approaching, and preparations for the Empress Dowager's birthday, everything requires funds. They've had to move money around and promised to make up for it later. Here, let me give you this—one tael of silver and thirty copper coins."
A "later" delivery seemed like a joke. Unless Wei Qing'er suddenly regained her health and found favor again, those withheld funds would never be returned—at least not until a time when it was no longer relevant. The excuses about the war and the Empress Dowager's birthday would also never reach their ears again.
"Ugh, those scoundrels!" Xiang Luo muttered angrily. "They don't even think that Wei Caijin is sick. While the palace's doctors can handle her medicine and treatment, it's not as if they should be taking her money."
Su Mi could not help but let out a bitter laugh. The one tael of silver and thirty copper coins that had been taken from her, she was sure, were already mostly in Zheng Guipin's hands. The Imperial Household Department would never dare to take that much, but there was no denying the fact that less than half had been sent on to her.
Xiang Luo opened the two small chests. One contained a variety of delicate, brightly colored silk flowers in red and green. The other was filled with glittering golden hairpins and jeweled ornaments.
"These are the new silk flowers made by the Department of Court Attire in celebration of the New Year. They're being distributed to all the palaces. Since Wei Caijin holds a sixth-rank position, she is entitled to ten of them. Choose the ones you like," Xiang Luo explained.
"This one," she gestured to the second chest, "contains the gifts sent by the Empress for the New Year. Consorts of the third rank and above receive two gold hairpins and two jeweled flowers. Those of the sixth rank and above get one of each, and anyone below the sixth rank only gets one gold hairpin. You can choose your share too."
Su Mi followed her instructions, selecting ten silk flowers, one delicate gold hairpin adorned with emeralds, and a white jade flower inlaid with silver.
Xiang Luo then walked over to the bed, where several bolts of fabric were laid out. "These are this month's allocation of fabrics," she said. "As per the usual custom, there's one roll of brocade, and for the New Year's clothing, there's an additional roll of silk satin from the Suzhou weavers."
Su Mi looked at the colorful fabrics, all in bright reds and greens, their patterns embroidered with gold thread and red, overwhelming in their festive vibrance. The vivid colors almost made her dizzy.
She casually selected two rolls, preparing to leave. But Xiang Luo stopped her, saying, "Wait, don't rush off just yet." She called over a maid waiting outside and instructed her to carry the fabric back for Su Mi.
"Stay a moment longer. There's something important I need to discuss with you." With that, she exchanged a brief greeting with Hao Yingchun before leading Su Mi into the inner chamber.
"Do you know what day the thirteenth of this month is?" Xiang Luo asked once they were seated.
Su Mi furrowed her brow and shook her head. "I'm afraid my knowledge is limited. Please enlighten me, sister."
Xiang Luo sighed and continued, "It's the birthday of Consort Yun. Originally, it wasn't considered a special day. Although Consort Yun currently enjoys the Emperor's favor, we haven't had any dealings with her. It wasn't necessary to pay any attention to it. But I've heard that after her miscarriage last month, she's been feeling down and gloomy. In order to cheer her up, the Emperor personally decreed that the Internal Affairs Department should organize a grand celebration. All six palaces are to celebrate together."
As Xiang Luo spoke, she curled her lips in a slight disdain.
Su Mi quickly grasped the situation.
Consort Yun, the favored concubine of the Emperor, had risen to prominence since entering the palace less than two years ago. Starting from the sixth rank, she had ascended rapidly, eventually becoming one of the second-rank consorts. The Emperor had even considered promoting her to the first rank, but her lowly origins had led to opposition from the court officials, with the Empress Dowager personally intervening to stop the promotion.
Despite her rapid rise, Consort Yun was known for her aloof and cold nature. Although she enjoyed the Emperor's affection, she rarely interacted with others. She ignored those who tried to curry favor with her and was indifferent to the various banquets and events in the palace. It was rumored that even the Emperor himself had not received her full warmth.
When she was first appointed, the Emperor knew that she had a deep love for lotus flowers, so he granted her the title "Lian" (meaning "Lotus") in honor of her beauty and personality. However, many in the palace disapproved of her humble background, and soon rumors circulated that "Lian" also meant "lowly"—a fitting title for someone of such modest origins. Upon hearing these rumors, Consort Yun immediately submitted a petition to the Emperor asking to relinquish her title. The Emperor, enraged by the rumors, punished those responsible, and instead of reprimanding her for such an act, he praised her for her "honesty and integrity" and changed her title to "Yun" (meaning "Cloud").
Her family also benefited from her rise. Her father, an unsuccessful scholar, was granted the honor of a government position.
Despite the miscarriage she suffered last month, which had been expected to diminish her status, it seemed that the Emperor's affection for Consort Yun remained as strong as ever. If anything, the news of the miscarriage appeared to have only intensified her favor.
Having gathered all the Emperor's love, Consort Yun also gathered much resentment. Her monopoly on the Emperor's affection had made her unpopular with the other consorts, but they dared not speak out for fear of retribution.
For consorts of the fifth rank and above, the Internal Affairs Department was responsible for arranging their birthdays according to the palace's rules. Last year, Consort Yun had just received her promotion and was not well-liked by others, so her birthday celebration had been a quiet affair. But this year was different. Since the Emperor had personally issued the decree for the celebration, the formality of the banquet and the rituals were under the Department's jurisdiction, but it was the consorts' responsibility to carefully choose the gifts.
If the gifts were too modest, it would reflect poorly on the giver, and there was the risk that the Emperor might be displeased. If the gifts were too extravagant, it might be seen as flattery and would certainly stir up jealousy and resentment from others.
Xiang Luo continued, "Our Lady is having a hard time deciding on a suitable gift," she said, her tone full of subtle concern. "You know about Consort Lu's situation, don't you?"
Su Mi immediately understood whom she was referring to.
Consort Lu—once known as Consort Lu Gui, had been favored by the Emperor for a time when she first entered the palace several years ago, but after only a few months, her favor had dwindled, and she was abandoned. She was no longer even granted the chance to meet the Emperor.
Consort Lu's residence, Cha'an Palace, was located closest to the Juhu Palace, where Consort Yun resided. Observing Consort Yun's continuous rise in favor, Consort Lu had hoped to gain some goodwill by sending her a lavish gift, hoping to win her favor as a potential ally. Unfortunately, Consort Yun remained indifferent and coldly turned her away, leaving Consort Lu in disappointment.
Soon after, disaster struck—someone discovered that a golden phoenix ornament with embedded pearls, which Consort Lu had used, featured six tails, a rare privilege only granted to consorts of second rank and above. As a result, Consort Lu was stripped of her rank as Gui (second-rank consort) and demoted to a lower rank, that of a "pin." The difference between "Gui" and "Pin" was merely one character, but the distinction in rank was a full four levels.
However, there were whispers in the palace about another reason for Consort Lu's fall from grace. Some said a powerful noblewoman in the court, displeased with Consort Yun's undiminished favor, had secretly targeted Consort Lu for her own frustration. But because of Consort Yun's exceptional standing, the noblewoman could only take her anger out on someone like Consort Lu, who had failed to read the situation properly.
When the topic came up in the palace, it was often accompanied by a knowing glance toward the western side of the palace, where the Empress Dowager resided. This was a silent gesture that spoke volumes, as everyone knew that the Empress Dowager, Ni Yelin, held the second-highest rank in the imperial harem. Coming from a distinguished family, the Emperor valued her greatly. She had enjoyed the Emperor's favor for years before Consort Yun entered the picture and began stealing her spotlight. Naturally, Ni Yelin must have felt resentment at losing the Emperor's favor, and no one dared to cross her, least of all the lesser consorts of places like Caiwei Palace.
Neither Consort Yun nor the Empress Dowager was someone Caiwei Palace could afford to offend.
Xiang Luo shook her head, exhaling, and said, "It's such a pity. Su Mi, you're so clever, yet I feel like we're causing you trouble." She sighed deeply.
Su Mi, with a composed expression, replied, "I may be a little slow, but I don't mind helping. Given how ill Wei Caijin is, I've been standing by to assist her with whatever's needed."
Xiang Luo smiled. "Our Lady has already made her decision," she said, quickly shifting the conversation. "Yesterday, she suggested that the consorts of Caiwei Palace all give a collective gift, as we are one big family here. It doesn't have to be anything expensive—just something heartfelt. After all, Consort Yun has seen all manner of treasures by now. It's the thought that counts."
Xiang Luo looked at Su Mi expectantly. "Since everyone is coming to collect their monthly stipend today, I thought it would be a good opportunity to discuss the details with everyone. Hao Changzai and Wu Meiren have already agreed. But since Wei Caijin is unwell, we didn't want to trouble her. That's why I'm asking for your help, as you're so sensible."
Su Mi, understanding what Xiang Luo was hinting at, immediately responded, "Of course, I'll follow the Lady's instructions. The consorts here know better than anyone how things are done under Lady Zheng's leadership. I'll make sure to prepare accordingly. Do you already know when the gifts will be delivered?"
Xiang Luo nodded, pleased with her response. "The 11th of this month. It's a good day for the delivery, and all the consorts have agreed to go then. Please don't forget."
Su Mi nodded dutifully, signaling her understanding. As Xiang Luo finished explaining, Su Mi prepared to take her leave. After exchanging some casual pleasantries, she excused herself, intending to head back and prepare for the upcoming task.