As the attendants gathered and the hour drew near, Consort Shu led the harem ladies to the Cining Palace to pay their respects to Empress Dowager Xue.
Empress Dowager Xue's attitude toward Consort Shu was neither overly harsh nor warm. She simply waved at Consort Xue, smiling kindly, and inquired, "Yan'er, is your stay at Qionghua Garden comfortable? Are there any grievances? I can have Consort Shu move you if needed."
Consort Xue, her demeanor gentle and considerate, replied, "Everything is perfect, Your Majesty, thank you for your concern."
Empress Dowager Xue glanced over the harem women and said indifferently, "I do not care for a great deal of noise, but with the Empress absent, I must oversee things a little more closely."
Unlike previous empresses, who ignored the inner palace affairs and only required courtiers to pay their respects on the first and fifteenth days of the month, this remark made it clear to all. The harem ladies were now required to attend the palace daily.
It was clear: the Empress Dowager was asserting her authority, showing who the true ruler of the harem was.
Consort Shu's expression remained composed, offering no sign of displeasure, maintaining her serene smile.
The Xue family had the Empress Dowager, and the Cen family had Consort Shu—each securing their own power while remaining separate in their domains.
...
In the imperial palace, at Qianxin Hall, a young man in a bright yellow dragon-embroidered robe sat before his desk, reviewing official documents. He was only twenty-three years old.
With a face as fair as jade, sharp eyebrows, and eyes like stars, his appearance was handsome and refined—like a nobleman of the highest class. Yet, there was a cold and commanding aura about him, a presence that could not be ignored.
"Your Majesty—" the head eunuch, Wang Degui, knelt on the floor, reporting on the happenings in the harem.
The young emperor continued to read the documents before him, his expression unreadable. He made no comment on the events, instead turning to another matter. "Issue an edict: tonight, Consort Song will attend the bedchamber."
Wang Degui was taken aback. Everyone had speculated that the first night of a new concubine would either be Consort Xue or Consort Cen. How had Consort Song been chosen? Was this not a blow to both the Xue and Cen families?
...
Back in Lingxue Pavilion, Ning Wanyin returned from her visits to Jingxi Palace and Cining Palace, exhausted from the morning's events. She rested on the soft divan near the window.
"Master, the spring weather is wonderful. You should visit the Imperial Garden to enjoy the flowers!" Little Guizi suggested.
Lotus Jade frowned slightly. "Can't you see Master is tired?"
"Your Majesty is going to select a consort tonight! If you stay inside, Consort Xue and Consort Cen might overshadow you. But if you were to encounter His Majesty in the Imperial Garden, there might be a chance…" Little Guizi's eyes gleamed with shrewd calculation.
"I've been in the palace for a long time, and I'll speak honestly—there are many ladies in the harem. If you don't catch His Majesty's attention, even if you possess beauty, it will be in vain."
"I once served Lady Liu, who hadn't even seen the late emperor after two years in the palace. Only by chance did she encounter His Majesty in the Imperial Garden and received favor, rising to the rank of a noble lady."
Little Guizi spoke the truth. Under the previous emperor, several concubines had gained favor simply by chance encounters in the Imperial Garden.
"I've checked the garden. Several concubines are already there admiring the flowers! You must seize this opportunity!" Little Guizi urged.
"No need. I wish to rest for a while. I'm a bit hungry; bring me some breakfast from the Imperial Kitchen," Ning Wanyin replied slowly.
Little Guizi felt speechless. How did she end up with such a master, one only concerned with food? What about your ambitions yesterday?
After Little Guizi left, Lotus Jade looked at Ning Wanyin with concern. "Master, do you not wish for His Majesty's favor?"
"The timing isn't right," Ning Wanyin answered calmly.
She had not only learned palace etiquette over the past three years but had also closely watched the emperor's actions.
To survive in the palace, it was essential to understand the ruler's methods, or else one might be walking toward certain death.
She had studied the list of selected beauties carefully. Beneath the two consorts, there were six other ladies. Four came from noble families, their background as daughters of great houses unsurprising. However, two were from humble backgrounds: Consort Wen, the daughter of the Third Rank Minister of Rites, and Consort Song, the daughter of the Third Rank Deputy Military Governor.
These two officials had come from modest origins, entering office through the imperial examination. They had been promoted by the late emperor, and since His Majesty ascended the throne, he had made a concerted effort to elevate officials of humble birth, balancing the power of the two great noble families.
Tonight's selection for the bedchamber would yield one of two outcomes. The emperor could choose between Consort Xue and Consort Cen, playing one against the other, to stir internal conflict. But this tactic seemed somewhat crude, as neither family was foolish enough to fall for such tricks.
Alternatively, he could choose one of his own supporters, suppressing the two consorts. This would be a straightforward approach, and even if one guessed it, there would be no recourse. Tonight, Consorts Song and Wen would likely be the ones selected.
Yet, there was a remote possibility that the emperor, blinded by lust, would ignore the political consequences and choose purely based on personal preference. In that case, an accidental encounter in the Imperial Garden might indeed present an opportunity.
But such a possibility was not favorable.
Consorts Xue and Cen had yet to be chosen. Was she truly going to compete with them for the favor of the emperor?
Without imperial protection, opposing the two great noble families would be like preparing her own coffin.
Thus, Ning Wanyin decided to remain patient, observing the situation before making her move.
"Master, news has come from Qianxin Hall. His Majesty has chosen Consort Song for the bedchamber tonight!" Dan Li announced.
Ning Wanyin was not surprised.
Consort Song was known for her exceptional talents, and her father was famous for his straightforwardness, unafraid to speak truth to power.
The emperor needed someone with a strong will, someone like Consort Song, to suppress the two great noble families. She was a fitting choice.
Soon, Little Guizi returned with a downcast expression, carrying the breakfast. Upon hearing that Consort Song had been chosen, she realized that her mistress had no chance of being favored tonight.
Lotus Jade set out the breakfast: a bowl of jade-white porridge and a bamboo basket of steamed dumplings. The portion was modest, neither too much nor too little.
However, Ning Wanyin had a sweet tooth, and this did not appeal to her.
"Lotus Jade, go to the Imperial Kitchen and use some silver to bring back some desserts," Ning Wanyin said with a slight frown.
She had a love for good food and fine clothing. Every day, she worked tirelessly, not just for power, but for the pleasures of life. What was the point of calculating everything if she couldn't enjoy the simple joys of the world?
"Understood," Lotus Jade replied before retreating.
Extra provisions from the kitchen required additional payment, but Ning Wanyin's wealth allowed her to indulge even without being in favor.
...
At the Left Wing Palace of Zhongcui Palace, Mo Zhu Pavilion, Consort Song was overjoyed upon receiving the decree and immediately began preparations to welcome the emperor.
At home, she had often heard her father praise the emperor's wisdom and strength, secretly admiring him.
But with two consorts ahead of her, she hadn't expected the emperor to choose her for the bedchamber.
Could it be that the emperor had already taken an interest in her?
At dusk, the emperor's carriage arrived as promised.
The following morning, Consort Song, still weak, attended to the emperor as he rose.
"No need," Emperor Helian Qi said with a meaningful glance at Consort Song, "Rest today; you need not attend to the Empress Dowager."
Though Consort Song had a cold and reserved nature, she adhered to the rules of the palace. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. It is my duty to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager."
She was well-versed in palace etiquette and did not let favoritism make her arrogant.
Emperor Helian Qi gave her a glance but said nothing further before turning to attend to his court duties.