[1]The Consort is Both Charming and Scheming, Rising Through Palace Intrigue

The following day, when Ning Shuyan woke up, the bedding beside her was already cold.

Ziying had returned early to Lanyue Pavilion to fetch her clothes and was helping her change as she spoke excitedly, "Miss, when I went back to get your clothes, the Emperor had the Ministry of Internal Affairs deliver something. Can you guess what it is?"

"What is it?"

Since Xiao Yu often sent her things, Ning Shuyan wasn't surprised and felt little curiosity.

Ziying smiled mischievously. "You'll know once we return to the palace."

Ning Shuyan glared at her playfully, "Alright now, you're keeping secrets from me?"

Ziying only smiled more brightly at her teasing.

Then Ning Shuyan's tone turned slightly admonishing. "I've told you several times, from now on, you must address me as 'Young Mistress'."

Ziying quickly lowered her head in apology, "Yes, I'm sorry, Young Mistress. I got too excited and forgot."

Though Ziying was pure-hearted and innocent, Ning Shuyan still gave her a gentle reminder, "We're in the imperial harem now. The higher my rank becomes, the more eyes will be on us. Whether it's me or any of you, we can't afford a single misstep."

Ziying nodded guiltily, "Understood, Young Mistress. I promise I won't forget again."

Ning Shuyan took Ziying's hand and spoke kindly as they walked. "As long as you remember."

By the time they arrived at Fengqi Palace, the other consorts had already gathered. Rows of concubines were seated, and the moment Ning Shuyan entered, every pair of eyes turned toward her.

She remained calm and composed, ignoring their gazes as she paid her respects and then took her seat.

It was obvious what they were thinking: mocking her for having a palace maid elevated in status, waiting to see her embarrassment. Some seemed curious too—likely wondering why Lü Rui had been promoted while Ning Shuyan herself had stayed overnight in the Emperor's palace.

Consort Rong was the first to speak. "I must congratulate Beauty Ning. I hear the Emperor has taken a liking to one of your palace maids? You must be very good at training them." She chuckled awkwardly, lifting her handkerchief to hide her smirk.

Ning Shuyan smiled faintly, unhurriedly replying, "When it comes to training maids, I should really learn from you, Consort Rong."

Consort Rong's smile froze. Since returning from her house arrest, she'd noticed that Ning Shuyan was no longer the weak and yielding girl she remembered—Ning had defied her again and again.

Before she could respond, Jieyu Xi chimed in with a sly smile, "Indeed, every maid around Consort Rong is quite the standout."

The other consorts clearly hadn't forgotten the incident where Consort Rong's maid had tried to drown Ning Shuyan. Consort Rong snorted coldly, her beautiful eyes narrowing dangerously.

Then Zhaorong Lin spoke with a bright smile, "I heard that maid was sent to Yi He Palace? Beauty Ning, you're bold—placing someone in Consort Zhuang's palace like that."

Ning Shuyan replied coolly, "How could I have the authority to make that call? It was all His Majesty's decision."

Consort Rong was startled. "Why would His Majesty send that maid to Yi He Palace?"

Still smiling, Ning Shuyan said, "How would I know? If you're curious, Consort Rong, why not ask the Emperor yourself?"

Consort Rong raised her chin and looked Ning Shuyan up and down with disdain.