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

Inside Fengxi Palace.

Concubine Mi was attending to the Empress, helping her drink her medicine, her face full of flattery. "I heard that Your Majesty's hand ailment has flared up again. I couldn't sleep, so I came to attend to you."

The Empress managed to force a faint smile, though her brows remained tightly furrowed, a trace of fatigue on her face. "That's thoughtful of you."

"I used to give my mother massages at home. If Your Majesty doesn't mind, allow me to massage you a little."

Concubine Mi was beautiful to begin with, her round face fair and radiant under the candlelight.

Hearing the word mother, the Empress's already strained smile froze slightly at the corners of her mouth. Before she could speak, Concubine Mi had already stepped forward to begin the massage.

Her pressure was just right—her hands soft and delicate, her techniques gentle yet precise, pressing exactly where the pain was. The Empress felt an immediate soothing relief, and her previously tense expression slowly relaxed. She gently closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.

Concubine Mi spoke softly, "Does it feel comfortable, Your Majesty? Is the pressure suitable?"

The Empress nodded slowly. "Your skills are wasted on me. If used on His Majesty, the effect would be much greater."

Concubine Mi smiled modestly. "Though I admire His Majesty, I also deeply respect Your Majesty. As a consort, it's only right I serve the Empress."

The Empress glanced at her smooth hands, noting the bracelet she had gifted her. With a faint smile, she said, "You are quite proper, and certainly have a sweet tongue."

Concubine Mi blinked and replied gently, "I don't know how to please His Majesty, so I can only try my best to be attentive before Your Majesty."

The Empress inhaled the calming incense in the hall and felt her eyelids grow heavier. She yawned. "Both His Majesty and I appreciate those who are obedient and sensible. But he, as the emperor, values something more."

Concubine Mi slowed her movements slightly. "I'm dull-witted—may I ask what more His Majesty values?"

The Empress said, "If you want His Majesty to favor you long-term, you need to be able to keep his interest. That alone... is not easy."

Concubine Mi fell silent in thought. Interest? She was from Rong Country, and her temperament was unlike the other concubines of Yifeng. She understood the pleasures between men and women, and wasn't as shy or reserved—surely that was interesting?

Just then, the Empress's voice echoed in her ears again. "There was once a consort in the former dynasty who lost favor and was confined for life. But one day, she regained His Majesty's favor and became the favored concubine. I imagine it was during her years in confinement that she understood the secret."

Concubine Mi quickly asked, "What secret?"

The Empress smiled faintly. "She copied scriptures every day—thousands, even tens of thousands of pages. Each page bore a prayer for the emperor's health and fortune. One day, a strong wind scattered those papers all across the palace street. Whether it was coincidence or by design, the late emperor surely heard of it. Now tell me—how could an emperor turn away a woman who loved him so deeply? Just like a kitten or puppy trying its best to cheer you up—even if you didn't like them before, you'd probably still reach out and give them a pat, wouldn't you?"

Concubine Mi listened carefully, her expression going from a frown to one of delight. She knelt. "I understand now. Thank you, Your Majesty, for the teaching."