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

In the Yi He Palace.

Yulan brought in the fertility medicine brewed by the Imperial Medical Bureau and presented it to Consort Zhuang. The fragrant aroma in the hall was instantly overpowered by the pungent medicinal scent.

Consort Zhuang picked up the bowl of medicine but poured it into a nearby potted plant. Brown liquid flowed down the bright green leaves, dripping steadily to the ground.

Concubine Mi (Mi Jieyu), startled, quickly stood up in alarm. "My lady... what are you doing?"

A faint smile appeared at the corners of Consort Zhuang's lips. "Why should I drink something with an uncertain origin?"

Mi Jieyu didn't quite understand. Was Consort Zhuang afraid the Empress might harm her? But surely the Empress wouldn't be so overt in her schemes. Besides, all the palaces were taking this fertility medicine—it was prepared and decocted by the Imperial Medical Bureau.

She asked carefully, "My lady suspects there's something wrong with the medicine?"

Consort Zhuang let out a cold laugh and brushed her embroidered sleeve lightly. "This medicine has passed through many hands. Even with Yulan watching over the decoction, who's to say it wasn't tampered with?"

Mi Jieyu thought it over and realized it did make sense. Then she saw Consort Zhuang smirking. "I only hope that Xiuying (Zhao Xiuying) doesn't become pregnant with a royal heir. As for me, I've made peace with not bearing children. But you—you must conceive soon. Don't let Xiuying beat you to it."

Her long, jade-like fingers tapped lightly on the rim of a teacup, producing a crisp, clear sound.

The rhythmic tapping seemed to slowly awaken something within Mi Jieyu.

"You mean... if someone were to tamper with Xiuying's medicine..." She didn't finish her sentence, instead looking at Consort Zhuang with a knowing gaze.

Consort Zhuang smiled gently and lifted her chin. "I didn't say anything at all. But Mi Jieyu, I hope you won't disappoint me."

Mi Jieyu nervously twisted the handkerchief in her hands. After a moment's hesitation, she finally replied, "Yes, I will find a way."

Satisfied, Consort Zhuang nodded. "You may go. Once I've learned of the Emperor's whereabouts, I'll send someone to inform you. Whether or not you can win his favor is entirely up to you."

Mi Jieyu finally allowed herself a small smile, bowed, and said, "Then I shall take my leave."

She had to admit, Consort Zhuang was indeed a force to be reckoned with in the palace. She even had people within Zhaochan Hall listening to her.

As soon as Mi Jieyu left Yi He Palace, the smile on her face vanished completely.

When one of Consort Zhuang's attendants had come to request a meeting a few days ago, she had been surprised—she thought the proud and aloof Consort Zhuang would never consider joining forces with anyone. Who would've thought she'd lose her patience so quickly?

If it weren't for her own desire to gain favor and her need to ally with Consort Zhuang against Ning Shuyan, she would never have been so deferential.

Grinding her teeth, Mi Jieyu muttered coldly, "Consort Zhuang really knows how to reap the rewards without dirtying her own hands. She doesn't want to wade into the mess herself, so she's using me instead."

Xiangmei, her maid, thought for a moment and her eyes suddenly lit up. "If Consort Zhuang wants to use you, then you can use others too."

Mi Jieyu stopped walking and looked at her. "What do you mean?"

Xiangmei smiled meaningfully. "If there's anyone in the palace who least wants to see a favored consort bear a child, it would probably be..."

Mi Jieyu furrowed her brows in thought. Then a sudden realization struck her. "You mean Consort Rong? Or the Empress?"

Xiangmei leaned close and whispered, "Right now, the Emperor only has one child—born to Consort Rong. That child is his firstborn son. With no other children, all of the Emperor's love and attention is focused on him. But if a favored consort were to give birth to a child, the Emperor's heart might shift. Love for the mother would naturally extend to the child, and that would change everything."

Mi Jieyu nodded slowly, her jade earrings swaying gently against her neck.

Xiangmei continued, "Consort Rong is not especially shrewd. A little nudge in the right direction, and she's bound to fall into the trap."

The gloom on Mi Jieyu's face cleared instantly, replaced by a radiant, vibrant smile. She patted Xiangmei's hand. "It's a good thing I have you by my side. Otherwise, if something went wrong, I'd have no one to turn to for advice in this treacherous palace."

Xiangmei smiled modestly. "You're my mistress. Naturally, I wish for nothing but your success."

Mi Jieyu beamed. "If I rise to glory one day, you'll be well rewarded."

When she first entered the Yifeng court, she only trusted the two maids she brought with her—Liu'er and Lan'er—but they were too young and naive to understand the power struggles of the palace.

Compared to them, Xiangmei was far more experienced in palace intrigue.

That night, the sky was dark and hazy, with no moonlight or stars to be seen.

Emperor Xiao Yu had originally planned to rest in Zhaochan Palace that evening, but he recalled he hadn't visited Fengqi Palace in quite some time. Given that the Empress had distributed fertility medicine to the six palaces, he figured that even if only for appearances, he should make an effort to show her some respect.

But halfway there, he spotted a woman releasing a sky lantern in a pavilion. She wore a long, silver-white dress that shimmered like jade in the lantern's glow—pure and elegant.

She had her back to him, so Xiao Yu couldn't immediately tell who she was. Curiosity piqued, he stepped closer to take a look.

Yang An, his attendant, glanced at his master, then at the woman in silver. Looks like His Majesty won't be heading to Fengqi Palace tonight... If this lady plays her cards right, she might become the next favorite.

Xiao Yu walked quietly toward her and heard her voice—soft and delicate:
"May His Majesty's every wish be fulfilled, may he have good health. This humble concubine does not seek his favor—only that he remains safe and well."

She then bowed deeply three times toward the heavens.

At that moment, Yang An noticed something familiar about the maid standing beside the woman.

Xiao Yu stared at her and cleared his throat softly.

Startled, the woman jolted and turned around—her face filled with shock when she saw it was the Emperor.

In that instant, Xiao Yu realized it was Mi Jieyu. His brow furrowed slightly, though he masked it quickly.

Mi Jieyu regained her composure and quickly curtsied. "This concubine greets Your Majesty. I didn't know you were here and have offended your presence."

Mi Jieyu usually dressed quite extravagantly. While her silhouette had been graceful just moments ago, now that he knew it was her, she somehow seemed to lack the purity and freshness he had just perceived.

"You may rise. What are you doing here?"