"You! How dare you curse me!"
Concubine Chu glared at Lin Wanyi, her voice brimming with anger and arrogance.
"I wouldn't dare," Lin Wanyi replied mildly. "I was only offering a reminder."
She pointed gracefully to the sky, her expression serene. Her tone was gentle, even sweet, yet it only made Concubine Chu more furious.
"Be careful, my lady. The Buddha watches all from above."
Though seething with rage, Concubine Chu had to restrain herself. She knew that among the military families, especially the old generals, belief in divine retribution was strong. To speak carelessly now would only invite further trouble.
Seeing the usually sharp-tongued Concubine Chu being silenced again by Lin Wanyi, several of the other concubines felt secretly resentful. But compared to Lin Wanyi's current favor, status, and powerful backing, they were no match. They could only suppress their dissatisfaction.
Inside the inner hall, Qin He had been about to lift the curtain, but paused when she overheard the conversation outside. Her expression darkened.
This Lady Chu truly knew no bounds. To dare provoke Lin Wanyi so brazenly in the Linzhi Palace—did she not care who she was offending?
Lin Wanyi, after all, was the second daughter of the prestigious Xiangfu. Did Concubine Chu think the daughter of a frontier general could act so rudely without consequence?
Qin He turned back and leaned close to Concubine Lin's ear to whisper what had just transpired. Lin Yingying's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, her face betraying a flicker of disdain.
"Another ignorant woman who doesn't know her place. Go inform her: the Imperial Observatory has reported ill omens in her fate. She is to fast, chant scriptures, and recite sutras in the Yonghua Palace for half a month to dispel misfortune. Her green card shall be revoked. Without my express order, she is not permitted to leave the rear hall of Yihua Palace."
"Yes, Your Excellency."
Outside, the concubines were still lined up, waiting to pay their respects. Before they could see Concubine Lin, however, Qin He appeared with the edict.
When she relayed the message, Concubine Chu's face turned pale.
"How could my fate be ill? The Imperial Observatory must have made a mistake!"
She didn't dare challenge Lin Yingying directly, so she chose to question the observatory instead.
But Qin He's next words cut that off swiftly.
"The current director of the Imperial Observatory was appointed by His Majesty himself. Does Lady Chu doubt His Majesty's judgment? One must be careful with their words."
"You—!"
It was unbearable to be humiliated by a mere palace maid, yet Qin He stood under the authority of the Imperial Concubine.
Her card was revoked, her movements restricted, and she now had to chant scriptures for two weeks. Worse still, no one said when her card would be reinstated.
Although furious, Concubine Chu could only kneel and thank the Imperial Concubine for her "grace."
Qin He added coldly, "You may go now, my lady. If your fate continues to offend the heavens and the imperial family, I fear there may be worse consequences."
Exempt from the morning greetings, Concubine Chu was forced to retreat—bitter and humiliated.
The other concubines, having witnessed the scene, lowered their heads even further. If even Concubine Chu had been punished so harshly, they had no courage to challenge Lin Wanyi's rising favor.
After the formal greetings, Concubine Yi and Concubine Lan were, as usual, absent. But Concubine Lin did not seem concerned. Her mind was already elsewhere—preparing for the Dragon Boat Festival.
"Since the time of Taizu, the Dragon Boat Festival has always been a grand affair. Princes and young nobles form teams to race dragon boats on Shounan Lake. This year is no exception."
She glanced intentionally at Lin Wanyi.
Lin Wanyi immediately understood the unspoken message. If her brother's name could be included in this year's event, it would help raise his standing at court. Since joining the Imperial City Bureau, he'd never had a real opportunity to prove himself. This might be his chance.
Concubine Lin clearly wanted something in exchange—but what exactly?
She would need to speak to her privately later.
The other concubines also perked up. Many of them had brothers or male relatives hoping for advancement.
Concubine Lin continued, "Whoever wins first place in the race will not only receive the cold iron dagger from His Majesty but also a chance to join the Imperial Guards—a post His Majesty frequents. I think we'll all find this year's race quite… exciting."
The ladies immediately began to praise her:
"Your Excellency is right. The Dragon Boat Festivals before were far too plain. With you overseeing things, it will surely be a grand celebration!"
"Yes, Your Excellency has such excellent ideas. Everyone is looking forward to it!"
Concubine Lin smiled with satisfaction.
When Empress Xu was still present, these affairs were always handled conservatively. But since Lin had taken charge, every festival—from Mid-Autumn to New Year—was made lavish and impressive. Though costly, she always found ways to cover the expense.
In her mind, there was no one more suitable for the role of Empress than herself.
Having just subdued Concubine Chu, her confidence swelled. Her eyes swept the hall and landed on one person.
"The Dragon Boat Festival banquet requires meticulous planning. I find that Concubine Ying is quiet and careful. Why not entrust the task to her?"
The hall went silent.
All eyes turned to Concubine Ying, who had always kept a low profile.
Yingpin had entered the palace four years earlier. Her father, the Minister of Rites, was a scholarly man, and she had inherited his quiet grace. She wasn't favored, but was occasionally summoned by the emperor—mostly for her talent in painting.
To be chosen for such an important task was an honor. If done well, she might gain rare favor.
But to everyone's surprise, Yingpin looked more troubled than pleased.
"Thank you for your trust, Your Excellency. But I fear my limited abilities will only hinder the success of the banquet. I humbly ask that you reconsider."
She bowed deeply, her voice calm and sincere.
The other concubines exchanged amused glances. They thought her timid—or perhaps foolish.
But Concubine Lin's eyes narrowed.
Her voice was still smooth, but a trace of threat crept in.