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It was then that Mei Liang finally noticed something strange—Yang Cairen, who had been diagnosed as nearly suffering a miscarriage, was not resting in her own palace as expected. Instead, she was at the Empress's palace.
If she truly cared about her health or the child she was carrying, she wouldn't have dared to leave her quarters and risk another miscarriage.
Yang Cairen clenched her hands into tight fists as she listened. She had waited the entire night, hoping the Emperor would come to comfort her. But instead, he had gone to that wretched Mei Guiren's palace.
Worse still, she had heard from a servant she secretly sent to spy on Mei Guiren's palace that the lights there didn't go out until the third watch of the night (11pm - 1am). How could she not hate that woman
At that moment, Empress Qing finally spoke. "Who gave you the right to speak, Noble Consort Hui? And you, Imperial Concubine Jing—how dare you utter such words about His Majesty?
This empress wouldn't allow such recklessness, or others might learn from you. You will copy The Great Compassion Mantra one hundred times, so you may reflect on your conduct."
Imperial Concubine Jing wanted to argue, but under the Empress's cold, unyielding gaze, she had no choice but to lower her head. She knelt respectfully and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your guidance."
"Noble Lady Mei, you may rise," Empress Qing added calmly.
Xian Guifei observed everything in silence, her expression indifferent, as if none of it concerned her.
Then the Empress continued, "His Majesty has decided to leave for the Summer Palace earlier than usual this year."
The hall erupted into hushed whispers. Many concubines grew anxious, wondering if their names would be called.
"These are the names of those who will accompany the Emperor to the Summer Palace," the Empress declared. "Noble Consort Xian, Noble Consort Duan, Consort Wen, Consort De, Zhaoyi Jun, Imperial Concubine Jing, Noble Lady Mei... The empress continued to call names."
Hearing the names, Hui Guifei was stunned. She had always accompanied the Emperor in previous years—why not this time? Surely the Empress had influenced the decision.
"Your Majesty," Hui Guifei asked with forced composure, "did you perhaps forget to announce another name?"
The Empress replied, "This empress has announced all names selected to accompany His Majesty. It seems Noble Consort Hui is surprised not to be included. But this year, the Emperor has chosen Noble Lady Mei instead."
Hui Guifei shot Mei Liang a venomous glare. If looks could kill, Mei Liang would have dropped dead on the spot.
Xian Guifei let out a soft laugh. "It seems Sister Hui has been outmaneuvered by a new concubine. Perhaps it's time you learn how to please His Majesty better, or you may find yourself losing favor to someone far below your rank."
"Sister Xian shouldn't celebrate too soon," Hui Guifei said with a mocking smile. "I remember when you first entered the palace—you were just a low-ranking concubine. The new always replaces the old, doesn't it? Perhaps another fresh face will soon take your place as well."
The other concubines didn't speak. They simply watched the two high-ranking women exchange barbs. Everyone in the palace knew that Xian Guifei and Hui Guifei had been rivals since the moment they entered the harem. No one was surprised by their constant conflict.
Mei Liang stood quietly, knowing full well that the Empress was drawing even more hostility toward her. With just a few words, she had made the rest of the harem see Mei Liang as an eyesore—someone to be wary of.
She didn't react when she heard that Xian Guifei and Duan Guifei would be accompanying the Emperor. After all, they had both given him children and came from powerful families. It made sense that the Emperor would need to favor them.
But she couldn't help wondering—why wasn't Noble Consort Hui chosen? Her family background was just as strong, if not stronger. Could it really be for the reason the Empress gave?
Soon, the morning greeting ended, and the concubines began filing out of the Empress's palace.
As Mei Liang walked back toward Yunlu Palace, she caught sight of Consort Wen's entourage up ahead. Her eyes lingered for a moment—she had always been curious about this woman.
Across both her lifetimes, the only thing Mei Liang had learned about Consort Wen was that she was the daughter of the Emperor's tutor. Among all the concubines, she was the one he trusted the most—not as a lover, but as a confidante. Their relationship was more like old friends than that of Emperor and concubine.
Though the Emperor did not favor her in the way he did Xian Guifei, anything Consort Wen requested, he always granted without hesitation.
In her past life, Mei Liang had once been deeply jealous of her. She even argued with the Emperor because of it. Back then, Mei Liang had been greatly favored, and the disaster that later befall her family and clan had not yet occurred.
Soon, Mei Liang arrived in front of Consort Wen's entourage and bowed respectfully.
"Greetings to Consort Wen. Long life and peace."
"You may rise," Wen Fei said gently.
The moment Mei Liang heard her soft voice—so sweet it could seduce both man and woman—she felt a chill run down her spine. That kind expression on Wen Fei's face made her stomach turn. Mei Liang was startled by her own reaction. Why did she feel this way toward someone who was known throughout the palace for her kindness?
"It seems Mei Guiren is returning to her palace?" Wen Fei asked with a small smile.
"Yes, this concubine is returning. I will take my leave now so as not to disturb Consort Wen's time," Mei Liang replied, bowing once more before turning to leave.
Wen Fei silently watched Mei Liang's back for a while before continuing on with her entourage.
"Mistress, everyone says Consort Wen is kind," Lánxīn whispered, "but when she looked at us just now, her gaze felt so… poisonous."
"Be quiet," Mei Liang said sharply. "We are outside. The walls have ears—do you want someone to overhear you?"
Lánxīn immediately lowered her head and said nothing more.
Though Mei Liang had scolded her, she was shaken by what Lánxīn said. She'd thought she was simply becoming overly suspicious of everyone because of the pain from her past life—but now it seemed she wasn't the only one who sensed something strange about Consort Wen.
When they arrived at Yunlu Palace's Xiangting Auspicious Pavilion, Cuìyù quickly came out to greet her.
"Mistress, Taoye is back. She's waiting in the side hall," Cuìyù reported.
Inside the side hall, Mei Liang saw Taoye quickly bowed and payed her respect.
"You may rise," she said. "What about the herbs? Were you able to get them?"
"Yes, this servant managed to bring them in without anyone noticing," Taoye said as she brought out the herbs.
After checking them carefully, Mei Liang handed them to Cuìyù. "Hold on to them," she instructed, then turned back to Taoye. "How did you manage to get them past the gate without being searched?"
"I know one of the guards stationed there. We're from the same village, so he let me through without checking."
"Good," Mei Liang said. "Did my brother ask you to deliver anything to me?"
From what she had learned from Cuìyù and Lánxīn, the original host's brother had always been close to his sister—surely he would've sent something.
"Yes, he asked me to deliver this," Taoye said, pulling a two pouch from her sleeve.
Just by touching it, Mei Liang could tell it was money. She gave Cuìyù a look, and Cuìyù stepped forward with another purse in hand, handing it discreetly to Taoye.
Taoye accepted it gratefully, thanked Mei Liang, and quietly took her leave.
Once she was gone, Cuìyù could no longer hold back her curiosity.
"Mistress, what kind of herbs are these?"
"It's contraceptive medicine," Mei Liang said calmly.
Coming Soon!
Chapter 21 will be released by Monday at 4:24 PM.There won't be an update tomorrow due to my busy schedule—thanks for your patience and support!