"Ha!"
Emperor Xuanwu gave a cold snort, clearly unwilling to entertain her any further.
He truly could not fathom it—"where had this little rascal inherited such shamelessness?"
Her mother, Noble Lady Lan ...
Emperor Xuanwu could barely recall what kind of woman she had been. But if even a tenth of Yun Shu's audacity had come from her, he would certainly have remembered her far more vividly.
So it wasn't Noble Lady Lan, then could it possibly be...
Surely not from him?
Emperor Xuanwu furrowed his brow, disturbed by the thought.
The imperial dragon carriage, golden and imposing, passed through much of the inner palace before coming to a smooth stop outside Fengyang Palace.
Emperor Xuanwu was the first to descend. His stride was long and purposeful as he headed directly for the main hall.
He was determined to see what manner of nonsense this shameless child had created—so confident she had been, claiming that even the noble consorts of his harem would come begging for her aid.
Passing through the kneeling ranks of palace maids and eunuchs, Emperor Xuanwu had only just arrived at the threshold of Fengyang Palace when a wave of warmth surged outward to meet him.
He paused, a flicker of surprise passing through his eyes.
Taking another few steps inside, he immediately felt it—the temperature had risen noticeably.
Unlike the subtle gradient of warmth in his Imperial Study, the heat here in Fengyang Palace felt sudden and all-encompassing. It was as though he had stepped from the depths of winter directly into the heart of spring.
Every corner of the hall radiated the same even warmth.
Most astonishing of all—there wasn't a single brazier in sight.
Emperor Xuanwu's thoughts turned at once to the chaotic state of the floor during his last visit. She had torn up the entire place.
Had she perhaps installed fire walls beneath the floor?
But no—that couldn't be it.
Fengyang Palace was vast. To line the entire floor with charcoal and maintain a constant burn would be nearly impossible, let alone safe.
No wonder she had been so confident in claiming she could earn silver from the consorts.
Emperor Xuanwu marveled inwardly, though he still gave a light, unimpressed snort.
"This is the surprise you spoke of?"
"Replying to Father Emperor: this is called a di long, or Earth Dragon. It may also be called floor heating."
Yun Shu stepped forward eagerly to explain.
"Now that winter deepens, your daughter finds the cold hard to bear. But every palace is allotted only a small share of Yinshuang charcoal. If one tries to conserve it, the chill is unbearable. If one uses it freely, we soon have to switch to cheaper, inferior fuel.
And the lower-quality charcoal... it smokes terribly. The fumes alone are enough to choke someone half to death. So I started thinking—why not invent something better?"
She pointed at the floor beneath them with a smile.
"This doesn't require precious Yinshuang charcoal. Ordinary black coal, or even twigs and dry branches picked up anywhere will suffice—as long as it burns, it can be used. A little investment at the start, but after that, it's more efficient, more cost-effective, and far more comfortable."
"Hmm."
Emperor Xuanwu inclined his head, aloof yet thoughtful.
Yun Shu paused, waiting expectantly for further comment. None came.
As expected of the old fox.
She sighed inwardly, then cautiously pressed on.
"Father Emperor, would you like to have this Earth Dragon installed in Longxian Palace and the Imperial Study as well?"
"Oh?"
Emperor Xuanwu glanced at her slowly, his tone unhurried.
"Targeting Our consorts wasn't enough. Now you mean to wring money from Us directly?"
"How could I possibly think that?"
Yun Shu quickly waved her hands in protest.
"Even if I wanted to profit off everyone in the palace, I would never dream of earning silver from you, Father Emperor!"
"You need not worry about a thing. The cost of installing the Earth Dragon in Longxian Palace and the Imperial Study—let me cover it entirely. As a token of filial devotion, I shall pay for it myself."
Emperor Xuanwu raised a brow.
"Now that is unexpected."
He turned to examine her with interest.
"Are you not in urgent need of funds? Since when were you so generous?"
"It is only proper to honor Father Emperor."
With practiced ease, Yun Shu released a well-placed compliment. Then, softening her tone into something pitiful and endearing, she leaned forward with a smile.
"Still, Father Emperor knows better than anyone—I've always been modest and discreet, never one to seek attention or flaunt my deeds."
She pressed her fingers together demurely.
"So... if I may be bold, could we keep this act of filial piety just between the two of us?"
"Modest and discreet. Never one to seek attention."
Emperor Xuanwu slowly repeated her words, already seeing through her little scheme. He gave a sharp-edged smirk.
"Would it not be even better if We told everyone We had given you money?"
"Your daughter is of delicate heart!"
Realizing there was no point in feigning innocence anymore, Yun Shu dropped the act and went straight into a plaintive wail.
"Father Emperor is occupied with the affairs of state. You cannot possibly oversee every movement in the inner palace. But I am merely a weak, helpless little princess. If I accidentally offended one of the noble consorts, I would live in constant fear—unable to eat, unable to sleep..."
"Enough!"
The corner of Emperor Xuanwu's mouth twitched. Though he knew she was clearly acting, he still found himself losing ground. He pulled a small embroidered pouch—no doubt a gift from some concubine—from his waist and tossed it at her.
"We did give you money. This way, no one can say otherwise."
Yun Shu: …
This ragged little pouch—how much could it possibly be worth?
It had clearly been embroidered by one of the consorts. She wouldn't even dare to sell it.
He may as well have tossed her a copper coin. At least that would have actual value.
Still, if her miserly Imperial Father insisted on saving face, then so be it.
She accepted the pouch with a beaming smile and tucked it neatly into her sleeve.
"That's right! Father Emperor gave me the money himself—quite a generous sum too."
Emperor Xuanwu: …
Those consorts of his were about to suffer a well-laid ambush.
Then again, perhaps it was for the best.
Nearly every one of his consorts hailed from powerful noble clans, their dowries more than generous. Even within the confines of the palace, they managed to maintain great sums of silver.
Where that silver ended up, he could only imagine.
Perhaps some of it went toward bribing the eunuchs. Perhaps it passed to the maids of rival palaces. When money flowed freely, mischief often followed.
Let Yun Shu stir up trouble for a while.
If she managed to outwit even the most conniving of the lot and drain their pockets clean, Emperor Xuanwu would happily thank her himself. Having reached this conclusion, he washed his hands of the affair entirely.
And so, within the span of a single night, the Fifth Princess's invention—this so-called Earth Dragon, capable of warming an entire palace using only ordinary coal—spread like wildfire through the inner court.
Even Emperor Xuanwu, after personally experiencing the comfort it brought, had willingly opened his own purse and instructed her to install it in Longxian Palace and the Imperial Study.
The news reached every corner of the harem by the next day.
Noble Consort Liu was the first to act. The moment Yun Chuhuan entered the Upper Academy Hall the next morning, she had him seek out Yun Shu and inquire in hushed tones.
"So this Earth Dragon—it's real?"
She paused, then added with cautious excitement.
"How much would it cost to install one in Yaohua Palace? Would ten thousand taels be enough?"
Yun Shu: …!!
Ah, as expected of her dear Sixth Royal Brother.
Opening offer: ten thousand taels.
How she longed to say yes on the spot!
But she couldn't. Not yet.
Oh, the agony!
===
There's 2 version of Harem rank that famous. The first one is Ming/Qing dynasty-inspired ranking (most famous and formalized), often used in later historical settings and palace dramas, such as in Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace or Empresses in the Palace (Zhen Huan Zhuan). The other one is Han or Tang dynasty systems, or fictionalized hierarchies that inspired by it.
China's imperial history spans thousands of years, with dynasties evolving in culture, court structure, and governance. The imperial harem system, which regulated the ranks and duties of imperial consorts, was not fixed across all dynasties.
-In the Tang Dynasty (618–907), the system was elaborate and ornamental, reflecting the grandeur and indulgence of the high Tang era. Ranks were more numerous, with a focus on hierarchy, literary beauty, and court spectacle.
-In the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), the system became streamlined, regulated, and formalized, influenced by Manchu court structure. The Qing court reduced the number of ranks and tightly controlled titles, emphasizing order and decorum over grandeur.
This resulted in two distinct harem hierarchies—each representing the values and political priorities of their respective eras.
🌸 Tang Dynasty Harem Ranks (Highest to Lowest)
皇后 (Huánghòu) – Empress
The official wife of the emperor and mother of the nation. She held supreme authority over all other women in the palace.
贵妃 (Guìfēi) – Noble Consort
One of the emperor's most favored consorts. Carried ceremonial duties and enjoyed high privileges.
淑妃 (Shūfēi), 德妃 (Défēi), 贤妃 (Xiánfēi) – Virtuous Consorts
These were part of the "Four Fei" system. Each had specific virtues they embodied (virtue, kindness, etc.) and ranked just below the Guifei.
昭仪 (Zhāoyí) – Radiant Companion
Considered a high-ranking concubine. The title often suggested elegance and favor.
昭容 (Zhāoróng), 昭媛 (Zhāoyuán), 昭华 (Zhāohuá)
Part of the "Nine Concubines" system, these were formal court titles. They held lesser influence than the Fei ranks but were still prestigious.
婕妤 (Jiéyú), 美人 (Měirén), 才人 (Cáirén)
Middle ranks often translated as "Lady of Talent" or "Beauty." These women were still considered official consorts, often competing for favor.
常在 (Chángzài), 答应 (Dāyìng)
Lower-tier women with limited palace roles. Often newcomers or those who had fallen out of favor.
🐉 Qing Dynasty Harem Ranks (Highest to Lowest)
皇后 (Huánghòu) – Empress
Supreme authority in the inner palace. Managed all consorts and was the emperor's official wife.
皇贵妃 (Huángguìfēi) – Imperial Noble Consort
Second only to the Empress. There was usually only one, reflecting high status and imperial trust.
贵妃 (Guìfēi) – Noble Consort
Up to two women could hold this title. Still among the emperor's closest companions.
妃 (Fēi) – Consort
Up to four consorts held this rank. Often received notable attention from the emperor and had ceremonial roles.
嫔 (Pín) – Concubine
Lower than Fei but still part of the core harem. Played minor roles in palace affairs.
贵人 (Guìrén) – Noble Lady
Entry-level concubine status. While ranked, these women had little influence unless favored.
常在 (Chángzài) – Companion
One of the lowest formal ranks. These women were often new additions or held little favor.
答应 (Dāyìng) – Attendant
Lowest tier of concubines, often barely above palace maids. Sometimes served more as background figures in the inner court.
The Tang Dynasty system is grand and hierarchical with many poetic titles, emphasizing cultural refinement and imperial splendor.
The Qing Dynasty system is rigid, minimal, and carefully regulated, reflecting Manchu pragmatism and political control.
In novels or dramas, the Tang system is often favored for its decorative flavor, while the Qing system is used when portraying strict court politics or succession drama.
---
In the later chapter the Author write that Noble Consort Liu was seated directly below the imperial couple. That clearly suggests that:
Guifei is the highest-ranking consort after the Empress, possibly the top among all concubines.
This setup aligns with Qing Dynasty structure, where Guifei is only outranked by Huang Guifei (Imperial Noble Consort) and the Empress, but since Huang Guifei isn't mentioned in this story (I feel that I write Noble Consort Liu as Imperial Noble Consort, I forget in what chapter. I only write it for once, and maybe I miss read the original text. So if you saw it please comment on that paragraph or chapter. I will double recheck the original text.), the author may have excluded that rank or simplified the system.
So, Guifei = #2 rank, directly under the Empress.
Guiren (贵人) also exists in the harem.
In both Ming and Qing systems, Guiren is quite low, usually #6 or #7 in the hierarchy. It's typically the first formal rank someone receives upon becoming a consort.
But in later chapter there's mention about Xianfei (贤妃) and Shufei (淑妃)—titles historically associated with the "Four Fei" system in dynasties like Tang and Ming.
With that we can assume the system Author use follows a hybrid of Tang or Qing structures with some flexibility. And so, here is the probable ranking in this novel's imperial harem, from highest to lowest, based on how harem titles often function in historical Chinese settings:
皇后 (Empress) – The principal wife. Supreme authority in the inner palace.
贵妃 (Guifei) – Noble Consort. Second only to the Empress; most favored consort. Often only one.
Virtuous Consorts. Likely equal in rank or just under Guifei. Historically part of the "Four Fei," each representing a specific virtue.
Four Fei (四妃):
贤妃 (Consort Xian) Virtuous
淑妃 (Consort Shu) Gentle
德妃 (Consort De) Virtue
靖妃 (Consort Jing) Tranquil
妃 (Fei) – Generic consort rank. May include other titled consorts without specific honorifics like "Shu" or "Xian."
嫔 (Pin) – Concubine. Mid-tier consort rank, still officially part of the harem but with less privilege.
贵人 (Guiren) – Noble Lady. Appears lower in the seating hierarchy. Likely entry-level noble consort.
常在 (Changzai), 答应 (Daying) – Companion/Attendant.
This is the main reason why it make perfect sense Yun Shu in original story is being 'cast' aside, and why her maternal grandfather have that ambition to support her standing in the palace.