CHAPTER 97: CHAPTER 92: THE EMPRESS DOWAGER IS UNWELL

Recently, with no major events in court, people have turned their attention to smaller matters.

It’s said that Concubine Xi has brought benefits to her family; her mother received an official title, and her father got promoted.

Consort Jiang’s father harbored resentment, preparing to target him during the morning assembly, his face gloomy all morning. Colleagues couldn’t help but wonder, "Mr. Jiang, what happened today?"

"I need to ask Yun how he taught his daughter to win the Emperor’s favor so well."

Jiang Qianyi said coldly.

The surname Yun, the daughter who deeply won the imperial favor, it’s undoubtedly Concubine Xi’s father.

A colleague laughed and said, "We won’t see him in the morning assembly; he never attends."

According to Yan Chi’s rules, officials below the fifth grade are not eligible to attend the morning assembly.

Jiang Qianyi was taken aback, "I thought the Emperor promoted him because of Concubine Xi’s great contributions in the harem, allowing him to benefit."

"Even with a promotion, it’s not enough!"

Jiang Qianyi paused, "...where is her father serving now?"

"He’s now the Minister of Imperial College, previously a Chief Clerk."

Jiang Qianyi was troubled; he couldn’t just go to the Imperial College to cause trouble! One family can’t raise different kinds; he was used to showing high respect and stepping on those below in the officialdom, but this time he couldn’t reach the low, feeling a strong urge but to no avail.

The same feeling was shared by the circle of official ladies in the Capital City.

They never involved Lady Yun, nor could they exclude her.

Nevertheless, he spread his dislike for the Yun family, expecting someone sensible to bully Father Yun as a sign of allegiance. But after the morning assembly, another matter spread throughout the court—

The Emperor rewarded Yun Yuan with a four-courtyard residential compound.

In the court, there’s always someone being punished and having their property confiscated, so the Emperor has many estates, some of which are rewarded, while others are left alone. A four-courtyard as a reward is small, usually given to high-ranking officials, who with their wives, concubines, and servants require at least a five-courtyard place.

This four-courtyard compound may be small for others but was overwhelmingly large for the Yun family, and it’s in a good location, surrounded by quiet and respectable families. The key is that it falls within the patrolling range, ensuring good security, avoiding the awkward situation of the Emperor asking its location, only to find local people unsure.

When the title deed was handed to Yun Yuan, he was still serving at the Imperial College.

Colleagues warmly congratulated him:

"It’s worth Yun’s daily diligent and solid work to earn the Emperor’s appreciation!"

"Now we’ll have a place for tea and drinks."

"There’s no better time than right now; let’s head to Yun’s new home today!"

A sensible one remarked, "That compound hasn’t been lived in for years, it’s likely dusty, Yun might need some time for renovations, better visit later to avoid troubling him."

The eunuch delivering the deed laughed upon hearing this, "Gentlemen, the Emperor’s already sent someone to refurbish it, ready to be moved into in just a few days, no need for Yun to worry about such small matters!"

The Emperor’s thoughtful side made his colleagues even more envious.

Those initially intending to target Yun gave up.

Yet Shen Muyu, who had long-standing tensions with Yun, cynically remarked, "Toiling a lifetime at the Imperial College wouldn’t earn the Emperor’s personal reward; this is all thanks to Concubine Xi! Alas, I have only three sons, none to send to the palace."

All with low official ranks, they were all poor brothers.

Poor brothers vary in degrees; Yun used to be the poorest, while Shen Muyu had far better conditions, often boasting to him, and now seeing Yun’s reversal, he felt displeased, resorting to boasting about having three sons capable of continuing his lineage, which Yun lacked.

Having his truth exposed, Yun Yuan felt awkward, "Yes, I’m just preemptively enjoying my daughter’s benefits."

"Just joking, Brother Yun, no need to get upset!"

A colleague, unable to bear it, chuckled, "It’s not like a daughter can be sent to the palace. Mr. Shen, if you wish to enjoy these benefits, why not send one in yourself? With three sons, you won’t fear lacking heirs, and perhaps he could succeed Chief Su."

"You!"

"Just joking too, you’re known for your fun-loving nature, don’t get angry."

Shen Muyu’s face blushed and turned pale alternately.

The eunuch listened and laughed inwardly, reporting back to his godfather Qin Laicai, saying Yun finally won face at the Imperial College. Qin Laicai paid attention, eagerly running to Xianfu Palace to reenact the scene vividly for Concubine Xi.

Yun Jiao laughed uproariously, and when she was summoned in the afternoon, she recounted the story to the Emperor, "If I’m truly a femme fatale, I should advise the Emperor to castrate Mr. Shen’s youngest son and send him to the palace to amuse me, let him serve in my Xianfu Palace to fetch my foot bath water."

"You can still advise now."

"Huh?"

Yun Jiao’s bright eyes gazed at him, "Would the Emperor agree then?"

"I wouldn’t."

"I guessed as much."

Pretending to be upset, Yun Jiao puffed her cheeks and looked away.

Xie Zhixing continued reasoning, "The so-called nation-ruinous Demon Concubine is just a scapegoat for an incompetent ruler. Your beauty is equally captivating, yet unfortunately, you encountered me."

During his reign, he never let personal feelings lead to reckless actions.

The only instance was hidden within the retrospection of time.

...

Previously, whenever making a big scene, Yun Jiao couldn’t avoid hearing sarcastic remarks during greetings, but not this time.

Seeing her puzzlement, Concubine Li enlightened her, "This matter, even before the Empress Dowager or the previous dynasty, stands on solid ground; even if they dislike you, they wouldn’t dare make an issue of it!"

"I see."

"Why, do you enjoy hearing what they say about you?"

"Just not used to the sudden absence."

"If unaccustomed, move closer to Concubine Wei; she won’t be able to resist."

Yun Jiao said, "There’s no need now; Concubine Wei is currently the nicest to me."

This time, it was Concubine Li’s turn to be shocked.

It’s understandable; Concubine Wei also has a daughter of similar age, empathetic to Princess Consort Jing’s regained fortune, and revised her opinion about Yun Jiao, believing her to be genuinely kind despite lacking wisdom.

Through this incident, laziness and idleness among the palace attendants were eradicated, bringing peace once again.

Yet, peace lasted only a few days before another incident occurred.

In Xianfu Palace, Yun Jiao was preparing to head to the main hall to join Concubine Li for a meal, not that her own meals were unsatisfactory, just a fondness for dining with others, finding other’s meals always more fragrant. Just then, a little eunuch on an errand from Jianzhang Palace arrived to greet the two.

"Changle Palace summoned an Imperial Physician, and the Empress wishes for both of you to visit."

"I understand."

Unless the Empress Dowager explicitly stated she doesn’t want visitors, the concubines must attend.

Yun Jiao could go immediately, while Concubine Li deliberated, removing her overly elaborate headdress before mounting her sedan chair.