CHAPTER 58: CHAPTER 57: GATHERING INCENSE, FORGING A GOLDEN STATUE!

The Empress smiled and said, "Are there more of these talismans? I would like to buy some more!"

Before Yu Nianzhao could reply, a group of elegantly dressed women approached.

"Your subject greets the Empress!"

A group of noble concubines stepped forward, bowing to the Empress.

The Empress’s expression was warm yet distant, "No need for formality."

Consort Chen softly smiled, "I have noticed while paying respects to the Empress every day, that your complexion has been improving, especially your skin, becoming fairer and fairer. Those unaware might think you’ve consumed some miraculous elixir for beauty. Sister, you are truly becoming more beautiful, making everyone envious."

When the women in the palace gather, it’s either to vie for a man’s favor or to discuss ways to become more beautiful.

Consort Rou gently touched her face speckled with freckles, concerned, "Has Her Majesty consumed any supplements recently? Is there a method to introduce some to your sister here?"

Although places with many women often involve intrigue, the Empress, thinking of the jewelry and treasures these concubines secretly hoarded, had a glint in her eye. She openly introduced Yu Nianzhao without reservation.

"Have you heard of the Emperor’s decree on the royal marriage for Prince Su?"

"I’ve heard, I’ve heard. They say it’s with a lady from Marquis Wu’an’s house who is not favored. Hasn’t the engagement already been broken? I really can’t understand why the Emperor specified an orphan girl to be Princess Consort Su." Consort Rou frowned, "At first, I wanted to introduce my family’s second house’s legitimate daughter. Though they say Prince Su carries severe Evil Qi, my niece is famously robust, thinking she could withstand it, but I didn’t expect someone to beat us to it."

The Empress glanced sideways at her, "The one beside me is the future Princess Consort Su."

Upon hearing this, Consort Rou immediately gasped and awkwardly covered her mouth.

It’s slightly embarrassing to gossip in front of the person involved.

"The Princess Consort Su is well-versed in mystical arts, and I bought the Beauty Talisman from her, applying it every other day to achieve such fair, smooth skin."

The Empress personally endorsed Yu Nianzhao’s talismans, "I’ve only used about three, and look at my skin, it’s much more delicate now. I was just planning to buy some more Beauty Talismans from Princess Consort Su when you all came."

"Really? Princess Consort Su has something so amazing? Beauty-enhancing and all, can it remove the bluish tint on my face too?"

Consort Chen’s eyes lit up. Her face was heavily covered with foundation, and despite trying numerous remedies, nothing worked. She was anxiously seeking a solution, otherwise, she wouldn’t have noticed the Empress’s whiter complexion out of envy.

"Zhaozhao, show them. These ladies are of consort rank and their families are either wealthy or noble." The Empress’s eyes gleamed as she leaned toward Yu Nianzhao’s ear and said, "They’re rich; feel free to charge them generously."

Yu Nianzhao raised an eyebrow, glanced at the Empress’s gentle face, her eyes hinted at extortion.

She understood!

A spark of inspiration hit her as she leaned toward the Empress’s ear and asked, "Your Majesty, with a lot of money, can one build temples?"

"Of course!"

"Can we mold a golden statue?"

"As long as there’s money, anything can be done. You can build as many as you want! But... what do you want to mold a golden statue of? The Buddha? Or a Bodhisattva?" The Empress was puzzled.

"Neither! I, of course, want to mold my own golden statue!" Yu Nianzhao’s eyes were bright.

She had long wanted to do this. After all, she was the newly appointed little King Yan.

If she could mold a golden statue and have people offer incense, her spiritual power would gradually increase, and returning to the underworld would be just around the corner.

Not to mention, she had to support Jiu Ying, a reincarnated hungry ghost; incense offerings could fill his stomach.

Originally, Yu Nianzhao was indifferent about making money; now she had a small goal!

To mold a golden statue and gather incense!

"Your... own golden statue?" The Empress was stunned, gazing at Yu Nianzhao, words stuck at her lips.

Such a delicate girl wants to mold her own golden statue?

Had she been in the palace too long, out of touch with the times?

Or had the world finally gone mad?

"Yes, is it not possible?" Yu Nianzhao looked at her innocently.

The Empress silently nodded, squeezing her fist, convincing herself, "It’s possible!"

Consort Rou asked anxiously, "Princess Consort Su, can the freckles on my face be removed? When I was younger, there weren’t as many. Ever since giving birth, more and more have appeared. It’s really troubling; I don’t dare leave the house without spending half the day in front of the mirror applying makeup."

Yu Nianzhao glanced at them, pointing at Consort Rou, "Your freckles are a minor issue; just buy five talismans, and they’ll largely disappear. At that time, if they’re not completely gone, you can continue to purchase my Beauty Talismans."

"Yes, yes, definitely buying them. I trust the Empress’s judgment." Consort Rou beamed with joy, quickly asking, "How much are they?"

Yu Nianzhao hesitated to indicate one finger, thinking a hundred silver should not be too expensive.

The Empress calmly chimed in, "One thousand silver per Beauty Talisman."

"That expensive?" Consort Rou was taken aback.

The Empress raised an eyebrow, smiling as she retorted, "What? Does Consort Rou find it too expensive and don’t plan to buy it? This price is already cheap. When I bought mine, I gifted Zhaozhao a box of jewels. After all, in old age, without proper care, the Emperor might not favor this face anymore and might bring newcomers into the palace. Consort Rou, do you think your face isn’t worth this price?"

As soon as she heard this, Consort Rou quickly said, "Of course not! I find it cheap, too cheap! I’ll send someone for the money right away!"

She hurriedly urged the palace maids beside her to fetch five thousand silver, gritting her teeth before giving it to Yu Nianzhao.

Yu Nianzhao admired the composed Empress as she handed over five Beauty Talismans.

Consort Rou immediately treasured the talismans, pressing them against her chest, eager to use them right away.

"They need to be dampened and applied every other day. Understand?"

"Understood, understood!"

Seeing Consort Rou so delighted, Consort Chen was displeased, squinting to stare at Yu Nianzhao, asking, "Princess Consort Su, is it impossible to treat my face? How can you just ignore me?"

"The remedy isn’t suitable. Your Excellency’s face has a dark green tint, and even using Beauty Talismans won’t help." Yu Nianzhao lazily glanced at her, speaking in a languid tone, "You’re possessed by something malevolent, your glabella is shadowed. You likely toss and turn at night and wake up feeling weak, don’t you often dream?"

Initially angry, Consort Chen’s complexion changed dramatically as she heard Yu Nianzhao’s words. Her lips trembled, looking at her as if seeing a relative, "Yes, Princess Consort Su, you’ve hit the mark. Every night, I fall into a dim dream, and in the dream, there’s... there’s..."

She was at a loss for words.