No, but there could be.

Anyone who holds the position of Director of Clothing couldn’t possibly be spotless.

Moreover, Director Sun’s attitude made it clear she intended to make trouble for Yun Wan, relying on her backing from Imperial Concubine Li.

And why not? Imperial Concubine Li had managed the palace affairs for years—how could she not have her own people in place?

Still, the immediate priority was to distribute the winter clothing and bedding.

Concubine Hui nodded in agreement and volunteered, "I’ll send someone to the Clothing Bureau later to check the quantities, so no one can tamper with them."

Knowing her tough exterior hid a soft heart, Yun Wan thanked her sincerely. "I appreciate your help."

Concubine Hui couldn’t stand such sentimentality and waved her off impatiently. "If it weren’t for His Majesty’s orders, I wouldn’t bother with this nonsense!"

That night, Yun Wan shared her thoughts with Emperor Jingxuan.

A glimmer of approval flashed in his eyes. "Your considerations are correct. The most urgent matter now is ensuring the winter supplies are distributed as soon as possible."

"As for those blind, insolent servants, they can be dealt with later."

His tone was casual, but there was an icy edge to it that sent chills down one’s spine.

Yun Wan’s worries remained. "But I’m unsure how to handle Director Sun and the others when the time comes."

The severity of punishment carried its own implications, and the weight of these considerations left her torn.

Seeing this, Emperor Jingxuan cupped her troubled face in his hands, studied her for a moment, and chuckled. "Zhou Yuexian was right—you should make an example of them to establish your authority."

Zhou Yuexian was Concubine Hui’s maiden name, though her temperament was anything but gentle.

"Establish authority?" Yun Wan’s eyes flickered with realization.

Emperor Jingxuan nodded. "Yes, authority."

"Not only should the palace servants fear you, but they must also respect you. Only when you hold that kind of weight in their minds will they think twice before acting."

Those who lasted long in the palace were shrewd. Favored consorts might come and go like fleeting clouds, but those who secured managerial positions could enjoy a lifetime of wealth.

They might not live in luxury, but they certainly fared better than low-ranking concubines.

"What you need to do is strike fear into them," he summarized succinctly.

In the past, Emperor Jingxuan would have simply issued an edict to deal with unruly servants. But now that he had resolved to let Yun Wan manage palace affairs, these people would serve as her training ground.

He twirled a strand of Yun Wan’s hair around his finger, his expression thoughtful. "Don’t worry about the impact of removing a Director of Clothing. There are plenty waiting to take her place."

If she wouldn’t do the job, others would.

"Just act decisively."

Even if she faltered, he had countless ways to cover for her.

Yun Wan’s brow gradually smoothed. "I understand now."

With his guidance, clarity dawned on her. She immediately threw off the covers, rose from the bed, and went to the writing desk, where she picked up a brush to jot down her plans on a blank sheet of paper.

The man who had just been holding her: "......"

His intention had been to comfort her so they could sleep together, not to be abandoned for the sake of worthless servants.

......

The next day, the sky grew even gloomier. The wind had died down, and the temperature had dropped sharply.

Early in the morning, Fuling arrived at the Clothing Bureau with a dozen palace maids and eunuchs. Facing the bewildered crowd, she immediately raised her token and declared coldly,

"By the order of Consort Yun, the Clothing Bureau is to open its storerooms and distribute this year’s winter supplies!"

The servants exchanged uneasy glances but didn’t dare move, sending someone to fetch their superior.

Director Sun, hearing the commotion, arrived leisurely. Seeing the scene, she remained all smiles.

"Lady Fuling, didn’t I say yesterday? The distribution date hasn’t arrived yet. By precedent, it’s always late in the month. If we break protocol now, who will take responsibility?"

She sighed, feigning concern. "I know I shouldn’t have been too busy preparing winter robes for Imperial Concubine Li to visit Qiyun Palace yesterday. If Her Highness is upset, she should direct her anger at me alone—not punish others."

Fuling sneered. "Director Sun, you flatter yourself. Where did you see my lady punishing anyone? Yesterday, you made excuses, and my lady let it slide. Since you’re so busy, we won’t trouble you further."

Without another glance at Director Sun, she addressed the gathered crowd sternly, following Yun Wan’s instructions.

"All of you here must have noticed how unusually cold it’s been these past few days—colder than previous years."

Director Sun’s face darkened. Sure enough, as soon as Fuling finished, someone in the crowd spoke up.

"Exactly! Two days ago, I woke up to find the water in the vat frozen solid. It was biting cold!"

Others chimed in: "I thought it was just me! Even sleeping fully clothed, I still felt the chill."

"This cold is unnatural."

"My old joints are acting up again..."

"......"

The murmurs grew louder. When Fuling judged the moment right, she raised a hand for silence.

"It seems you’ve all noticed. My lady has consulted the Imperial Astronomer, who confirmed that this year’s snow will arrive earlier—meaning winter will come sooner and be harsher than usual."

The crowd stirred again. Fuling raised her voice.

"That’s precisely why my lady ordered the early distribution of winter supplies—to spare you all unnecessary suffering. Once you catch a cold, no amount of silver will save you."

The servants murmured in agreement. One called out, "Lady Fuling is right! If we fall ill, it could be a death sentence!"

Pleased with their reaction, Fuling softened her tone. "My lady has been trying to make life easier for the palace staff. She gave the order days ago."

"Yet the Clothing Bureau delayed, making excuses at every turn."

Here, ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‍she shot a cold glance at Director Sun. "Especially Director Sun—what exactly are your intentions?"

Director Sun’s face paled, her earlier composure gone.

"This is slander!" She clutched her chest dramatically. "Lady Fuling, I was only following protocol! There was no—"

"Protocol?" Fuling cut her off sharply. "Which protocol? The palace regulations don’t specify a fixed date for distributing winter clothing!"

She turned to the crowd. "Have any of you heard of such a rule?"

The servants shook their heads. "We’ve never heard of it. The Clothing Bureau always decided when to issue summer and winter garments."

And who decided in the Clothing Bureau? Director Sun, of course.

Many knew she had been promoted by Imperial Concubine Li of Yaohua Palace. This confrontation was likely orchestrated by the Imperial Concubine herself—a direct challenge to Consort Yun.