~ THE PUNISHMENT WAS TOO LENIENT ~
“I want to eat those Qiaomo, the kind you steamed for Yue Wang last time.” Seeing her about to leave, the Poisonous Lady hurriedly spoke up.
Mu Yunyao turned and glared at her. “I gave you a small steamer basket last time. It’s only been a few days. Haven’t you had enough yet?”
“Not enough! The one I ate was shaped like a puppy, and I didn’t like it. I want one shaped like a fox.”
“Oh, very well. Ta Xue likes them too. I’ll send her over to you later. You two can eat together, she’ll be absolutely delighted.”
The Poisonous Lady choked, glaring resentfully at Mu Yunyao. “Hurry up and leave!” This woman knew exactly how to hit her weak spot. Hmph, once she built up her courage, she might not be afraid anymore .... Hmm, maybe ....
Mu Yunyao smiled as she exited the side hall. After taking a few steps, she sighed softly. The Poisonous Lady’s interruption had gradually lightened the weight on her heart. “Jin Lan, inform the kitchen that tomorrow’s midday pastries need not be prepared. I shall make them myself.”
“Yes.”
Mu Yunyao drew a breath, her smile gradually returning to normal. The game of wits with the Li family had officially begun. The more perilous the situation, the steadier she must remain. Panic easily leads to mistakes. The Li family controlled Qiming, leaving her temporarily at a disadvantage. However, with her grandmother and Yue Wang by her side, this was far from over. She had ample opportunity to strike back.
By evening, news finally arrived from Imperial Concubine Li’s quarters.
Jin Qiao reported softly, “Miss, His Majesty has learned of Imperial Concubine Li’s use of the fake pregnancy herb on Su Yuyi. However, the maids and nannies in Imperial Concubine Li’s service are exceptionally loyal. Many were beaten to death without betraying her. Ultimately, though suspicion fell squarely on Imperial Concubine Li, no definitive charges were laid. His Majesty merely punished her by ordering her to copy ten volumes of sutras. That was all...”
Mu Yunyao didn’t seem particularly surprised. “Imperial Concubine Li has been in the Palace for years and knows its intrigues well. The Li family thoroughly vets the maids and nannies around her, controlling their families too. To save their loved ones’ lives, they’d never betray Imperial ConcubineLi.”
“That may be true, but this involves a life. Even if Su Yuyi had committed many wrongs before, a mere ten volumes of scripture copying seems far too lenient.”
Mu Yunyao smiled and shook her head. “Do you know what women in the Palace fear most?”
Jin Lan tentatively answered, “Losing the Emperor’s favor?”
“Exactly. The Emperor’s favor is the foundation upon which every woman in the harem stands. Imperial Concubine Li has occupied a high position since entering the Palace. All these years, she’s sailed through smoothly. Though she never achieved supreme favor, she’s lived far more comfortably than the other women. She’s always used her status to punish others, never once tasting the bitterness of punishment herself.”
“This servant happened to overhear Qu Mama mention this once. Imperial Concubine Li was granted the title of Imperial Concubine upon entering the Palace. Later, despite bearing no heir, she was elevated to Imperial Concubine. After conceiving and giving birth, when the Empress encountered misfortune and the harem lacked leadership, the Emperor promoted her to the rank of Imperial Concubine. Though Imperial Concubine Qi, who entered the Palace alongside her, held the same rank, the Marquis Wei was a man of low profile. Imperial Concubine Qi herself disliked vying for attention, so Imperial Concubine Li overshadowed her without even trying. Truly, Imperial Concubine Li’s path has been smooth sailing to the extreme.”
“Indeed. Though the harem’s rivalries are brutal, they vary by individual. At least Imperial Concubine Li never experienced such cruelty before. But now? A tiger fallen from its perch is bullied by dogs. The slightest stir in the harem gets blown out of proportion. Merely being punished to copy sutras has already drawn the harem’s relentless attacks. With schemes multiplying daily, how many days do you think Imperial Concubine Li can endure?”
Jin Lan sighed in agreement, “Even if the maidservants by Imperial Concubine Li’s side are utterly loyal and protective, there will inevitably be moments when they can’t guard her completely...”
Mu Yunyao nodded. “Once you’ve been hit, it’s like a snowball rolling downhill. It only gets bigger. The harem excels at striking while you’re down. Imperial Concubine Li has made no shortage of enemies here, and the fake pregnancy herb certainly isn’t being used for the first time. Just watch, we won’t even need to lift a finger. Imperial Concubine Li will bring utter ruin upon herself.”
Over the next few days, Jin Lan and Jin Qiao kept a close watch on the harem. As expected, after Imperial Concubine Li’s punishment, many came under the guise of visiting to probe her condition. Some even ventured to test the waters with Grand Princess Yi De. After all, at the Palace banquet that day, the Li family and Imperial Concubine Zhen had attacked the Grand Princess Yi De. If the Grand Princess wished to punish Imperial Concubine Li, they could step in to do the job. It was revenge they sought anyway, and if they could curry favor with the Grand Princess in the process, wouldn’t that be killing two birds with one stone?
Contrary to her usual practice of avoiding them, Grand Princess Yi De instead took advantage of the pleasant autumn weather to host a flower-viewing banquet.
To enhance the occasion, Mu Yunyao specially arranged for numerous autumn chrysanthemums in full bloom to be brought from Qinfang Garden. The vibrant chrysanthemums of every hue vied for attention, creating a truly magnificent spectacle.
In a rare display of good cheer, Grand Princess Yi Dde even invited the Emperor to attend. The women of the harem, dressed in their finest attire, stood amidst the blooms, each radiating unique grace and beauty that rivaled the flowers themselves.
After a brief conversation with the Grand Yi De, Mu Yunyao went to meet Lady Jin.
Lady Jin’s eyes lit up with joy upon seeing Mu Yunyao. She rose to pay her respects, but Mu Yunyao gently stopped her with a hand: “Godmother, you flatter me.”
Seeing Mu Yunyao’s unchanged demeanor toward her, Lady Jin’s anxiety melted away. “Yao’er grows more beautiful by the day. When I last saw you, I felt your aura was pure and graceful. Now, not only has that aura become more vibrant, but your mature beauty has reached a level that could captivate a city. It truly takes one’s breath away.”
“Please stop praising me, Godmother. You’re making me blush.” Mu Yunyao curtsied. “Are Godfather and Brother Zhiwen both well?”
“They’re both well, both well. They miss you often.”
“It’s my fault. I’ll come apologize to Godfather another day.”
Lady Jin smiled warmly. After Mu Yunyao’s true identity was revealed, she and Cao Yunnian felt uneasy. They had even sought an audience with Grand Princess Yi De, hoping to dissolve their previous foster relationship. After all, Yunyao was now a princess. How could they possibly be worthy?
But Mu Yunyao refused. Grand Princess Yi De herself remarked that their care in Jingling City had been invaluable, cementing the godparent relationship permanently. Now, countless people envied their good fortune. Even the Jin family dared not cause trouble casually anymore. These days brought an unprecedented peace.
After speaking with Lady Jin, Mu Yunyao went to see the Su family’s second mistress, Madam Qi. To her delight, Su You was also present. She immediately led them to a quiet corner to sit and talk.
Su You looked somewhat awkward, twisting the handkerchief in his hand while glancing at Mu Yunyao out of the corner of his eye, his expression seemingly displeased.
Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but smile. “Sister Su You, are you angry with me?”
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