Chapter 164: The Princess Consort Of Linzi

That day, Jiang Xuening sat idly in the theater until evening. Usually lively and mischievous around her, Xiao Dingfei didn’t dare disturb her even slightly. Instead, he quietly peeled the sunflower seeds and peanuts delivered to them, placing the clean pieces by her side.

But Jiang Xuening didn’t eat a single one.

It wasn’t until the sun began to set outside that she seemed to have made a decision. She stood up, ready to leave.

Xiao Dingfei instinctively asked, “Should we still take care of Weng Ang and those scholars outside, as well as the beggars on the streets?”

Jiang Xuening replied, “Why not?”

Xiao Dingfei was stunned. “But this matter has already…”

Jiang Xuening interrupted, “She makes me suffer, so I won’t let her have it easy either.”

Xiao Dingfei finally fell silent, watching as she walked out of the theater.

The day before, the court had been abuzz with discussions about re-investigating the Xiao family’s affairs. But today, everyone was shocked by the news that Xiao Shu had been conferred the title of imperial concubine. At such a sensitive and critical juncture, the emperor had openly favored Xiao Shu—wasn’t this blatantly siding with the Xiao family?

Yet by evening, new developments emerged.

The memorial from Jiang Boyou, Vice Minister of Revenue, accusing Duke of Dingguo Xiao Yuan, was sent to the cabinet. After deliberation by the ministers, it was decided to reopen the investigation into the case of disaster relief funds in Ganzhou from years past.

This left the civil and military officials utterly bewildered: if the emperor were impartial, why confer Xiao Shu as a concubine? If he were biased, why mercilessly reopen the Ganzhou case?

Even Xiao Yuan himself was uneasy, unable to fathom the emperor’s intentions.

Only Jiang Xuening could vaguely piece things together.

A ruler’s bedside is no place for others to sleep soundly.

If Xiao Shu were untrustworthy, or unworthy of trust, Shen Lang would never have made her an imperial concubine. Tracing back with imperial reasoning: how could a noblewoman from a powerful family earn the emperor’s trust?

There was only one answer—sever her wings and draw a clear boundary.

By voluntarily abandoning the support of her family, Xiao Shu essentially discarded all her weapons, eliminating any threat she posed to the emperor. From that point on, her honor and disgrace would be tied solely to the man at her side, sharing his fate completely.

For Shen Lang, she was both a companion for his bedchamber and a tool to bring down the Xiao family.

And for such a beauty, what reason would he have to refuse?

Jiang Xuening sneered inwardly. Upon returning to the Jiang residence, she heard that Madam Meng was in high spirits, summoning Jiang Xuehui to her room for a long chat in the afternoon. It wasn’t hard to guess the reason—since Xiao Shu, who was also competing to become the Princess Consort of Linzi, had suddenly been summoned to the palace and conferred the title of imperial concubine, Jiang Xuehui no longer had her greatest rival. Considering Shen Jie had already shown interest in Jiang Xuehui, it seemed almost certain that she would be chosen.

Jiang Xuening couldn’t be bothered to join in the excitement.

The next day, even before dawn, the entire household bustled with activity. Through the courtyard, one could hear the maids busy dressing Jiang Xuehui, preparing her makeup and accessories. Occasionally, a slower servant would be reprimanded by Madam Meng.

Jiang Xuening lay in bed, indulging in a lazy spring morning, staring at the canopy embroidered with white peonies. Her mind drifted back to this very day in her previous life—

The household had been just as busy.

But back then, the one surrounded by everyone, trying on various hairpins and ornaments, had been her. Madam Meng had also come to her room, but her joy seemed somewhat forced. When Jiang Xuening cast a slightly spoiled glance her way, Meng’s expression had darkened further. Jiang Xuehui had only stood beside Meng, silently watching her with a deep gaze.

At the time, Jiang Xuening had been immensely pleased with herself. Jiang Xuehui had no idea that Jiang Xuening had seen the embroidered handkerchief in the palace and had deliberately impersonated her to claim the opportunity for herself.

Jiang Xuehui had stolen her familial bond, so Jiang Xuening resolved to steal Jiang Xuehui’s love.

She had no intention of letting them live happily.

But in tormenting others, wasn’t she also tormenting herself?

Shen Jie was indeed a gentle, refined, and handsome scholar, embodying the romanticism of a literati. Yet, like all men under the heavens, he wasn’t truly faithful. Perhaps he gradually realized that she wasn’t the person who had initially moved his heart. In the early years of their marriage, they were inseparable, and he was easily coaxed into staying by her side. But after he ascended to the throne, under the pressures of court gossip, the Empress Dowager’s interference, and the selection of new consorts, Xiao Shu entered the palace, and Jiang Xuening, the empress, became nothing more than a figurehead.

What was stolen could never truly belong to her.

And what Jiang Xuehui had wasn’t necessarily what Jiang Xuening desired.

Jiang Xuening lay there for a long time before finally rising.

It wasn’t to see how Jiang Xuehui was doing. Today happened to coincide with the eunuchs’ rotation of rest days, and she needed to find someone.

Now that Xiao Shu had become an imperial concubine, her original plan was no longer viable.

Time was running out for her.

After washing up and stepping out of her courtyard, Jiang Xuening coincidentally ran into Jiang Xuehui, who was rarely dressed up, surrounded by a group of maids. Her delicate face, paired with the exquisite makeup, appeared poised and serene.

She held in her hand a silk handkerchief embroidered with red ginger flowers at one corner.

Jiang Xuening glanced at her, noticed Madam Meng standing nearby, and couldn’t even be bothered to greet them as she walked straight past.

In this life, she had already altered many events: her relationship with Xie Wei, Consort Wen’s pregnancy, the rise and fall of the Yan clan, the choice of the Princess Consort of Linzi, and the timing of Xiao Dingfei’s arrival in the capital.

So why couldn’t she save Shen Zhiyi?

To the world, be it people like Madam Meng, Jiang Xuehui, or Shen Jie, even if they were choosing a consort today, it would seem no different from yesterday or tomorrow. But to Jiang Xuening, every single day was a life-and-death struggle against the ironclad grip of fate—refusing to bow or concede!

---

Zheng Bao was on leave today.

Since being recognized by his master Wang Xinyi and assigned to serve the emperor, his status within the palace was no longer what it used to be. It wasn’t that he was greedy for wealth, but the palace was such that if you declined others’ offerings, you became a target of suspicion and caution. Thus, though his time serving in Qianqing Palace wasn’t long, he had managed to save a significant amount of silver.

He sent 70% home, asking his mother to help prepare dowries for his brothers’ marriages, and kept 30% for himself, eventually moving out to a small courtyard in Sanli Hutong.

Ever since he saw Xiao Shu entering Qianqing Palace that day, Zheng Bao had a vague premonition. So, unlike his usual habit of going out on his day off, he sat under the eaves, waiting.

Sure enough, just as the morning mist lifted, there came a knock at the door.

He got up to open it.

Standing at his humble doorstep was the strikingly beautiful Second Miss Jiang. She wore a deep purple cloak, and her eyes—like the quiet snow of a deep winter’s night—shone bright yet carried a faint chill. When she looked over, it was as though she cleared away all distractions, bringing an inexplicable sense of peace.

Zheng Bao stepped aside to let her in.

Jiang Xuening drew her cloak closer but didn’t step in. She simply looked at him and said, “I’ve come to ask for your repayment.”

Zheng Bao, wearing a simple pale green round-collared robe at home, his lips red and teeth white, was momentarily stunned by her words.

His delicate face brought to mind the spiritual mist of Jiangnan.

Jiang Xuening suddenly found herself unable to meet those overly clear eyes. She slowly lowered her gaze, suppressing a hint of guilt, and spoke with almost cruel resolve:
“My apologies. The one who truly spoke on your behalf before Kunning Palace that day was Her Highness the Princess. Would you repay her?”

---

As the Linzi Prince—whom the emperor trusted greatly and who had nearly been named Crown Prince—Shen Jie’s consort selection was undoubtedly the most significant event of the spring, second only to the Grand Princess’s arranged marriage.

The palace had been bustling for days.

Although this matter was personally overseen by Empress Zheng, every detail was supposed to be reported to Empress Dowager Xiao. Today, Empress Dowager Xiao was meant to preside over the event. However, after the news of Xiao Shu’s elevation to consort spread yesterday, Empress Dowager Xiao flew into a furious rage, falling ill from anger. When Xiao Shu went to tend to her illness, she was driven out.

The palace, ever abuzz with news, whispered of unusual circumstances and hidden tensions.

Even Empress Zheng harbored doubts.

But this was an excellent opportunity for her. Rarely was she allowed to preside over such an affair. If handled well, it could be her chance to regain the emperor’s favor and, naturally, wrest control of the Six Palaces from Empress Dowager Xiao.

Thus, Empress Zheng poured in even more effort than usual.

The consort selection was held at Chuxiu Palace. Palace servants escorted the candidates into the palace early in the morning. Since it was a royal matter, meticulous checks were conducted at every stage. Only in the final round were the candidates presented to the gathered dignitaries for a decision.

When Shen Jie entered the palace, he was first required to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.

Meanwhile, Empress Zheng was seated at the head of Chuxiu Palace, sipping tea and chatting with Consort Wen, who had recently been promoted due to her pregnancy and whose complexion now glowed with youthful radiance.

Unexpectedly, before their conversation had even gotten far, a eunuch’s sharp voice rang out from outside:
“Her Highness, Noble Consort Xian, has arrived—”

Both Empress Zheng and Consort Wen twitched slightly.

Looking up, they saw Xiao Shu, who not long ago had been merely a companion reader at Yangzhi Zhai and the eldest daughter of the Xiao family. Now, with her hair styled in an elegant high bun adorned with two golden hairpins and a plum-blossom-shaped floral ornament on her forehead, she entered gracefully. Her floor-length palace gown, in a shade of aquamarine laced with gold patterns, swayed as she walked. Though her demeanor wasn’t overtly commanding, her presence was undeniably imposing.

The palace was no stranger to the constant cycle of newcomers replacing the old. And with the emperor’s penchant for novelty, such events were even more common.

Though Empress Zheng found Xiao Shu’s sudden rise uncomfortable, she had seen such scenarios many times before and managed to maintain her composure. However, in her heart, she looked down on Xiao Shu. For a noble daughter to stoop so low—it was utterly shameless.

Consort Wen, on the other hand, felt much more aggrieved.

She hadn’t even been aware of her pregnancy until recently, as no imperial physician had informed her—clear evidence that the inner palace was under someone else’s control. And who didn’t know who that “someone” was? Now, with the Empress Dowager ill, her niece Xiao Shu had been brought into the palace and elevated to the rank of consort overnight! Meanwhile, she herself, though carrying the emperor’s child, had only been promoted to Consort Wen. The more she thought about it, the more unfair it seemed.

Thus, seeing Xiao Shu now, her expression was anything but pleasant.

The palace, inside and out, was rife with rumors. How could Xiao Shu not know?

But no matter the resentment, she had made her own choices.

Aware of what she had gained and lost, she forced herself to ignore the gossip. Whatever the whispers, she had achieved her goal, rising overnight to become one of the emperor’s favored consorts. What could anyone say about her now?

“Your servant greets Your Majesty, the Empress,” Xiao Shu said.

Her status had always been exceptional, so her greetings to the Empress had never been overly formal. Even now, she barely inclined her body before rising again, her attitude showing no regard for the Empress.

The Empress smiled stiffly but refrained from saying much. “I suppose we should now call you Noble Consort Xian.”

Consort Wen, seated lazily, merely cast a cold glance her way. Her hand rested on her visibly pregnant belly as she deliberately avoided standing, saying indifferently, “By right, I ought to salute Noble Consort Xian. But I’m carrying a rather frail child this time and cannot manage the strain. I ask for your understanding.”

Xiao Shu smiled faintly. “No matter. You can offer your courtesy another time.”

Consort Wen was just one step away from the rank of noble consort herself. Once she successfully bore the emperor’s child—especially if it were a son—the title of Noble Consort would naturally follow. Even if she had a daughter, a promotion to consort would be inevitable. Why, then, should she ever need to bow to Xiao Shu again?

Xiao Shu’s words appeared ordinary on the surface, yet their meaning was insidiously venomous!

Consort Wen’s expression changed instantly. Her fingers clenched tightly around the armrest, and she nearly lost her composure on the spot.

Empress Zheng quickly tried to mediate, smiling as she asked, “Sister Xiao, your sudden elevation to the rank of consort has surely kept your palace arrangements busy, and we have yet to pay you a proper visit. Today, however, the Chuxiu Palace is selecting a consort for His Highness, the Prince of Linzi. May I ask why you’ve come here?”

A nearby palace attendant had already brought a chair over.

Xiao Shu seated herself gracefully before replying indifferently, “His Majesty is preoccupied with state affairs and remains concerned about His Highness’s marriage. So, I volunteered to oversee this matter on his behalf. Surely the Empress has no objections?”

Volunteered.

Empress Zheng found herself at a loss for words. After a moment of hesitation, she managed to force a smile and say, “His Majesty’s care and concern is, of course, ideal.”

Xiao Shu chuckled softly and said no more.

Before long, Prince Shen Jie of Linzi entered the Chuxiu Palace after paying respects to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. He wore a pale crescent-white robe adorned with a python motif, with a jade pendant hanging at his waist. His face was as refined and gentle as jade, though his expression seemed somewhat off.

When he saw Xiao Shu, he paused briefly.

However, his mind was filled with the scolding he had received from both his elder brother, the Emperor, and the Empress Dowager. Thus, he had no energy to care further. After greeting his sister-in-law, he sat down.

At this moment, the palace attendants brought in the noblewomen who had been shortlisted as candidates. After careful selection, there were only a few left—six young ladies, standing in a row. Many of them had previously served as study companions in the Yanzhi Zhai.

Jiang Xuehui, Chen Shuyi, Yao Rongrong, and…

Fang Miao, who wore a conflicted expression.

Fang Miao’s father worked in the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, and she had previously served as a study companion in the Yanzhi Zhai. Naturally, she was included in the selection process.

Fang Miao felt this matter had little to do with her, assuming she would simply go through the motions.

But what she couldn’t have predicted was that the palace would insist on them arriving early in the morning. When the maids hurriedly prepared her and urged her to leave, she calculated the time and realized it was three-quarters past dawn—a transitional period between light and darkness, when yin and yang were in flux. A highly inauspicious time for travel, prone to misfortune.

When she reached the palace gates, she noticed a faint green light in the southeast sky.

Unable to resist, Fang Miao discreetly pulled out the copper coins she had hidden in her sleeve and cast a divination for herself. The result foretold misfortune, sending her into a panic. She wanted to turn around and head home immediately, fearing she might encounter a bloodshed disaster.

Standing between Jiang Xuehui and Chen Shuyi, Fang Miao cut a less striking figure compared to these young ladies from prestigious scholarly families, despite her lovely pale yellow dress and carefully applied rouge and powder.

Upon seeing Xiao Shu seated above, Fang Miao muttered to herself.

Back in their Yanzhi Zhai days, they were merely classmates. Yet now, Xiao Shu sat adorned in splendor, like a resplendent peacock. Fang Miao wondered what had brought her here today.

Jiang Xuehui stood quietly to the side, a corner of an embroidered handkerchief peeking from between her fingers.

The moment Jiang Xuehui entered, Shen Jie’s gaze fell on her.

A eunuch stepped forward, presenting a lacquer tray holding a snow-white jade ring. Shen Jie took the ring, stood up, and began walking toward Jiang Xuehui.

Consort Wen immediately smiled.

However, Xiao Shu let out a cold laugh and casually reminded, “His Majesty instructed that the consort chosen for His Highness should uphold the royal family’s legacy. The principal consort must be recorded in the royal archives, requiring a character that is virtuous and a background that is above reproach.”

Shen Jie’s steps came to an abrupt halt.

He noticed Jiang Xuehui standing quietly with her eyes downcast and thought back to that rainy day. He had arranged to meet Yan Lin and was galloping toward the meeting point when his horse nearly startled a passing carriage. He barely managed to pull the horse back, but in doing so, splattered himself with mud.

Inside the carriage, the young lady had been frightened.

He assumed she would demand accountability.

But after a moment, a slender and graceful hand reached out from the carriage, offering him an embroidered handkerchief along with a soft, restrained laugh: “Thank you, young master, for saving me. Please, wipe your face.”

When he later met with Yan Lin that day, his thoughts wandered briefly.

Yan Lin noticed and asked what had happened.

After Shen Jie recounted the incident, Yan Lin asked to see the handkerchief. Studying it with a curious expression, Yan Lin remarked, “Look at these red ginger flowers. The girl in that carriage was most likely from the Jiang family.”

Shen Jie asked, “The elder daughter or the younger one?”

Yan Lin rolled his eyes and replied, “Ning Ning is mine. So, naturally, that one is the Jiang family’s elder daughter.”

Over time, Shen Jie had mostly forgotten the sound of that soft laugh. Yet the embroidered handkerchief, adorned with red ginger flowers, remained as a wistful keepsake by his side.

Shen Jie thought to himself: if he were to choose a consort, it should be someone who had once moved his heart.

But why couldn’t things go as he wished?

The recent scandal involving the Jiang family’s younger daughter in Tongzhou had spread far and wide, tarnishing the reputation of all the Jiang daughters. Otherwise, he could have ignored the scoldings from his mother and elder brother and simply chosen Jiang Xuehui today…

Jiang Xuehui had once saved Consort Wen, who naturally sided with her and hoped Jiang Xuehui would be chosen, becoming an ally for the future. But Xiao Shu’s repeated mentions of “His Majesty” in her statements filled Consort Wen with a mix of resentment and trepidation.

If the Emperor had spoken, he dared not openly oppose it.

Seeing Shen Jie standing frozen, Consort Wen’s eyes shifted as she tactfully adjusted her tone, saying, “Noble Consort Xiao  is correct. Choosing the principal consort requires a clear family background, as per ancestral law. It’s not something we can disregard. Once the principal consort is selected, if there are others His Highness cannot part with, they may be taken as secondary consorts. But ultimately, we must not go against His Majesty’s wishes.”

The jade ring, symbolizing the position of principal consort, remained tightly gripped in Shen Jie’s hand.

Even as a royal descendant, a prince as esteemed as the Prince of Linzi…

His marriage was not his to decide.

Shen Jie caught sight of the handkerchief embroidered with red ginger flowers in Jiang Xuehui’s hand. But as Consort Wen’s words echoed in his ears, he hesitated. He lifted his gaze toward Jiang Xuehui but felt an inexplicable heaviness in his chest. Fearing it would only worsen, he averted his eyes.

Nearby, he noticed another young lady whose head was bowed. Her lips moved as though silently chanting a prayer.

He glanced at her, feeling the face looked familiar. He vaguely remembered it as one of the companions from Yangzhi Zhai but didn’t think much of it. Without much interest, he turned his gaze to the next person and caught sight of Chen Shuyi.

At this moment, Xiao Shu spoke again from behind, “The Emperor still holds His Highness in high regard. Those with noble lineage and scholarly knowledge are best suited to assist His Highness in managing the affairs of the royal residence…”

Shen Jie felt an indescribable wave of disgust rising within him.

Even though he initially thought Chen Shuyi appeared dignified and decent, he now found her nauseating. A clay figure has some temper after all. Feeling displeased, he decisively turned his head and handed the jade ring directly to the young woman standing between Chen Shuyi and Jiang Xuehui. Annoyed, he said, “Since they are all entering the palace, anyone is fine. Let it be her.”

For a moment, the entire Chuxiu Palace fell silent.

Fang Miao, listening to the veiled barbs and sharp exchanges above her, thought everyone here was highly adept at their craft. She feared that even the slightest misstep could cause trouble and bring disaster upon herself. So, she silently recited the Diamond Sutra to ward off evil and avoid misfortune.

When the jade ring was handed to her, she didn’t even notice it.

It wasn’t until a nearby eunuch, sweating profusely, raised his voice for the third time: “Miss Fang!”

Fang Miao finally snapped back to reality.

When she lifted her head, she saw Shen Jie holding the jade ring out to her. He seemed incredulous that someone would ignore him, his handsome face darkening with a rare expression of displeasure as he stared at her.

Fang Miao finally realized what was happening.

She shivered all over.

Shen Jie hadn’t expected someone to be so distracted during a consort selection, appearing even reluctant. He gave a cold laugh and asked, “You’re unwilling?”

Fang Miao wanted to say, This isn’t a scene where a fortune-teller like me should get involved!

She opened her mouth, and the words “I’m unwilling” were on the tip of her tongue. But then she suddenly remembered the ominous signs she’d divined before leaving home. Glancing around at all the eyes now fixed on her, a chill crept up her spine.

This was the Emperor’s brother…

If she refused outright in front of everyone, calamity might truly strike in the blink of an eye.

Her previous hesitation vanished instantly. Swiftly, she took the jade ring, bowed, and said, “Willing, willing! I’m willing!”

Shen Jie: “…”

For some reason, his anger didn’t subside but grew even stronger!

Empress Zheng and Consort Wen exchanged puzzled glances, while Xiao Shu was so startled by Shen Jie’s selection of Fang Miao that she abruptly stood up.

Chen Shuyi’s expression turned unpleasant.

Meanwhile, Jiang Xuehui silently tightened her fingers and slowly closed her eyes.Fang Miao forced a sheepish smile at Shen Jie, though it looked more pitiful than cheerful. In her heart, she cursed, Damn you, heavens! If I’d known the timing was wrong when I left, I wouldn’t have left at all! Now look at this mess!

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