Chapter 15

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Consort Xu again—Consort Xu! Why does she always have to ruin my good affairs whenever she appears? Last time it was on the boat with His Majesty, and now that I have finally invited Aunt Sang, she insists on barging in. Tong Baolin was furious beyond measure and snapped, “Why are you everywhere? Are you spying on me?”

“Aunt Sang was invited by me with great effort; what business is that of yours? Xu Qingrong, don’t go too far!”

Seeing this, Sang Qingyun felt the trouble growing and remained silent for a moment. The woman before her was evidently the favored Consort Xu. Tong Baolin and Consort Xu were both recent entrants to the palace, each backed by powerful patrons. Even if there was conflict between them, it was not her place to mediate or intervene.

Moreover, they were currently on the palace path, and their public quarrel was plainly an attempt to disgrace one another. Although Tong Baolin had invited Sang Aunt today, Consort Xu’s rank was considerably higher; the palace was no place to argue precedence.

As expected, after Tong Baolin’s disrespectful words, a chill flashed across Consort Xu’s eyes. Yet she did not speak herself; instead, her personal maid, Wan Zhen, was the first to rebuke, “How dare you! Tong Baolin, having entered the palace, should conduct herself with more decorum. Do you take the imperial palace for your rustic hometown? On the day you first paid respects to Her Majesty the Empress, your improper words already displeased several concubines. Have you learned nothing? Moreover, the young mistress here is Baolin, whereas ours is a Consort—a world apart. You have clearly committed insubordination against palace rules!”

It was obvious that Consort Xu had secretly set a trap and now spoke with false righteousness. Tong Baolin's temper would not tolerate this even slightly. Besides, her aunt was present; Xu Qingrong plainly wished to shame her and whisk away Aunt Sang in one stroke, killing two birds with one stone. Such an outcome was unthinkable.

If today’s endeavor failed, her future prospects would only grow dimmer. She had sacrificed almost everything to secure Aunt Sang’s favor—was she expected to wait until the Noble Consort rose again before advancing? By then, Consort Xu might well have been promoted further.

Resolute, Tong Baolin stepped forward, standing before Sang Qingyun with a cold sneer. “Decorum? You know well what you have done. I warn you, Aunt Sang will not leave with you today. If you force it, we will burn together; it will reach Her Majesty the Empress, and no one will come out unscathed.”

Though her words held menace, the Empress alone ruled the harem now, and the Noble Consort was convalescing behind closed doors—would the Empress care about a mere Baolin?

Consort Xu finally spoke with thin disdain, “If you truly have the courage, go and ask Her Majesty the Empress to punish me. Let me see if your former Noble Consort will come to your defense.”

“She is out of favor with His Majesty and cannot even protect herself. What are you then?”

Tong Baolin’s face turned pale. Chun Yan, standing beside her, frowned deeply, glaring at Consort Xu with displeasure.

Hearing Tong Baolin swear to remain, Sang Qingyun felt a pang of unease. The palace was no place for reason; power, status, and favor were all that mattered.

Just as today, she could tell Consort Xu had secretly meddled. But without evidence, what good was knowing the truth? Even if it reached the Empress, Consort Xu might be scolded lightly, but the greater loss would be Tong Baolin’s.

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Consort Xu was of noble birth and now favored by the Empress, her blessings abundant; she could obtain anything with ease and even spare time to thwart others.

Tong Baolin, however, came from common origins, and the Noble Consort was currently out of favor with His Majesty. What did she have?

Seeing her, Sang Qingyun recalled her own early days in the palace and couldn’t help but feel a touch of sympathy.

As the argument grew more entrenched, if she allowed it to continue, it would only reflect badly on her if word spread.

“Two young ladies, forgive my presumption, but may I say a word?” Sang Qingyun stepped between them from behind Tong Baolin, inclining her head respectfully. “As an attendant before His Majesty, it is not my role to instruct concubines. Before entering the palace, each of you was guided by your respective chambermaids, and after selection as consorts, by the Empress and Noble Consort. I am but humble and dare not overstep. Even at your kind invitation, I would not presume to offer advice.”

“But if your quarrel spreads, not only will Her Majesty the Empress see you as unruly and unfamiliar with palace rules, His Majesty will surely be displeased as well.”

Choosing her words carefully, she appealed to what mattered most to them: favor. “His Majesty is busy with state affairs and prefers peace in the harem.”

Though she did not openly instruct them, this was clearly a reprimand.

If they truly wished to win His Majesty’s favor, they should not quarrel over trivial matters. Neither had yet firmly established themselves in the palace. Even Consort Xu held little weight in His Majesty’s heart. A public dispute now would only make Consort Xu seem arrogant in power and Tong Baolin unruly—both would lose.

For Sang Qingyun herself, caught in the middle, any misstep could bring ruin or discontent from other concubines she had refused.

When she finished, the two, still angry, both paled slightly and turned their faces away coldly.

As a palace attendant, Sang Qingyun knew that if she were truly caught in the crossfire, no one could guarantee what she might say before His Majesty.

Consort Xu, aware she was in the wrong today, nevertheless did not want to leave a bad impression on Sang Qingyun. She turned with a bright smile, “Aunt, your advice is just. I was young and foolish. Please keep this between us; otherwise, I don’t know what I would do.”

Sang Qingyun smiled politely. “Both young ladies are still inexperienced; a momentary quarrel is nothing. I understand.”

Seeing her consent, Consort Xu relaxed and withdrew her smile, casting a cold glance at Wan Zhen before returning to the palace.

After Consort Xu left, Sang Qingyun looked at the despondent Tong Baolin and could not bear it, speaking a few more words. “Young Mistress Tong, it is mealtime; you should return to the palace to eat.”

“You should reflect on today’s public quarrel with Consort Xu and not repeat such mistakes. If you become ill from worry and overthinking, just have your maid ask Her Majesty the Empress for leave.”

With that, she knelt in respect. “Duties at the Qinzheng Hall keep me busy; please excuse me.”

Tong Baolin stared after Sang Qingyun in confusion, then suddenly her eyes brightened and a tear of joy fell.

Within the Palace of Glorious Splendor, Consort Xu entered with an uneasy expression. The maid at the door hurried to offer tea, but she ignored it, staring fixedly ahead, long lashes casting shadows.

Soon Wan Zhen hurried back and whispered, “My lady, after you left, I saw Aunt Sang speak with Young Mistress Tong again. Tong looked very pleased.”

Consort Xu sneered coldly, “She’s clearly taken advantage of her.”

“When I entered the palace, my mother told me survival here is difficult; one must never neglect any place. I inquired about the attendants before His Majesty; all said Aunt Sang disliked too close ties with the harem and was the most trusted by His Majesty. That proves the rumors are false.”

Her smile turned cruel. “How could such a good thing be left to Tong Jinzhi alone? Spread this news so everyone knows there is another way. Let’s see how she lives in the presence of His Majesty now.”

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That evening, as the sun set in the west, the Palace of Glorious Splendor no longer bustled with activity; silence prevailed.

The former Noble Consort sat quietly on a soft couch, eating a piece of milk cake, the sadness etched between her brows refusing to fade.

Qian Ning urged gently, “Your Highness, since His Majesty has not come, you must eat properly. Though sweet, cakes are no substitute for a proper meal.”

The former Noble Consort shook her head, eyes reddening again. “His Majesty won’t come anymore; if I can’t even eat something sweet, life would be too bitter.”

Seeing her despondency, Qian Ning wanted to say more but held back.

At that moment, the rear door of the palace quietly opened, and someone emerged from the shadows. After reporting the day’s events, the former Noble Consort’s emotions flared; she choked and coughed violently. “Is what you said true? Did Consort Xu really say such things?”

Chun Yan lowered her eyes respectfully. “I heard every word clearly. Consort Xu spoke disrespectfully of Your Highness and was most insolent. Furthermore, she sent people to follow Young Mistress Tong and mocked her frequently.”

“Tong Baolin, originally of humble birth, cannot compare to Consort Xu’s noble origins. After returning to the palace tonight, she was deeply upset and went to bed early.”

“Such arrogance... truly outrageous!” The former Noble Consort’s face flushed with anger as she gripped the table’s edge, her delicate features filled with fury. “That Consort Xu! Since birth, I have been revered and untouchable—never looked down upon. Now, because His Majesty is displeased with me and has kept his distance for days, this mere Consort Xu dares to insult me, relying on the Empress’s favor!”

While the Empress’s faction rejoiced, did she truly believe her own triumph would last forever?

She could not believe His Majesty would favor such a disrespectful and insolent person!

Taking several deep breaths, the former Noble Consort finally calmed herself. “Chun Yan, go reward Qian Ning properly; you did well today. Qian Ning, select some fine gifts and personally deliver them to the Palace of Radiant Purity for Tong Baolin. Tell her I know she has suffered injustice and that she should be comforted.”

“As for Consort Xu, since she fancies herself clever and dares to look down on me, spread today’s events throughout the six palaces. Have Dai Zheng ensure it reaches His Majesty’s ears at the right time. If Consort Xu is so capable, I will make sure everyone knows just how arrogant she is!”