Chapter 0038: Too Much Is as Bad as Not Enough

Chapter 0038: Too Much Is as Bad as Not Enough

That night, His Majesty visited Consort Lan’s Zhu Yun Palace.

It seemed to be a gesture of consolation.

But Consort Lan wasn’t the only one not promoted; the Noble Consort and Consort De also awaited His Majesty in vain.

Although Lady Lan was disappointed, she still called Yun Xiaoyi to join her, as today Yun Xiaoyi had been promoted and should express her gratitude.

Carrying a child, Lady Lan was indeed in a more favorable position.

However, Yun Xiaoyi was sensible enough to take her leave after meeting the Emperor.

This eased Lady Lan's mind somewhat.

He Lianjing was quite attentive in consoling her and promised that if Lady Lan became pregnant, she would be promoted.

Lady Lan, lacking significant family background and possessing a likable nature, allowed the Emperor to favor her without much consideration.

However, another promotion for Lady Lan now would indeed be conspicuous.

Her initial conferment had been too high.

The Emperor somewhat regretted his youthful decisions made at the beginning of his reign.

Including the Noble Consort, none should have been given such high ranks initially. If the Noble Consort and Consort Jinde were of the second rank, things would be easier now.

But it was too late for regrets, proving that even an emperor cannot always make the right decisions, and mistakes are overlooked simply because of his position.

He Lianjing stayed with Lady Lan for three days upon his visit.

Already favored, this visit further solidified Lady Lan's status as a favorite in the harem.

For several consecutive days, everyone in the Phoenix Palace envied her.

On the second day of the ninth month, news of a great victory in the southwest arrived, and He Lianjing issued several decrees rewarding meritorious officials.

The Empress's father had already reached the pinnacle of his rank, so he was simply given rewards.

The recent promotions certainly caused a mix of joy and sorrow.

The Empress, alarmed by the extensive rewards her family received, knelt outside Zhengyang Palace pleading, "My father and brothers serve the nation in battle as their duty. Your Majesty’s repeated rewards truly unsettle me. I beg you to cease further rewards for my father and brothers. I am deeply grateful to Your Majesty on their behalf."

He Lianjing personally helped her up, "Such behavior of the Empress shows the good upbringing of the Duke of An, reflecting her character. I am very pleased. Do not be alarmed, Empress. The Duke of An is a loyal minister and capable general, and I am happy to have such a subject. As the Empress who sets an example for the entire harem, you are my fortune."

The imperial couple exchanged compliments in the presence of a crowd of officials in Zhengyang Palace.

Finally, the Empress was escorted back in the Emperor's imperial carriage.

This event became a popular tale, showcasing the Empress’s humility and the harmonious relationship between the Emperor and Empress.

In Cian Palace, Empress Dowager Lin laughed, "A few years ago, I thought the Empress was dull and slow to catch on. Now isn’t she doing well? She has gained both reputation and tangible benefits. Isn’t that more useful than vying for favor? Being the Empress is about upholding righteousness."

"Exactly, Your Majesty. The Empress was young and has now matured. She was not of high birth initially, but now she has risen. The late Emperor’s choice was wise. Had he chosen the lady from Yu Zhi Palace... who knows what the harem would be like," said Nanny Fan, shaking her head.

"Indeed, the late Emperor had good judgment. Back then, I wondered why he overlooked the Qi family’s daughter for the Crown Prince’s consort in favor of a girl from a third-rank general’s family. Now, I see my short-sightedness. The Qi girl might have been good, but too proud. Had she been Empress, other women in the harem would have had no chance," said the Empress Dowager.

"Exactly, look how often His Majesty visits Yu Zhi Palace now," Nanny Fan said with a laugh.

"Your Majesty, not all Qi family girls are the same. I think Qi Baolin... oh, now she’s Xiaoyi, isn’t like her sister at all," said the maid Qinghu with a smile.

"Hmm, this Qi Xiaoyi is somewhat interesting, but she's just a Xiaoyi. Let's talk when she climbs to the rank of Jiu Pin. She’s not worth mentioning now," dismissed Empress Dowager Lin.

"The Empress has done well. Go, select some fine gifts and send them to her," Empress Dowager Lin added.

Nanny Fan responded with a smile, "I’ll personally take care of it."

Let’s not dwell on the Empress’s glory.

The Noble Consort’s care for Qi Xiaoyi continued, making it clear to the entire harem that she was looking after Qi Xiaoyi.

After Yunli's promotion, there were no significant changes.

The stipend has increased somewhat, but I'm not really collecting it now.

As for other matters, there's not much difference between being a Xiaoyi and a Baolin.

"Xiaoyi, the Noble Consort sent some pastries over again, made in her palace's small kitchen," Zhuyu said.

"Heh," Yunli suddenly laughed.

"Xiaoyi?"

"It's nothing. Have you heard of 'excess is as bad as deficiency'? Ah, I always thought that Qi Qingluan, with her good looks and family background, and understanding of rules, wouldn't be so ignored by the Emperor despite being out of favor. Now I see why." Yunli leaned lightly on the table: "If she cared for me a bit less, it could still be seen as familial. But now, she almost seems too eager to show care every day. Isn't that a bit overdone?"

So this Qi Qingluan is somewhat eager for quick success. With such a personality, how can she not suffer in the harem? It's only her family background that got her the title of Noble Consort.

"Xiaoyi is right, it's indeed too much now," Zhuyu agreed.

"Since it's excessive, why not give her a harsh lesson?" Yunli smirked.

"Ah? Xiaoyi, what are you planning?" Zhuyu asked, puzzled.

"What did she send today?" Yunli inquired.

"Oh, it’s date paste cake. She said it's your favorite," Zhuyu replied.

"Hmph, go find some pills, any kind will do," Yunli ordered.

Nowadays, each palace has some medicinal pills, such as those for coughs or sore throats.

Zhuyu quickly brought a small porcelain bottle, used to prevent heatstroke in summer.

"Take a few pills, crush them, and mix them into these pastries," Yunli instructed.

"Xiaoyi, this is... quite obvious," Zhuyu cautioned.

"It's fine, am I not a fool? What's there to fear?" Yunli said with a smile.

Zhifu chuckled, "Alright then, Zhuyu, don't hesitate. Xiaoyi must have her reasons."

So, Zhuyu no longer hesitated, and the two of them together crushed the pills and sprinkled them on the pastries, pressing them in with a spoon.

The date paste cake was dark in color, so the addition wasn't too noticeable at first glance.

But a sniff would reveal that something was off.

"Help me change my clothes, we're going to the Empress to discuss this matter. What is the Noble Consort implying? What kind of drug has she given me?" Yunli frowned.

The maids laughed as they helped her change into a new outfit and donned a cloak before heading to the Empress's palace.

The Empress was surprised to hear that Qi Xiaoyi had arrived with a food box.

"With a food box?" The Empress glanced at Ruyi.

"Could it be that she's brought food for you?" Ruyi was puzzled too.

"Let her in," the Empress instructed.

Soon, Yunli entered, paid her respects to the Empress, and then knelt down: "Empress, I beg you to stand up for me."

"What's the matter?" the Empress inquired curiously.

"Empress, I... the pastries I received today are problematic. They were given by the Noble Consort, and I... I can't swallow this indignity. Please stand up for me." Yunli said, opening the food box.