Chapter 0079: A Decisive Strike

Chapter 0079: A Decisive Strike

However, the steward in charge of delivering items to them, the concubines, was an eunuch. As the saying goes, a local official is no match for a local steward.

Her invitation for tea might not be accepted, but at least it showed she recognized who was looking after her.

Some rejoice while others lament.

As Yunli enjoyed her rise in status, feeling as if she were riding the winds and waves, others were not as fortunate.

For instance, the Imperial Noble Consort.

Although she still performed her daily greetings, it was as if she was under house arrest.

She felt this was a great injustice, yet it was a case of reaping what one sows.

She indeed had arranged for someone to go there, a fact she couldn't wash away.

Now, hearing the news of Yunli’s promotion, the Imperial Noble Consort remained silent for a long while.

After a long time, she finally said, "Go, invite her over. Tell her I can't easily leave now, but ask her to come and talk."

Biting her lip, she added, "Tell her I don’t dare to trouble her. We're both from the Qi family. Ask her to come and see me."

Mianxing nodded, "I will go, even if I have to kneel and beg, I'll bring her here."

When Mianxing arrived, Yunli was enjoying some pastries and browsing through the books she brought back the day before.

Seeing her, Yunli waved her hand to dismiss the formalities and asked, "The Imperial Noble Consort wants to see me?"

Mianxing was startled, "Yes, please, would you visit her?"

Yunli sighed, "Since elder sister has summoned me, I shall go and see her."

Mianxing never expected it to be so easy to persuade her.

By now, she admitted she couldn't see through Lady Qiong.

Unless Yunli was going to mock the Imperial Noble Consort, she really didn't understand her motive.

Yunli visited Yuzhi Palace, which remained as splendid as ever. However, due to the misfortunes of its master and the continuous dismissal of its inhabitants,

The servants there were somewhat fearful.

Especially upon seeing Yunli.

The current relationship between the Imperial Noble Consort and Lady Qiong was oddly antagonistic.

Initially, no one respected the sister of the Imperial Noble Consort’s family, but now, they had no choice but to.

In the main hall, Yunli greeted, "May the Imperial Noble Consort be at peace."

"Sit down, it's rare that you would come," the Consort waved her hand.

Yunli sat down, "If elder sister summons, naturally I will come."

The Consort didn't argue about why she hadn't come in the past.

"You are quite pleased with yourself these days," said the Consort.

"Your Highness invited me here, presumably not to say such sour words," Yunli replied with a light smile.

The Consort fell silent again, momentarily unsure why she had summoned Yunli.

"Your Highness, you have served His Majesty since the Eastern Palace. After all these years, you have received what you deserved. As for favor, it's not something you can obtain just by asking. Even if you could, it's better to strive with His Majesty," Yunli spoke first.

"What do you mean by that? Are you flaunting your favor before me? Your favor still falls short!" the Consort angrily retorted.

"It depends on who you compare it with. Compared to Lady Lan and Lady Jia, perhaps my favor does fall short. But what about when compared to you, who has been in the palace for nearly ten years? I may not necessarily like being the most favored in the harem, but all I need is to be irreplaceable and not overlooked. Elder sister, I've already said, I can't be your pawn. We are all human, and no one willingly becomes a pawn." Yunli tilted her head.

"Not a pawn? Following me makes you a pawn, and not when you're with Lady Jing?" the Consort angrily asked.

"Is that so? Which pawn ever holds the same status as a chess player?" Yunli smiled again. "Elder sister, as the Imperial Noble Consort, you've offended too many. At this point, you shouldn't be focusing on me. Such pointless strife is meaningless."

The Consort wanted to speak but stopped herself.

"Enough. I called you here today simply to tell you not to oppose me. Regardless, we are both from the Qi family. After all, I am still the Imperial Noble Consort," she said.

"Rest assured, sister, I have never intended to harm you."

The conversation between the sisters ended inconclusively.

In truth, Yunli knew that the Consort didn't believe she wouldn’t harm her.

Moreover, as soon as the Consort recovers, she will still not let go of Yunli.

This was a situation Yunli had been destined for since entering the palace.

With Yunli's rise, the Consort's sense of crisis would only intensify.

Leaving Yuzhi Palace, a hazy drizzle began to fall.

Yunli walked slowly, without an umbrella.

The palace of the Great Jin Dynasty was built against the mountains.

The mountain wasn't particularly steep or large. Initially, it was called Cuiping Mountain.

In the height of spring and summer, when the trees were lush green, it resembled a screen of jade.

Later, predecessors from previous dynasties established the imperial city and palace here.

Gradually, Cuiping Mountain became a mountain of the royal family.

Since it wasn’t large, there weren't many buildings on it, just a royal villa used for the lying in state of deceased emperors. Thus, it was also known as the Emperor's Peak, a name given by the common people.

In the misty drizzle, Yunli looked up to see the mountain shrouded in mist.

From this close perspective, it even seemed a bit majestic.

Yunli took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

"Lady, you shouldn’t stay in the rain," Zhifu offered the umbrella to shelter her.

"Zhifu, do you think the people in this cage, constantly fighting, don’t find it sad?"

Zhifu dared not answer, and Yunli didn't expect one.

Standing in the rain, she gazed at Cuiping Mountain for a while longer before turning to leave.

When she felt sadness, it was indeed profound.

Yet, her steps returning home were firm and unwavering.

After all, whether it's sad or not, one must keep walking the path of life.

Isn't that what life is all about?

Everyone knew that the Imperial Noble Consort had met with Lady Qiong.

The next morning during the greeting session, everyone was curious about this matter.

But of course, directly asking was out of the question.

Last night, with no one attending the Emperor's bedchamber, everyone gathered in Fengyi Palace. Ye Zhao-yi was the first to speak, "We haven’t properly congratulated Lady Qiong yet. Sister's promotion was indeed swift, without even having a child, she's already a 'Lady'."

"Thank you, Lady Zhao-yi," Yunli responded calmly.

"Oh, Lady Qiong’s tone has changed after her promotion," Wu Zhao-rong commented with a laugh.

"What should I say then? I am already a 'Lady' without having a child, and there are many high-ranking ladies above me without children. Wouldn’t speaking more on this offend someone?" Yunli retorted.

Wu Zhao-rong was taken aback.

That was indeed true.

The Imperial Noble Consort, Lady Lan, Lady Mei, Ye Zhao-yi, Wu Zhao-rong... Shu Jieyu, Lady Jia, Lady Li – which of them had children?

"Regardless, a promotion is a good thing. Now you also have your turn attending to His Majesty. It would be fortunate if you could bear a son for His Majesty soon," the Empress said with a smile.

"Thank you, Empress, but whether or not I bear children, and whenever it happens, is not important. I hope the Empress will be blessed with a son soon," Yunli pointedly replied.

The Empress hastily said, "Don't speak nonsense."

"I misspoke. However, it's the rule that the Empress's son should be the Crown Prince. It's only a matter of time before the Empress gives birth to a prince. I shall keep such remarks to myself in the future," Yunli said with a smile.

This pleased the Empress greatly.