Chapter 119: Phoenix Palace

Chapter 119: Fengyi Palace

A Test of Wills

Su Jiaojiao's Guanju Palace was just a short walk down the main palace thoroughfare from Fengyi Palace, separated by no more than fifty meters.

During the Empress's illness, Su Jiaojiao had visited once or twice to quell the palace gossip. But in the days since the Empress's recovery, she hadn't gone even once. No matter how occupied the Emperor kept her with his attentions, it was still inexcusable.

After all, just yesterday, the Emperor had gone to greet the Empress after the morning court session. For propriety's sake, she could delay no longer today.

"I recall that not long ago, His Majesty bestowed a set of tribute writing implements from the vassal states. Each piece has its own significance. Since the eldest princess is studying at the Imperial Academy, gifting it to the Empress would be a fitting gesture."

Su Jiaojiao cast a glance and pointed outside: "Go, have Jia Xi carry it and accompany me to see the Empress."

Yu Ying naturally had to follow along. When Yu Ye heard that Jia Xi was to be brought along, she reluctantly curtsied and said, "I will go fetch her at once."

Seeing Yu Ye's displeasure, Yu Ying supported Su Jiaojiao with a smile and said, "Jia Xi is lively and sweet-tongued. Though we know she's suspicious, some of the palace servants below enjoy chatting with her. Yu Ye used to be the most beloved among the palace staff, but with Jia Xi's arrival, it's only natural for her to feel a bit childish."

Su Jiaojiao, well aware of Yu Ye's temperament, met her with a level look and said gently, "There's a purpose in summoning her. You are my personal attendant—think carefully in all matters and don't give others any openings, understand?"

"Yes, I understand," Yu Ye, who heeded Su Jiaojiao's words above all else, immediately composed herself and turned to fetch Jia Xi.

They set out in the afternoon. Since Su Jiaojiao was visiting the Empress, she opted not to make a grand display, bringing only Yu Ying and Jia Xi along.

The denizens of Fengyi Palace likely disliked seeing Su Jiaojiao the most these days.

In their eyes, the Empress was kind, gentle, and fair-minded—the finest of empresses. Yet the Emperor did not favor her, even repeatedly neglecting her for his favored consorts. In contrast, Noble Consort Zhen commanded the Emperor's sole attention. With Noble Consort Mi fallen, the Emperor had elevated Noble Consort Shu—both close associates of Noble Consort Zhen—which was truly displeasing.

But no matter how displeased they were, Noble Consort Zhen remained Noble Consort Zhen. The gulf between mistress and servant was vast, and they still had to bow respectfully to her before seeking the Empress's permission.

Inside Fengyi Palace, it was its most animated in recent days.

Concubine Lian, Noble Lady Xiang, Beauty Yu, and Junior Attendant Miao were all present, seated in the front hall conversing with the Empress. When the attending palace maid announced Noble Consort Zhen's arrival, the faces of everyone in the hall darkened.

Concubine Lian, who despised Noble Consort Zhen the most, immediately frowned upon hearing the news and sneered, "She sows discord wherever she treads!"

The Empress smiled faintly and said, "Noble Consort Zhen is beloved by His Majesty. It's rare for her to find time to visit me today. With so many of you here to keep me company, I am truly delighted."

She turned to Concubine Lian and said, "Xu Qingwu, I recall His Majesty used to dote on you greatly. But I've heard it's been over a month since he last visited any other consorts, leaving even you neglected. Should I have audience with His Majesty, I will advise him to distribute his favors more equitably and visit you more often."

Concubine Lian's expression soured instantly. Wringing her handkerchief, she glanced at the other consorts around her, her frustration mounting. Yet she still held her chin high, unwilling to show weakness.

She couldn't accept that she was now reduced to the company of women beneath her, nor could she accept the current glory of the Su clan.

If only she had entered the palace earlier, she wouldn't have given the Su woman the time and opportunity to bewitch the Emperor, leading to his current infatuation with her!

Concubine Lian gritted her teeth and said coldly, "What is she, anyway? Nothing but a vixen employing base wiles to ensnare His Majesty! Such a seductive troublemaker, hoarding the Emperor's affections—it's an outrage anywhere! Her behavior is nothing short of stirring chaos in the rear palace. The Empress is the legitimate mistress of the inner court, while she is but a lowly ant!"

She could dismiss other women, but the Empress was the central palace's rightful mistress, personally chosen by the Empress Dowager, her aunt, as her cousin's wife. No matter what, Concubine Lian acknowledged her as Empress in her heart.

Precisely because of this, she was even angrier. If it were merely a fight for favor, that would be one thing—but now, the Su woman had even overshadowed the Empress! When was such impertinence ever countenanced in this world?

Junior Attendant Miao, seated below, also spoke up: "Indeed, Your Majesty. No matter how favored Noble Consort Zhen is, she must not surpass you. For a mere consort to overshadow the inner court would be a joke to the world. If the Empress ceases to be the Empress, wouldn't that plunge the realm into chaos?"

Beauty Yu, observing the Empress's silence, merely nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, Noble Lady Xiang beside her cautiously surveyed the scene before adopting an indignant expression and scoffing, "Isn't that so? At first, I thought Noble Consort Zhen was a good person, delicate and meek. But now, it's clear it was all a facade. Such an ambitious, disrespectful woman is truly hard to trust!"

The Empress smiled and sipped her tea, taking in their expressions one by one before saying gently, "We appreciate your loyal concerns, sisters. But since His Majesty favors her, we can only offer him proper counsel and not harbor resentment. Otherwise, we would also be transgressing proper decorum."

"Yu He, go personally and summon Noble Consort Zhen in. Don't keep her waiting at the door any longer."

Yu He bowed and walked out. Shortly after, Su Jiaojiao followed Yu He into the inner hall.

She raised her gaze slightly to look at the Empress seated in the place of honor. Her expression was gentle and dignified, radiating kindness without a hint of sternness. Her complexion was rosy, showing no signs of illness. On the contrary, she appeared even more composed and serene than before her reported illness.

The Empress—truly the most formidable figure in this palace.

Precise, ruthless, and unflinching in her actions, even toward herself.

She had schemed against the Crown Prince, repeatedly set up other palace consorts and Su Jiaojiao, and when suspicions arose from the Emperor, she swiftly made the decision to retreat into obscurity and bide her time.

Now, after all these months, the fact that the Emperor visited the Empress as soon as he returned to the palace proved that he still held his principal wife in high regard. It also showed that the Empress had grown even more patient and composed.

If it were any other Imperial Consort, half a year of claimed illness would have long caused the Emperor to forget about them entirely. Only the Empress had no such fear.

No matter how long she remained "ill," as long as she avoided major mistakes, her position as Empress remained unshaken.

Su Jiaojiao curved her lips into a smile, gazing at the Empress as she performed the full ceremonial bow, saying: "This concubine greets Her Majesty the Empress. May the Empress enjoy boundless peace."

"Your Majesty has been unwell for so long. Now that Your Majesty is recuperating, this concubine has come specially to pay her respects. I hope Your Majesty does not find my visit an intrusion."

The Empress looked at Su Jiaojiao. After months apart, she remained as loathsome as before.

Yet her beauty seemed to have grown even more striking—delicate yet alluring, with an added touch of loveliness. One couldn't help but wonder if it was due to the Emperor's frequent affection that her every glance and expression now dripped with such coy allure.

Unconsciously, the Empress clenched her fingers, though her expression remained warm and smiling. "Rise. You have worked hard serving His Majesty. It is gracious of you to still remember this Empress and make a special trip today."

"Let her be seated."

Concubine Lian, seeing her, felt her anger flare. She raised her voice coldly, "Her Majesty recuperated days ago, yet you only come today. Scarcely demonstrates sincerity. Why put on this act of meekness and deference? You merely make a spectacle of yourself."

Su Jiaojiao gracefully took her seat directly opposite Concubine Lian, smiling sweetly. "I have been occupied serving His Majesty and came as soon as I had the time. Fortunately, Her Majesty is gracious and does not consider me neglectful. But Concubine Lian, you’ve had plenty of leisure lately—why did you also only come today?"

Concubine Lian’s face instantly turned ashen, her eyes darting to the Empress as she faltered for words.

The Empress merely glanced at her, her gaze indifferent, showing no intention to intervene. Instead, she smiled at Su Jiaojiao and said, "Enough. Whether early or late, whoever comes brings me joy. There’s no need to dwell on such trivial matters."

Then, she continued slowly, "His Majesty has been especially fond of you lately, often keeping you by his side. It is good that he has someone dear to accompany him, and you are gentle and obedient, which puts me at ease. It’s just that the other ladies pine—already seeing His Majesty so little, now they must feel even more disheartened."

Su Jiaojiao stood and curtsied, lowering her eyes with a soft sigh. "Your Majesty speaks wisely. In truth, this concubine often advises His Majesty to visit the other sisters, to bring balance to the rear palace and ease their longing. But His Majesty is the Son of Heaven. His will is his own—this concubine can only counsel, not control. I am useless in this matter and await Your Majesty’s reprimand."

Her words sounded earnest, but beneath them lay calculated taunts—every phrase of "counsel" was a veiled provocation.

The expressions of the other four women shifted dramatically, each revealing their own thoughts. Only the Empress remained unreadable, merely raising a hand in a gesture of reassurance as she said gently, "You serve His Majesty diligently. How could I reprimand you? If you have advised him, that is already commendable. When I see His Majesty, I will also urge him further. Noble Consort Zhen, you have always been sensible, but with His Majesty showering you with such favor, it’s natural you might feel uneasy. Yet remember—His Majesty does not belong to any one person. The court and the rear palace are intertwined, and you must understand this."

Su Jiaojiao’s expression remained unchanged as she curtsied again. "This concubine heeds Your Majesty’s guidance."

Rising, she added, "This concubine could not come empty-handed. I have prepared gifts, though I do not know if they will please Your Majesty."

As soon as she finished speaking, Jia Xi stepped forward, head bowed, carrying the complete set of scholar’s implements. She presented the tray to the Empress for inspection. Su Jiaojiao subtly observed the Empress’s expression, searching for any hint of reaction as she said, "These were bestowed upon me by His Majesty some time ago—an exquisite set of Four Treasures of the Study. Knowing that the Eldest Princess attends the Imperial Academy daily, I thought to present them to Your Majesty. I hope you will accept them."

Four Treasures of the Study?

The Empress instinctively tightened her grip on the armrest, her gaze lowering to the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone neatly arranged on the tray. Then, noticing that the gift-bearer was none other than Jia Xi, she swayed almost imperceptibly.