Before dawn, sporadic noises could be heard coming from the room, which had been restless all night.

Kangxi got up, put on the clothes brought by the palace servants with great spirit, instructed that Xiuning not to be woken up, and then quickly left Qixiang Palace with his men.

When Xiuning opened her eyes in bed, it was already broad daylight.

According to Chunyu, Kangxi had left the palace and led tens of thousands of troops to the front lines to join forces with the army that was confronting the Dzungar Khanate on the distant border.

"Well, His Majesty said that palace affairs are busy, so he can send Consort Tong and others to help."

"Go and invite Consort Tong and the other concubines here. Tell them I have something to discuss with them."

With a wave of her hand, Xiu Ning gave a delicate yawn, looking lazy and tired—a rather contradictory image.

Upon hearing this, Chunyu didn't say much, only responded with a "yes" before turning and leaving.

Upon receiving the message, the palace servants who were busy in the courtyard left Qixiang Palace and headed to other sleeping quarters.

In no time, the concubines living in the other palaces all received the message from Xiuning.

Some were surprised, some were calm, some were happy, and some were confused.

Without exception, none of them chose to refuse.

The most powerful woman in the harem, Consort Jing, is so affectionate that even if it's a trap, they have to accept it.

One palanquin after another departed from various palaces, and people with exquisite makeup disembarked at the gate of Qixiang Palace.

"The Emperor has just left, and Consort Jing has summoned us here. Her eagerness is truly alarming."

The one who spoke was Consort Jia, who lived in Yongshou Palace next to Qixiang Palace.

Because those invited by Xiuning were all of the rank of concubine or above, they were not like others and each had the confidence to deal with the situation.

"His Majesty stayed overnight at Qixiang Palace last night, presumably to give Consort Jing some instructions. Consort Jia, let's go inside first and talk about it."

Consort Yi smiled, took out the handkerchief in her hand and draped it over her arm. She was adorned with countless ornaments, looking magnificent and dazzling.

Consort Jia rolled her eyes disdainfully, looking down on Consort Yi, who came from a humble background as a palace maid, even though Consort Yi's family background was much better than that of the other Manchu concubines in the harem.

Consort Yi already knew about Consort Jia's character, so she turned away and ignored this colleague who was not going to live long. She walked through the palace gate and stepped into the main hall.

Inside the hall, Xiu Ning and Tong Jia Rongyue had already taken their seats.

After all, there are unspoken rules when inviting people over; the principle of first come, first served applies to all aspects of the harem.

"Your Majesty, I, your humble servant, greet you with boundless blessings and peace."

"Consort Yi is exempt from formalities."

After exchanging greetings, Consort Yi turned and walked to the second chair on her right and sat down.

As Consort Yi took her seat, two more concubines entered from outside the main hall.

Consort Jia and Consort Hui accompanied each other, while Consort Ping passed away at the beginning of the year and could not come. Perfect, all five consorts of the rank of consort or above were present.

"Since everyone is here, I will keep it brief," Xiu Ning said. Although she had plenty of time, she clearly did not want to waste it on her colleagues in the harem. "With the Emperor gone from the capital, the affairs of the harem will be temporarily handled by me and Consort Tong."

Originally, there was nothing wrong with this matter, but I need to take care of all the affairs of the Princess's residence, so my three younger sisters will have to share the burden of palace power with me.”

After speaking, before Consort Hui and the others could reply, Tong Jia Rongyue chimed in, "I feel the same way. Yinyu cannot do without me."

Since Consort Jing has this intention, I will take a shortcut and trouble my sisters to handle palace affairs as well.”

The remaining three concubines: ...This seems to be developing in a rather strange way.

Although it's unclear why the two people who held the power of the palace in their hands would be willing to hand it over, it's obvious that the palace power was in their best interest.

Profitable opportunities have always been a primary focus for the concubines in the imperial harem.

Regardless of whether the bait of palace power is poisonous or not, they want to swallow it.

Consort Hui spoke first, her words conveying no hardship, "It is my honor to be able to share the burdens of the two Noble Consorts."

So this blessing should definitely be given to her; she deserves it.

Consort Yi followed behind and said, "Your Majesty, please give me any instructions."

Consort Jia chuckled softly, clearly looking down on Consort Hui and Consort Yi's sycophantic behavior, but she also wanted palace power to provide an extra layer of security for Yin'e, since with palace power, there would be more things that could be done.

Consort Jia pursed her lips and remained silent, but her straight back arched slightly.

Seeing this, Xiu Ning thought to herself that since she was being so tactful, she shouldn't blame Xiu Ning for categorizing palace affairs by importance.

Originally, Consort Hui had already gained face in front of the Emperor because of Yinqi's expedition.

Then she might as well add insult to injury and give Consort Hui even more power in the palace.

He waved, and Chunyu came in carrying a tray.

A thick stack of accounts was placed on the tray. Xiu Ning glanced at it first, and then had Chun Yu deliver about half of the accounts to Consort Hui.

Consort Hui was shocked upon seeing this. What did this mean? Was Consort Jing taking special care of her, or was there some hidden conspiracy she was unaware of?

Consort Hui looked longingly at the stack of accounts in front of her, but finally couldn't resist her greed. She gritted her teeth and simply took them all.

Since she's already here, and this opportunity isn't easy for her, she should just get it first.

With Consort Hui taking over, it became easier to assign other generals. Xiu Ning gave the remaining two-thirds to Consort Yi and only one-third to Consort Jia.

Consort Jia: ...You're deliberately picking a fight, aren't you? Just because she didn't back down.

Consort Jia glared at Xiuning with hidden annoyance, her resentment growing even stronger.

However, Xiu Ning pretended not to see it. Let Consort Jia be angry if she wanted to. Who could she blame for not bowing her head and speaking softly? Apart from Consort Hui, who needed her to share more, she could do whatever she wanted with the others. In any case, she would eventually take back the power in the palace.

After Xiu Ning finished distributing the food, it was Tong Jia Rong Yue's turn next.

Tong Jia Rongyue originally didn't have as much palace power as Xiu Ning, so what she could offer was naturally less than what Xiu Ning could offer.

Seeing that Xiu Ning was so capricious, Tong Jia Rong Yue simply divided the accounts into three parts and gave them to Consort Hui, Consort Yi, and Consort Jia.

But this only made Xiuning even more eye-catching.

However, Xiu Ning didn't mind. She smiled and chatted with the others for a bit more. Then, she supported her forehead with one hand and, citing feeling unwell, saw them off.

Chunyu is a personal maid who is required to go out and see people off in place of Xiuning.

When Chunyu returned, she looked unwell, and Xiuning knew without a doubt that someone had said something unpleasant.

"Consort Jia can't control her mouth, and Consort Hui has no brains. No matter how many benefits you give them, they won't gain any reputation."

Xiuning had long since come to terms with it, but she couldn't refuse Consort Hui's share of palace power.