The news that the Emperor was about to make a southern tour spread like wildfire throughout the palace.

Upon receiving the news, Chang Ming, the chief steward of the Imperial Household Department, had a glint of shrewdness in his eyes.

He waved away those around him, then paced alone in the room, muttering to himself, "Heaven is on my side..."

Over the past few months, he has been constrained at every turn, his income has dwindled, and he has been harboring a lot of resentment.

Now that the Emperor and the Imperial Concubine have left the palace at the same time, it is an opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime!

He strode to his desk, picked up his pen, and wrote down a list filled with the eunuchs and palace maids in charge of various departments and courtyards.

These were his trusted confidants whom he had secretly cultivated over the years, and they were also the capital he would use to turn his life around in the future.

"When the Imperial Concubine was alive, you dared not act rashly; now that she is far away in Jiangnan, this palace is my domain!"

Chang Ming smiled sinisterly, tapping his fingers lightly on the table as he plotted his plan.

First, he wanted to restore the old system of monthly stipends.

Although Consort Qi was temporarily in charge of the affairs of the inner palace, she was not a Noble Consort after all, and therefore lacked prestige.

He only needs to apply pressure secretly, and those timid and cowardly palace maids and eunuchs will naturally obediently return to him to sign and affix their seals.

Secondly, we must not miss out on this lucrative opportunity.

He had already found out that during the southern tour, the emperor would transfer most of his guards, and the palace security would inevitably be relaxed.

At that time, he only needs to manipulate the accounts slightly to make a fortune without anyone noticing.

"And those newly established rules..." A ruthless glint flashed in Chang Ming's eyes, "All those personnel transfers that require Consort Yu's approval—abolish them all!"

He became more and more excited as he thought about it, as if he could already see the gleaming silver flowing into his pocket.

But then I hesitated—what if things got exposed...?

"No, it won't happen," he reassured himself. "The Emperor is far away in Jiangnan, beyond his reach. As for Consort Qi and Consort Yu, what trouble could two women possibly cause?"

As for Consort Mao, she was a woman without children, so we'll ignore her.

That evening, Chang Ming secretly summoned several trusted confidants to a side hall for a meeting.

"Master Steward, it's easy to talk to Granny Li, but Consort Qi has a bad temper. How about we just focus on the purchasing department?" a eunuch asked worriedly.

Chang Ming sneered, "What's there to be afraid of? Once the Emperor and the Consort leave, they'll be toothless tigers. I've already decided to start with the Imperial Kitchen."

He unfolded a blueprint and pointed to a red dot marked on it: "This is the purchasing record area for the Imperial Kitchen. Tomorrow, go find Eunuch Liu, who is in charge of the records, and tell him that I said that from now on, the daily quantity of ingredients should be doubled, and any extra silver should be split 30/70."

The eunuchs exchanged glances, and one of the more timid ones stammered, "Chief Eunuch, what if this is discovered..."

Chang Ming glared at him: "Idiot! The Emperor's southern tour will last at least three months. By the time they return, the accounts will have been balanced. Who would have noticed?"

He surveyed the crowd, his expression menacing, "Anyone who dares to leak this information, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Everyone fell silent, trembling with fear, and could only nod in agreement.

Chang Ming smiled with satisfaction, as if he could already see mountains of gold and silver beckoning to him.

Little did he know, a dark shadow silently swept past the window, overhearing their entire conspiracy...

——————

Inside Yanxi Palace, Lin Yun was busy compiling a list of items needed for the southern tour.

"Xia He, prepare plenty of light summer clothes. The Jiangnan region is humid and hot; heavy palace attire is not suitable."

As she checked, she gave instructions, "Also, bring several extra sets of clothes for Hongyao and Zhaohua; the children get dirty easily."

Chunlan, who was taking notes, couldn't help but laugh and said, "Your Majesty, you've said it three times already."

The servants have prepared twenty or thirty sets of clothes for the young master, enough for him to change into.

Lin Yun smiled sheepishly, "I was just worried, it's the first time I've taken the child on such a long trip..."

As they were talking, Yongzheng stepped in and, seeing her bustling about, couldn't help but chuckle: "My dear consort, are you trying to empty the entire Yanxi Palace?"

Lin Yun quickly curtsied and said coquettishly, "Your Majesty also said that such an important event as the Southern Tour is something I naturally need to prepare thoroughly."

Yongzheng walked to her side, picked up the list, glanced at it, and raised an eyebrow, saying, "Even the chamber pot has to be brought by yourself?"

Lin Yun replied matter-of-factly, "I'm not used to things from outside the palace."

Yongzheng shook his head and chuckled, then suddenly said seriously, "Just now, the Imperial Guard reported that Changming has been making frequent moves these past few days, and it seems he intends to stir up trouble while I am away from the palace."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yun frowned slightly: "How dare he be so bold?"

A cold glint flashed in Yongzheng's eyes: "I have ordered the Imperial Guard to keep a close watch on him. If he dares to act rashly..."

He didn't finish speaking, but the chilling intent in his tone was self-evident.

Lin Yun pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I have an idea. Why don't we turn the tables and teach him a lesson?"

Emperor Yongzheng raised an eyebrow: "Oh? Tell me about it."

Lin Yun leaned close to his ear and whispered something. After listening, Yongzheng's eyes flashed with approval: "My beloved consort is indeed intelligent. We shall do as you say."

The two exchanged a smile, as if they could already foresee Chang Ming reaping the consequences of his actions.

Before departing, Lin Yun summoned Consort Qi, Consort Yu, Consort Mao, and Granny Li to Yanxi Palace and solemnly said, "I entrust the affairs of the inner palace to you all during this southern tour. Changming is cunning and treacherous, so please be careful in dealing with him."

Consort Qi laughed heartily and patted her chest: "Your Majesty, rest assured, with me here, he won't be able to touch a single hair on the Finance Department! He wants to restore the old system? No way!"

Consort Yu nodded gently: "The rules of the Personnel Department will never be changed. If he wants to bypass the seal to transfer personnel, he will have to get past me first."

Consort Mao snorted coldly, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes: "If he dares to play tricks, I'll teach him a lesson about how to get caught in his own trap!"

Granny Li bowed and said, "This old servant will keep a close eye on the Imperial Household Department's every move and will never let Your Majesty's efforts be in vain."

Lin Yun smiled with relief: "With you all here, I'm naturally at ease. It's just that you've all worked hard."

Consort Yu said softly, "Your Majesty and the Emperor, please rest assured on your southern tour. Although we also wish to go, we understand even more the importance of protecting the inner palace."

If Chang Ming thinks he can take advantage of the situation, he is sorely mistaken.

The group exchanged smiles, their eyes filled with determination.

Touched, Lin Yun said softly, "When we return, we will enjoy the scenery of Jiangnan with you all again."