Yikun Palace

Consort Nian leaned against the carved window, her fingertips unconsciously twisting her handkerchief.

As dusk settled, her shadow stretched long and lonely. She gazed in the direction of the Qianqing Palace, a hint of resentment flashing in her eyes.

“It’s been three years…” she murmured softly, her voice filled with bitterness.

Since she entered the palace, the emperor had not been indifferent to her, but he had never been warm towards her either.

Except for the first and fifteenth of each month when he stayed in the Empress's palace, he mostly came to her place. Even so, she knew that this "favor" was only because her brother Nian Gengyao had made great military achievements, and the Emperor needed to appease the Nian family.

“When my brother wins a battle, the Emperor treats me much better; but if my brother is slightly displeased, the Emperor’s gaze turns cold.” She gave a bitter smile, her fingertips digging deeply into her palms.

Even so, this "routine" favor was enough for her to stand out among all the beauties in the harem.

The Empress was of a tranquil nature, never vying for power or favor; the other concubines were either of humble origins or had not won the Emperor's favor.

Only Consort Nian was someone the Emperor would visit Yikun Palace every month without fail.

However, this balance was disrupted by a Han woman.

“Lin Yun…” she gritted her teeth as she uttered the name, her eyes burning with jealousy.

The uproar at yesterday's morning court session has already spread throughout the inner palace.

The Emperor actually refuted his court officials in public for the sake of a Han Chinese woman, and even ordered the Imperial Household Department to send craftsmen to her villa to build a hydroponic greenhouse! Such an honor was something even Consort Nian had never received.

"What makes her so special, a mere businesswoman!" She stood up abruptly, her hands trembling slightly in her sleeves.

Seeing this, the palace maid Chuntao quickly stepped forward to support her: "Your Highness, please take care of yourself."

Consort Nian took a deep breath, suppressing her anger, and said coldly, "Go to the small kitchen. I want to personally stew a bowl of bird's nest for His Majesty."

Chun Tao was taken aback: "Your Highness, these are small matters that we servants can handle..."

"I said, I'll go myself!" Consort Nian interrupted sharply, her eyes as sharp as knives.

Chun Tao dared not say anything more and quickly lowered her head in agreement.

---

Small kitchen

Consort Nian stood in front of the stove, watching the bird's nest bubbling in the pot, but her thoughts were far away.

She recalled the news she had heard a few days ago—the Emperor had not only visited Yunxiang Villa, but had also had a pleasant conversation with Lin Yun.

"I'd like to see just who this Lin Yun really is!" She sneered, stirring the bird's nest soup with a silver spoon in her hand as if she wanted to vent her anger.

After the bird's nest was stewed, she personally poured it into a jade bowl, sprinkled a few golden jujube slices on top, and then nodded in satisfaction.

"Come, follow me to the Qianqing Palace." She straightened her clothes, raised her head, and walked out of the small kitchen.

Qianqing Palace

Emperor Yongzheng was reviewing memorials at his desk, his brow furrowed. Su Peisheng entered quietly and whispered, "Your Majesty, Consort Nian requests an audience, saying she has personally prepared bird's nest soup and is sending it over."

Yongzheng paused, a hint of impatience flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "Let her in."

A moment later, Consort Nian gracefully entered the hall, holding a jade bowl in her hands, and bowed gracefully: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects."

"No need for formalities," Yongzheng said calmly, his gaze still fixed on the memorial.

Consort Nian rose, gently placed the bird's nest on the table, and said softly, "Your Majesty works tirelessly day and night. I have stewed some bird's nest for you. Please eat some while it's hot."

Yongzheng then looked up at her and nodded slightly: "You're very thoughtful."

Seeing his cold attitude, Consort Nian felt even more resentful, but her smile became even gentler: "Your Majesty, I heard that you dispatched craftsmen from the Imperial Household Department to Yunxiang Villa today?"

Yongzheng's gaze darkened, but his tone remained calm: "Oh? Who told you that?"

"Spying on the emperor's whereabouts" is a serious crime, and the Nian family is becoming increasingly audacious.

Consort Nian covered her mouth and chuckled: "Your Majesty cares for the world, and I admire you. However... that Lin woman is, after all, a Han woman with no powerful connections. Your Majesty's lavish treatment of her may invite criticism."

Yongzheng put down his vermilion brush and looked at her coldly: "Do I need to explain my actions to you?"

Consort Nian's heart trembled, and she quickly knelt down: "Your Majesty, I dare not! I am only worried that Your Majesty may be deceived by villains..."

"Deceived?" Yongzheng sneered. "Lin Yun presented a method for improving the spinning machine, solving the people's clothing problem; now she's trying hydroponics, which, if successful, could alleviate the people's famine. Tell me, is she a villain?"

And firearms improvements, huh! I can't say that...

Consort Nian was speechless, and beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.

She bit her lip, then suddenly put on a wronged expression: "Your Majesty, I was just concerned about you... Lin Yun is just a merchant's daughter, how could she be worthy of your concern?"

Yongzheng frowned slightly upon smelling the strong scent of rouge on her, his irritation growing stronger: "I know my limits. If there's nothing else, you may leave."

Consort Nian was both anxious and resentful when she saw that he had given her the order to leave.

Unwilling to leave like this, she suddenly stood up and said in a sweet voice, "Your Majesty, you have been working hard these days. Let me massage your shoulders."

Before Yongzheng could respond, she had already moved behind him and placed her slender hand on his shoulder.

Yongzheng stiffened, about to push her away, but she took the opportunity to sit in his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck, her breath sweet as orchids: "Your Majesty..."

A cold glint flashed in Yongzheng's eyes, and he yanked her away.

Caught off guard, Consort Nian fell to the ground, her hair disheveled, her face filled with astonishment.

"Your Majesty!" She looked up in disbelief, her eyes brimming with tears.

Yongzheng stood up, looking down at her, his voice icy: "Nian, I have been lenient with you because you are Nian Gengyao's sister. But if you dare to overstep your bounds again, don't blame me for not showing you any mercy!"

Consort Nian's face turned deathly pale, and she trembled all over: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty knows your mistake..."

"Get out!" Yongzheng shouted sternly.

Consort Nian dared not say another word, and scrambled to her feet in a disheveled state, stumbling and staggering out of the palace.

---

Yikun Palace

Back in her palace, Consort Nian swept the tea set off the table, the sound of the porcelain shattering was extremely jarring.

"Lin Yun! It's all because of you!" she screamed hysterically, her eyes filled with resentment.

Chun Tao knelt tremblingly to the side, not daring to utter a sound.

Consort Nian, panting heavily, suddenly calmed down, a cold smile curling at the corner of her lips: "I'd like to see how long you can be so smug!"

"Chuntao, have you received a reply to the letter I sent last time?"

Chun Tao replied cautiously, "Your Majesty, the General probably hasn't received it yet."

Consort Nian sneered: "If I can't touch her, there are others who can. Just wait and see!"