Chu Xiao was extremely annoyed and ordered the concubines in the harem not to come to the imperial study to disturb him while he was handling official business, or they would be severely punished.

Everyone quieted down, except for Yun Chaoxi, who still went to the Imperial Study every noon to freeload.

Everyone was envious. Why should Yun Chaoxi be allowed to go?!

The day had finally come when they went to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager. Several concubines complained bitterly to the Empress Dowager.

"The Emperor has ordered that we sisters are not allowed to disturb her in the Imperial Study, so why does Consort Yun go there every day?"

"Yes, little sister, what method did you use to please the Emperor? Next time you go to the Imperial Study, take me with you!"

Yun Chaoxi blinked. "Your Majesty, I did not disturb you. I only received permission from Your Majesty to have lunch with you at noon. This does not count as disturbing you."

The concubines were even more envious.

They can't even meet once, yet Consort Yun is allowed to dine with the Emperor?

Before they could even utter their sarcastic remarks, the Empress Dowager spoke up, "None of you know how to say nice things, and you're not as lively and charming as Consort Yun. The Emperor isn't blind; even I, the Empress Dowager, prefer Consort Yun."

"Even if the Emperor favors Consort Yun, he will still bestow his favor equally upon all. What are you worried about?"

The concubines were speechless; it seemed they were right!

...

An Er was reliable. Chu Xiao only asked him to investigate the matter between Yun Chaoxi and Chu Yansheng, and he found out exactly when, where and how the two met, all the way up to the day Yun Chaoxi entered the palace, including their social networks. He presented all the details to the emperor.

Chu Xiao flipped through the report, read the first two pages, closed it, and felt inexplicably angry. After a quarter of an hour, he couldn't help but open it again and read the entire report.

He was absolutely furious.

This woman clearly has someone else in her heart, yet she claims to admire him—it's all a lie!

Just then, the Imperial Household Department, having been counting down the days, thought that the emperor would likely choose a concubine today, and brought in a tray of plaques.

Chu Xiao glanced at it, then coldly flipped over Yun Chaoxi's nameplate.