Liu Heng slept soundly until morning, and when he heard Huangmen calling him, he felt unusually relaxed and happy.

He glanced at the person still sleeping beside him, carefully got up, put on his clothes, got out of bed, and then tucked the bed curtains around her.

Seeing His Majesty like this, the servants all remained quiet and moved with extreme caution.

A eunuch made a loud noise when he put down the copper basin, and was glared at by the head steward Xu Fu, causing him to shrink back in fear.

"Oh, so early."

Awakened by the noise, Lin Yuqiao stretched out her arm, pulled back the curtain, and peered at Liu Heng.

A round-faced man in yellow carefully rubbed the two handles of a copper basin, and with his movements, a steady stream of water gushed from the basin. Liu Heng was half-bent down, washing his face in the water.

Lin Yuqiao found the basin very novel, so she couldn't help but prop her head up with her arm and stare at the gleaming brass basin with a smile, admiring its novelty.

After wiping his face with the towel, Liu Heng turned around and saw her head sticking out.

"It's still early, you can sleep a little longer."

"I'm not going to sleep yet. Can I take a look at this potted plant later?"

The room was filled with eunuchs and palace maids, but Lin Yuqiao didn't get out of bed. She just looked at the basin with some longing.

After dressing in his court robes, Liu Heng was fastening his crown when he heard her request, and he found it amusing.

Remembering that this dragon basin was used by the imperial court, it was normal for her to be curious since she had never seen it before. Therefore, she made a point of having the eunuch leave the basin behind before she left.

Liu Heng was in a hurry to go to court. After he left, Jiang Mama, Qingming Guyu and others who were guarding outside the room came in and helped Lin Yuqiao get dressed and get out of bed.

After tidying herself up from head to toe, Lin Yuqiao fumbled around in the copper basin, wondering why it was spouting water.

"This is the imperial dragon basin."

Jiang Mama had worked in the palace before and was considered one of the most knowledgeable people there, so she recognized the origin of the basin in front of her at a glance.

The basin is shaped like a tripod, with exquisite dragon patterns on the inner wall, and a polished handle on each side of the basin.

Lin Yuqiao had Huangmen demonstrate the use of the Dragon Washer again, and discovered that as she gently rubbed the basin's handle, the water in the basin rippled and vibrated, with the water waves forming a round outer shape and a square inner shape, like a copper coin.

As the force increased, water began to gush upwards from the basin, forming a fountain shape.

Although she didn't understand the cause, Lin Yuqiao was amazed; it was comparable to high-tech products from her previous life. She even began to believe that perhaps Zhuge Liang really did create wooden oxen and flowing horses in history.

"This is also called a treasure basin. Your Majesty, did you see the shape of the water ripples? It is indeed shaped like a copper coin."

Granny Jiang pointed to the water ripples and continued to explain the science to her.

Lin Yuqiao was a little itchy to wash her hands in the fountain. But as soon as she made that move, she was stopped by Granny Jiang.

"Your Majesty, this is the Dragon Wash!"

Fearing she wouldn't understand, Granny Jiang deliberately emphasized the pronunciation of the last two words.

Embarrassed, Lin Yuqiao withdrew her hand. She understood that the basin was for Liu Heng's exclusive use and could only be used by him.

In her opinion, washing her hands was no big deal, but in this era, such an action would be considered presumptuous.

After Lin Yuqiao finished studying the Dragon Wash, Huangmen took the basin away and brought it back.

This also made her realize once again the so-called privileges of an emperor. His personal belongings—food, clothing, and everything else—were all custom-made, the best, most expensive, and newest. Even his washbasin was different from everyone else's.

After finishing breakfast, Lin Yuqiao checked her makeup one last time before heading out to pay her respects to the Empress.

Her residence, Yanqing Palace, was closest to Liu Heng's sleeping quarters, Zhengqing Hall, and also close to the central axis of the palace. The Empress's residence, Kunning Palace, was much farther away. Therefore, it was more troublesome to go from Yanqing Palace to Kunning Palace to pay respects. She needed to set off early and also needed to take a palanquin.

The Imperial Concubine's procession was quite grand. Sitting on the palanquin, Lin Yuqiao watched as the palace maids and eunuchs passing by began to avoid her and pay their respects from a distance. She felt inexplicably uneasy and also clearly felt how important status was.

When she arrived at the Queen's palace, she found the room already full of people. Although she wasn't late, she had arrived right on time.

As she entered the house, everyone sitting inside fell silent.

Under the watchful eyes of so many people, Lin Yuqiao instantly tensed up and gave the empress, who was wearing a phoenix crown and looked dignified and majestic, a sweet smile.

"We were just talking about this here, how my sister always arrives so punctually."

The Empress's words were soft yet barbed, as if slightly criticizing her for arriving late. Lin Yuqiao pretended not to understand, and continued to smile after sitting down.

Come to think of it, last night was the first time Liu Heng had spent the night in the inner palace since his ascension to the throne. This "first time" was given to Lin Yuqiao, practically a blatant display of his favor towards her, which only made the Empress more displeased.

Lin's favor was too great. The Empress originally knew Liu Heng somewhat and knew that he valued rules and regulations and would not do anything like favoring a concubine over his wife.

However, now that Liu Heng has ascended the throne, he has made Lin a Noble Consort, putting her above Jiang, who had served him earlier and gave birth to the second prince earlier. This has made the Empress's original certainty uncertain.

She truly hadn't expected Liu Heng to directly bestow the title of Imperial Concubine upon Lin. After all, the Imperial Concubine was the highest-ranking concubine besides the Empress, posing the greatest threat to her. She thought he would at least show her some respect and dignity out of consideration for Liu Kang.

Following this trend, Liu Heng might one day be blinded by beauty and decide to make Lin's third son the crown prince. Such speculation filled the empress with unconcealed anxiety and fear.

She could disregard everything else, but Liu Kang had to be the crown prince; that was her greatest hope.

The Empress has long since seen through the situation; what sustains her for the rest of her life is no longer Liu Heng's favor. As long as Liu Kang's position is secure, her position as Empress is also secure, and even if others are favored, they cannot surpass her.

"Your Highness is of noble status, and your timing is just right. We are truly impressed."

Baili spoke sourly, ever since Liu Heng made a grand gesture of bestowing titles upon his concubines, she had been unhappy.

Although Liu Heng bestowed upon her the title of Zhaoyi, making her the head of the Nine Concubines, there was a huge gap between the two ranks of Concubine and Imperial Concubine.

Consorts and those of the rank of imperial concubine possessed imperial seals and ceremonial regalia, enjoying better material treatment and greater prestige. They could later live outside the palace with their sons, while others were required to shave their heads and become nuns after the emperor's death.

She was out of favor, childless, and getting older. New women would be coming into the palace, and she knew her future was hopeless. She kept thinking that if only her child were still alive, if only she had been a concubine, she could have been promoted to the rank of imperial concubine by now.

The more she thought about it, the sadder she became, and the more she hated Lin Yuqiao. If it weren't for Lin Yuqiao's interference, she would have been able to become a concubine if she had just endured a few more years in the Prince's residence.

In addition, Bai Mama, who was by her side, sighed several times, regretting that Consort Lin had taken the opportunity away from her. This made her feel understood, but it also strengthened her own thoughts.

Meanwhile, Lin Yuqiao picked up her teacup, took a sip, and remained silent. She completely ignored Baili's attempts to cause trouble.

So what if she has special timing skills?

Moreover, Lin Yuqiao has always been disgusted by this kind of verbal sparring. It's all just open and covert barbs, and neither the one being talked about nor the one talking about it gains much advantage. What's the point?

Sitting opposite Lin Yuqiao, Consort Ning also picked up her tea and took a sip. Seeing Lin Yuqiao smile at her, she returned a gentle smile.

Consort Ning had always looked down on Baili Shi, thinking her to be both stupid and incompetent, deserving no success. However, she was secretly wary of Lin Yuqiao's composure; this was the kind of person who could be a worthy adversary.

However, Lin Yuqiao's son was only a month old, while her son was almost grown up. The future was too long, so Consort Ning didn't seem to have any hostility towards her at the moment.

The Empress witnessed the subtle power struggle between Lin Yuqiao and Consort Ning from the upper seat. These two women, both with sons, titles, and cunning, disgusted her immensely.

"Now, everyone here is a veteran from His Majesty's time in the Prince's residence. I think it's time to hold a selection of consorts to enrich the harem and give everyone a few more new sisters. When I return to His Majesty, I'll ask Consort Gui and Consort Ning to help me with the selection."

For the Empress, it didn't matter who was favored; she could simply find new favorites when the old ones lost their appeal. But she couldn't have one person exclusively favor her. A diverse array of women was what truly benefited her.

Hearing the Empress's words, Lin Yuqiao covered the corner of her mouth with her teacup, her heart filled with disgust.

Aside from finding women for Liu Heng, couldn't the Empress do anything else? She just didn't understand how Liu Heng could find pleasure in favoring others instead of her.

"Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty. My third prince has just finished his one-month celebration and needs someone to take care of him. I really cannot leave. Besides, the selection of princes is a very important matter, and it is only possible for Your Majesty to personally oversee it. I am not very capable and am afraid that I cannot help."

She politely declined the Empress's suggestion, knowing that the Empress was trying to annoy her, so she lowered her head and pretended to be hurt. Since the Empress had put in so much effort, she had to at least put on a show and cooperate, lest her efforts be in vain.

Moreover, more than a year has proven that Liu Heng can hold out, and with her health restored, what can stop her? The Empress's actions are bound to fail.

Lin Yuqiao couldn't say she could guess Liu Heng's thoughts, but she knew he definitely wouldn't want to participate in the talent show.

He was practically a workaholic, obsessed with power and probably held himself to the standard of a great emperor throughout history.

Such a diligent and benevolent person has a lot of affairs to attend to in the court, the national treasury is not full, and the people are not yet at a moderately prosperous level. He is too busy cutting various expenses in the palace to be willing to go through the trouble of organizing a talent selection.

After Lin Yuqiao declined, Consort Ning also refused to participate. She had long since given up the desire to compete for the emperor's favor, and it didn't matter to her whether she participated in the selection. However, Consort Ning knew that the Empress was essentially someone who liked to hold all power in her own hands and hated anyone who was more prominent than her.

If she were to get involved too superficially, it would seem like she was neglecting her duties. If she were to go too far, the Empress would surely be displeased. Why bother with something that would be thankless?

Besides, the Empress is now certainly wary of her, so she needs to be even more careful. Everything is just beginning, and it's too early to say anything; she can't afford to break ties with the Empress so soon.

Seeing the two men's obedient behavior, the Empress nodded in satisfaction, "Since you are all shirking your duties, I may have to put in more effort."

The Empress felt better knowing that Lin Yuqiao was annoying. So what if she was young and beautiful? Soon, a new batch of even younger and more beautiful women would be entering the palace. How many more days could she stay radiant?

After everyone left, the Empress breathed a sigh of relief.

Only when those below her are fighting amongst themselves can she feel more secure. She must always be the one in control.

In the afternoon, Lady Baili went to Kunning Palace to request an audience with the Empress.

When she returned home in the morning, she listened to Granny Bai's advice and felt that the only person she could rely on now was the Empress. Perhaps if she tried hard to please the Empress, the Empress would speak well of her to His Majesty and promote her to the rank of Consort.

Even though she was out of favor, the Empress still held some respect for Liu Heng.

When the Empress was still a prince, she didn't speak up for her or promote her rank earlier, which Baili Shi had always resented. Now, she once again had expectations for the Empress.

The Empress smiled when she heard that Lady Baili had come to volunteer to help her organize the imperial concubine selection.

"I am naturally overjoyed that my sister is willing to help me."

Lady Baili was quite eloquent; before long, she was holding hands with the Empress and having a heart-to-heart talk, appearing very intimate.

"I have another worry. Zhencai and Jicai, who live in Xifu Palace, have not yet been able to see the Emperor's face. Lin Daiyu is not one to help others achieve their goals. Unfortunately, both of them came from my place. They have such beautiful faces, yet they are neglected and ignored. It makes me feel bad."

The Empress looked at Baili Shi and said with some worry.

"Yes, His Majesty's heart has always been with Consort Lin. It's one thing for me to be old and faded, but I can't let Consort Zhen and Consort Ji also be left alone in their empty rooms."

Although she said that, Lady Baili secretly wished that everyone would be neglected like her. She simply followed the Empress's words and put on a sorrowful and compassionate face.

However, upon further reflection, she realized that if Zhen'er and Ji'er gained favor, it would dilute the affection of her old enemy, Lin Shi. As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, so Baili Shi was still willing to do her part.

"The two ladies are too honest and don't have many opportunities. If you ask me, instead of waiting idly, why not take the initiative?"

“I know my sister is a good person. I’ve always felt that, given your character, you’re more than qualified for this position.”

The Empress laughed, then suddenly changed the subject, looking at Baili with a mixture of affection and pity. Seeing Baili staring at her expectantly, but remaining silent, she...

She cast a plump bait in front of him, leaving Baili Shi hanging on, itching to get his attention.

"Your Majesty."

Baili Shi couldn't wait for the Empress to continue, so she could only pretend to be moved and even took out a handkerchief to wipe her eyes, secretly indicating that she also really longed for a position that was worthy of her character.

"I trust my younger sister the most. Why don't you take better care of the two ladies for me? You have served His Majesty for many more years than they have, so you must have some experience to pass on to them."

Understanding the implied meaning in the Empress's words, Lady Baili felt a chill run down her spine. She was always all talk and no action; she really had no real skills or courage when it came to real combat.

Besides, she herself had never been favored by the Empress, so what experience could she possibly have to impart? But the Empress hinted that she wanted the two concubines to "move forward," and without her contributing some effort, how could she gain the Empress's trust and thereby elevate her rank?

Originally intending to run errands for the Empress, he ended up with an unexpected task.

After bidding farewell to the Empress and leaving Kunning Palace, Lady Baili began to have a headache.