It's a real pity, but playing chess requires a comprehensive view of the entire board, and Kao Hsiu-wen has clearly seen through this chessboard.

"It's obvious that the Emperor wants to promote Su Yushan. If the Empress Dowager insists that I manage the harem, the Emperor might eventually give in, but he will definitely hate me. If I gain the Empress Dowager's support but incur the Emperor's hatred, wouldn't I end up like the Empress?"

Despite this, Cui Ning was still somewhat unwilling. "But if Consort Chun assists in managing the harem, then the Emperor will definitely promote her to the rank of Noble Consort. Wouldn't Consort Chun's rank be higher than yours?"

Gao Xiuwen had already made up her mind to temporarily give up, and no matter how Cui Ning tried to persuade her, she refused to change her mind.

"Life is a long journey; we can't be fixated on immediate gains and losses. Winning the Emperor's favor gradually is the most important thing. As for power, opportunities will come eventually; just wait!"

Upon learning of this, the Empress Dowager was puzzled. She sent someone to inquire whether Gao Xiuwen had suffered any injustice or whether the Emperor had threatened her. Gao Xiuwen only said that no one had coerced her and that the fall was indeed an accident.

According to the imperial physician, Gao Xiuwen's injuries were quite severe, and it would take at least three months for her to recover.

In this way, the Empress Dowager's wish for her to assist in managing the inner palace could not be fulfilled.

The happiest person right now is Lan Rong. She has always believed that her biggest rival is Gao Xiuwen. As long as Gao Xiuwen is injured, the Empress Dowager will definitely support her.

The Empress Dowager has no other choice at the moment. She does not want Su Yushan to be in charge, but she is not at ease with Consort Xian assisting in managing the inner palace.

Consort Xian is not as prudent and mature as Consort Rong. If Consort Xian were to take power, there would likely be many troubles, and the Empress Dowager would not have peace.

The Empress Dowager felt increasingly troubled as she thought about it. "Hongli has too few people in his harem. The two concubines come from ordinary families and are close to Consort Chun. The Empress comes from a prominent family, but she is too kind and not up to the task."

Consort Xian saved Hongli's life, which benefited her more than others, yet she could never win the Emperor's heart. She was all show and no substance, only petty scheming, and unlikely to achieve anything great. Consort Rong, on the other hand, truly won my favor, but unfortunately, she was injured and thus failed, which is truly a pity.

Judging from the Empress Dowager's tone, she seemed dissatisfied with Consort Xian. Granny Mei seized the opportunity to add...

“Your Majesty, Consort Chun’s words that day seemed to make some sense. If the thread is pulled too tight, it will easily break. Loosening it appropriately may have unexpected effects.”

In recent days, Consort Chun's words had been echoing in the Empress Dowager's ears, but she remained unwilling to acknowledge Consort Chun's authority.

“I had already compromised when Hongli wanted to make her a concubine. I can’t keep having to give in every time.”

Having served the Empress Dowager for many years, Granny Mei knew her temperament all too well. In fact, she could tell that the Empress Dowager had already made up her mind, but was only hesitant to speak out for the sake of saving face. Therefore, she should give the Empress Dowager a way out.

"In this old servant's opinion, His Majesty is determined to put Consort Chun in charge this time. No matter how you try to stop him, it will be useless. Rather than making things difficult for His Majesty, it is better to go along with his wishes and make him grateful."

Whether to persist in one's own opinion and risk recommending Consort Xian, or to grant Hongli's wish and hand over the authority to Consort Chun, that is the question.

With a deep sigh, the Empress Dowager did not express her opinion, saying, "Let me consider this carefully again."

The nights in August began to cool, and a crescent moon hung in the deep blue night sky.

Hongli wasn't busy today, so he came to Jingren Palace in the evening to have dinner with Su Yushan.

Even after arriving at the palace, Su Yushan remained the same as before, not allowing them to serve too many dishes, only two, one meat and one vegetable.

However, Hongli thought that serving only two dishes in the palace was too meager, and people who didn't know better would think that he was neglecting her!

Hongli insisted on having eight dishes, and the two argued for a long time. Su Yushan really didn't want to waste food, so they finally agreed on a rule that no more than four dishes could be served at each meal, except for festivals.

Tonight's dishes on the table are smoked chicken with bird's nest, hot and sour lamb tripe, cabbage with chicken fat, and tofu soup. Su Yushan tasted a small bowl of soup and was amazed by its flavor, so she filled another bowl and praised it highly.

"This tofu soup is so delicious!"

Emperor Hongli had tasted it before and found it delicious, saying, "This is Eight Treasures Tofu."

Su Yushan's eyes sparkled with curiosity, "Which eight delicacies?"

Hongli only knew that this was one of Emperor Kangxi's favorite imperial dishes, but he didn't know which eight delicacies it was. So he ordered someone to call in the imperial chef who made the soup.

When Consort Chun asked, the imperial chef dared not refuse to answer and replied truthfully: "Your Majesty and Your Highness, this soup uses tender tofu, cut into cubes, and chicken, ham, shiitake mushrooms, mushrooms, melon seeds, and pine nuts are all chopped and added to a rich chicken broth. It is then stir-fried until boiling and served."

The imperial chef spoke very slowly and taught her the cooking method. Su Yushan silently memorized it, thinking that she would try to make it herself when she had time.

After dinner, the two washed up and went to bed. As they lay in their tent, Yu Shan idly pondered, "Have you heard about Consort Rong's injury?"

Hongli nodded. "I heard about it. I visited her at Zhongcui Palace before I came back."

After saying this, without waiting for her reply, Hongli turned to look at Yushan and asked, "You're not angry, are you?"

Su Yushan shook her head. "She was injured, so it's only right that you visit her. I'm just wondering how she got injured at this time."

As she spoke, she looked at Hongli, who suddenly noticed a probing look in her eyes. "You suspect that I'm behind this?"

Su Yushan did not suspect anything about this. "I know you wouldn't do that, but you said that day that you would see if someone knew what was good for them. That 'someone' refers to Consort Rong, right?"

Hongli's prediction was correct. As it turned out, Gao Xiuwen was indeed very sensible, so he no longer hid it from Su Yushan and nodded in agreement.

“Right now, my relationship with the Empress Dowager is too strained. Neither my son nor I are willing to back down. There is no solution unless Gao Xiuwen backs down.”

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