With more women, there's bound to be more gossip and trouble; even nothing can escalate into something. Su Yushan roughly understood the personalities of the previous women, so she wasn't too worried. But she wasn't familiar with the four newcomers yet, and it was hard to guarantee that they wouldn't clash when they got together.

“Coming every five days is really too frequent. In my opinion, there’s no need to come if there’s nothing urgent on weekdays. It saves me trouble and it saves them trouble too. Only come when there’s something that really needs to be resolved.”

Hongli knew Su Yushan's personality all too well. Entrusting her with managing the harem was truly putting her in a difficult position, but some things couldn't be avoided, and some responsibilities had to be shouldered.

“I know you don’t like crowds, but now that you’re managing the harem, the rules still need to be followed and you need to maintain your dignity.”

On the 10th, 20th, and 30th of each month, you all have to pay your respects to the Empress Dowager. Let's avoid those days and have them come to Jingren Palace on the 1st and 15th of each month. What do you think?

The frequency was reduced from six times a month to twice a month, which seemed like a lot less, but she could accept it.

Having taken on this responsibility, Su Yushan felt she should make some sacrifices. With that in mind, she stopped objecting and agreed to proceed according to Hongli's suggestion.

After thinking for a moment, she asked again, "Should we discuss this matter with the Empress Dowager?"

Logically, it should be discussed, but his mother always liked to find fault, so Hongli was unwilling to let Su Yushan take the risk. "Don't mention it. If you do, she will definitely find an excuse to object."

"She'll find out sooner or later."

"I'll talk to her when I have time. If she makes things difficult for you, just say it was my idea."

Hongli's few words dispelled her worries, and Su Yushan was no longer concerned. "Alright, let's do it your way."

When everyone returned to Jingren Palace on the fifteenth of March, Su Yushan announced this rule to the public.

Gao Xiuwen had no objections, since she didn't want to come to Jingren Palace often anyway. Xi Lan and Chen Lanxu also had no objections. Although the newcomers had some doubts, they didn't dare to complain.

Lan Rong frowned and said, "Isn't this a rule that was set before? How can it be changed so easily? If you find it too troublesome to manage things, why not let Sister Gao take over?"

Gao Xiuwen was sipping her tea when she was suddenly brought up, and she was immediately displeased. She glanced at Lan Rong and said, "If you have such thoughts, you can simply volunteer yourself. Why bother using others to stir things up?"

Lan Rong smiled and explained, "Sister Gao, you misunderstand. I had no intention of stirring up trouble. It's just that Sister Su can't stand being tired and doesn't like meddling in other people's business, so I naturally have to think of her needs. Sister Gao, you've been managing the household since you were a prince, so you're quite experienced. I'm sure you can help Sister Su."

Su Yushan knew Lan Rong's little scheme all too well. "Consort Xian, you really know how to arrange things! Who's really in charge of this harem?"

"Of course, it's up to the Empress Dowager! Does she know you changed the rules on your own?" Having finally caught her red-handed, how could Lan Rong let it go so easily?

Su Yushan said calmly, "This rule was set by the Emperor. He will inform the Empress Dowager. If Consort Xian has any objections, she can go to the Emperor."

Feeling rebuffed, Lan Rong secretly scoffed at Su Yushan for only using Hongli as a shield, and softened her tone with a snort: "Since it is His Majesty's will, then of course this concubine has no objection!"

Consort Xiu listened for a while and was a little confused. She thought to herself that these concubines were only on the surface but not on the inside! She wanted to persuade them to reconcile, but she didn't dare to interrupt for fear of saying the wrong thing and incurring their resentment.

Although Consort Shen was unsure of the personalities of these individuals, she could tell from this contest that Consort Chun must be very favored by the Emperor, otherwise how could she dare to say such arrogant words?

It seems she needs to be more careful in the future and not offend Consort Chun. She should try to get closer to Jingren Palace.

As they spoke, Consort Bai kept silently observing Consort Chun. She had heard that Consort Chun was also from Suzhou. This consort was indeed beautiful and graceful, but she was already twenty-seven years old. Time waits for no one!

In contrast, Bai Guiren felt that she, at seventeen, had an advantage; all she lacked was an opportunity.

It's a pity she didn't understand the Emperor's preferences. If she hadn't chosen the xun last time and had played the flute instead, perhaps the Emperor wouldn't have been angry.

Thinking this way, Consort Bai comforted herself not to be discouraged, that there was still a long way to go and she should have another chance.

Consort Yu, Zhang Shi, didn't care about the entanglement between them and asked very sincerely, "Your Majesty, what if something happens, but it's not yet time to pay respects?"

Su Yushan smiled and replied, "Then you can send someone or come here in person to explain, and I will resolve your problem as soon as possible."

Since she can still come, there's nothing to worry about. Consort Yu nodded and replied, "This concubine obeys the Imperial Concubine's order."

Everyone agreed, and the matter was settled.

Lan Rong felt increasingly aggrieved. After leaving Jingren Palace, she went to Cining Palace to complain to the Empress Dowager, adding fuel to the fire at the end:

"Consort Chun said that the Empress Dowager has no say in the affairs of Jingren Palace, and that the Emperor will make decisions for her. She is extremely arrogant because she has the Emperor's favor!"

At that time, the Empress Dowager was sitting in front of the Luohan bed, and a palace maid was applying pearl powder cream to her hands. Now the Empress Dowager was nearly fifty years old. As an older woman, she paid special attention to her face and hands and took great care of them.

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager, who had been in a relaxed mood, slowly sat up straight, frowned, and said seriously, "Does she really dare to say such a thing?"

Lan Rong said confidently, "That's right! Everyone present heard it clearly, I wouldn't dare to talk nonsense."

The Empress Dowager and Su Yushan did not get along, but only in private. In public, the Empress Dowager ultimately left Su Yushan some leeway.

But if Su Yushan dares to say such things in public, the Empress Dowager will not let her off easily!

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!