But it was practically impossible to get Yinzhen to release the person from the palace.

Needless to say, she has already been granted the title of "Consort". Even if she were still a palace maid, she would not be allowed to leave the palace until the appointed time or until a general amnesty. And all the women in the palace belong to the emperor, regardless of whether the emperor touches them or not.

Madam Guo understood this reasoning, but she couldn't help herself: "She's only fifteen, still... still so young, even younger than when the concubines were selected. She doesn't understand anything, yet she's being targeted simply because of her looks..."

"Alright." Qian Shengyan waved her hand, stopping her from saying more, but after a moment she said, "I can ask the Emperor to favor her and promote her rank, but only if he lets her leave the palace..."

Yinzhen was unwilling to release even Kangxi's concubines from the palace, let alone his own.

"Your Majesty..." Madam Guo wanted to plead, but she knew her request was somewhat excessive, but...

"For many years, I have been fortunate to receive Your Highness's care, and my life in the palace has been quite comfortable. However..." Guo bit her lip, "Consort Qi has a rather short temper. She agreed to Xiang's request, and she was even beaten. She suffered terribly..."

“Consort Guo!” Qian Shengyan lowered her voice, but her tone was firm. She closed her eyes and said, “I am aware of these matters and will find an opportunity to warn Consort Qi.”

Guo stood behind her for a moment, then whispered "Yes" before slowly walking out.

But just before she was about to leave, Qian Shengyan called out to her again: "Consort Guo."

Guo paused for a moment, then responded softly, "Your Highness, Imperial Concubine," her voice already trembling with tears.

Qian Shengyan sighed deeply: "You...you wait a moment, let me think about it."

She didn't want to meddle in other people's business. These days, life was just a mix of busy and leisurely periods, but nothing was wrong with it. She might want the harem to be a bit more lively, but she only wanted to be an observer, not a performer.

But, but...

She slammed her head against the pillow, sighing helplessly again and again.

As a person, one should not act against one's conscience.

Even in the ruthless feudal palace, Qian Shengyan still hoped to maintain her moral compass and at least not harm others.

But Qian Shengyan really couldn't bear to watch an innocent girl fall into the depths of the palace...

She sighed deeply again: "Then, pay more attention to her, if there's an opportunity..."

"Your Majesty!" Guo suddenly shouted, startling Qian Shengyan. But Guo had already rushed over, grabbed Qian Shengyan's hands, and her eyes reddened. "I knew it! I knew Your Majesty was a good person, sob sob sob sob!"

Qian Shengyan: ...

It almost broke the hearts of two innocent girls...

She coughed lightly, as if to say something, but then sighed, "This matter requires further consideration..."

"Could we ask Consort Xiang to move to another palace first? Consort Qi's temper is really not good..." Guo said expectantly.

Qian Shengyan thought for a moment and said, "I'll try to ask the Emperor to go and see her. I believe that once the Emperor goes, Consort Qi will be more restrained."

Imperial concubines cannot have any marks left on their bodies, and it is even more impossible for them to be beaten or scolded at will. Li Shi is doing this because she thinks that Yinzhen will not favor Consort Xiang.

Lady Guo also understood that it was unlikely that the palace would be moved without a reason, and besides, Consort Xiang was originally a palace maid in Consort Qi's palace. How could a palace maid abandon her former master after being granted a title?

She nodded, finally relieved, and smiled again: "Then I will wait for Your Majesty's good news. I knew Your Majesty could do it!"

Qian Shengyan: ...

She can do it! She can!

Her head was throbbing. Guo was gone, and Qian Shengyan was still burying her head in her pillow, feeling distressed. She regretted her momentary soft-heartedness, but also felt that it was rather inhuman not to save her...

"What are you doing?" Yinzhen's smiling voice came from behind. Qian Shengyan looked up, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Why has Your Majesty come over?"

“I’m free right now, so I came to see you.” Yinzhen sat down next to her and reached out to touch her cheek.

He was wearing a round ring, which felt cool to the touch on Qian Shengyan's face. Qian Shengyan couldn't help but shiver. Yinzhen was startled and noticed his own ring. He withdrew his hand and casually took off the ring and put it aside.

"What are you thinking about?" Yinzhen asked.

Qian Shengyan thought there was no better time than today, so she sat up and shook Yinzhen's arm: "Your Majesty, when I was organizing the account books today, I remembered that Consort Xiang... Anyway, I have nothing to do right now, Your Majesty, would you accompany me to see her?"

"Why are you looking at her?" Yinzhen asked casually.

Qian Shengyan laughed: "Is Your Majesty curious? Such a face... Hmm, I wonder if she is related to Your Majesty in any way?"

"Then you go by yourself." Yinzhen really didn't want to move.

Qian Shengyan's eyes lit up: "Then why doesn't the Emperor summon her over? She can sing a little song for the Emperor or something."

Yinzhen chuckled and couldn't help but shake his head: "Alright, then let her come to Yongshou Palace."

"Good!" Qian Shengyan was delighted. If she could call the person over and let her stay a little longer, and even give her a reward when she left, and change her into a luxurious dress, she didn't believe that Li Shi would still dare to hit her!

Consort Xiang arrived rather slowly, accompanied by Lady Li's head palace maid.

Qian Shengyan glanced at the palace maid, then gave Qingxue a meaningful look. Qingxue immediately understood and stepped forward, warmly pulling the maid along, saying, "It's been so long! Come and sit in the tea room..."

“Aunt Qingxue…” The palace maid was reluctant to leave, but Qingxue pulled her out with greater force: “The Emperor is in the inner room. He summoned someone, and you dare to follow him…”

The palace maid trembled, dared not stay any longer, and followed Qingxue away.

Qian Shengyan then beckoned Xiang Ying over, made her sit down, and let her choose some snacks and food.

Xiang was somewhat flattered and dared not refuse anything Qian Shengyan gave her. She ate until her cheeks were bulging. Seeing this, Qian Shengyan had no choice but to give her some milk tea...

Finally, Xiang was so full that she couldn't eat anymore, but she still didn't dare to refuse. She just held a piece of milk cake in her hand, took a bite with a blank look in her eyes, and then stopped for a long time.

Qian Shengyan almost burst out laughing, but seeing how scared the other person was, she held back. She then asked Xiang Yingying in a gentle tone what she liked to eat, what her talents were, and whether she could play chess, etc. Xiang Yingying lowered her head and answered timidly.

Qian Shengyan didn't say anything more. She kindly asked Lvliu to take Xiang to change into a new brocade dress that was being presented as tribute this year, and also gave her a gold-threaded stoker to carry.

The newly dressed-up Consort Xiang could barely walk. Qian Shengyan smiled and said, "These are all new clothes I made this year. I haven't tried them on yet, but they fit you quite well. It's just that you're a bit too thin, so I could pinch your waist a little more in..."

Her gentle and composed demeanor brought tears to Xiang Ying's eyes. Before leaving, Xiang Ying gracefully bowed deeply to Qian Shengyan, saying, "This servant thanks Consort Xi."