On the day of the Second Prince's full moon banquet, the Emperor personally bestowed the name Xuanhui on him and gifted him countless silks and satins, which filled the Chengqian Palace's storehouses. The concubines also followed in celebration, and no matter what they were thinking in their hearts, they still had to keep up appearances.
"Your Majesty, there is something I have wanted to tell you for a long time."
After three rounds of drinks, Concubine Jin took the initiative to talk to the emperor about what she was thinking.
Today was her big day, so Xie Yanci certainly wouldn't refuse her wishes. He quickly and gently asked, "If there's anything, just tell me directly. There's no need to be so hesitant."
"It's still about my sister... Before this, she tragically lost a child, also due to an ambush on the way home. The misunderstanding between us has been completely resolved. But the emperor must not forget about compensating my sister."
It turns out that this is what he was referring to.
Xie Yanci pondered. In his impression, the two sisters of the Qu family didn't truly stand on the same side. Besides the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, they also had a lot of grudges within the palace. It would probably be very difficult for them to work together in Yonghua Palace.
Unexpectedly, after a series of changes, things took a big turn. He never thought that Concubine Jin would one day ask for mercy for Concubine Wen.
"You're right. I've been so busy with state affairs that I've neglected it. Why not take advantage of Xuan Hui's full moon banquet today to get this done?"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
So, the emperor announced on the spot: Concubine Wen had made great contributions in giving birth to the royal heir and praying for the royal family outside the palace for a long time. Her performance was truly commendable, and she was promoted to Concubine Wen Wanyi as an exception.
Qu Yuexi was not surprised to hear the result. Instead, she knelt on the ground calmly and thanked the emperor.
Wei Shuyi silently watched the woman from the side. He felt that she had become even more unfathomable since returning from the Qu Mansion. In the past, he could still guess a little based on her every move. But now, he had no clue at all.
She didn't understand why a woman with a deep hatred for Concubine Jin would insist on asking her not to harm an innocent child. Not only that, she also requested that the Second Prince be the one Xie Yanci cared about most.
There were too many questions that she was not comfortable asking, especially when the two of them were not very open with each other.
She followed everyone to celebrate for Qu Yuexi, sent very polite blessings, and then turned and left Chengqian Palace.
"Eldest sister, I really didn't expect that you would plead on my behalf on such an important day as today."
"This is what the Emperor owes you. Besides, you are the legitimate daughter of our Qu family. Your position should not be inferior to that group of people!"
Of course, Wen Wanyi understood who those people were referring to.
"Right now, Concubine Jia and Shu Wanyi have a very good relationship! If they form an alliance, I'm afraid it will be detrimental to our family. A few days ago, my father sent a letter saying that the Bai family was making things difficult for him in the court. I feel that it's time to do something!"
Imperial Concubine Jin was not surprised at all by this, and frowned in disgust. "A woman who was born a palace maid, after all, can only cling to the ladies of high-ranking families! That Shu Wanyi is also foolish. She ignored my invitation and instead colluded with her!"
"Don't be angry, elder sister. Today is a great day, we must be harmonious and happy. Ah... Father also told me one more thing."
As she spoke, Wen Wanyi took out a letter from her sleeve.
Imperial Concubine Jin took it and read the contents carefully. She couldn't help but smile: "Father was busy with the struggles of the previous dynasty, yet he didn't forget his daughter, this palace!"
"Of course. We are helping the family in the harem. How could he not care about us?"
Qu Wenhe's letter made it clear that he had already made all the necessary arrangements for the new concubines entering the palace. He wanted to ensure that those who followed the others would not be able to take the top spot. He would do his utmost to ensure that the one he supported would become the emperor's new favorite.
"There's a woman here whose status is similar to ours, and she's the one we need to focus on supporting. Also, I've already made inquiries, and she's the one who's close to the Bai family." Wen Wanyi scrolled down to the last name, "Eldest sister, for the next period of time, I'll have to trouble you to keep an eye on the affairs of Chuxiu Palace."
"This involves my future and Xuan Hui's development, so I will naturally take it to heart."
Concubine Jin memorized the contents of the letter several times before letting go.
——
Before the official selection even started, there was bound to be a turmoil in Chuxiu Palace.
The girl sent to the palace by the Bai family was Bai Shiwei, a distant relative of the family. Although she was related to the Bai family, her background was not good. She was just the daughter of a fifth-rank official and did not have any innate advantages.
However, the one Qu Wenhe was determined to control was Su Yin, the daughter of a third-rank minister. In comparison, she was superior to the former in terms of title.
Normally in the Chuxiu Palace, other concubines knew her identity and dared not offend her. What's more, some of them had already started thinking of ways to curry favor with her in order to avoid losing in the palace selection.
"I understand what the Imperial Concubine means. Zuo is just a girl from a small family. There's no need to worry too much about her."
Qian Wei bowed and looked at Su Yin. "Our queen is cautious and is afraid of unexpected events. So she sent this servant here to inform you. I hope you will forgive me, young lady."
"It's okay. I already know what to do." She glanced at the woman reading not far away. "Look, isn't she just like Shu Wanyi in the palace? She likes to put on airs. No one is as noble as her."
"Hush, Miss, be careful with your words."
"I'm not afraid of her!" Su Yin stood up and ordered them to leave. "Aunt, if you have nothing else to do, you can return to Chengqian Palace to report. I will do my best to complete the task ordered by the Imperial Concubine."
It was the first time that Qian Wei was given the cold shoulder by someone. Normally, people saw that she was a popular figure around Concubine Jin, and everyone would call her "Aunt" with a smile and praise her in a kind way.
I happened to meet such an arrogant Miss Su!
She felt bad and turned around to leave Chuxiu Palace: "Tsk, I don't know why, someone like this can be favored by the master! It's better to let me go! At least, I won't have any unpleasantness with others."
Su Yin acted so quickly that after only two days, news came from Chuxiu Palace—
"Your Highness, something terrible has happened!"
"Hmm? What's wrong?"
"There's a young lady named Bai in the Chuxiu Palace. It seems something dirty has damaged her face. Now it's covered with red pimples. She can't even see anyone!"
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