Chapter 96: They

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The day after Zhao Yu’s wedding, Zhang Chun, Li Lin, Ye Shi Yun, Ma Xiao Jiao, and Yuan Qing Cheng waited with Zhao Yu’s other concubines and palace maids in Kunninggong to welcome Empress Zheng Xiansu as she took over the inner palace.

Because the five women held unusual status.

Well, to be honest, no one could clearly say exactly how unusual it was—they had no official rank, no formal title; calling them concubines made no sense, yet calling them anything else was equally absurd, for each was intimately close to Zhao Yu, some having spent nights with him, others already pregnant. Moreover, they could see Zhao Yu whenever they wished, had their own independent courtyards, a large retinue of maids, and were exempt from any labor—they could go anywhere within the inner palace and do whatever they pleased. They clearly stood out.

Furthermore, because their status was unusual, each of the five was granted a seat—the very front row.

Even Wang Chuchu and Guo Wei, both pregnant and with deep connections, could only sit in the second row.

As for Fu Ling and Ma Shi—the maid who had stolen Zhang Chun’s chance to spend the night with Zhao Yu after bathing him—they could only sit on the sides of the second row.

As for the palace maids and female officials who had merely been summoned or granted a night with Zhao Yu but bore no child, they had no right to sit at all—even though many seats in the second row remained empty. They could only stand slightly forward, so Zheng Xiansu could see their faces when she arrived.

At all times, the five women appeared out of place. Even though Pei Sui had assigned them the best seats, they still drifted to a corner of Kunninggong and whispered among themselves.

Ye Shi Yun lowered her voice, speaking only loud enough for the five to hear: “I heard Zhao Yu accomplished the feat of three consummations in one night—his body must be remarkable.”

Ma Xiao Jiao agreed: “The Emperor is tireless. Every time he comes to me, I can’t sleep—he seems to have endless energy.”

Li Lin spoke openly: “I haven’t tried others, but I think he’s still capable. Still, he’s never beaten me—I’ll have to train harder.”

Zhang Chun put on a show of disdain: “Too many tricks. Annoying.”

Ye Shi Yun glanced at Zhang Chun.

Zhang Chun immediately looked away, guiltily.

Only Yuan Qing Cheng remained silent on the topic, clearly separate from the other four.

After a while, Ye Shi Yun added casually: “What do you think Empress Zheng will say when she arrives?”

Ma Xiao Jiao said: “Whatever she says doesn’t concern us. We should just carry on as usual—be polite, don’t defy her, so the Emperor won’t be put in a difficult position.”

Yuan Qing Cheng agreed, adding: “Yes, we must focus on our own goals. As for Empress Zheng, as well as Imperial Consort Wang and Virtuous Consort Guo, we should show respect and ensure peace.”

Zhang Chun thought: ‘You’re too naive. She won’t let us remain entirely beyond her control.’

Li Lin thought: ‘We probably won’t have the same freedom as before.’

The five women and the other concubines and maids waited until nearly noon, but Zheng Xiansu, Wang Yisu, and Guo Ting had not yet returned from Cidegong.

Winter sunlight filtered through the lattice windows of Kunninggong, dappling the gilded hall with a languid, tranquil air. The hearths burned fiercely, yet failed to fully dispel the winter chill. Zhang Chun’s gaze drifted unconsciously to the courtyard outside, where a few snowflakes drifted slowly down, adding a touch of coldness and aloofness to this opulent inner palace. She thought: ‘I wonder if I can outmaneuver this woman who leaves no loophole?’

Li Lin looked at Zhang Chun and asked: ‘What are you thinking? Afraid Empress Zheng will give you a hard time?’

Zhang Chun smiled: ‘What do I have to worry about? You, on the other hand—tone down that big-sister boss attitude. You’re not the queen of this palace. Don’t accidentally invite misfortune.’

As Zhang Chun and Li Lin whispered, a crisp, orderly tread echoed outside the hall, followed by a maid’s loud announcement: ‘The Empress returns to the palace—’

The previously murmuring Kunninggong fell instantly silent. Everyone held their breath, rose, and bowed their heads in respectful greeting.

The five women hurried back to their seats and bowed low to welcome Zheng Xiansu.

Zheng Xiansu entered the hall with steady steps, clad in a phoenix robe, crowned with a phoenix diadem, her jade and pearls swaying with solemn dignity.

To her left stood Wang Yisu in imperial consort attire; to her right, Guo Ting in identical regalia. Both walked half a step behind her, flanked by female officials, maids, and eunuchs as they entered Kunninggong.

Upon entering, Zheng Xiansu smiled first at the five women, extending goodwill immediately.

Whether it was ambitious Zhang Chun or domineering Li Lin, all quickly returned her smile; Ye Shi Yun, Ma Xiao Jiao, and Yuan Qing Cheng offered their own warmth without delay.

After seating herself on her throne, Zheng Xiansu spoke kindly: ‘Those who are pregnant—be seated.’

Zhang Chun thought: ‘One sentence, and she’s already established hierarchy—showing she values Zhao Yu’s heirs and cares for the vulnerable. If Zhao Yu hears of this, he’ll love her even more. Brilliant.’

At Zheng Xiansu’s words, Ma Xiao Jiao, Wang Chuchu, Guo Wei, Fu Ling, and Ma Shi all bowed in thanks and sat down, formally separating themselves from the other concubines and maids.

Now, aside from Zheng Xiansu herself, whether it was Imperial Consort Wang Yisu and Virtuous Consort Guo Ting, or even Zhang Chun, Li Lin, Ye Shi Yun, and Yuan Qing Cheng—who had once nearly ruled the inner palace—everyone stood quietly in place.

Everyone present, without exception, now longed to bear Zhao Yu a child—to reverse their fate.

Next, Zheng Xiansu efficiently announced several decrees:

First, all palace women must strictly restrain their relatives, preventing interference in state affairs.

Second, promote frugality and reduce unnecessary expenditures.

Third, from today onward, every woman in the inner palace, regardless of status, must study the ‘Women’s Precepts’—everyone must memorize it. Those who fail to recite it will be assigned the heaviest labor while reciting until they master it.

Fourth, establish the ‘Red Wall Academy’—all palace women must study needlework and literature.

Fifth, institute the ‘Palace Examination’—women seeking promotion must pass tests in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, needlework, and policy essays at each level.

Sixth, encourage scholarly pursuits—the inner palace will regularly form poetry societies for women to compose verses, paint, and discuss literature together.

Seventh, establish the ‘Palace Advisory Court’—allow anonymous denunciations of misconduct. When someone is accused, the letter will be read aloud before all palace staff, with the accuser’s name concealed. Additionally, a special ‘Repentance Bell’ will be hung outside the offender’s chamber; when the wind rings it, it is a public humiliation.

Eighth, women who perform exceptionally well or contribute to palace management will be recommended to Zhao Yu for the privilege of spending the night with him, and their families will receive court honors or promotions.

Ninth, establish the ranks of Four Consorts, Nine Concubines, and Jieyu, and fully refine the female official system into Six Ministries and Twenty-Four Bureaus, with clearly defined duties to ensure orderly administration.

After Zheng Xiansu finished listing these nine decrees, Zhang Chun felt her scalp tighten:

‘No development of external kin power.’

‘Teaching palace women virtue—actually embedding their behavior into a quantifiable moral evaluation system through norms like “frugality” and “humility.”’

‘Replacing violent punishment with cultural tools, compelling concubines to pursue “moral superiority” and thus self-restrain.’

‘Using culture to elevate personal cultivation and virtue, fostering a positive atmosphere that reduces jealousy and petty rivalries.’

‘Using collective social pressure to enforce self-discipline, avoiding direct grudges while cultivating a terrifying balance of mutual surveillance.’

‘Coupled with clear rewards and punishments, a blend of mercy and authority, and a rigid hierarchy.’

‘Damn it—her entire system of psychological manipulation—will this inner palace become the most feudal place on earth?!’

Finally, Zheng Xiansu concluded: ‘We have all entered the inner court. Our only desire is to serve the Emperor, to receive his favor. The succession of the imperial line is the state’s greatest matter—we bear the sacred duty of bearing the imperial bloodline. We must unite in purpose, treat each other with warmth and kindness, support one another, and avoid needless quarrels. Only then do we honor our original purpose for entering the palace, and preserve its peace and harmony.’

After speaking, Zheng Xiansu withdrew to a side hall and began calling names, meeting each woman individually.

Soon, the content of the conversations leaked out.

Zheng Xiansu had swiftly stripped Pei Sui of all authority, promoted the maids Pei Sui and Wang Yisu brought from Cidegong, as well as the servants Guo Ting brought from the Guo family, to heads of the Six Ministries and Twenty-Four Bureaus, clearly assigning their duties.

Pei Sui offered no resistance, willingly surrendering all power, retaining only the post of Chief of the Inner Court.

Then, with the aid of Wang Yisu, Guo Ting, and Pei Sui, Zheng Xiansu had already prepared a plan to assign ranks to Zhao Yu’s women.

As expected, the highest rank went to those who bore Zhao Yu’s children. Zheng Xiansu not only granted them the highest status but also lavish gifts.

Take Fu Ling and Ma Shi, once mere palace maids: Zheng Xiansu declared she would petition for them to be named Cairen. If they bore a daughter, they would be promoted to Meiren; if they bore a son, they would be promoted to Jieyu—and adopted as Zheng Xiansu’s own daughters.

As for Wang Chuchu and Guo Wei, Zheng Xiansu directly promised to petition for them to become Meiren; if they bore a daughter, they would be promoted one level; if they bore a son, promoted another.

As for palace maids who had been summoned by Zhao Yu, each received a different title—Guofu, Junjun, Hongxiapai—officially becoming Zhao Yu’s low-ranking concubines with corresponding privileges.

Only after settling the status of all others did Zheng Xiansu send Pei Sui to summon the five women.

As the five entered the side hall, Zheng Xiansu smiled: ‘Since entering the palace, the Emperor has favored you greatly and relied upon you more than ordinary concubines. Hence, I have kept you aside to address official matters first. Afterward, we shall dine together and speak of private matters.’

She then invited the five to sit.

Zheng Xiansu was skilled in speech and action—so convincing that the five, though hesitant, eventually bowed and took their seats in order.

Once seated, Zheng Xiansu turned to Zhang Chun and spoke directly: ‘The Emperor has promised you the rank of Imperial Consort. He keeps his word—he will not betray you. But when he first ascended the throne, affairs were too numerous to attend to the inner palace. Now he has entrusted me with this matter. It is time to formalize your title.’

Though Zhang Chun had always guarded against Zheng Xiansu, constantly clashing with her, secretly viewing her as her greatest rival, she could not help but feel moved—even thrilled—when Zheng Xiansu granted her the Imperial Consort title before she had even spent a night with Zhao Yu.

Zhang Chun quickly bowed: ‘Thank you, Empress!’

Zheng Xiansu personally helped her rise and said: ‘This is yours by merit. Why thank me?’

Zhang Chun opened her mouth to offer more polite words—but before she could speak, Zheng Xiansu turned to Li Lin, Ye Shi Yun, Ma Xiao Jiao, and Yuan Qing Cheng and said: ‘I asked the Emperor how to reward you. He was lazy and said: “Treat them all the same.”’

Zheng Xiansu explained on Zhao Yu’s behalf: ‘I believe he does not wish to cause discord among you sisters. So I will petition for all of you to be granted the rank of Imperial Consort. How does that sound?’

At these words, Zhang Chun’s smile froze.

‘All of them made Imperial Consorts?!’

‘What’s the difference between this and denying me the title?’

‘After all my scheming, I’m still just like these four?’

‘How can I lead them now?’

Zhang Chun stared at Zheng Xiansu, thinking: ‘You did this on purpose, didn’t you?’

But she could not oppose it—could not even show displeasure, or she would alienate Li Lin and the other three, driving them fully into Zheng Xiansu’s camp.

‘This is an open strategy!’

Unlike Zhang Chun, Li Lin and the other three, including Yuan Qing Cheng, were overjoyed to learn they too would be named Imperial Consorts.

There was no choice: in the inner palace, status was everything. With the title of Imperial Consort, their endeavors would gain far greater convenience and success.

Thus, Li Lin and the other three bowed together: ‘Thank you, Empress!’

Zheng Xiansu helped each of them rise and said: ‘I have said this clearly: I will not violate palace rules for you. You may call yourselves Imperial Consorts, enjoy Imperial Consort stipends and privileges—but you hold no official rank. You may be called Imperial Consort Zhang, Imperial Consort Li, Imperial Consort Ye, Imperial Consort Ma, Imperial Consort Yuan. To earn an official rank, you must strive like the others.’

Then, looking at Ma Xiao Jiao’s slightly swollen belly, she added: ‘Ma Imperial Consort may be granted the rank of Meiren. If you bear a princess, you rise one level; if you bear a prince, you rise another. Zhang Imperial Consort and Li Imperial Consort may be granted Cairen. Ye Imperial Consort and Yuan Imperial Consort may be granted Guofu. If you earn merit, I will petition for your rewards.’

The five understood: they were Imperial Consorts, outwardly indistinguishable from others—but upon closer inspection, they remained low-ranking concubines, unlike Wang Yisu and Guo Ting, who held the official titles of Imperial Consort and Virtuous Consort.

Did this matter?

That depends on how you see it.

If you have no interest in the palace’s hierarchy, it affects you not at all.

For example, to Yuan Qing Cheng—who wished no contact with Zhao Yu—she was truly an Imperial Consort, and nothing changed.

But if you seek to climb within the palace’s hierarchy, you must follow Zheng Xiansu’s promotion system: either bear Zhao Yu more children, ascending step by step to Imperial Consort, or join Zheng Xiansu’s examinations and compete with other palace women to rise slowly.

In short, for Zhang Chun to compete with Zheng Xiansu, she was not one rank behind—she was countless ranks behind. And whether she could rise at all depended entirely on Zheng Xiansu’s will.

Zhang Chun stared at Zheng Xiansu’s face of perfect impartiality and gritted her teeth inwardly: ‘To guard against me, you’ve gone to such lengths. Fine. Fine. We’ll see who wins. Don’t forget—you still have Zhao Yu above you…’

…

(End of Chapter)