Chapter Twelve: I Refuse to Be Your Child

“Your humble servant pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress. May the Empress enjoy boundless blessings and eternal peace.”

“Everyone, rise!”

Jiang Daiyin raised her hand, signaling them to stand.

Today, Jiang Daiyin wore the bright yellow official palace robes of the Empress. Chunyu delicately shaped her eyebrows and painted her eyes, making her makeup exquisitely beautiful and alluring.

Her overall aura was calm and profound, adding an air of composure that subdued the usual seductive charm, making it impossible to look away.

“Her Majesty the Empress is truly dazzling today.”

“Indeed, the Empress possesses a divine beauty unmatched by any of us.”

The ladies-in-waiting and concubines showered Jiang Daiyin with endless praise. Clearly, the recent downfall of the Imperial Consort Wei had left an indelible impression on them.

Jiang Daiyin wished to avoid entangling herself too deeply in palace intrigues. Seizing this opportunity, she spoke deliberately.

“Recently, I have been unwell for some time. His Majesty, out of concern, entrusted Consorts Shu and Xiao to assist me in managing the affairs of the six palaces. As my health has yet to fully recover, I rely on my two younger sisters to handle everything carefully.”

In this way, she effectively delegated her authority.

The other concubines were shocked and could only speculate about the Empress’s true intentions.

“Your humble servant will not fail the expectations of Her Majesty and His Majesty,” Consorts Shu and Xiao said, rising to bow.

“Please rise, my two younger sisters!” Jiang Daiyin looked at them warmly.

This arrangement was tantamount to having two capable aides managing everything, freeing her from all duties except to rest and enjoy her status.

Moreover, as the Empress, no one could overstep her.

Her only concern now was to nurture her child.

Why wouldn’t she embrace such ease?

Consort Xiao found this strange but said nothing.

Consort Shu’s eyes were wary, suspecting the Empress might be plotting new schemes against them.

“That is enough. I am tired. If there are no other matters, you may all return,” Jiang Daiyin said.

Having watched enough palace dramas, she was finally able to utter these words herself.

Without even needing a mirror, she could imagine her own expression.

Her right hand gently massaged her temple, her beautiful eyes half-closed, a faint weariness softening her stunning features, presenting the serene beauty of peaceful days.

In truth, the concubines below shivered at the Empress’s smile, which seemed more like a grimace.

The Empress appeared gravely ill.

“I take my leave.”

After everyone else had departed, Consorts Xiao and Shu remained.

“Your Majesty, next month is the Empress Dowager’s birthday. She usually dislikes extravagance and never celebrates grandly. How does Your Majesty intend to arrange this year’s celebration?” Consort Xiao asked, her demeanor always calm and composed.

During the fierce rivalry between the Empress and Imperial Consort Wei, Consort Xiao had remained aloof, never taking sides.

Even when other palace women sought to curry favor with her, she had refused.

Imperial Consort Wei resented her, but as a senior figure in the palace with great significance to His Majesty, no one dared to provoke her.

She was truly a unique presence in the harem.

If not for the Emperor’s direct request, she would never have taken on such responsibilities.

“This matter is yours to handle,” Jiang Daiyin planned to be a completely hands-off manager.

Consorts Xiao and Shu exchanged glances but said nothing further.

“Then I shall take my leave,” they said.

Jiang Daiyin nodded and watched them depart.

“Xiao sister, what do you think the Empress’s intentions are?” Consort Shu asked anxiously.

Handing over full authority to them meant that if anything went wrong, they would be held accountable.

The Empress was surely harboring ill intentions!

Consort Shu frowned deeply, unable to lower her guard after seeing how Jiang Daiyin had crushed Imperial Consort Wei.

“We should simply follow orders. Your worries are unnecessary,” Consort Xiao replied with an expression that clearly said, “Do I look like I care?”

Already burdened with many troubles, she preferred not to speak further.

Consort Shu pursed her lips, about to say more when a commotion suddenly arose.

“I am still an Imperial Consort! The vile Consort Xin dares to defy me—how can I not retaliate?” Wei Ranzhu raged, her anger barely contained. She had come to Fengyi Palace to reflect on her mistakes, but someone foolishly provoked her.

That wretched Consort Xin dared to mock her outright, as if she wanted to live forever.

“What Imperial Consort? You’re nothing but a discarded consort despised by His Majesty. Your son has been taken by another—what right do you have to be so arrogant?”

Being publicly humiliated, Consort Xin was fiery-tempered. Her brother was a hero who had quelled the northwestern rebels, earning the Emperor’s favor.

Wei Ranzhu’s family, by contrast, was merely the overseer of the Imperial Academy—no comparison. Her lineage was at least ten times superior to Wei Ranzhu’s.

Moreover, Wei Ranzhu was effectively a discarded consort, confined to the cold palace. Yet she dared to show off in front of her!

“You!” Wei Ranzhu, furious, tried to slap her but was stopped.

“Enough! Such quarrels are unbecoming!” Consort Shu frowned and stepped forward to intervene.

Consort Xiao merely glanced at them and found an opportunity to leave quietly.

“Your Majesty!” Consort Xin was indignant, wanting to say more.

“Silence!” Consort Shu glared at her, finally silencing her.

Turning, Bai Wanwan smiled gently at Wei Ranzhu.

“Imperial Consort, do not stoop to her level. I will make sure she is properly punished.”

Wei Ranzhu snorted coldly and shrugged off her maid’s hand, her eyes icy as she looked at Consort Shu.

“If you dare neglect my son, Ye’er, I will not forgive you!”

She feared the Empress’s schemes might be used against her son as well.

Consort Shu smiled faintly at this but had not yet spoken when a child’s voice broke through.

“Consort Shu, why aren’t you back at Zhongcui Palace with Ye’er?”

Feng Linye, plump and cheerful, came running from the distance with a bright smile.

Wei Ranzhu’s eyes instantly filled with tears. She rushed forward and embraced her son.

“Ye’er, Mother has missed you so much!”

Held by his mother, Feng Linye struggled and shouted constantly.

“Let me go! You’re not worthy of being my mother! I hate you!”

“You sacrificed me to save yourself by making Father send me away. I will never forgive you!”

His sharp words stunned everyone.

Only Wei Ranzhu’s eyes widened in disbelief as she trembled and cried out.

“Ye’er! What nonsense are you talking about?”

“Imperial Consort, please don’t frighten the child,” Consort Shu frowned and stepped forward to shield Feng Linye.

“He is my child! Bai Wanwan, did you teach him this?” Wei Ranzhu’s eyes were bloodshot as she pointed accusingly at Consort Shu, teeth clenched.

“I don’t want to be your child. I want to be Consort Shu’s son!” Feng Linye peeked out from behind Consort Shu and made a face at Wei Ranzhu.

Wei Ranzhu’s heart shattered, almost collapsing to the floor. Fortunately, a close maid steadied her.

“Imperial Consort, perhaps you have been too harsh on the Seventh Prince. Look at how the child rejects you,” Consort Xin sneered, her eyes shining with satisfaction.