Chapter 6: Cloud Brocade

Yun Ying’s bold and defiant nature was something Zhao Chong had already experienced firsthand a few days earlier.

So when he heard her inner thoughts now, he wasn’t surprised—only more convinced that she had a rebellious and unconventional character beneath the surface.

For a moment, he thought—perhaps she did trust him after all.

That must be why, when falsely accused, she didn’t bother to defend herself too much and simply chose to leave it in his hands.

As Zhao Chong pondered this, his expression softened slightly. However, Consort De, having heard Yun Ying’s seemingly dismissive words, frowned. In fact, ever since Gu Zhenzhen’s head maid Cuimei had identified the sachet, Consort De had been somewhat puzzled by Yun Ying’s calm reaction. Now her confusion deepened—she couldn’t figure Yun Ying out.

If the Yun woman was deeply scheming, why didn’t she try to use the situation to earn the Emperor’s pity?

If she were brainless, her reaction was far too composed—not at all disgraceful or improper before the Emperor.

Even Gu Zhenzhen had the sense to act pitiful and vulnerable.

Yet Yun Ying had simply responded with a steady, unaffected “I await Your Majesty’s judgment.”

Consort De turned this over in her mind, glancing again toward Yun Ying.

Today, Yun Ying wore a light purple ruqun. Blue irises were embroidered on the ribbons at her chest, and she wore very few accessories, giving her an understated and elegant appearance. Among all the newly entered consorts, Yun Ying was undeniably the most beautiful. She was also at the perfect age—young and radiant—so even this simple outfit couldn’t conceal her stunning looks.

If the Emperor had truly taken a liking to such beauty…

Consort De’s thoughts turned cold, though she still wore a mocking smile. “Such arrogance from a young consort.”

She was just about to take the opportunity to scold Yun Ying when Zhao Chong suddenly rose to his feet. She fell silent, watching as that figure clad in imperial yellow robes walked straight toward Yun Ying.

Gritting her teeth, she stood as well, the hand hidden in her sleeve quietly clenched into a fist.

Zhao Chong stopped in front of Yun Ying and lowered his gaze, observing her for a few moments. Seeing her simple hairstyle and sparse accessories, he asked in a calm voice, “Why aren’t you wearing the jewelry I gave you? Are you dissatisfied with them?”

Yun Ying: “…”

Does he think her outfit today suits those ornaments?

Hearing her inner complaint, Zhao Chong’s eyes flashed with a hint of amusement. Before she could respond with something formal and perfunctory, he called out, “Xia Jiang, send two bolts of the newly tributed cloud brocade to Qingzhu Pavilion.”

Amid the wave of shocked thoughts around them, he reached out to gently help Yun Ying to her feet. “You had nothing to do with Imperial Beauty Gu falling into the water. I know that.”

With those words, the entire matter was now closed—Yun Ying would emerge unscathed.

Consort Xian was a composed person, but even she couldn’t hide her surprise upon hearing that the Emperor had ordered cloud brocade be gifted to Yun Ying.

Cloud brocade was made from the finest materials—exquisite and dazzling like clouds and sunset—one of the rarest of tributes, almost never available to consorts.

Yet the Emperor had given it to Yun Ying…

When she heard Zhao Chong’s follow-up, Consort Xian understood.

The Emperor’s gift of cloud brocade was meant to comfort Yun Ying, while also signaling that he believed she had nothing to do with Gu Zhenzhen’s fall.

“But this matter still needs to be addressed properly,” Zhao Chong said, looking at Consort Xian. “Since you oversee the affairs of the six palaces, I entrust this to you. Find the truth for Imperial Beauty Gu and clear Yun Jieyu’s name.”

“Yes, I accept Your Majesty’s order.” Consort Xian—Lü Lanshuang—bowed respectfully and received the decree.

Just as Zhao Chong had finished speaking, another senior eunuch, Xia Hai, stepped forward and whispered a report, “Your Majesty, urgent news from Shu and Jiangnan West has arrived.”

The Emperor’s expression instantly became grave—clearly something serious had occurred.

“You may all disperse. Don’t disturb Imperial Beauty Gu’s rest.”

With that, Zhao Chong left Tingyu Tower in his imperial carriage and returned to the Hall of Diligent Governance.

As the carriage disappeared from sight, the tension among the consorts lifted. They no longer held themselves so stiffly.

“Congratulations to Yun Jieyu once again,” Consort Lü said as she approached Yun Ying, smiling. “The annual tribute of cloud brocade is quite limited. Even Consort Xian and Consort De only receive two bolts each. The rest of us can only dream. Clearly, you’re the truly fortunate one among us.”

Her words stung many present and skillfully shifted more resentment toward Yun Ying.

Consort De, hearing her, glared and sneered, “If anyone understands how fate treats sisters differently, it must be you, Consort Lü.”

The smile froze on Consort Lü’s lips.

She and Consort Xian, Lü Lanshuang, were real sisters—but Consort Lü was born of a concubine, while Consort Xian was a legitimate daughter.

One was a mere consort, while the other managed the six palaces…

How could she compare?

“All of you may leave now. His Majesty has ordered that Imperial Beauty Gu should not be disturbed,” Consort Xian said at just the right time, interrupting the rising tension.

Consort De chuckled and didn’t press further. She left with her head maid.

Zhaoyuan Jiang, Noble Consort Jiang, and Jieyu Cui all bowed and took their leave.

Consort Lü also left with a cold expression.

“Consort Xian, I shall take my leave now,” Yun Ying said after the others were gone.

Just then, Gu Zhenzhen was helped out of the inner chamber by her head maid.

Having learned that the Emperor had declared Yun Ying innocent, Gu Zhenzhen could no longer suppress her anger. Flushed with rage, she pointed at Yun Ying and cried, “It was you! You were the one who did this! Yun Ying, even if His Majesty protects you this time, I won’t let you off!”

But those words were tantamount to accusing the Emperor of favoritism and ignoring justice.

Consort Xian frowned and rebuked her in a low voice, “Imperial Beauty Gu, watch your words! His Majesty has entrusted me to investigate this matter thoroughly. I will ensure the truth is uncovered and justice is served.”

“As there is no solid evidence implicating Yun Jieyu, you must not jump to conclusions.”

Gu Zhenzhen was clearly unconvinced.

Yun Ying hadn’t even defended herself before the Emperor—naturally, she wouldn’t waste words on Gu Zhenzhen.

“I take my leave.”

After a respectful bow to Consort Xian, Yun Ying left without sparing Gu Zhenzhen another glance.

Gu Zhenzhen was left trembling with anger, her eyes brimming with tears.

Consort Xian glanced at Yun Ying’s departing figure, then ordered the palace maid to help Gu Zhenzhen back inside, said a few consoling words, and asked the imperial physician for an update.

Only after settling everything did she leave Tingyu Tower.

Outside Qiulan Palace, her head maid, Suyu, finally spoke softly. “Your Highness, about Yun Jieyu…”

Seated in her sedan chair, Consort Xian looked up at the clear blue sky. “Suyu, later today, send someone to summon Yun Jieyu’s head maid, Biliu, to Zhaohui Hall. I want to question her myself. Remind them to be polite.”

“Yes, I understand,” Suyu replied with a nod, fully aware of her mistress’s intentions.

Back in Qingzhu Pavilion, Yun Ying lazily reclined on her beauty couch.

This was the first time since her rebirth that she had dealt with such a palace drama. In her past life, it would’ve been nothing, but now, she just felt exhausted.

It was swelteringly hot outside, and she was sweating slightly.

Bifu fanned her while Biliu brought chilled glutinous rice wine to cool her down.

The wine wasn’t intoxicating—sweet and refreshing.

Perfectly soothing for such a hot day.

Yun Ying slowly drank one cup and asked Biliu for another. After resting a bit, Bifu finally asked, “My lady, what do you think will come of Imperial Beauty Gu’s incident?” She hesitated, then added, “That sachet she had was indeed Biliu’s… will this cause trouble for her?”

Since the Emperor had spoken, Bifu wasn’t worried about Yun Ying.

But Biliu was only a palace maid. Punishing a maid was too easy.

Being dragged into a plot against a consort—of course she’d be nervous and afraid.

But Biliu’s greatest fear was causing trouble for Yun Ying.

Now that she knew her mistress was safe, she wasn’t as frightened anymore.

She handed over another cup of rice wine and said softly but firmly, “As long as my lady is safe, I don’t care what happens to me.”

“Consort Xian will likely summon you later to question you,” Yun Ying said, sipping her wine. “But I don’t think she’ll make things hard for you. Just tell the truth—don’t try to be clever.”

Consort Xian was a smart woman and usually fair in her dealings.

Since the Emperor had already made a public statement, she wouldn’t go out of her way to mistreat Biliu and give others an excuse to criticize her.

Yun Ying wasn’t worried.

Just be honest and straightforward—explaining what happened this morning would be enough.

With another cup of wine, Yun Ying felt much more relaxed. Seeing the concern on both her maids’ faces, she added, “The Emperor gifting me cloud brocade proves he believes I wasn’t involved. No matter how Consort Xian views me, would she dare go against the Emperor’s intentions? So don’t worry, and Biliu, don’t be afraid. Just be honest when questioned.”

“Yes, my lady, I understand.”

Reassured by Yun Ying’s confidence, Biliu felt more at ease.

Sure enough, later that afternoon, a palace maid from Consort Xian’s quarters came to summon Biliu to Zhaohui Hall.

Shortly after Biliu left, Xia Jiang arrived with the two bolts of cloud brocade as ordered by Zhao Chong.

“The Emperor has urgent affairs to attend to, so I shall take my leave,” Xia Jiang said after handing the items to the pavilion staff.

“If you’re busy, I won’t keep you for tea. Safe travels, Gonggong,” Yun Ying replied.

Xia Jiang bowed again, then added, “Please stay well, Yun Jieyu.”

Yun Ying signaled for Bifu to see him out. Once he left, she turned to look at the brocade.

The attempt to frame her had been clumsy. She had already known she wouldn’t be punished.

But these two bolts of cloud brocade—she hadn’t expected.

She walked over and gently touched the intricate patterns. She had to admit—beautiful things always charmed the heart. Even though she had worn clothes made of cloud brocade in her previous life, receiving it again now brought genuine joy.

“Bifu, put these away carefully,” she instructed when Bifu returned. “We’ll take them out once the weather cools down and have new dresses made.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Bifu smiled, bowed, and took the brocade inside.

Around noon, Biliu returned from Zhaohui Hall.

Just as Yun Ying had said, Consort Xian hadn’t made things difficult—she merely asked a few questions and then allowed her to return.

The urgent reports from Shu and Jiangnan West had both concerned natural disasters.

One was a drought, the other a flood.

The news reached the inner palace not long after.

When Yun Ying awoke from her nap, she was casually reading a storybook. After hearing Bifu’s report, she set the book down and fell into thought.

“My lady, is something wrong?” Bifu asked softly.

Yun Ying shook her head and sighed. “Droughts and floods are natural disasters, but if handled poorly, they turn into man-made catastrophes—and it’s the common people who suffer most.”

“Bifu, you and Biliu go make preparations.”

“Preparations for what?” Bifu asked, confused.

“Take stock of the silver and gold in our small storeroom. We’ll likely need them soon,” Yun Ying explained calmly.

When disaster struck, it was customary for the palace to donate funds.

But most consorts had their own private schemes. Even those who were generous with spending usually became stingy at donation time.

She would… help them a little.

And return the heartfelt kindness of today’s little frame-up.

Surely, everyone would be thrilled.