Chapter 7: A Modest Effort

The news of Gu Zhenzhen’s assault and fall into the water, as well as the disasters in Shu and Jiangnan West Circuit, had also reached Yongshou Palace.

Empress Dowager Zhou first heard of what had happened at Tingyu Tower.

As she fanned her, Nanny Xu recounted the details of the incident to the Empress Dowager. Xu had served her since her entry into the palace, and after so many years, their bond was deep; in private conversation, she spoke more freely.

After recounting the incident at Tingyu Tower, Nanny Xu said gently, “Your Highness, it seems His Majesty holds some fondness for this Consort Yun.”

“It’s only been a few days—too soon to tell,” the Empress Dowager responded indifferently.

Nanny Xu smiled. “Your Highness is right. Time will reveal all. But it’s rare for His Majesty to show such attentiveness. Within just two days of sharing his bed, she was promoted and awarded cloud brocade today. That’s why I mentioned it.”

“This attempt to frame her—His Majesty must have seen through it. There’s no reason he would allow the Yun girl to be slandered.” The Empress Dowager remained composed, betraying little emotion. “The matter has already been handed over to Consort Xian for investigation. Let’s wait for her findings. Pity that Beauty Gu had to suffer for this.”

Nanny Xu asked tentatively, “Shall I go visit Beauty Gu?”

“His Majesty already went. Why should I trouble myself?” The Empress Dowager paused and then asked, “Is this Yun girl the daughter of General Yun?”

“She is,” Nanny Xu nodded. “General Yun has been stationed on the border for many years and rarely returns to the capital.”

The Empress Dowager nodded. “General Yun has always been a loyal and valiant subject of Dayan.”

Nanny Xu smiled, then remembered something. “The bird’s nest on the kitchen stove must be ready. I’ll go check.” With the Empress Dowager’s approval, she withdrew and returned shortly after with a bowl of chilled sweet bird’s nest soup.

“Your Highness, please try this little dessert. I added extra rose syrup, just the way you like it.”

She placed the porcelain bowl in front of the Empress Dowager and handed her a clean spoon.

The Empress Dowager took the spoon and slowly tasted a bite. Just as she was enjoying it, news of the disasters in Shu and Jiangnan West Circuit was delivered.

The sudden report made her face sink. She lost all appetite for the dessert.

She set down her spoon and carefully inquired about the situation before letting out a long sigh. “The people of Shu and Jiangnan West Circuit are going to have a hard time this year.”

Seeing her disheartened, Nanny Xu softly comforted her, “Natural disasters are unpredictable. I’m sure His Majesty will find a way to properly settle the people and ease their hardships. Your Highness must take care of your health and not worry too much. Overthinking may only harm your body and cause His Majesty more concern.”

The Empress Dowager said, “I fear His Majesty will once again be overwhelmed in the coming days.” After a moment’s thought, she added, “Enough. Nanny Xu, take some people to the small storeroom and prepare some gold and silver. Then go to Zhaohui Hall and inform Consort Xian to instruct all the consorts to contribute some charitable donations to help comfort and resettle the victims.”

“Yes, I will see to it immediately.”

Nanny Xu bowed and set off to carry out the Empress Dowager’s orders.

Later, when she returned to Yongshou Palace, she reported that she had relayed everything to Consort Xian.

The Empress Dowager nodded and instructed her to enforce strict frugality in Yongshou Palace in the coming days—no extravagance or waste.

While they were still discussing arrangements, a young palace maid entered to report, “Empress Dowager, Consort Yun is outside the hall requesting an audience.”

Nanny Xu glanced at the Empress Dowager and then at the maid. “What urgent matter does Consort Yun have?”

“She has brought a large amount of gold and silver with her,” the maid replied respectfully.

The Empress Dowager’s brows lifted slightly. “Oh? Let her in.”

“Yes.”

The maid withdrew with her orders.

Nanny Xu murmured, “By this hour, the Empress Dowager’s message has likely just reached the other palaces. For Consort Yun to already be here… if this visit is about the disasters, then she must have been preparing before Your Highness even gave the order. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so swift.”

The Empress Dowager gave a soft “Mm,” agreeing with Nanny Xu’s assessment.

When Yun Ying was led into the hall by the palace maid, the Empress Dowager remained seated on her luohan couch without much reaction.

“Your servant greets the Empress Dowager and wishes Your Highness eternal blessings,” Yun Ying said as she formally saluted.

“Rise,” the Empress Dowager replied, allowing her a seat and ordering tea to be served. She asked calmly, “What brings you to seek an audience with me, Consort Yun?”

Yun Ying had only just sat down, but upon hearing the question, she rose again and respectfully said, “I heard news of the disasters in Shu and Jiangnan West Circuit, which has weighed heavily on my heart. Upon learning of Your Highness’s guidance, I felt compelled to come forward with what little gold and silver I have, though I fear it may be presumptuous.”

She turned slightly, and her attendants Biwu and Biliu stepped forward, carrying heavy trays.

The trays in Biwu and Biliu’s hands shone with the brilliant gleam of gold ingots, while the maids behind them held trays filled with silver.

“Recently, I have received much favor from His Majesty, including many generous rewards. Now, hearing of the disasters, I feel deeply troubled. As a woman, I have little means to help, so I offer what I can in the form of gold and silver. If this small gesture can aid the people of Shu and Jiangnan West Circuit, and ease the burden on His Majesty and Your Highness, it would be my greatest honor.”

Her tone was respectful as she explained to the Empress Dowager.

However, upon glancing at the gold and silver she brought, Nanny Xu was quietly shocked.

Did Consort Yun empty out her entire personal treasury?

Even the Empress Dowager appeared surprised by the sheer amount.

Still, her expression remained composed. She simply smiled and nodded. “Your thoughtfulness brings me great comfort.”

Yun Ying lowered her head. “I am humbled.”

After presenting the donations, she didn’t stay long. She took her leave from the Empress Dowager and returned to Qingzhu Pavilion.

“Your Highness, Consort Yun…” Nanny Xu, though a veteran in the palace, was at a loss for how to interpret Yun Ying’s actions today.

It was certainly commendable to donate so much.

But even Consort Xian and Consort De had not yet arrived at Yongshou Palace. For a mere Jieyu to act first—and so publicly—was highly irregular.

As the first to donate such a large sum, she had effectively raised the bar for all the other consorts.

Regardless of their original plans, none could now give less without losing face. Surely this would earn her resentment.

“No matter what, her intentions are good,” the Empress Dowager said, glancing at both Nanny Xu and the donations. She added calmly, “Nanny Xu, have someone record the donations properly.”

Back at Qingzhu Pavilion, Biliu still felt like her heart was bleeding.

So much gold and silver—Her Ladyship had emptied her entire store and donated it all. What would they do in the future?

“My lady, at least keep some for yourself.”

“The victims are struggling to survive, but you must also live your own life,” Biliu mumbled softly.

Yun Ying chuckled. “Biliu, how has His Majesty treated me?”

“He has been good to you,” Biliu replied.

“Exactly.” Yun Ying’s tone turned serious as she nodded. “In just a few days, His Majesty has rewarded me greatly, promoted me to Jieyu, and given me brocade. When I was framed over Beauty Gu, His Majesty believed I wasn’t the culprit. Now he worries over the disaster victims—how can I not share his burden? Gold and silver are just material things. There’s no need to be so reluctant. Besides, I kept some. We’ll manage.”

Biliu was dumbfounded. “It was my shortsightedness…”

“I just worry that others will now target you,” Biwu added as she approached.

Their lady had taken the lead with such a generous donation.

The other consorts, whether for pride or competition, would feel pressured to match or exceed it. No matter how they behaved outwardly, surely they’d hold a grudge.

Yun Ying only smiled. “His Majesty has worries, and the Empress Dowager has instructed us. My gesture was sincere. If others resent me for that, isn’t it just revealing their own petty hearts? But you’re right—Biwu, keep an eye on how much each consort donates and report back to me.”

The Emperor had already placed her in the spotlight.

What did one more thing matter?

She didn’t mind. And compared to everything else, this took the least effort.

Tonight, many women in the palace would go sleepless—not from worry for the people, but from clenching their teeth at her with nothing they could do.

Besides—

Being able to contribute more to comfort the victims was a blessing.

Yun Ying felt no unease at all. After returning from Yongshou Palace, she lounged contentedly in Qingzhu Pavilion.

Yet her donation of one hundred gold taels stirred a quiet storm.

“Consort Yun has already visited the Empress Dowager?” Consort Xian frowned slightly after hearing the report.

Her senior maid, Suyu, asked, “Your Highness, if Consort Yun donated one hundred taels, what should we do here at Zhaohui Hall?”

“Match it. She likely emptied her entire storehouse. As the senior consort overseeing the six palaces, if I can’t match her, how can I command respect? It won’t look good before the Emperor or the Empress Dowager either.” Taking a deep breath, Consort Xian quickly decided. “Suyu, go prepare the gold and silver. We must go to Yongshou Palace at once.”

It was the only logical choice.

Suyu sighed inwardly, then obeyed. “Yes…”

“One hundred taels?!”

Consort De was supervising her maid Shuanghong as she counted their silver when the news arrived, and she was stunned.

“Yes, Your Highness. Consort Yun donated first, followed by Consort Xian—both gave one hundred taels.”

Which meant she would have to do the same.

The thought was agonizing. Consort De clenched her jaw. “What is Consort Yun trying to do?”

Shuanghong quickly dismissed the eunuch and advised, “Your Highness, in the presence of the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, Consort Yun’s actions will be seen as charitable concern for the disaster victims. Nothing more. Please remain calm—do not speak out of turn and give others the chance to use your words against you.”

Consort De, though emotional, was reasonable. Realizing her words had been inappropriate, she suppressed her anger.

Closing her eyes, she said bitterly, “Shuanghong, take some people to the treasury. Bring out more gold and silver…”