“Mother is flattering me,” Jiang Yingwan murmured.

She was also confused.  She hadn’t done anything today except cry in front of the emperor.  Could crying alone win his favor?

She felt like she had discovered a trick to getting along with the emperor.

Rebellion: She Wants to Move Out of Yongning Palace

Two days after the emperor’s visit, he issued an edict to Concubine De.

That day, when Wang Zhaoyi went to Concubine De’s palace to pay her respects, she was unusually dressed in bright attire, wearing a dazzling ruby hairpin that shimmered under the bright sunlight.

After Wang Zhaoyi took her seat, Concubine De smiled at her, her eyes slightly raised. “It’s rare to see you dressed so brightly, sister.  You must be in high spirits.”

Wang Zhaoyi smiled softly. “Indeed. I’ve finally found Lingyi, and next month is her birthday. The emperor said he’ll hold a grand celebration.”

The others listened to her subtle boasting, showering her with compliments, but inwardly felt uneasy.

Although Wang Zhaoyi held a high rank, she had been less favored than some lower-ranking concubines. Now, with a princess, her treatment was completely different.  The emperor frequently visited Yongning Palace this month.

“Lingyi suffered a lot when she was lost, so it’s understandable that the emperor is so fond of her,” Concubine De’s face showed no change, her smile deepening. “You are Lingyi’s mother, and it’s fitting for you to host her birthday banquet. But you have no experience.  If you encounter any problems, feel free to ask me.”

Wang Zhaoyi smiled. “Thank you, Elder Sister.”

“Lingyi is also my daughter, sister.  There’s no need to be polite,” Concubine De’s expression remained unchanged, seemingly unaffected by the transfer of power.

After the concubines left, Concubine De sighed wearily, leaning back in her chair as if a heavy burden had been lifted.  Yunzhi, her senior maid, quietly approached and gently massaged her temples.

“Your Highness, Consort Wang is too arrogant,” Yunzhi voiced her displeasure.

A hint of mockery flashed in Concubine De’s eyes. “Indeed, she’s a former servant.  A little success makes her arrogant and oblivious.”

Even in the prince’s residence, she had looked down on Wang.  But Wang had good luck, gaining the emperor’s pity with a lost child and becoming the head consort after his ascension.

She had watched Wang for years, holding a high rank but lacking favor, barely better than newly entered concubines.  Now, she had found the princess and regained favor, even more than before.

She felt a knot in her chest, but the emperor was currently fond of the newly found princess, so she couldn’t make trouble for Wang.

Yunzhi worried, “His Majesty’s affection for Princess Lingyi has extended to Consort Wang. He even gave her some power.  Will this affect our prince?”

Concubine De had a son and a daughter. Her eldest daughter, Princess Jingyi, had married two years ago. Her son was the second prince, thirteen years old this year, and would only be of age to establish his own household in two years.

“It’s just a princess.  Even if the emperor loves her, she’ll eventually marry,” Concubine De casually admired her slender fingers.  “We should pay more attention to the Crown Prince. How is Qian’er doing at the Imperial Academy?”

Yunzhi smiled. “Your Highness, the master praised His Highness’s intelligence and talent the other day.”

Concubine De wasn’t as happy as expected, coldly snorting. “Even if Qian’er is intelligent, doesn’t the emperor still favor the Crown Prince?”

She and the late Empress Xiao had competed in the prince’s residence.  After Xiao’s death, she thought she would finally have a chance to rise, but the emperor decisively made Xiao’s eldest son the Crown Prince, leaving the Empress position vacant and the Crown Prince’s position unshakeable.

She had been suppressed by Xiao her whole life. Would her Qian’er also be suppressed by Xiao’s son for life?

She closed her eyes in frustration.  Lingyi and Wang were insignificant compared to her Qian’er.

On the other hand, as Wang Zhaoyi left Concubine De’s palace, she was stopped by a voice.  Turning around, she saw Yang Jieyu, who had recently gained the emperor’s favor.

Wang Zhaoyi raised an eyebrow. Yang Jieyu wouldn’t usually take the initiative to greet her. Although she outranked Yang Jieyu, Yang’s favored daughter, the Fourth Princess, and Yang herself, had gained face with the emperor.

But now, their fortunes had reversed.  Yang’s Fourth Princess had angered the emperor and was confined to learn etiquette, while her Lingyi was favored.

“Jieyu Jieyu, what is it?” she asked.

Yang Jieyu looked at her smug smile, burning with anger, wanting to tear her apart.  Wang had always been submissive in front of her.  But she knew times had changed and forced a smile, dealing with her hypocritically.

“I apologize. I only learned yesterday that Jiaru accidentally bumped into Lingyi at the Xuanzheng Hall. Is Lingyi seriously injured? Jiaru has been spoiled since childhood, even by His Majesty. I’m truly sorry, elder sister.”

Wang Zhaoyi finally understood why the emperor had sent female officials to teach the Fourth Princess etiquette.  Jiang Yingwan had hidden something from her.  She disliked anything beyond her control, and the slight affection she had felt for Jiang Yingwan vanished.

“Jieyu Jieyu, you’re too kind.  It’s common for sisters to joke around.  But Jiaru should learn etiquette and not cause trouble for His Majesty again.”

Yang Jieyu almost gritted her teeth at the subtle mockery, forcing a smile. “Elder sister is right.”

After a few more exchanges, Wang Zhaoyi left.  Back at Yongning Palace, she saw unfamiliar maids measuring Jiang Yingwan for clothes.

“What’s going on?” she glanced at them indifferently.

After the maids left, Jiang Yingwan nervously replied, “They’re from His Majesty. They’re making a dress for me for my birthday banquet.”

She clenched her fingers, sensing Wang Zhaoyi’s colder demeanor than earlier. She was confused about what had happened.

In front of the maids, Wang Zhaoyi couldn’t embarrass Jiang Yingwan immediately.  After they left, she slowly walked to Jiang Yingwan, scrutinizing her.

Under this intense gaze, Jiang Yingwan lowered her eyes, her heart pounding.

“You had a conflict with the Fourth Princess yesterday. Why didn’t you tell me?”

A chill ran down Jiang Yingwan’s spine. She explained softly, “The Fourth Princess is favored by His Majesty. Your servant should be tolerant. Besides, I wasn’t injured. Making a fuss might displease His Majesty.”

Although Wang Zhaoyi was unhappy, she grudgingly accepted her explanation.  As they passed each other, she coldly said, “I hate being kept in the dark.  This is the last time.”

“Yes,” Jiang Yingwan replied meekly.

Back in her chambers, Jiang Yingwan threw herself onto the bed, anxiously biting her finger.

Wang Zhaoyi’s temper was unpredictable, and her control was too strong.  Staying under her would be stifling.  She also realized the emperor didn’t like Wang Zhaoyi, and being close to her wouldn’t benefit her.

What excuse could she use to move out? Unmarried princesses lived with their mothers.  She couldn’t just get married. She wasn’t a real princess; that would harm others.

She could only ask the emperor. He was fond of her and should grant her request.

If all else failed, she would… cry again.

Jiang Yingwan decided to move out. The next day, she made soup and went to the Xuanzheng Hall to see the emperor, using filial piety as an excuse.

She was pondering how to speak when she bumped into something solid at the entrance.

“Oops!” Jiang Yingwan lost her balance, dropping the soup. The bowl shattered, hot soup and shards scattering.

“Careful!” A strong arm caught her waist, releasing her once she was steady.

Jiang Yingwan looked up, seeing a familiar face.

“Crown Prince Brother!” she exclaimed.

“Are you hurt?” Li Mu examined her carefully, concern etched on his handsome face.

Jiang Yingwan shook her head, her gaze falling on the spilled soup.

She had worked so hard on it, all wasted.

Li Mu followed her gaze. “Did you make this for Father?”

Jiang Yingwan nodded sadly. “Father is busy with state affairs and must be tired. I made this soup to show my filial piety, but now…”

Li Mu gently touched her head. “Your intentions are enough. Father won’t blame you.”

But she needed to ask the emperor for something.  She had planned to please him before mentioning moving out, but now, without the soup, she didn’t know how to proceed.