Chapter 23: Consort Yu's Probing

Qiuhua could no longer hold back. With a wail, she collapsed at Yan Ziyu’s feet and burst into bitter tears.

Eventually, through her sobbing, Qiuhua recounted what had happened. That morning, after returning to the manor, she had been summoned by Concubine Yu. When questioned about the events of the previous night’s palace banquet, Qiuhua refused to divulge any details. Enraged, Concubine Yu had her severely beaten and handed over to the estate steward’s son for further punishment. The steward’s son had dragged her to the woodshed and nearly violated her, but thanks to her quick thinking, she had managed to injure him and escape.

"Bang!"

Having heard the tearful account, Yan Ziyu struck the table in fury. "This is going too far! Qiuhua, go to the manor physician and get some medicine. I will certainly seek justice for you."

*Concubine Yu—I did not provoke you, yet you chose to harass me. Very well. Since that is how you want it, I will grant your wish. I shall use you to establish my authority.* A cold, sharp light flashed in the depths of Yan Ziyu’s eyes.

"Princess Consort... I implore you, please do not have any conflict with Concubine Yu on my account. You have suffered for so many years, and now that your life is finally becoming a little easier, I truly do not want to..." Qiuhua cried, her face drenched in tears. She was deeply moved; for the Princess Consort to go to such lengths for a mere maid, she would gladly die if required.

Yan Ziyu helped her up, her eyes filled with pity. "Qiuhua, go back and rest first. I have my own plans regarding this matter."

After sending Qiuhua away, Yan Ziyu sat alone in her room for a long time. Around midday, Ziyi came to inform her that someone from Concubine Yu’s quarters had arrived to invite her for lunch.

"Princess Consort, Concubine Yu is not someone to be trifled with. Would you like me to find an excuse to decline?" Ziyi was worried that the Princess Consort would be unable to handle her, given the history of the past few years.

"No need. Go tell them I will change and be there shortly." Yan Ziyu’s lips curled slightly upward, her eyes narrowing. Ziyi found her behavior strange, though she could not quite put her finger on why.

Ziyi, of course, could not know what that expression meant. Had her master and others seen this look before Yan Ziyu transmigrated, they would have known immediately that she was plotting against someone, and that it was best to stay away to avoid collateral damage.

The sun was scorching, casting its intense rays down as the weeping willows by the lake swayed in the breeze, offering a hint of coolness in the height of summer.

Under the bright sun, two graceful figures sat in the pavilion amidst the willow trees. The woman dressed in rose-red silk had eyebrows like fine ink, eyes like stars, delicate features, and elegant manners. Her slender form exuded an untouchable nobility. Sitting there so calmly, she was like a striking landscape, drawing all eyes to her.

"Sister, your complexion is truly wonderful today. Your skin is as rosy and tender as a freshly peeled egg. I am truly envious. You must teach me your secrets later. We are sisters, after all; surely you wouldn't keep them to yourself?" The woman in rose-red covered her lips with a giggle as she spoke softly to the woman in pale purple beside her.

Compared to the woman in rose-red, this one was dressed far more modestly. Her pale purple dress was embroidered with simple, elegant orchids, and she wore minimal jewelry. Her waist-length ink-black hair was held back by a clear crystal hairpin. As the breeze blew from the lake, her hair danced lightly. Paired with her indifferent expression, she appeared like an ethereal fairy who had descended to the mortal realm—so pure and so vivid.

"You flatter me, sister. You know my situation; I am always so busy that I hardly have time to fuss over such things. I suspect it is just that after years of hardship and fatigue, my life has become more leisurely, and my complexion has improved. If you truly like it, I will come over tomorrow and teach you myself... have you decided?" This woman in pale purple was none other than Yan Ziyu.

She had accepted Concubine Yu’s invitation to dine at her courtyard today. After lunch, they had come to the lakeside pavilion to brew tea and chat. The two were wary of each other; Concubine Yu kept trying to test her, while Yan Ziyu adopted the strategy of remaining unmoved by all changes, secretly observing Concubine Yu’s every move.

"Then I shall trouble you, sister. How was your visit to the palace yesterday? I heard you dazzled everyone at the banquet, even overshadowing the envoy from the Chiyang Kingdom. I never knew you possessed such talent; it truly surprised me."

Concubine Yu had intentionally worn a new dress today, hoping to crush Yan Ziyu, but found that dealing with her was like punching cotton—all her efforts were in vain. She felt stifled, yet maintained her facade of noble elegance.

"You overstate it, sister. I have always been dull-witted, as you know better than anyone. Any 'talent' was merely the result of being pushed into a corner. In life-or-death situations, one can often do things that seem impossible in ordinary times; it is nothing strange." Yan Ziyu smiled calmly, speaking of the past as if telling a stranger's story, with no emotional fluctuations.

"I wonder, sister, have you heard of a man named Wang Xi?" Changing the subject, Yan Ziyu asked suddenly.

Concubine Yu frowned slightly. "Wang Xi... do you mean the steward’s son? Isn't he in charge of miscellaneous chores in the manor? Why do you suddenly ask about him? Don't tell me that slave had the audacity to offend you?" As she spoke, a flash of cold mockery crossed her eyes.

"So you do know him. No wonder." Yan Ziyu scrutinized Concubine Yu, nodding with a look of profound meaning.

Concubine Yu found the comment strange. *What does she mean by 'no wonder'? Does she think I have some connection to that Wang Xi?*

"By the way, have you visited Concubine Qian in the last two days? She is pregnant and needs extra care. I have been busy with the palace banquet and looking after Rui'er, so I must trouble you to keep an eye on her." Yan Ziyu shifted the topic to Concubine Qian, who had recently become pregnant.

Yan Ziyu’s erratic train of thought and manner of speaking left Concubine Yu confused. Watching Yan Ziyu’s calm and collected demeanor, Concubine Yu could not fathom her thoughts or her true intentions.

"I will see to it, sister." *What exactly is Yan Ziyu plotting? Why are her words becoming increasingly inscrutable?*

"I heard you stayed in the palace last night. Did you see Noble Consort Rou? She is my elder sister, and she has praised you many times for your literary talent, courtesy, and wisdom. I was blind in the past and failed to recognize your brilliance; I hope you can forgive me." Concubine Yu was probing about the banquet while mentioning Noble Consort Rou, her words laced with testing and mockery.

Hearing Concubine Yu mention Noble Consort Rou, a cold light flashed in Yan Ziyu’s eyes. She smiled faintly. "The Noble Consort is too kind. Next time you see her, please thank her on my behalf. I will keep her 'great favor' in my heart and will certainly repay it when the opportunity arises!"

"I will convey your words to the Noble Consort exactly." From Yan Ziyu’s tone, Concubine Yu gathered that she knew something. It seemed the Noble Consort had indeed taken her advice to heart, which made Concubine Yu feel somewhat reassured.

For a while, they continued a bland conversation. It was cool by the lake in the summer heat. Just as Yan Ziyu was about to leave, a maid rushed over and whispered something into Concubine Yu’s ear. Concubine Yu’s expression changed instantly.