The Prince Yu's manor could not afford further turmoil. Yu Yan's entry into the palace was meant to forge a path for the manor, but... relying on her alone was likely futile. Thus, the manor's current heavy burden fell upon Yu Jiangyan.
"Just started your new post, are you? Too busy?" the Princess Consort of Prince Yu asked kindly.
"It's alright. We have to take it slow," Yu Jiangyan replied, picking up a cup of tea by his side and taking a shallow sip. The Princess Consort of Prince Yu said no more upon hearing this. After all, their children were grown and had their own ideas and judgments. However... looking at Yu Yan, who was still throwing a tantrum, she felt a headache coming on.
This child was naive. She might suffer greatly upon entering the palace. In truth, in her opinion, Yu Yan was not suited for the palace, nor had she previously considered it. But... Yu Jiangyan was now officially in court, and the inner palace would naturally need someone. As the saying goes, the front court and the inner palace are intertwined, and this would also appease Emperor An. After all, emperors were often suspicious, weren't they? Yu Jingchen had mastered the art of checks and balances.
If any issue arose in the front court, and something were to happen to Yu Yan in the inner palace... or if the Emperor wished for something to happen, it would only take a few words. The implications were far more than mere talk; it was all about interests. The Princess Consort of Prince Yu could not help but marvel at this young emperor's methods. This promotion in rank was perhaps also a warning... She suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness. She had toiled for so long, but when it came to imperial power and politics, she was helpless.
Three days later, the selected ladies entered the palace. A total of ten were chosen this time, which was quite a small number. Su Qianyan was assigned to Consort Yuan's palace, Yu Yan to Consort Xian's palace, and Bai Yusheng was to reside with Lady Xu.
(Consort Yuan is the birth mother of the First Prince. Consort Xian is the one who previously fought with Consort De. Lady Xu was formerly Consort De, who was demoted.)
When Nan Zhiyun learned that no new ladies were assigned to her palace, she was delighted for quite some time, relieved that no one would disturb her. Emperor Jingchen had considered this point and deliberately did not assign anyone to her.
However, Consort De and Noble Consort's palaces were also without other residents. Consort De's palace had the Grand Princess, while the reason for Noble Consort's was unknown. Emperor Jingchen seemed quite lenient towards them, as others did not receive such treatment.
Upon entering the palace, the new ladies were supposed to pay their respects to the Empress. However, since Emperor Jingchen had not yet established an Empress, they went to the Yunpeng Hall. Besides the new arrivals, all the other concubines in the inner palace also attended, Nan Zhiyun included.
Except for the Noble Consort, Nan Zhiyun held the highest rank and thus sat at the very front. Her appearance that day attracted quite a bit of attention. It had to be said that Nan Zhiyun's looks were not the most beautiful, but she was striking. And because of her young age, she appeared unique compared to the heavily made-up women around her, appearing petite and lovely, clear and elegant.
"Consort Shu, you are quite a rare visitor. It's as difficult as climbing to heaven to see you on normal days," it was Consort Xian again.
"I think you're like a dead pig not afraid of boiling water, rushing to be annoying," Consort De immediately retorted. She wasn't helping Nan Zhiyun, but simply held a grudge against Consort Xian.
Consort Xian, having been shut down by her, immediately wanted to retort but couldn't say anything. As for Nan Zhiyun... had someone just spoken?
Oh, it seemed so.