Chapter Forty-One: So Foolish It Hurts

“Woof!”
The named dog, Qin Shihuang, barked twice, as if expressing its discontent. After all, it carried the imperial surname—how could it be compared to such fools!

Green Tea’s face was a little embarrassed, while White Lotus couldn’t help but burst into laughter, seizing the opportunity to squeeze in beside Shen Fuyu. “Your Highness, these are pastries freshly made in the small kitchen. They’re sweet and sour—would you like to try some?”

Shen Fuyu reached out and picked one to taste, her eyes flickering as she said, “It’s all right. I’ve just eaten, so I’m not really in the mood for more. You may have them.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” White Lotus, feeling rewarded, immediately grew proud, while Green Tea watched her with clenched teeth, filled with envy.

Feeling idle and wondering whether she should take a nap, Shen Fuyu noticed a young palace maid enter to report a matter.

“Speak,” Shen Fuyu raised her eyes for a glance, not particularly concerned.

“The Emperor has just bestowed a title upon Lady Sun,” the maid replied, kneeling, “She has been granted the honorific ‘Wise.’”

From this day forth, Lady Sun would be known as the Wise Consort.

“I’m aware, you may go.” Shen Fuyu was not surprised by any of this. Qin Zhiyi had his own plans; since he had decided to act, he would spare no effort. Starting with favoring a concubine, bestowing a title, and raising her rank—none of it was unexpected. That he chose the Wise Consort as a starting point was within Shen Fuyu’s expectations, so none of it surprised her.

After Green Tea and the others left, Green Tea complained indignantly, “Your Highness, how could His Majesty do this? You’ve just become pregnant and he’s already favoring another!”

“And weren’t you just longing to climb into his bed yourself?” Shen Fuyu retorted, unimpressed. “It’s only a title; she hasn’t reached the rank of the four great consorts yet. Is it really your place to make such a fuss?”

“I was only speaking up for you…” Green Tea argued. “Wise Consort was granted a title after a single night—what if she takes all your favor in the future?”

If that happened, where would her own chances be?

---

For Shen Fuyu’s indifferent attitude, Green Tea felt dissatisfied. If the Emperor didn’t come, what was she to do?

“Your Highness, I believe Green Tea has a point,” White Lotus, for once, agreed with Green Tea. Both harbored the same ambition: to rise in rank, and the crucial step was the Emperor’s attention. “You’ve only been pregnant for a month. If someone acted against you now, what would you do?”

“Mm, so what do you suggest?” Shen Fuyu glanced at White Lotus. These two maids, who had shown little initiative when Qin Zhiyi stayed exclusively with her, were now growing anxious as his favor spread.

White Lotus quickly proposed, “Wise Consort and Gentle Consort are close. Why not befriend several consorts yourself? If you have allies, it’s better than fighting alone.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Green Tea chimed in, surprisingly not quarreling with White Lotus for once. “Honestly, why make things difficult for Lady Jiang today? She wishes to rely on you—why not use her? She used to follow Wise Consort; perhaps she knows something useful!”

...

She had overestimated these two fools.

“Lady Jiang, for all her faults, is now a consort—an imperial concubine, a mistress of the Emperor,” Shen Fuyu looked at her eager maids. “She may not have the ability to serve in bed, but you two are certainly enthusiastic, full of petty schemes and grand ambitions. Do you really think your talents are so extraordinary?”

“Ridiculous. Out!” Shen Fuyu crushed their dreams without mercy, waving them away.

Unless she wanted trouble for herself, she would never take Lady Jiang into her fold. Such a fickle person would bring nothing but misfortune. Shen Fuyu didn’t mind being a lightning rod for resentment in the harem, but that didn’t mean she’d take unnecessary risks.

Someone who can betray once can betray again. Though she’d taken her medicine, her pregnancy was not real; growing too close to outsiders was not wise. Besides, who could guarantee Lady Jiang wasn’t a double agent? She’d once flattered Wise Consort with remarkable zeal.

Rather than focusing on forming factions, it was better to consider how to use the harem’s superficial sisterhood to maximize her anger value!

She had no need for followers.

Everything that could be done today had been done; the rest depended on Qin Zhiyi’s actions. Shen Fuyu thought lazily, stretched, dismissed the attendants, and with a thought, entered her space.

---

With every upgrade, the space grew larger. After reaching a certain level, it would unlock treasures. Shen Fuyu sat inside, practicing the Flower-Picking Finger technique, then remembered it was almost time. After careful consideration, she slipped into the newly opened treasure vault.

A small treasury overflowing with gold and jewels, filled with unheard-of treasures. Shen Fuyu sifted through them, finally settling on a jade Buddha. Its size, craftsmanship, and quality were unmatched—surely there was no other like it in the world. This would do.

...

“Your Majesty, Gentle Consort requests an audience.”

Qin Zhiyi did not even look up. “Refuse her.”

Chang Fu felt bitter. Gentle Consort knelt outside, crying pitifully, repeatedly insisting he convey her request. He braced himself and said, “Gentle Consort seems greatly aggrieved, Your Majesty. She appears to have come from Crescent Moon Palace…”

“From Crescent Moon Palace, what trouble could there be? Virtuous Consort is straightforward—her words may be blunt, nothing more,” Qin Zhiyi dismissed it. “I am here with you; Gentle Consort’s presence is inappropriate. Chang Fu, tell her Virtuous Consort is pregnant and her temper is poor. She should be understanding.”

“Your Majesty…” Wise Consort lowered her head with a smile, asking no more about Gentle Consort, but instead took up the inkstone. Times had changed—last night the Emperor had favored her, today he summoned her to the Golden Throne Hall. Though they could not be lovers, as long as she could see Qin Zhiyi, she would do anything!

Qin Zhiyi picked up the vermilion brush again, took a deep breath, and thought to himself: this is a test, learning to thrive in adversity is the best way to grow.

Chang Fu, carrying the Emperor’s perfunctory reply, left the hall. Gentle Consort was still kneeling outside; seeing him, she rose immediately and asked, “What did His Majesty say?”

Chang Fu looked at her, then replied, “I said everything I could, but the Emperor knows you’re aggrieved. However, the one inside carries the imperial heir—bad temper is common in pregnancy. Your Highness might as well be more tolerant and earn yourself a reputation for virtue.”