The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 46 - The Palace Rules Above All

In the palace, favor is like a pancake in a pot—one person gets one, but if two share, each only gets half. Our lady had just shown her face to the emperor, and now Mu Daying was here to steal the favor.

Chunqi, having rested for days, was eager to use her strength and wanted to retort to Mu Daying. However, Qiu Ming stopped her.

He stepped forward and sternly addressed Mu Daying, "Lady Mu, please be cautious with your words. Our mistress is also a Daying. How can she arrange matters for the Dragon Boat Festival? You have found the wrong person."

"Steward Qiu... I..."

Mu Lanchun looked innocent, both scared and regretful at Qiu Ming's stern face. She had only served in front of the emperor once and was too nervous to remember much, including Qiu Ming.

Qiu Ming's interruption saved Lin Wanyi a lot of trouble. If Lin Wanyi refused, Mu Lanchun might resent her. If she accepted, rumors might spread that Lin Wanyi was arrogant, even interfering with the Dragon Boat Festival arrangements.

Either way, it wouldn't end well for Lin Wanyi. Qiu Ming, as he taught Xia An, always stood in front of the lady.

Chunqi and Xia An looked at Qiu Ming with admiration, standing protectively beside Lin Wanyi. This display diminished Mu Lanchun's already weak momentum.

She could only say awkwardly, "Sister, I was too abrupt."

"No matter, sister. You were just anxious. But palace rules are above all, and I cannot overstep them. Please understand."

Mu Lanchun smiled awkwardly, looking at Qiu Ming's stern face, and felt too embarrassed to stay. She found an excuse and left the Hall of Leisure.

After she left, Qiu Ming immediately called Xiao Hezi over and scolded him urgently, "I told you to guard the palace gate. How did you let someone in? If you can't handle such a small task, what can you be trusted with in the future?"

In the courtyard, Qiu Ming stood on the steps while Xiao Hezi bowed his head below, unable to lift it under the scolding.

Xiao Luzi looked at him with some pity but kept his mouth tightly shut. As Qiu Ming said, they were the iron wall of the Hall of Leisure. If people could come and go freely, they would be useless!

Today's incident could have been avoided if Xiao Hezi had stopped Mu Daying outside. Now, it only added trouble for the lady.

In the harem, power shifts unpredictably. No one knows when someone might rise. If Mu Daying remembered this incident when she gained favor, it would trouble the people of the Hall of Leisure.

Xiao Hezi had his own grievances. He had gone to relieve himself, and Mu Daying had slipped in, scaring him into a cold sweat. Now, being scolded by Qiu Ming, he felt truly unlucky.

"Enough, you and Yan'er return to the Inner Court. You were only borrowed for half a month, and a few days short won't matter. Xiao Luzi and Chunqi are almost recovered, and the mistress has enough attendants."

Xiao Hezi immediately knelt, tearfully pleading, "Steward Qiu, it wasn't intentional. If we are sent back because of this, it will be hard to get good assignments in the future. Please, Steward Qiu, be generous and forgive me this time."

His loud crying reached Lin Wanyi and the others inside. Yan'er, hearing this, bit her lip to hold back her tears.

In the palace, a servant's success depends on their abilities and their lady's fortune. When she first came to the Hall of Leisure, Yan'er hadn't thought much. But seeing the favor these days, she had plans.

Yan'er hoped Steward Qiu would allow her to stay in the Hall of Leisure, like Xiao Luzi did before. Over time, she might stay permanently. Especially with the lady's favor, she might be promoted, and Yan'er could stay naturally. But now, Xiao Hezi's mistake meant she would be sent back too.

Seeing her bright future dim, Yan'er felt the disappointment. Chunqi, who had been cared for by Yan'er, felt pity and softly said to Lin Wanyi, "My Lady, this has nothing to do with Yan'er. Can she stay a few more days?"

Yan'er looked at Lin Wanyi with hopeful eyes, but Xia An scolded her out, "Foolish! Steward Qiu is in charge of the Hall of Leisure. All matters are his to arrange! Chunqi, you've been ill and forgotten the rules?"

Xia An remembered Qiu Ming's words well. Chunqi's request would only trouble Lin Wanyi. Their lady was just a Daying, and having four attendants was already the limit. Xiao Hezi and Yan'er had to go back. Giving false hope was pointless.

Chunqi realizes her mistake, seeing Yan'er's eyes go from hopeful to disappointed and finally to sorrowful. Lin Wanyi felt a stir in her heart but knew she couldn't change her decision.

She had given Qiu Ming authority over palace affairs and couldn't undermine him. Otherwise, Qiu Ming would lose authority, and she would struggle to manage her servants. Qiu Ming's actions were for her future, and she couldn't disappoint him.

When Yan'er and Xiao Hezi packed and came to bid farewell, Lin Wanyi said, "Though we've only known each other a few days, we share some bond. If you face difficulties in the palace that the Hall of Leisure can help with, I will do my best."

She then had Chunqi give them two pouches. Xiao Hezi accepted gratefully, but Yan'er still looked sad.

After they left, Qiu Ming gathered the remaining three and reiterated the rules, "This incident should be a lesson. Be vigilant in your duties, understood?"

"Yes," Xiao Luzi and Xia An answered loudly. Chunqi, feeling Qiu Ming was too rigid, answered less enthusiastically.

Qiu Ming, with his sharp ears, immediately singled out Chunqi.