The Female Psychology PhD Who Time Traveled to the Royal Harem

The palace maids exchanged glances, and finally, one of the bolder ones stepped forward, placing a wine jug in Mu Qianqian's hands. "His Majesty is in a foul mood inside, and none of us dare to enter. Since your status is different from ours, perhaps you should be the one to deliver it."

The phrase "your status is different from ours" greatly pleased Mu Qianqian. She smiled shyly and said, "We all serve His Majesty; how is it different? But since none of you dare to go, I’ll give it a try."

"Pah!"

After she entered, one of the maids waved her fist toward the door. "Look at her smug, triumphant expression. She doesn’t hold a candle to Her Majesty the Empress in grace. And yet she dares to dream of replacing our Empress? What a ridiculous clown!"

"Exactly! What does His Majesty even see in her? She’s a poor imitation, like a tiger painted as a dog."

"She’s quite the actress, though. She’s been hiding her beauty all this time, blending in with us, only to reveal herself in one grand move. Truly, she’s either silent or makes a grand entrance."

...

The night sky was heavy with stars, unpolluted and dazzling, with the crescent moon glowing softly amidst the celestial crowd.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

The news of Mu Qianqian spending another night in Chengqian Palace spread like wildfire through the palace, carried by the whispers of servants. By morning, it had reached every corner of the imperial grounds.

Many officials, upon hearing the news, found excuses to visit Chengqian Palace after the morning court session, ostensibly to see His Majesty but actually to catch a glimpse of the woman who had supposedly "seduced" the Emperor into straying.

After seeing Mu Qianqian’s appearance, however, they left disappointed.

Wasn’t this just a cheap imitation of Empress Jiang Xinyue?

Surely, the Emperor would return to the Empress’s embrace sooner or later.

But some officials thought differently. They believed the Emperor was sending a signal: they should start searching for women who resembled Empress Jiang Xinyue to send to the palace.

After all, the Emperor clearly had a preference for that type of beauty.

Soon, it became common for people across the land to search for stunning beauties to present to the Emperor, hoping to cultivate another Empress Jiang Xinyue.

But that was all for later.

As it stood, finding someone with Jiang Xinyue’s face was already a near-impossible task, let alone trying to create a second version of her with ulterior motives. It was a challenge upon a challenge.

Jiang Yankun had just left the court session and was descending the steps of the Golden Luan Hall when he overheard whispers behind him, seemingly deliberate.

"So, you see, women shouldn’t be too ambitious. Men don’t like that."

"His Majesty is the Son of Heaven, above all others. Some people don’t have the capability but still try to manipulate the Emperor. Now, not only is their power slipping away, but their favor is gone too."

"The Emperor would rather have a fake than return to Empress Jiang Xinyue. It seems her days are numbered. We’re all men here; once you’ve tasted something, you crave it again. It’s human nature."

"Ha! Some people are so arrogant, thinking they’re invincible just because they’ve scolded everyone in court. But really, we’ve all been holding back out of respect for the Emperor. If it came down to it, who’s afraid of whom?"

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

Without a word, Jiang Yankun turned around and delivered two punches, knocking the two gossiping officials to the ground. Without so much as a glance or a word, he straightened his sleeves and walked away.

He was done with verbal battles. If someone crossed him, he’d settle it with his fists.

His reputation among the opposition was already bad; it couldn’t get much worse.

Jiang Hewei, who had been walking with him, was left behind. The two officials glared at him furiously, and he quickly raised his hands in defense. "It’s not my fault... it’s not my fault!"

As he spoke, he shuffled to the side and, before the two officials could get up, bolted away.

In the Imperial Study—

The Emperor chuckled softly, pointing at two memorials as he addressed Tang Shiliang and Wang Dequan. "You see, I told you Jiang Yankun is still the same upright and outspoken man he’s always been. His grandfather warned him not to cause trouble, but he just punches people and runs away. Now they’ve come to me to complain."

Tang Shiliang laughed along. "Minister Jiang is truly a man of principle. Empress Jiang Xinyue takes after her father."

This guy...

He really knew how to read the Emperor’s mind.

Wang Dequan closed the two memorials and stacked them together. "Your Majesty, what should we do with these?"

"Burn them. Don’t let the Empress see them."

Jiang Xinyue was still in her postpartum recovery period. If she found out Jiang Yankun had hit someone, she’d inevitably dig into the reasons, and he didn’t want her to hear those idle rumors.

The next morning, before the two officials could even begin their tearful complaints in court, they were impeached by the Censorate. The censors accused them of neglecting their duties, failing to serve the people, and spending their days gossiping about Empress Jiang Xinyue.

Forming cliques, excluding loyal officials, and slandering the imperial consort—each charge was enough to ruin them.

"Your Majesty, I have a matter to report."

"With the late Emperor’s memorial day approaching, which officials will accompany Your Majesty to pay respects? Has the list been finalized? The Ministry of Rites and the Internal Affairs Department should begin preparations."

The Emperor’s eyes flickered. "The list has been handed to the Internal Affairs Department. The Ministry of Rites and the Internal Affairs Department can coordinate."

Then, as if remembering something, he added, "Add Empress Jiang Xinyue to the list."

"This..."

The Minister of Rites glanced at Jiang Yankun, hesitating. "Empress Jiang Xinyue has just given birth to the Seventh Prince and Third Princess. She’s still in her postpartum recovery period. According to tradition..."

"What tradition?"

The Emperor’s voice turned cold and sharp when he was displeased. "I wish to bring my Empress, my wife, to pay respects to my grandfather and father. What tradition forbids that?"

The Minister of Rites hesitated, wanting to speak but not daring to.

Childbirth was considered impure, and women who had recently given birth were barred from participating in rituals to avoid offending the ancestors and spirits.

But with the Emperor clearly unhappy, he didn’t dare say more.

After all, the Emperor’s word was law. If he said it was allowed, then it was allowed.

The Emperor’s decision to break tradition and bring Empress Jiang Xinyue, still recovering from childbirth, to the Eastern Mausoleum for the memorial ceremony sparked widespread debate.

It seemed the Emperor still favored Empress Jiang Xinyue above all. A substitute was just that—a substitute, unable to compare to the true white moonlight.

Mu Qianqian had just finished her shift, her body aching and her exhaustion unrelieved. In fact, the lack of proper rest only made the pain worse.

Yet, despite the physical discomfort, her heart was filled with sweetness.

Today, the Emperor had gifted her a new golden hairpin, a latest design from the Bureau of Palace Affairs, one that even Empress Jiang Xinyue didn’t have yet.

If Empress Jiang Xinyue didn’t have it, she wanted it. If Empress Jiang Xinyue did have it, she’d take it from her.

"Knock, knock, knock..."

"Miss Mu, I’ve been sent by His Majesty to deliver new clothes for you."

Another gift?