News of the Noble Consort's confinement spread throughout the Six Palaces in less than half a day.
The newly arrived concubines and the long-time residents of the harem had starkly different reactions.
The former were indignant. Shu Changzai was enjoying unrivaled, immense favor, completely stealing the limelight—and now even the Lady had lost out to her! The latter, who had been bullied and oppressed by the Noble Consort for years, were secretly laughing behind closed doors to see her taken down by a mere Changzai.
Consort Xian also grew interested in this Shu Changzai, remarking with a smile to her palace maid, "Last time at Jianzhang Palace, I saw the Noble Consort's outburst against Shu Changzai didn't end well for her. I never thought that even with the Empress canceling a day of morning greetings, she would still find a way to torment Shu Changzai... It's about time she learned some discretion."
"Your Highness is right,"
