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Ji Yunlai looked at the scene with pity and glanced at Steward Li, signaling his trusted aide to go towards Steward Li to apprehend him.

Before he could reach Steward Li, the steward had already started to leave, ranting out loud as he went that Consort De was being unfair, ignorant of the palace rules, showing partiality, and he would seek justice from the Noble Consort.

Upon hearing the words "Noble Consort," he faltered, hesitant to advance.

But in his moment of hesitation, he saw Consort De grab three flying darts from nearby and casually throw them toward Steward Li, frightening him so severely that he went pale with shock.

Steward Li turned ashen, frozen with fear, momentarily forgetting how to react, and the words he had been saying halted mid-sentence.

The others in the room were shocked by what they saw, having heard rumors that Consort Xu De would take up a whip and lash out at people on a whim, but today they witnessed that it wasn’t just lashing out—this was lethal!

Everyone on the scene stood stunned, watching the three flying darts heading for Steward Li.

"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh," the darts cut through the air, two grazing closely past either side of Steward Li’s scalp, shaving off sections of hair, while the last one skimmed by his crotch.

Steward Li felt a chill on his scalp and at his crotch, as if both had been sliced open. He unconsciously touched the right side of his scalp, where hair was now missing.

His face pale and terrified, he looked toward the person who had thrown the darts at him.

He saw Consort De casually take a handkerchief from a Palace Maid to wipe her hands, looking indifferent and lightly said, "What a pity, no blood was drawn. His Majesty’s gift of darts doesn’t quite fit my hand. I invited everyone here today and it was a good chance to practice."

Steward Li shuddered, as if he had narrowly escaped with his life, and collapsed to the ground, his entire body limp and weak.

Ji Yunlai’s heart tightened, immediately understanding whose orders should be followed, regretting his earlier hesitation.

Although the Noble Consort was indeed more esteemed, she was not present and was not as fearsome as Consort De, so of course, he should regard Consort De as his superior and simply follow her directives.

Hence, with no further hesitation, he ordered his men to gag Steward Li and drag him away to be dealt with as one who had committed insubordination.

The place, which had been buzzing with whispers, suddenly became so quiet that a pin drop could be heard. Everyone clammed up, while a few strands of cut hair floated in the air, reminding all present that what had just happened was no illusion.

Ji Yunlai wiped the sweat from his brow, having fully understood the intent of Consort De.

The Consort had summoned the Chief Stewards and Deputy Stewards of each department, intending to show that if a Chief Steward was dismissed, a Deputy Steward would be promoted directly.

The tray of flying darts at Consort De’s side was there not just for play, but also served as a warning, with the targets being those, like Steward Li, who disobeyed orders!

Just now, when the Consort had said to Steward Li that she "sadly had no chickens," she was referring to the proverbial "kill the chicken to scare the monkey," and Steward Li was that chicken!

After this demonstration, no one in the room dared speak any longer. The lesson was clear—as the saying goes, "The nail that sticks out gets hammered down"—even if they felt aggrieved, they dared not voice it.

He was inwardly relieved; fortunately, he had been sensible and not gone against Consort De from the start, otherwise, he may well have been finished. Consort De could easily strip him of his position and have him imprisoned at a moment’s notice.

Listening to Chief Steward Zhang, it seemed that even His Majesty might be tacitly permitting this, so by then, no one would be able to save him, not even the Noble Consort.

As he silently wiped his sweat, Auntie Ming Jing ordered him to arrange the attendees in order, and he dared not disobey, hastily ensuring the task was carried out, with the crowd remaining silent and no longer daring to interject.

After making sure all the instructed tasks were carried out well, Ji Yunlai inwardly chanted Amitabha and thought it was better to offend anyone else than to offend Consort De. Offending people from various departments was one thing, but it was crucial not to offend Consort De.

He nodded and bowed as he approached Consort De and said, "Consort, your servant has counted everyone, not a single person is missing."

It was no joking matter; dare he miss anyone? What if someone missing was blamed on him?

Those old foxes in the palace had whispered only a few days ago that they would pledge loyalty to Noble Consort behind the scenes, discussing how they would handle the situation if Consort De began to take charge.

They boasted with their lips, pledging complete obedience to Noble Consort’s instructions, yet when Consort De gave a single command, they all obediently gathered without fail.

"Well done," Consort Xu De said with approval as she glanced at Ji Yunlai, then turned to Ming Xin and ordered, "Reward!"

Upon hearing this, Ming Xin walked over to the basket beside the flying darts, picked up a purse, and handed it to Ji Yunlai.

Ji Yunlai paused for a moment, gave the purse a squeeze, and realizing it contained silver, he performed a grand salute to Consort De, "Your servant thanks Consort for the reward."

His face wore an expression filled with boundless gratitude.

Consort De nodded and said, "Mhm, return to your place once your duties are done. If needed, this palace will summon you."

"Yes, yes, your servant is always ready to be dispatched," Ji Yunlai quickly bowed and retreated, taking his place where the Chief Steward of the Punishment Bureau had previously stood.

Talking to Consort De was truly very stressful. He had never expected a reward from her; he did not seek special treatment from the Consort, just for her to pay him less attention. Now, receiving a reward was an unexpected joy.

The rest of the crowd eyed the basket full of purses, trying to guess what Consort De was thinking.

Consort De looked around at everyone. Now that all were present, it was time to begin.

She stood up and walked to the front of the queue. She was naturally tall and statuesque, taller than most men, making her the tallest among the palace concubines.

With a striking and resolute face, and an air of intimidating authority about her, she multiplied the pressure on everyone, instilling an overwhelming sense of coercion that made it difficult for them to meet her gaze.

Wherever her eyes landed, the servants trembled in fear, particularly those who were brought by the Punishment Bureau to kneel.

All heads were bowed, silently praying not to catch her attention.

Seeing the crowd’s submission, Consort De was pleased and announced loudly, "Noble Consort has fallen ill with a head ailment, and His Majesty is deeply worried for her.

He has specifically ordered this palace to assist in managing the harem.

Now is the time for us all to share the burden and ensure Noble Consort does not overexert herself, possibly aggravating her condition. "

"This palace has always been clear with rewards and punishments. Those who perform well will be rewarded, and those who do not will be dismissed!"

"Eating the king’s grain, one should share the king’s worries.

You are all managers of different departments, and many matters within the palace rely on you.

Today, I have summoned you all here, firstly, to meet you and familiarize myself with your faces, to know the affairs each of you oversees, so I won’t have trouble finding you in the future. "

"For the second matter, it is to establish proper discipline. Do you all see these kneeling servants? These wretched servants have dared to disrupt the palace rules, taking advantage of Noble Consort’s illness, believing no one would discipline them.

Now that I have agreed to assist His Majesty in managing the harem, I shall take this opportunity to discipline these rascals today. "

Upon hearing this, the kneeling servants cried out loudly, claiming their innocence and adherence to the rules, begging the Consort for her discernment.

Among them was Granny Gan of the Punishment Bureau, the Punishment Matron herself, who was the first to raise her voice, and she cried out especially loudly.