Harem Daily Life

In Hehuan Pavilion, Concubine Xu looked at the gifts sent by Concubine Xian and said calmly, "Put them all in the warehouse. They are not valuable."

The maid Cui'er asked suspiciously, "This virtuous concubine has barely exchanged a few words with the talented lady, why is she suddenly sending gifts? Is she trying to win over the talented lady and compete for her favor?"

Concubine Xu was not favored much, but Concubine Xian was very favored. Cui'er couldn't understand why Concubine Xian did this.

"Now the Queen is pregnant, Concubine Shu is also pregnant, and several high-ranking officials all have children, except Concubine Xian. Isn't it obvious that she is trying to win me over? She wants to monopolize my child in the future!"

Cui Er suddenly realized, but curled her lips and said, "Although there have always been examples of high-ranking concubines raising the children of low-ranking concubines, the talented person will be promoted in the future. Xian Fei is too impatient. Besides, if the talented person is pregnant, she may be promoted to a concubine directly. She can raise her own child by herself, so why does Xian Fei need to take care of it?"

Xu Cairen smiled sarcastically: "There are always some people who claim to be smart and try to win people's hearts with some small favors, without considering their own weight."

"Since she wants to give it to me, just accept it. There is no need to deliberately curry favor with her. I heard that her father is still unable to attend court, and she has no children. Her future may not be smooth."

Eunuch Zhang was serving in the Qinzheng Hall when he heard a young eunuch come and report that a palace maid from the Hehuan Pavilion was looking for him.

Eunuch Zhang came to a remote place and saw the young palace maid he had placed in the Hehuan Pavilion, so he asked, "Did you discover anything?"

The young palace maid told the story that Concubine Xian gave gifts to Concubine Xu in an attempt to win her over.

Eunuch Zhang thought of the investigation of Concubine Xian by the secret guards that he had just heard in the imperial study, and his eyes darkened. "I know about this matter. You go back and keep a close watch on them. If they are just having a normal relationship and are not causing any trouble for others, you don't need to tell me. But if they are plotting something bad together, you must report it as soon as possible."

The maid took the order and left. Eunuch Zhang quickly returned to the imperial study to work. Then the apprentice who was taking over came forward and said, "Master, His Majesty was looking for you just now. I told you to go get some water. Come right away."

Eunuch Zhang nodded and straightened his clothes before going in.

When He Linzhang saw him come in, he ordered, "Have the rewards given to Changxin Palace in recent years been registered?"

Eunuch Zhang was a prudent person who registered everything that came in and out. He said, "Your Majesty, whether it's money or objects, everything is registered."

"Write a copy for me, and also... pass the order down to strengthen the defense of the palace gates. All people and objects entering and leaving must be carefully checked, and nothing in the palace can be let out. The commander of the imperial guards has neglected his duty. He will be punished with thirty lashes of the cane and a fine of half a year's salary." He Linzhang's voice was cold. Eunuch Zhang had served him for many years and knew that His Majesty was extremely disappointed this time.

Eunuch Zhang had never expected that Concubine Xian would dare to take things from the palace and resell them outside. Part of the silver she earned was used for daily expenses, and part was donated in the last fundraising to gain a good reputation.

Because of the fundraising issue, His Majesty almost agreed to allow Lord Lu to return to court.

Now it seems that Concubine Xian is taking the reward and kindness from His Majesty and secretly reselling it, which is a violation of palace rules and disrespect for the imperial power.

If Your Majesty had not become suspicious and had someone investigate the source of Concubine Xian's money, I'm afraid she would have been kept in the dark her entire life.

Eunuch Zhang quickly copied the list and submitted it to the emperor.

He Linzhang frowned even more as he looked at the antiques, jade artifacts, and rare treasures.

"So, in just three years, I actually gave her so much." He Linzhang sneered: "Back then, I gave the Lu family a lot of rewards, and I really paid off everything. I am such a sucker!"

In Changxin Palace, Jing'er came hurriedly to report: "Madam, the commander of the imperial guards was beaten with a stick."

When Concubine Xian heard this, she glared at her and said, "How reckless! He was beaten with a stick, why did you come to talk to me?"

Jing Er explained, "I heard that His Majesty ordered a strict inspection of the palace gate guards today, prohibiting anyone from smuggling items out of the palace. Then, the commander of the imperial guards was beaten with a stick."

Xian Fei tightly grasped her handkerchief, her face pale, "Could it be that something was discovered?"

She was so anxious that she turned around and around: "No, I have to go see His Majesty."

The virtuous concubine wanted to see the emperor's attitude. If it was the same as before, then she wouldn't have to worry. But if it was different, then she would have to coax him, or even pretend to be weak and pitiful so that His Majesty would pity her, so that she could get through this disaster.

Unfortunately, she was stopped outside the imperial study.

Eunuch Zhang stood as steady as a rock: "Your Highness should go back first. His Majesty has been very busy lately. He has to finish the things at hand and rush to the temporary palace to celebrate the Queen Mother's birthday. He really has no time to see you."

Concubine Xian bit her lip and said, "Eunuch Zhang, please tell him. I haven't seen His Majesty for many days."

Eunuch Zhang said in embarrassment, "It's not that I don't want to pass on the message for Your Majesty, but Your Majesty has already said that except for the Queen and the Imperial Concubine who have palace affairs to see Your Majesty, no one else can be seen. Please don't embarrass me anymore. Please go back."

Xian Fei almost bit her teeth to pieces. She stamped her feet, changed her attitude in anger, and said fiercely: "Okay, very good. You, a eunuch, actually dared to stop me from seeing His Majesty. You remember what you did today and don't fall into my hands in the future!"

Hearing these harsh words, Eunuch Zhang remained calm.

He shook his head as he watched Concubine Xian leave angrily. In his opinion, Concubine Xian was like a paper tiger, strong on the outside but weak on the inside. When His Majesty doted on her, she was indeed very powerful and could take a life with just one word. But without His Majesty's favor, she was nothing.

After three busy days arranging the government affairs of the previous dynasty, He Linzhang prepared to go to the palace.

Before leaving, he made a special trip to see the queen. Seeing that she had a rosy complexion and looked good, he left with peace of mind.

In order to arrive at the palace earlier, He Linzhang and his party set out in the middle of the night. In this way, they could ride at full speed to reach the palace in the morning and have time for lunch.

When He Linzhang thought that he would soon see the little beauty, his mood became even hotter as he galloped on his horse in the cold wind.

More than a month has passed since the last time he came to the palace for Xiao Jinan's matter. At this moment, He Linzhang's heart is as sharp as an arrow, and he wishes he could grow wings and fly to the palace.

At the Hot Spring Palace, Tao Yanyan brought little Jin'an to Lingxiao Courtyard for breakfast. The empress dowager was very satisfied when she saw the two of them, one big and one small, wearing fur jackets.

"Not bad. I didn't expect that fur can be worn lightly. It's really nice and warm. The style and color are great. I want to make one too."

Tao Yanyan smiled and said, "I have a new one, the style and color are more stable, why don't you ask the Queen Mother to try it on, if it is suitable, then today we can wear grandparents' and children's outfits to go shopping."

"Okay! Go get it quickly and try it on after breakfast." The Queen Mother said excitedly.