Harem Daily Life

September 16th is the emperor’s birthday.

Tao Yanyan could have gone later last year and it would have been fine if she went on time, but this year she was promoted to the position of concubine and was in charge of the show performances, so she had to go early to keep an eye on it.

Fortunately, the people from the Department of Rites and Music were very dedicated and had already made preparations there.

Wang Zhaoyi, Zhou Jieyushi and Li Meiren, who were going to perform today, also arrived early. When they saw Tao Yanyan, they all came over to greet him.

"Your Majesty, you have come early today. When I came here just now, I heard that the Yan State delegation had entered the palace, led by the Princess of Yan. Does your Majesty know who the Princess of Yan is?" Wang Zhaoyi had nothing to do and was sitting close to Tao Yanyan, so she started chatting with her.

Tao Yanyan knew that the Princess of Yan was Princess Pingning, but she pretended not to know and asked suspiciously: "Isn't she the Princess of Yan?"

Wang Zhaoyi saw that she didn't understand, so she patiently explained to her: "I heard that she is the only daughter of the Prince of Zhennan, Princess Pingning, and she grew up with your Majesty as a childhood sweetheart, and they have a very close relationship!"

Tao Yanyan smiled and said, "Oh, so that's how it is. I didn't grow up in the capital, so I really don't know about these relationships."

Wang Zhaoyi said: "It is said that she was one of the candidates for the Crown Princess back then, but Yan State came to ask for the Princess of Da Zhou, and the late emperor did not have a princess of the right age to marry, so Princess Pingning asked for the marriage. Alas, a woman took the initiative to marry for the sake of peace on the border. How courageous and brave she is! However, the pain of leaving one's hometown is not something that ordinary people can endure."

Tao Yanyan didn't know the truth of the matter, nor did he understand Princess Pingning, so he didn't say anything.

Wang Zhaoyi seemed to be very talkative. Seeing that Tao Yanyan was listening attentively, she continued, "However, I heard that although she has been the queen of King Yan for many years, she has never had her own children. Her life is not very good. The King of Yan died a month and a half ago. So, she was disheartened and brought an envoy to the Great Zhou. First, she wanted to thank the Great Zhou for sending troops to quell the rebellion, and second, she wanted to come back to see her relatives."

Tao Yanyan smiled and said, "So her life is quite legendary."

Her father was the Prince of Zhennan, who had made great military achievements. She had a good family background, and she herself was conferred the title of a princess and became the queen of a country. She had no biological children, but she was able to sit firmly on the throne for so many years and even bring an envoy back to her hometown, which shows that she was extremely powerful. Such a woman, no matter where she is, cannot be ignored.

Wang Zhaoyi wanted to say a few more words but was called away by Concubine Zhou. Wanting to rehearse once more before the banquet, Wang Zhaoyi had no choice but to take her leave and followed Concubine Zhou to the side hall.

Tao Yanyan was bored, drinking tea, eating snacks, waiting for the banquet to begin.

Fortunately, after a while, all the concubines above the rank of fifth-rank beauties arrived one after another, and some clan members also came one after another. When Princess Jin saw Tao Yanyan, she came up to greet her enthusiastically: "Oh, Madam Tao, you look so beautiful in this outfit today!"

Tao Yanyan had already gotten used to the Princess of Jin's enthusiasm, and the two of them sat together and chatted, and the topic was nothing more than what to wear and what to wear.

"Your Majesty, have you heard that the largest garment shop is going to open in the capital? I went to see it a few days ago. The layout and layout are truly one of the best. When it opens, I will definitely go and learn from it." Princess Jin said with a smile.

Tao Yanyan smiled and said, "Are you talking about the one on the corner of Chaoyang Street?"

Princess Jin opened her eyes wide: "Your Highness is in the palace, and you know what's going on outside?"

Tao Yanyan said with a smile: "No, I am not well-informed. The main reason is that the shop you mentioned is royal property. I built a clothing workshop some time ago. I usually produce winter clothes for the army and also make some women's clothing for sale."

Princess Jin suddenly realized, "So that's how it is. I was wondering who in the capital has the financial resources to open such a large clothing store. It turns out it's your Majesty. Your Majesty, why don't you bring me along? I've wanted to do business with you for a long time!"

Tao Yanyan smiled and said modestly, "How can I do business? These are all done by the people below. The Ministry of Internal Affairs takes the lead. I am just a figurehead and in charge of the management of the imperial property. You said that I live in the palace, how can I go out and do business freely? I dare not drag you down, lest I lose money."

Tao Yanyan was good at talking, and when Princess Jin heard it, she didn't take it to heart: "The designs designed by your majesty are always beautiful. When the store opens, I will definitely go to support it and buy a few more."

Tao Yanyan said enthusiastically, "Thank you for your support. Bring more girls with you. I have seen all the styles of clothes. They are definitely beautiful. If you are not satisfied, I can also tailor them for you. I have chosen Sun, the former head of the clothing bureau, to take care of it. She has been in this industry for fifteen or sixteen years and is very experienced. She has good aesthetic taste and is very professional. When the time comes, tell her your requirements and I guarantee that the clothes she makes will satisfy you to the utmost."

Princess Jin loves beautiful clothes, and she looked forward to it even more when she heard it.

After a while, more and more people came, and Prince Jin came personally to pick up his princess. Princess Jin had no choice but to say goodbye to Tao Yanyan and went to the clan relatives' place.

Tao Yanyan then realized that the three children had not been brought over yet, and hurriedly asked Qingfeng to go out and check.

As soon as Qingfeng arrived at the door, he saw Chang Tai and Dali coming with three children. Dali was carrying one on his back, and little Yue'er seemed a little dirty.

Tao Yanyan's eyes narrowed and he immediately stood up to see what happened.

"Mother, mother, sister Yue'er fell down." Xiao Jinan said anxiously.

Tao Yanyan held the child over and asked, "How badly did he fall? Where did he fall?"

Chang Tai immediately reported back, "She fell in the Imperial Garden. The Second Princess saw a little bird and wanted to catch it, but she fell from the rockery. Fortunately, the servants were with her, so she didn't fall too badly. However, her clothes are all dirty. Xianglan has gone back to get new clothes for the princess."

Tao Yanyan took out a handkerchief and wiped Xiao Yue'er's face. "Don't be so playful next time. Today is your father's birthday, and you can't be late. Fortunately, only your clothes are dirty, and you are not hurt anywhere. Otherwise, how can I explain to your mother?"

He Yue knew that she was being naughty and that was indeed wrong, so she obediently let Concubine Tao say a few words to her.

At this time, Nanny Fang beside the Queen came over. Seeing that the Second Princess was a little dirty, she said unhappily, "At the beginning, the Second Princess insisted on staying in Changle Palace. I thought that Concubine Tao would take good care of our Second Princess. How could she let the Second Princess appear in such a mess on such an important day? The Second Princess is a legitimate princess and cannot be treated like this!"

Tao Yanyan glanced at her and said, "It's normal for a naughty child to fall accidentally. Besides, every failure is a learning experience. The Second Princess will remember what happened today and will never make the same mistake again. Don't worry, Nanny Fang."

Seeing Nanny Fang speaking rudely to Concubine Tao, He Yue also said in a baby voice, "I fell down by myself. What has it got to do with Concubine Tao? I am living happily and eating happily in Changle Palace. Nanny Fang should stop looking for trouble."

Nanny Fang was stunned. She felt ashamed after being scolded by the second princess and had to retreat in embarrassment.