Harem Daily Life

Li Zhaoyi asked, "Your Majesty, do you still remember the second daughter of the Fang family who used to play with us in the boudoir? She is now living a better life than us."

Xianfei was stunned. She naturally knew what was going on. She silently looked at Li Zhaoyi and said calmly, "We lost contact after entering the palace. How come you still keep in touch?"

Li Zhaoyi laughed and said, "I live deep in the harem, so how can I interact with anyone? My mother came to see me a few days ago, and she mentioned in casual conversation that the second daughter of the Fang family later married the eldest son of the Tang family. That son Tang now works in the Hanlin Academy and treats her well. He doesn't even have a concubine at home. So the second daughter of the Fang family has become the most worry-free mistress of the house, with two children and a very comfortable life."

Concubine Zhou took a sip of her tea. "That's just what outsiders think. They say others have it all right here and there, but whether it's truly good or not, only they know. Look at us, too. People outside say we're doing well. The Empress is lenient and never skimps on our food, clothing, or daily expenses. We have salaries and servants, so what's wrong with that? But the reality is, His Majesty hasn't been here all year, so no one appreciates our beauty."

Li Zhaoyi also sighed. "That's true. Well, when Concubine Li was here, even though she targeted us everywhere, at least we could still enjoy His Majesty's favor a few times a year. These days, no one is targeting us anymore, but His Majesty doesn't come even once."

The virtuous concubine drank her tea silently without responding.

Concubine Zhou said, "Her Majesty the Virtuous Concubine has the Third Princess by her side, and now her position is second only to the Empress. Compared to us, her situation is much better. Even if His Majesty doesn't come, her life won't be boring."

The two of them were talking back and forth, and as they talked, they both started to blame the queen.

"The Empress is so lucky. Ever since she entered the palace, she has been favored by His Majesty in every way, and has come all the way from the lowest rank to where she is today. If she gives birth to another prince this time, she will have three princes by her side. Moreover, His Majesty's love for her has never diminished. Even now that she is pregnant, His Majesty stays by her side and takes care of her personally..." Li Zhaoyi choked up as she spoke, and did not continue.

The virtuous concubine sighed and hurriedly asked Li Zhaoyi's maid to bring her a clean handkerchief to wipe her tears.

"Well, considering the Queen's looks, it's only a matter of time before she's favored. She's also young, not even twenty-two this year, five or six years younger than the rest of us. The position of the harem's leader is destined to be hers."

Consort Xian glanced at Li Zhaoyi and Consort Zhou and said, "I don't want to say anything more. You know what's going on. Don't try to seduce His Majesty while the Empress is pregnant. His Majesty only has eyes for the Empress, and no matter how hard you try, you won't be able to seduce her."

Concubine Zhou and Li Zhaoyi exchanged a glance and smiled sheepishly. Li Zhaoyi hurriedly said, "We were just feeling anxious, so we came to your place to have a few words behind closed doors. And how come the conversation turned to the Empress? Don't worry, Your Majesty, we know what's going on. No one would be so foolish as to cause trouble for the Empress. So many people were no match for her before, so we won't fight her with a futile effort."

The virtuous concubine smiled and said, "Just know it in your heart. I've been busy preparing for the New Year banquet recently. If you have time, please help me with some chores to pass the time."

The two of them agreed with a smile and sat for a while before leaving.

After everyone left, Concubine Xian's expression turned cold. When she thought of Li Zhaoyi suddenly mentioning Madam Tang, she felt vaguely uneasy for some reason.

Because some personnel arrangements required the approval of His Majesty, Concubine Xian braved the snow and went to the Qinzheng Palace in the afternoon, but happened to meet Lord Tang outside the Imperial Study.

Both of them were a little surprised. Lord Tang concealed his expression and stepped forward to pay his respects: "Your Majesty, I greet Her Majesty. It has been many years since we last met. I hope Your Majesty is well."

Eunuch Zhao followed the virtuous concubine and looked at Lord Tang opposite him calmly. He had a guess in his mind. He narrowed his eyes and paid attention to the virtuous concubine's expression.

The virtuous concubine cleared her throat and said, "Lord Tang is well. Do you have something to see His Majesty?"

Lord Tang nodded and said, "I am waiting here for Your Majesty to summon me. Lord Tao, the Minister of Works, has just entered." He then glanced at Consort Xian and said, "Your Majesty, why don't you wait in the side hall first? It's so windy here that you might catch a cold."

Hearing Lord Tang's concern, Concubine Xian was a little stunned, but she didn't show any reaction on her face. She said lightly: "It's okay, just wait for a while."

Just as he finished speaking, Zhang Fuhai came out and said to Concubine Xian, "The matter reported by Lord Tao is a bit tricky. Your Majesty, please ask your Majesty to go in first and take care of your matter first. And Lord Tang, Your Majesty, please ask your Majesty to go in as well and take care of your matter first."

The virtuous concubine and Lord Tang had no choice but to enter the imperial study one after another.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. I have arrived at an unfortunate time and have interrupted your Majesty and Lord Tao's meeting."

Tao Qian hurriedly saluted the virtuous concubine and said, "I am sorry for wasting your majesty's time. Please report back first." After saying that, he stood aside and waited.

The virtuous concubine then presented the seating list to Your Majesty for his decision.

He Linzhang looked around and said, "Marquis Ningyuan and General Gu should move forward one position. The others..." He glanced at Tao Qian, who quickly said, "Your Majesty, I don't need to move forward. The Ministry of Revenue is the head of the six ministries. I can sit in the back."

He Linzhang said, "Forget it. I was thinking of letting you sit closer so you can see the Queen more."

Lord Tang looked at Concubine Xian, then at the Emperor, and thought to himself that the rumor was indeed true. Now His Majesty only had eyes for the Empress, and even the Empress's father was deeply favored.

He took a deep breath and lowered his head silently, feeling a little worried about Concubine Xian.

He Linzhang handed the list to Concubine Xian: "The Queen is pregnant, so the dishes that day for the Queen and I will be lighter. She can't stand the smell of meat. You can arrange the rest."

The virtuous concubine took it, said yes, and walked out.

After returning to the palace with Concubine Xian, Eunuch Zhao found an excuse to go to the laundry department. Caiwei's injuries had almost healed, but she was still lying in bed unable to get out of bed. When Eunuch Zhao arrived, he got straight to the point: "Concubine Xian met with Master Tang from the Hanlin Academy today. Is that Master Tang you're talking about?"

Caiwei was stunned, a glint in her eyes. "What did they say? Any unusual interactions?" After all, it had been so many years, and Caiwei couldn't be sure if the two still had feelings for each other. If they were strangers, then the deterrent power of this handle would be greatly weakened in the future.

Eunuch Zhao touched his chin and said, "So, it really is Lord Tang."

After saying that, he took out a handkerchief and walked straight forward to cover Caiwei's mouth and nose.

Caiwei looked at him in disbelief, struggling desperately, but soon she died. Her legs stretched out straight, her eyes still open, and she died.

Eunuch Zhao closed her eyes and threw the handkerchief into the burning charcoal basin beside him. When the handkerchief was burned to ashes, he clapped his hands and said, "Since you are no longer useful, go to the underworld and keep the secret."

After leaving, Eunuch Zhao showed a look of disappointment. He found Aunt Li and said, "The Concubine Xian and Caiwei were master and servant. She sent me to visit, but I didn't expect Caiwei to be seriously ill and has passed away. Aunt, please prepare a thin coffin for her and have her taken out and buried early before the New Year."

Aunt Li was shocked. Caiwei was all right! How could she have died so suddenly? But she quickly concealed her shock and said sadly, "It's freezing cold, and she's seriously injured. This New Year's holiday is going to be tough. Don't worry, I'll take care of her funeral as soon as possible."

Eunuch Zhao was very satisfied with Aunt Li's reaction. He gave her ten taels of silver and left.