Harem Daily Life

The excessive budget scared away the Minister of Revenue, Lord Yuan. Tao Yanyan was bored and was about to go see He Linzhang, but unexpectedly, Eunuch Zhang came in and reported that the virtuous concubine was outside and had something to report.

Tao Yanyan had no choice but to sit back in his seat and invite Concubine Xian in.

Xianfei was extremely respectful. After greeting and taking her seat, she said, "Your Majesty, I came here today because Princess Yong sent an invitation to the young prince's hundred-day banquet. Princess Yong knows Your Majesty is very busy with government affairs, so she asked me to come and ask if you are free that day."

Xianfei took out the invitation and handed it over. "This Princess Yong is the daughter of the Duan family, a prominent family in the capital. The Duan clan has always been quite prestigious. Another branch of the Duan clan is from General Duan's side, and their daughter married Prince Yu. I think Princess Yong has been childless for over ten years, and now it's directly stated that it's the young prince's hundred-day banquet, so the child must be adopted into her name. She values this child very much, and this banquet is being held with such fanfare. After much deliberation, I think I have to go. If Your Majesty is not available, then I will go on your behalf as a token of the royal grace."

Tao Yanyan took a look at the invitation and felt that Concubine Xian was becoming more and more adept at handling matters. Someone from the palace must attend the hundred-day banquet for the young master of Prince Yong's Mansion.

If Your Majesty is well, perhaps You Majesty would go in person to express the Emperor's uncle's love for the child and his respect for Prince Yong's Mansion.

It’s a pity that His Majesty has been poisoned and is physically and mentally damaged, so he will not go.

Tao Yanyan thought for a moment and said, "I should be alright that day. You should accompany me. I don't know any of these ladies in the capital. You grew up in the capital and are closer to them. I'll be relying on you that day."

The virtuous concubine was an expert at socializing, and Tao Yanyan felt very confident in using her.

"Yes, then I will go and prepare the carriage for the Queen's trip. As for the gifts, I will prepare them according to the regulations. Please rest assured, Your Majesty." The virtuous concubine did her work flawlessly and won Tao Yanyan's heart.

However, Concubine Xian thought of the princesses and princes, so she asked, "Would you princes and princesses like to go over and join in the fun?"

Tao Yanyan thought for a moment and said, "Then let's get ready. It's a nice day like this, so it wouldn't hurt to take them out for a look. If Min'er wants to go, you can take her with you too."

The two of them happily decided to bring their baby to the party.

He Linzhang only found out about it later when Tao Yanyan accidentally let it slip. He looked at his shriveled hands and chose to remain silent.

Tao Yanyan personally peeled a piece of fruit and handed it to He Linzhang: "Your Majesty, there is no need to feel regretful. If you can't accompany me this year, you can come next year. Doctor Liu and the others have already written back saying that they have discovered the Nether Grass."

He Linzhang split the fruit in half and handed half to Tao Yanyan. "Imperial Physician Liu also said that the herb is difficult to pick. It actually grows on the cliffs of a small island in the middle of the sea. There is no way to get there. I'm afraid it will be difficult."

Tao Yanyan soothed him, "Brother Xingchuan said he would pick it after his injury healed. Don't forget, Brother Xingchuan is a master of martial arts. He is an expert among experts."

He Linzhang felt sour when he heard her praising other men: "If he was an expert, he wouldn't have been injured by him."

Tao Yanyan glanced at him and said, "He underestimated the enemy and was ambushed. Otherwise, if they had fought openly, it would have been hard to say who would have been injured."

He Linzhang sighed imperceptibly and stopped Tao Yanyan from praising Wang Xingchuan. He changed the subject and said, "Your cooperation with Consort Xian is getting better and better. I never thought that my harem would become so harmonious one day."

Tao Yanyan smiled and leaned into his arms. She especially liked being close to him recently. He Linzhang clearly felt the little queen's dependence.

"Your Majesty has also contributed to the present state of the harem." Tao Yanyan raised her head and said, "Your Majesty is devoted to me. I feel deeply loved and secure, so I no longer have the desire to compete with the other concubines for favor. They also see that Your Majesty favors me alone. They are all smart people, so they all live their own lives peacefully and don't bother me. Naturally, there is harmony."

He Linzhang looked at her smiling face and tightened his arms slightly, wanting to hold her in his arms forever and let time stay in this moment forever.

The thought of escape began to linger in his mind again. He had not yet decided whether to leave at this time and find a place where no one could see him, waiting for the final moment to come.

Perhaps, there is still some hope?

Because it is really difficult to let her go and difficult to not see her.

Tao Yanyan had no idea that He Linzhang, aging from the poisoning, had wanted to let go and hide away. Gently sniffing his delicate fragrance, she said softly, "I really hope Brother Xingchuan can bring good news soon so everything can return to normal. Your Majesty can recover quickly and take over the government affairs. I'm really tired. Even if I only attend court once every three days, I'm exhausted. Your Majesty has worked so hard for over a decade."

He Linzhang stroked her hair gently. "If you're really tired, just pass the work on to the regent. Let them make a decision and report back to you. The Queen Mother will be back soon. She's very experienced, so please help her share some of the work for you."

Tao Yanyan suddenly felt that He Linzhang seemed a little strange recently. Every time he spoke, it was as if he was making arrangements for his affairs after his death, with a hint of sadness.

He Linzhang continued, "I have already contacted three masters to be Yucheng's teachers and teach him the ways of being a king. They will enter the palace in a few days, and then Yucheng will study with them every day. Fortunately, Jin'an has already taught Yucheng some basics, so even though he is young, he can understand."

Tao Yanyan looked at him suspiciously: "Your Majesty, are you hiding something else from me? I always feel like there's something strange about you."

He Linzhang kissed her forehead: "Don't worry, I will tell you all my decisions and will not hide them from you." I haven't told you that I want to leave because I haven't made up my mind yet.

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye it was the day of the hundred-day banquet held at Prince Yong's Mansion. Except for Jin'an who went to the Imperial College and was not there, Tao Yanyan and Concubine Xian brought several princesses and princes to Prince Yong's Mansion.

Today, Prince Yong's Mansion is bustling with activity! The entire mansion is decorated with festive festivities.

In front of the palace gate, there was a constant stream of traffic, and guests came in an endless stream to offer congratulations. Some of these guests were dressed in fancy clothes, while others were dressed in plain clothes, but they all had smiles on their faces, exchanging pleasantries and greetings with each other.

Inside the mansion, there was a bustling crowd and constant laughter.

Tao Yanyan and the others sat in the upper seats. Princess Yong held the three-month-old prince in her arms and greeted her: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for coming to the banquet. This is truly a blessing for our Yong Palace."

Tao Yanyan asked Princess Yong to stand up, took the child and held her in his arms, saying with a smile, "Their eyebrows and eyes are as if they were carved from the same mold as yours. They are simply a smaller version of yours."