The Second World in Ancient Times

Since returning from the hunt, I've learned that the stability of the harem is crucial to the stability of the entire palace. My performance during the hunt has earned me prestige, and this is a golden opportunity to reorganize the harem, which I must not miss.

I gathered all the concubines together. Looking at these women, some beautiful and some gentle, I slowly spoke, "Sisters, this hunting expedition has caused our harem to experience a turmoil. Although the storm has subsided, it has made me realize that many things in the harem need to be reformed. Only then can everyone live smoothly and better assist His Majesty."

An older concubine whispered, "Your Highness, this harem has always followed the old system. If we reform it, will it disrupt the order?"

I smiled faintly and patiently explained, "Sister, while the old system has its merits, it's also not without its drawbacks. Take resource allocation, for example. In the past, those with higher positions often received more, but this inevitably led to dissatisfaction among the younger sisters of lower positions. If this continues, how can there be peace in the harem? I wish to implement a fair distribution of resources, allocating them according to the actual needs and number of people in each palace. This way, we can ensure fairness while avoiding waste."

After hearing this, the concubines couldn't help but whisper to each other and talk about it.

At this time, a young concubine timidly asked, "Your Majesty, what is this new method for personnel deployment?"

"As for personnel scheduling, it is to rationally deploy palace maids and eunuchs based on the needs of each sister and the complexity of the affairs of each palace. For example, if a palace is busy and short of staff, some staff can be transferred from a relatively idle palace to assist, and vice versa. This can not only improve efficiency, but also ensure that everyone can be properly taken care of." I explained in detail.

"But Your Majesty, why do we have to learn knowledge and skills? Don't we just need to serve His Majesty well?" A concubine looked confused.

"Sister, you're wrong." I shook my head gently. "Your Majesty is busy with countless affairs, and naturally he favors women of intelligence and talent. If we can learn knowledge, such as poetry, calligraphy, painting, and even some management skills, we will not only have more topics to talk about when interacting with Your Majesty, but also improve our own cultivation and temperament. Furthermore, cultivating an independent personality will allow us to be less dependent on others and better establish ourselves in this harem. Just like I once heard that there was a woman outside the palace who mastered the art of medicine. She not only saved herself but also helped others. Isn't such a woman admirable?"

After hearing what I said, the concubines gradually fell into deep thought. After a few minutes, they said:

"Your Majesty, what you said seems to make some sense, but where should we start learning?" asked a concubine.

"I will arrange some teachers and female officials to teach everyone various knowledge and skills. If any sisters are particularly interested in a certain aspect, they can also invite special masters to teach them." I replied.

In the days that followed, I began to implement these reforms. I personally selected some knowledgeable and virtuous teachers and ladies-in-waiting and arranged for them to teach in various palaces.

When I went to a concubine's palace to check on the situation, I saw that the concubines were listening carefully to the teacher's lectures.

"Your Majesty, you are here." The teacher stood up and saluted.

"Thank you for your hard work, teacher. Are the sisters studying hard?" I asked.

A concubine smiled and replied, "Your Majesty, I only realized after learning this that knowledge is so interesting. Before, I only knew how to compete for favor in this harem, but now I feel much more fulfilled."

I nodded and smiled, "That's right. As long as everyone studies hard, they will definitely gain something."

I went to the Imperial Garden again and saw several concubines sitting together, discussing the poems they had learned recently.

"Sister, your interpretation of this poem is wonderful."

"Thanks to the arrangement of the Queen, we have the opportunity to learn. Otherwise, we would not know these things."

I feel very relieved to see such a positive scene in the harem.

However, the road to reform was not smooth. Several concubines who were used to being spoiled were quite dissatisfied with these new systems.

"Hmph, why does this imperial concubine want to change our lives as soon as she comes? If the resource allocation is changed, we will get less benefits." A concubine complained.

"That's right, we are still being made to learn this and that. It's exhausting." Another person echoed.

They gathered together and planned to trip me up.

I soon learned about this and called them over.

"Sisters, I know you are dissatisfied with the new system. But have you ever thought about this: if there is constant fighting in the harem and resources are unevenly distributed, who will be harmed in the end? It will be a concern for all of us, and it will be a concern for His Majesty." I looked at them and said earnestly.

"Your Majesty, we know we were wrong. It's just that we find it difficult to adapt at the moment." A concubine said with her head lowered.

"I understand your difficulties. If you have any questions, you can tell me directly and I will consider it. But if you do bad things secretly and destroy the harmony of the harem, I will not forgive you easily." I said seriously.

"Yes, my lady," they answered in unison.

As time went on, more and more concubines began to accept and actively participate in these reforms. A new, positive atmosphere gradually took shape in the harem. Concubines no longer focused solely on vying for favor, but instead focused on improving themselves and living in harmony.

Once, a banquet was held in the palace. Previous banquets were always full of intrigue, but this time it was very different.

The concubines showed off their talents one after another. Some played beautiful music on the zither, some wrote magnificent poems with their brushes, and some showed off their newly learned dances.

"Your Majesty, it's all thanks to your reforms that we have a new life." A concubine said to me gratefully.

"This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. I only hope that the harem can always be so harmonious and peaceful, and that everyone can accompany His Majesty so that His Majesty has no worries." I responded with a smile.

Looking at this scene filled with harmony and joy, I know that this harem reorganization, while only a small step forward, is a crucial one. I will continue to work hard to make the harem a peaceful and beautiful haven within the palace, and to solidify my path within it.