The Second World in Ancient Times

I am at the center of the vortex of palace struggles. The methods of the concubines around me are as gorgeous as flowers, but they also contain hidden poisonous stings. However, I am determined in my heart that no matter how they toss me around, I will remain unmoved and wait for the right time to decide the outcome in one fell swoop.

In the morning, as soon as I got up, Wanqing hurried in with a report: "Your Majesty, I heard that Concubine Li recently received a batch of silks and satins shipped from Jiangnan. She has her embroiderers making new clothes every day. The clothes are extremely gorgeous. She seems to want to show off in front of Your Majesty."

I sipped my tea, a faint smile playing on my lips. "She thinks she can win His Majesty's heart with just a few gorgeous clothes. How naive of her to think."

One afternoon, I was strolling in the Imperial Garden when I happened to meet Concubine Li. She was wearing a long pink brocade dress that swayed gracefully with her steps, and the pearls and jade in her hair sparkled brightly in the sunlight.

"Sister, the scenery of the imperial garden is so beautiful today. If you don't mind, you can enjoy it with me." Lipin said with a sweet smile, but there was a hint of imperceptible provocation in her eyes.

I smiled and replied, "Since my sister is in such a good mood, I am happy to accompany her. But my sister's clothes are so gorgeous today, is there something happy going on?"

Lipin gently stroked the hem of her skirt and said, "Sister, you're joking. I just want to look good in front of His Majesty. After all, His Majesty is very busy, and seeing me in a good mood is a blessing."

I sneered inwardly, but said, "Sister, your Majesty will surely know of your sister's sincere efforts."

However, within a few days, rumors about me began to spread in the palace.

"Have you heard? The imperial concubine was flirting with a guard during the hunting trip, and her behavior was very indecent." A palace maid whispered to another palace maid in the garden.

"Really? What should we do? The imperial concubine looks very dignified on weekdays." Another palace maid responded in surprise.

Wanqing angrily told me this: "My Queen, someone must have deliberately framed you. You must find a way to deal with this."

I thought calmly for a moment and then said, "It's alright. Rumors stop at the wise. If I panic, I'll play into the hands of the person behind this."

I decided to start with the palace maids and eunuchs to find the source of the rumor. I summoned my trusted palace maids and eunuchs and said, "You are well-informed in the palace. Now that this rumor is spreading like wildfire, I believe you can uncover some clues. Anyone who can identify the person who spread the rumor will be rewarded handsomely."

"Yes, your Majesty," everyone responded in unison.

Not long after, Afeng came to report: "Your Majesty, according to investigation, it was the young eunuch beside Concubine Li who first spread the rumor in the Imperial Garden, and then it was spread by other palace maids and eunuchs."

I narrowed my eyes slightly. "Humph, it's her indeed. I want to see what other tricks she has up her sleeve."

I did not go to confront Concubine Li directly, but instead subtly mentioned the matter at a palace banquet.

At the palace banquet, the king sat in the highest seat, and the concubines followed in order. After three rounds of wine, I stood and saluted the king. "Your Majesty, rumors have been spreading throughout the palace lately, and I am deeply troubled by them. But I believe that Your Majesty is wise and will not be deceived by such nonsense."

The king frowned. "My beloved, I have heard about this as well, and I naturally believe you. Who spread these rumors?"

I looked at Concubine Li, and saw her expression change slightly. I slowly said, "Your Majesty, I don't know who maliciously spread these rumors, but I believe that harmony should be the foundation of the palace. If anyone deliberately destroys this harmonious atmosphere, Your Majesty will not forgive them lightly."

The king nodded. "My beloved concubine, you are absolutely right. I will investigate this matter thoroughly."

Seeing the situation was not good, Lipin hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I also think this rumor is abominable. I am willing to work with the Imperial Concubine to find the person who spread the rumor."

I laughed in my heart, she can act.

In addition to Lipin, Huifei was also busy. She relied on her family's influence in the court and asked her father to strongly recommend her to the king as the queen.

"Your Majesty, my daughter, Concubine Hui, is virtuous, talented, and has always gotten along well with her sisters in the harem. I believe that if she can become the queen, she will be able to manage the harem in an orderly manner and better assist Your Majesty." Concubine Hui's father said in the court.

The king showed hesitation. The position of queen was a matter of great importance, and he could not make a decision based on the opinion of just one family.

After learning of this, I said to the king during a private conversation, "Your Majesty, Concubine Hui is indeed extremely talented. However, the position of empress requires a comprehensive consideration of many factors. Your Majesty, do you remember the previous empress? Although she had a family background, her evil intentions nearly led to disaster. Your Majesty should make a careful decision."

The king held my hand and said, "My beloved, I know. I will not make a decision lightly."

During this period, a new concubine joined the vying for the throne. She was Concubine Ning, who had been unknown in the harem until she got some rare treasures from somewhere and began to lavishly reward the maids and eunuchs in the harem to win their hearts.

"Sister, this is the hairpin that Concubine Ning gave to me. It's so beautiful. Concubine Ning is so generous." A palace maid showed off in front of me.

I knew she was imitating the tactics I'd used to win over people. I said to Wanqing, "This Concubine Ning is quite resourceful, but if she thinks she can compete with me with these tactics, she's far from it."

I decided to give the person a taste of his own medicine. I had Wanqing spread rumors in the harem, saying that Concubine Ning's treasures were of unknown origin and might have been obtained through collusion with unscrupulous merchants outside the palace.

The news quickly spread throughout the harem, and when Concubine Ning heard about it, she was distraught. She ran to me and angrily said, "My Lady, why are you slandering me? Those treasures are heirlooms from my family."

I looked at her innocently. "Sister, I didn't say anything. There are many people in the harem who gossip a lot. If you have nothing to hide, why are you so panicked?"

Concubine Ning was so choked by me that she was speechless and could only leave in shame.

While dealing with the attacks from these concubines, I also did not forget to consolidate my own power. I maintained closer ties with the ministers who supported me in the court, often asking them for advice on state affairs and informing them of the situation in the harem, so that they understood my position and capabilities.

During a meeting with Lord Li, I said, "Lord Li, the strife for the empress's position is intensifying, and this is affecting the stability of the imperial court. I hope to gain your support so that His Majesty can make the right decision."

Lord Li said respectfully, "Your Majesty, rest assured. We will fully support you. Your Majesty's ability is evident to all."

At the same time, I continued to implement my reform measures in the harem, caring about the lives of the palace maids and eunuchs, and solving some practical problems for them.

"Your Majesty, you have set up a resting place for us and improved our diet. We are very grateful." A eunuch said with emotion.

I smiled and said, "You have worked hard in the palace, and I will take care of you."

These actions made my reputation in the harem better and better. More palace maids and eunuchs were willing to serve me, and my spies were spread across every corner of the harem.

By chance, I discovered that Concubine Hui was secretly meeting with a foreign minister in a secluded corner of the Imperial Garden. I became suspicious and immediately sent Afeng to investigate.

A Feng returned to report, "Your Majesty, according to investigation, Concubine Hui and that foreign minister are old acquaintances. They seem to be discussing matters concerning the position of Empress. That foreign minister promised Concubine Hui that he would unite with other ministers in the court to support her."

I knew this was a good opportunity to bring down Concubine Hui. I informed the king of this, but I did not intervene directly, leaving it to the king to discover the truth himself.

The king secretly sent people to monitor every move of Concubine Hui and the foreign minister. Finally, when they met again, the king appeared with his guards.

"Concubine Hui, you are so bold! How dare you collude with foreign officials to seize the position of queen." The king scolded angrily.

Concubine Hui turned pale with fear: "Your Majesty, I am wronged. I was just catching up with an old friend, and I had no other intentions."

The foreign minister also hurriedly explained: "Your Majesty, I am only here to visit Concubine Hui, and there is absolutely no collusion."

The king looked at them and said coldly, "Do you think I will believe your lies? I already have sufficient evidence. Concubine Hui, you are confined to the palace from today. Without my order, you are not allowed to step out of the palace."

Concubine Hui's fall from favor changed the situation in the harem. Seeing Concubine Hui's downfall, Concubine Li thought her chance had come, so she intensified her efforts to show off in front of the king.

When the king was tired from handling state affairs, she would always offer him a cup of fragrant tea and gently say, "Your Majesty, you have worked hard. Have some tea and take a rest."

The king would occasionally smile at her, but I knew that his consideration of the position of queen had not changed because of Concubine Hui's incident.

I continued to forge ahead according to my plan. I held a calligraphy and painting competition in the palace and invited all the concubines to participate. I displayed my exquisite calligraphy and painting skills at the competition, which won everyone's admiration.

"Your Majesty, your calligraphy and painting are simply superb. I have really been enlightened today." A concubine said admiringly.

I humbly responded, "Sisters all have their own strengths. I've only scratched the surface. The purpose of this competition is to allow everyone to learn from each other and strengthen friendship."

Through this competition, my prestige in the harem has been further enhanced. And those concubines who opposed me, seeing how calm I was and how I was constantly expanding my power, gradually became afraid of me.

But I know that this battle for the throne is far from over. I must always remain vigilant and respond to new challenges that may arise at any time until I successfully ascend the throne of queen and restore peace and harmony to the palace.

At a court ball, Concubine Li specially choreographed an extremely gorgeous dance. She wore a light dance costume and danced gracefully on the dance floor, her eyes always fixed on the king, trying to impress him with her dancing.

After the dance, Concubine Li walked up to the king, breathless, and said coquettishly, "Your Majesty, I have practiced this dance for a long time, just hoping to make you smile."

The king nodded slightly: "Lipin's dance is indeed good."

Seeing this, I stood up and said, "Sister Lipin's dance is indeed beautiful. Your Majesty works hard all day, and seeing such a wonderful dance will make you feel much more cheerful. However, I believe that the palace should not only have singing and dancing for entertainment, but also pay attention to the inheritance of etiquette and culture. I have recently been compiling some ancient etiquette books and hope to promote etiquette studies in the harem so that the sisters can be knowledgeable and well-mannered. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

A glint of praise flashed in the king's eyes. "My beloved concubine, this is a very good move. If this harem could be filled with etiquette, that would also be what I desire."

Lipin glared at me fiercely, but I ignored her and continued discussing etiquette with the king. I knew that every time I displayed wisdom and foresight in front of the king, I won more favor and trust for myself, which was much more valuable than Lipin's dance.

As time went on, the struggles in the harem gradually changed from open to covert. The concubines no longer easily exposed their tactics, but secretly monitored and plotted against each other.

I noticed this change and strengthened the management and training of my palace staff. I said to Wanqing and Afeng, "The harem may appear peaceful, but undercurrents are surging. You must be even more cautious and train our spies well. Report any signs of trouble to me immediately."

"Yes, Madam," they answered in unison.

During this period, I also communicated with some talented women from the folk, learned their wisdom and talents, and incorporated them into my management and performance in the harem.

I wrote to a famous female poet: "I have heard that you are very talented, and I admire you very much. I also want to spread culture and improve the quality of my sisters in the harem while I am here. Do you have any suggestions?"

The poetess replied, "Your Majesty, your noble heart is full of righteousness, which is a blessing to the palace. You can organize poetry gatherings, reading clubs and other activities for the sisters to learn and exchange ideas."

I took her advice and organized poetry and reading clubs in the harem. These activities were well received by many concubines, who not only learned knowledge but also gained greater respect for me.

As for those concubines who opposed me, some disdained to participate, while others participated but deliberately made trouble. I did not get angry about this, but treated them with tolerance.

"Sisters, if you have different opinions, please feel free to raise them and we can discuss them together. The purpose of this poetry and reading club is to enable everyone to make progress together." I said at a reading club.

This attitude impressed the king even more. During one of our casual conversations, he said, "My beloved, I've seen everything you do in the harem. I'm very pleased that you not only manage the conflicts among the concubines but also actively enhance the cultural atmosphere within the harem."

I snuggled up to the king and said, "Your Majesty, this is what I should do. I only hope to create a harmonious and beautiful harem for Your Majesty so that Your Majesty can have no worries."

In this fierce competition for the position of queen, I gradually stood out among the many concubines and became the most powerful competitor with my calm mind, clever strategies and ever-increasing charm.