The Second World in Ancient Times

Since becoming Empress, I've known for a long time that this harem is like a lush yet thorny garden, requiring careful tending to maintain its prosperity and peace. Every morning, I sit quietly for a few moments in Fengyi Palace before contemplating the day's arrangements for the harem.

That day, I summoned my personal female official, Jinshu, and asked, "How have the concubines in the harem been behaving lately? Has anything unusual happened?"

Jinshu replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, most of the concubines are behaving themselves. For example, Concubine Wan has been quietly copying Buddhist scriptures in the palace these past few days. She often shares her Buddhist teachings with the palace maids and is very kind to the servants. Concubine Rong also organized a small flower exhibition and invited all the sisters to enjoy it. The atmosphere was very harmonious."

I nodded slightly, feeling relieved. "These concubines are so virtuous, they should be rewarded. Go to the storehouse and select some exquisite jewelry and fine silks and satins, and send them to Concubine Wan and Concubine Rong's palaces respectively. Tell them that I admire their deeds very much and hope they will continue to do so."

"Yes, your majesty." Jinshu took the order and left.

Then I said to another female official, Mozhu, "Let's arrange a palace painting competition and let all the concubines participate. This will not only showcase their talents, but also enhance communication and friendship among them."

Mo Zhu replied, "Your Majesty, this is a very good plan. I will go and make preparations right away, and I will ensure that the competition goes smoothly."

On the day of the painting competition, the concubines in the harem gathered together, each dressed up carefully, eager to show their talents in the competition. I sat on the high throne, watching them with a smile.

During the competition, I saw a low-ranking concubine painting with great care. Although her brushwork was a bit immature, her painting exuded a fresh air. I beckoned her forward and asked softly, "What's your name?"

The concubine saluted fearfully and said, "Your Majesty, my name is Qingwan."

I said gently, "Qingwan, although your painting is not mature enough, I can see that you put your heart into it. In the future, you can ask the painters in the palace for advice. You will definitely make progress."

Qing Wan burst into tears of gratitude: "Thank you for your teachings, Queen. I will definitely work hard."

I then said to everyone, "Today's match, regardless of victory or defeat, is an opportunity for sisters to showcase their true selves. I hope that everyone can find their own joy and value in this harem."

However, things weren't always so harmonious within the harem. Not long after, Jinshu arrived with a hurried report: "Your Majesty, something bad has happened. Concubine Li and Concubine Hui have been arguing in the Imperial Garden, and it's getting out of hand."

I frowned slightly and immediately got up and went to the Imperial Garden.

When they arrived at the Imperial Garden, they saw Concubine Li with a furious face. She pointed at Concubine Hui and cursed, "You vixen, don't think you are great just because you are talented. How dare you slander me in front of His Majesty?"

Concubine Hui was not to be outdone: "Concubine Li, you yourself behaved inappropriately, and you are afraid of what others say? I am only speaking the truth."

I scolded, "That's enough! How can you be so noisy and fussy in the imperial garden? As concubines, don't you know that you must abide by the palace rules?"

When Concubine Li saw me, she calmed down a bit, but she still said angrily, "Your Majesty, please make the decision for me. Concubine Hui is deliberately plotting against me."

Concubine Hui argued, "Your Majesty, I did not fabricate her. Your Majesty simply asked about Concubine Li's recent activities in the palace, and I answered truthfully."

I looked at them, knowing full well that these two had a long-standing grudge, and were merely exploiting it today. I said sternly, "No matter what, you shouldn't be arguing in such a public place. Concubine Li, your words are vulgar and unbecoming of a concubine. I punish you by kneeling in the Buddhist temple for three days and cutting your monthly allowance in half. Concubine Hui, while you didn't use any insults, you've provoked trouble, and you're therefore confined to your room for a month and ordered to copy the palace rules ten times."

Concubine Li's eyes widened: "Your Majesty, why do you punish me so severely?"

I said coldly, "If you dare to say anything more, I will increase the punishment and send you directly to the cold palace."

Concubine Li was so frightened that she dared not say a word, and Concubine Hui also lowered her head and accepted the punishment silently.

After this incident, everyone in the harem knew that I was ruthless in governing the harem, and those concubines who originally had some ulterior motives also restrained themselves a lot.

To further promote harmony within the harem, I came up with another plan. I told the concubines, "Sisters, I have decided to establish a 'Sisters' Mutual Aid Association' within the harem. It will be a place where everyone can exchange talents and share anecdotes. If anyone encounters a problem, they can seek help and we can all work together to resolve it."

One of the concubines said worriedly, "Your Majesty, what if someone is deliberately causing trouble?"

I smiled and said, "If anyone causes trouble, I will deal with it myself. But I believe that most sisters sincerely want to live a good life in this harem."

After the "Sisters Mutual Aid Association" was established, some concubines were hesitant at first, but when they saw my strong support and that many concubines had indeed received help, they gradually began to actively participate.

Once, a concubine cried at a meeting, complaining about a family member who was seriously ill and feeling guilty for not being able to take care of them in the palace. The other concubines comforted her, and several even took out their own private money and asked me to help send it to her family.

I was moved and said, "I am very pleased to see you sisters so united and friendly. This is what a harem should be like."

But there were still some concubines who tried to challenge my authority. For example, Concubine Ning secretly instructed the palace maids to place some ominous objects in the rooms of other concubines in an attempt to curse them to fall out of favor.

This conspiracy was discovered by my spies, and I immediately summoned Concubine Ning.

I looked at Concubine Ning, my eyes filled with disappointment. "Concubine Ning, I thought you might have a bit of a temper, but you wouldn't be so vicious. Why would you do such a thing?"

At first, Concubine Ning tried to argue: "Your Majesty, I am innocent. Someone must have framed me."

I produced the evidence and placed it before her. "You still dare to quibble? Here are the letters between you and that palace maid that were found in your palace, as well as her confession. What else do you have to say?"

When Concubine Ning saw the evidence, her face turned pale and she fell to her knees with a plop: "Your Majesty, I know I was wrong. I beg for your forgiveness."

I took a deep breath. "Concubine Ning, your actions are truly intolerable to me. I wanted to banish you to the cold palace, but since you've been in the palace for some time, I'll give you a chance. From today on, you will be demoted to a concubine, all your valuables will be confiscated, and you will be relocated to a side hall near the cold palace to reflect on your mistakes. If you do it again, I will not forgive you."

Concubine Ning wept and thanked her: "Thank you very much, Your Majesty, for your grace. I will definitely reform myself."

After this series of events, the order in the harem gradually returned to normal. The concubines focused more on improving themselves and participating in palace activities instead of engaging in intrigue.

At a palace banquet, I looked at the concubines living in harmony, and my heart was filled with emotion.

I raised my glass and said to everyone, "Sisters, I am very happy to see everyone so harmonious today. The peace and tranquility of this harem is the result of everyone's joint efforts. I hope we can continue to be like this and work together to create a beautiful home for Your Majesty and the palace."

The concubines all stood up and raised their glasses: "We will follow the Queen's instructions and wish the harem will always be harmonious."

I understand that governing the imperial harem is a long and protracted battle. Using both kindness and force is merely a means to an end. My ultimate goal is to make the harem a truly warm, harmonious, and culturally rich place. With wisdom and patience, I will continue to safeguard this imperial harem, making it a solid foundation for the palace's stability and allowing every concubine to find their true self and happiness within it.

As time went by, I began to focus on the education and training of my concubines. I invited senior scholars from the palace to explain the classics, history, and miscellaneous works to them to improve their cultural literacy.

After one lecture, I exchanged thoughts with the concubines. I asked, "Sisters, after listening to the old scholar's lecture today, what insights did you gain?"

One of the concubines replied, "Your Majesty, I understand that a woman should not only be beautiful, but also have inner qualities. The classics, history, and miscellaneous books contain countless wisdoms. I will study hard so that I can share Your Majesty's worries like you do in the future."

I smiled and encouraged her, "It's a good idea. I hope everyone can learn and become a woman of talent and virtue."

At the same time, I also paid attention to the health of the concubines. I arranged for the imperial physicians to check on them regularly and provide corresponding health care suggestions based on their physical conditions.

Once, after an examination, the imperial physician said to me, "Your Majesty, some concubines have been in the palace for a long time and are depressed, which has led to poor blood circulation. I suggest that we open a garden in the harem so that the concubines can often stroll there, appreciate the flowers, and relax."

I thought this suggestion was excellent, so I immediately arranged for people to start building the harem garden. After the garden was completed, the concubines all loved it and often lingered in it.

While handling the affairs of the harem, I also kept in touch with the king. I would inform him of the harem's situation truthfully, so that he would understand my management style and the current situation of the harem.

One day, the king and I were chatting in the royal study. I said, "Your Majesty, under my management, the harem has been well-organized and the concubines are living in harmony. I have established some activities and organizations to help them live and grow better."

The king looked at me with satisfaction and said, "My beloved, you have done well. Now that the harem is peaceful, I can focus on handling state affairs."

I continued, "Your Majesty, I believe that a stable harem will also benefit the imperial court. If the concubines can live in harmony, their families will be more supportive of Your Majesty's rule."

The king nodded in agreement, "My beloved concubine, you are absolutely right. Not only can you manage the harem well, but you also have such foresight. I am very pleased."

Thanks to my efforts, the harem remains peaceful and tranquil. However, I also know that this is only a temporary calm. I must remain vigilant and constantly refine my governance strategies to cope with new challenges that may arise, ensuring that the harem remains peaceful and tranquil, and contributing to the overall stability and prosperity of the court.