The Second World in Ancient Times

I lazily leaned against the couch, flipping through an ancient book, but my mind wasn't entirely focused on this. Wanqing stood nearby, carefully arranging the teacups on the table. "Your Majesty, you seem a little worried these days," Wanqing said softly, a hint of concern in her eyes.

I raised my eyes slightly and sighed softly, "Wanqing, the tranquility in this harem is just a facade. New concubines are constantly entering the palace, and the forces of all parties are like undercurrents surging. If you are not careful, you will be swept into the whirlpool."

"Your Majesty is extremely intelligent and will be able to handle it with ease." Wanqing comforted.

I shook my head gently. "In this palace, intelligence isn't everything. One must be cautious and tread carefully at every step."

Not long after, a grand banquet was held in the palace. I, dressed in a pale yellow palace gown, entered the banquet hall. The hall was ablaze with light. The concubines had already gathered, their elegant attire and the jingling of their jewelry. As soon as I took my seat, I felt the gazes directed at me—probing, jealous, and scrutinizing.

A newly arrived concubine, Consort Lan, approached gracefully. She wore a long, aquamarine brocade dress with delicate lotus embroidered on the hem. Her face was charming and beautiful, but her eyes held an elusive cunning. "Sister Consort Yu, I've long heard of your great name. Today I'm finally able to meet you." She bowed slightly, her voice soft and gentle.

I stood up and returned the greeting with a proper smile on my face: "Sister Lan Fei, you are too polite. My sister's outfit today is really fresh and refined, just like a fairy descending to earth."

Concubine Lan smiled softly and sat down beside me. "Sister, you are so kind. You have been in the palace for a long time and must be familiar with the affairs of the palace. I am new here and there are many things I don't understand. I hope you can give me more guidance."

I was secretly wary. Although Concubine Lan seemed modest, her words held a deeper meaning. "My sister is extremely intelligent and will surely adapt to palace life quickly. If you have any questions, we sisters can discuss them together."

Lan Fei picked up the wine glass on the table and took a sip: "Sister, I heard that you shined in the previous talent competition, and your piano and dancing skills are unparalleled. I have also learned some piano skills since I was young, but I don’t know how I compare with you?" She looked straight at me, as if waiting for my response.

I was moved and replied with a smile: "Sister Lan Fei must have extraordinary skills. The art of playing the zither is profound and extensive, and everyone has their own style and perception. If you have the opportunity to play, it will surely amaze everyone." I cleverly avoided direct comparison with her, not wanting to cause unnecessary disputes at this palace banquet.

Concubine Lan tilted her head slightly and said, "Sister, you are absolutely right. But I heard that you act quite uniquely in the palace and often have some novel ideas. There are many rules in this palace. Aren't you afraid of crossing the line?" Her words became more and more sharp, and there was a hint of provocation in her eyes.

I still kept smiling and responded calmly: "Sister, the palace rules must be followed. But in addition to following the rules, if there can be some new ideas to add some fun to the palace life, why not do it? Just like the singing and dancing at this banquet, if it is always the same, wouldn't it be boring?" I used modern innovative thinking concepts to cleverly resolve her doubts, and at the same time hinted that she should not be too rigid about the old rules, so as not to annoy others.

Concubine Lan was silent for a moment, as if pondering my words. Then, she changed the subject: "Sister, you and the King have a deep bond, and there must be many ways to get along. I'd like to ask you, how can I please the King?" A flicker of longing flashed in her eyes, but I sensed something else.

I sneered in my heart but kept a calm expression on my face: "Sister, the king is the ruler of a country and has the world in his heart. As concubines, we only need to serve the king with all our heart, care about the king's joys and sorrows, and provide companionship and support when the king needs it. This is the best way to get along with him. Don't be deliberately trying to please him and lose your original heart." Based on the modern concept of equal love, I explained how to get along with the king. I answered her questions and secretly reminded her not to use any tricks.

When Concubine Lan heard what I said, her expression changed slightly, as if she was a little disappointed. But she quickly regained her smile and said, "Sister, you are absolutely right. I appreciate your advice."

My conversation with Concubine Lan made me realize that this new concubine was no pushover. Every word she said was like a carefully crafted trap, and if I wasn't careful, I'd fall into it.

After the banquet, I returned to the palace. Wanqing said angrily, "Your Majesty, Concubine Lan is clearly deliberately trying to make things difficult for you. Why are you still responding to her so politely?"

I sat down gently, picked up a cup of tea, and slowly said, "Wanqing, in this harem, impulsiveness is a taboo. Although she meant to make things difficult for me, if I clashed with her, it would only make others laugh and give those who secretly covet me an opportunity to take advantage. I treated her politely and responded cautiously, which not only demonstrated my magnanimity but also avoided being involved in disputes."

In the days that followed, I kept a close eye on Concubine Lan's every move. She was making friends with concubines throughout the palace, attempting to establish her own power. I knew her ambitions wouldn't stop there, and she was sure to make further moves.

By chance, while strolling through the Imperial Gardens, I overheard Concubine Lan whispering to a palace maid. "Go and find out about Concubine Yu's preferences and habits, especially the details of her interactions with the King. Don't miss anything." Concubine Lan's voice was filled with ruthlessness.

I was shocked, she was still plotting something against me. I decided to strike first, but I couldn't make it too obvious.

After I returned to the palace, I instructed Wanqing: "Find a reliable person to spread some news secretly, saying that Concubine Lan is too ostentatious in the palace, which violates the palace's virtue of low-key and humbleness. But don't let people know that it was done by us." I borrowed modern strategies for guiding public opinion and wanted to put some pressure on Concubine Lan in public opinion first to make her restrain herself.

Wanqing nodded in agreement and went to make the arrangements.

Before long, gossip about Concubine Lan began to spread throughout the palace. Upon hearing these rumors, Concubine Lan was furious, but she had no way to investigate. She began to moderate her behavior and temporarily shifted her focus to other concubines, attempting to divert public attention.

I watched from the sidelines, knowing full well that this was only a temporary lull. Within this harem, the struggle never ceases. I must rely on my wisdom and prudence to navigate this complex landscape, safeguarding my position and my bond with the King.