The Second World in Ancient Times

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the carved window lattices, spilling into my magnificent yet chilling palace, I slowly opened my eyes, my thoughts drifting back to the day I first entered the palace. Back then, filled with dreams and uncertainty about the future, I stepped through this vermilion gate, embarking on a journey filled with unknowns and challenges.

When I first entered the palace, I felt like a fawn straying into a riot of flowers, overwhelmed by its opulence and majesty. The towering walls seemed to isolate the world from the outside, leaving only an oppressive and mysterious space. Every palace and corridor exuded an ancient and solemn aura, which, as a soul born from modern society, filled me with both curiosity and fear.

During my early years at the palace, my unfamiliarity with court etiquette led me to make numerous mistakes. At a tea party hosted by the Empress, I nearly caused a major uproar by failing to understand the proper order for serving tea. Teacup in hand, I was overwhelmed with nervousness, my eyes frantically darting from one concubine to another. The gazes from those around me were like thorns in my back, stinging my cheeks. Fortunately, a kind old maid whispered a warning in my ear, which allowed me to avert the crisis. At that moment, I realized that in a place where rules and etiquette are paramount, even the smallest mistake could become a weapon of attack.

As time went on, the palace infighting gradually surfaced. My first real involvement in the conflict was a struggle for a place in the king's bedchamber. A favored concubine falsely accused me of deliberately flirting with the king in order to deprive him of the opportunity that was rightfully hers. She wept bitterly before the king, tearfully recounting my "evil deeds." I was horrified and enraged, yet I didn't know how to defend myself. In that moment, I felt an unprecedented sense of helplessness and despair, as if I were trapped in a dark abyss, unable to escape.

However, it was this setback that awakened me. I realized that if I wanted to survive in this palace, I had to learn to use my wisdom and strategy. I began to recall the knowledge I had acquired in modern society, trying to find ways to navigate the intrigues of the court. I recalled the ancient court tactics I'd read about in history books, as well as the competition and challenges I'd experienced in the modern workplace. I realized that human weaknesses and desires are similar, whether in ancient or modern times, and the essence of struggle remains unchanged.

Thus began my long journey of self-improvement. Drawing on the psychology I'd learned in modern times, I meticulously observed everyone's behavior, attempting to discern their inner thoughts from subtle expressions and unintentional gestures. In my daily interactions with the concubines, I learned to conceal my true emotions, masking my inner wariness and defensiveness with smiles and modesty. I also delved deeply into palace etiquette and protocol, rehearsing every gesture of greeting and every word of address, striving for perfection.

At a palace banquet, I deftly employed modern social skills to successfully deflect a conspiracy against me. Several concubines had conspired to embarrass me. They staged a song and dance performance, during which a dancer pretended to fall and spilled wine on me. Everyone expected me to fly into a rage and lose my composure in front of the king. However, I quickly composed myself and defused the awkwardness with a humorous remark: "The wine spilled today is perhaps a gift from heaven, a gift to sober me up, as I've been exhausted lately. I'm sorry to bother you all." My response impressed the king and disappointed the concubines who had been waiting to see me.

With each successive palace intrigue, I gradually learned how to forge factions and seek reliable allies. No longer isolated and helpless, I forged deep friendships with like-minded and kind-hearted concubines. We supported each other, standing together through difficult times. When facing a common enemy, we would secretly pass on information, formulate strategies, and fight back in kind.

In my thrilling confrontation with the Queen, I fully utilized my combined strengths of modern knowledge and ancient wisdom. Through an in-depth investigation of the palace finances, I uncovered evidence of collusion between the Queen and foreign officials for personal gain. In gathering evidence, I employed modern investigative methods such as tracking, surveillance, and intelligence analysis, while also skillfully leveraging personal connections within the palace to extract crucial information from the maids and eunuchs. When I finally exposed the Queen's crimes before the King, not only did I offer irrefutable evidence, but I also used clear logic and powerful rhetoric to convince him of the gravity of the matter.

While my position at court has gradually solidified, I know this is only temporary. The road ahead is still fraught with challenges. New concubines continue to enter the palace, bringing new uncertainties and challenges. The various factions within the palace continue to wrestle in secret, vying for favor, family interests, or personal ambitions. The vortex of conflict never ceases.

I often sit alone in deep thought late at night, pondering the path forward. I know I can't rest on my laurels; I must constantly improve myself. I must continue to study ancient culture and delve into the art of court politics to better navigate complex situations. At the same time, I must apply modern thinking and knowledge to palace life, constantly innovating and seeking new ways to survive.

When facing new concubines, I cannot be careless. I must carefully observe their every move, understand their backgrounds and intentions, and take appropriate measures before they pose a threat. For those with good intentions, I can try to recruit them into my camp and jointly maintain peace and stability in the palace. However, for those who are ambitious and seek to provoke conflict, I must take precautions and resolutely strike back when they show any weakness.

Amidst the power struggles within the palace, I must carefully manage my relationship with the king. I must constantly monitor his moods and political needs, using my wisdom and talent to resolve his problems while also avoiding the jealousy and resentment of the other concubines. I know that within the palace, the king's favor is a double-edged sword: it offers protection and status, but it can also make me a target of public criticism.

Looking back on my experiences since entering the palace, I'm overwhelmed with emotion. Every palace strife was a moment of growth, every setback a test of strength. In this palace filled with challenges and tribulations, I gradually grew from a naive woman to a strong and wise mistress of the harem. But I know my journey is far from over. More challenges await me. I must remain steadfast in my convictions and forge ahead, writing my own legend on this imperial stage.