From cute to empress

I'm naturally happy for Brother Zhen's appointment as the Commander of the Imperial Guard. This means he'll be closer to the center of power, fulfilling his ideal of upholding justice. And I, too, have been promoted by the Emperor to the rank of Imperial Consort, second only to the Empress, in charge of all matters concerning the six harems.

On the day of the enthronement ceremony, I wore the elaborate and ornate imperial concubine's court robes, the heavy phoenix crown on my head, and walked up the steps that symbolized glory and power. The concubines around me cast envious glances at me, mixed with subtle jealousy and resentment.

"Congratulations to the imperial concubine, congratulations to the imperial concubine!"

"Your Highness is now the Emperor's favorite. From now on, the harem will have to rely on you!"

I smiled faintly, responding to their compliments one by one, my heart remaining calm. These hypocritical courtesies were merely part of the rules of survival in the harem. I knew full well that within this deep palace, there were no permanent friends, only eternal interests.

After becoming a noble concubine, I moved into an even more opulent palace. Silks, satins, rare treasures, everything. But I didn't feel happy at all. Instead, I missed my simpler, happier self even more.

"Your Majesty, what's wrong with you?" Xiaotao, my personal maid, asked with concern when she saw that I was depressed.

I shook my head, looked at the blooming peonies outside the window, and said quietly, "Xiao Tao, tell me, what do the women in the harem live for? Is it to win favor, for power, or for..."

Before I could finish my words, Xiao Tao interrupted me. She lowered her voice and said carefully, "Your Majesty, please be careful with your words! You can't say these things carelessly!"

I smiled bitterly and shook my head. Yes, in this harem where people are eaten without leaving any bones, there are some things that I can't even think about.

I began to frequently summon the concubines to deal with harem affairs. I thought the harem struggles were nothing more than trivial matters, but when I really got involved in these matters, I found that they were far more complicated than I had imagined.

I discovered that the harem's expenses were enormous, much of which was wasted through corruption. I discovered that some concubines, vying for favor, resorted to despicable tactics, even harming innocent lives. I also discovered an invisible chain of interests within the harem, tightly binding many people together, and I, it seemed, had become part of that chain...

I realized I couldn't continue living in this muddleheaded state. I had to use my position to do something meaningful. I wanted to change the current situation in the harem. I wanted to give those suffering women a life of dignity and hope! I took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in my heart. I knew changing this wouldn't be easy, but I was determined to try, no matter what.

"Xiao Tao, go ask Commander Zhen to come over and tell him I have something important to discuss with you," I ordered.

"Yes, your majesty." Xiao Tao bowed and stepped back.

After a while, Brother Zhen arrived at my bedroom. He was wearing the official uniform of the guard commander, looking even more heroic and majestic.

"Your humble servant pays his respects to the Imperial Concubine." Brother Zhen bowed.

"Brother Zhen, please stand up." I said quickly, "There's no need to be so polite between you and me."

Brother Zhen stood up and asked with concern, "Your Majesty summoned me here today, is there anything troubling you?"

I nodded and told Brother Zhen everything about my observations and thoughts on the harem over the past period of time, as well as my determination to reform it.

After hearing what I said, Brother Zhen pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I fully understand your thoughts. The harem has been plagued by problems for a long time and indeed needs to be rectified. However, this matter has implications for the entire complex, so we need to consider it carefully."

I understand Brother Zhen’s concerns, but I believe that as long as we work together, we will be able to overcome difficulties and achieve our goals.

"Brother Zhen, you are resourceful, skilled in martial arts, and the person the emperor trusts the most. Are you willing to help me?" I looked at Brother Zhen with burning eyes, my tone full of expectation.

Brother Zhen looked at me with a determined look and nodded solemnly: "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I am willing to serve you at my utmost."

I smiled with relief. With Brother Zhen's help, I believe my path to reform will be smoother.

We began discussing specific reform plans. Brother Zhen suggested that we first rectify the harem's finances and eliminate corruption and waste. Secondly, we should strengthen the management of the concubines and put an end to jealousy and infighting. Finally, we should establish a fair and just reward and punishment system to encourage the concubines to be positive and contribute to the harem.

I listened carefully to Brother Zhen's advice and offered some of my own ideas. We all agreed that reforms must proceed gradually and not be rushed, as this could easily lead to backlash.

Just when we were discussing heatedly, the maid beside the Queen suddenly came to report that the Queen wanted to ask me to come over for a chat.

I was a little surprised, but I still tidied my clothes and followed the palace maid to the queen's bedroom.

"Your Highness the Queen." I bowed to the Queen.

"Sister, please stand up quickly." The Queen smiled gently and motioned for me to sit next to her. "I asked you to come here today because I want to talk to you about the reform of the harem."

I was a little surprised. I didn't expect that the Queen would take the initiative to mention this matter.

"Sister, I know you're determined to change the current situation in the harem, and I fully support you." The Empress held my hand and said earnestly, "However, the relationships within the harem are complex and intricate, so you need to be more careful in your actions."

The Queen Mother has always lived in seclusion and has never been concerned with worldly affairs. I didn't expect that she knew so much about the situation in the harem.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your reminder. I will definitely keep it in mind." I said gratefully.

The Empress smiled faintly and offered some suggestions for harem reform, each of which resonated with me. It was then that I realized that, although the Empress rarely appeared in public, she had been silently watching everything in the harem.

Coming out of the Queen's chamber, I felt much more relaxed. I knew I wasn't fighting alone, and the Queen's support gave me great confidence and encouragement.

After returning to the palace, I immediately told Brother Zhen the Queen's suggestion, and worked with him to further improve the reform plan.

I believe that as long as we persevere, we will be able to create a better harem!

I returned to the palace, and Brother Zhen was still waiting for me, a look of worry on his face. I told him about the Empress's advice and her support for me. After hearing this, Brother Zhen's frown finally relaxed. He smiled and said, "Your Majesty, it seems you're more popular in the palace than I thought. Even the Empress supports your reforms. It seems our chances of success have increased a bit."

I nodded, my resolve for reform only growing stronger. The Empress's support was undoubtedly my greatest encouragement. It also made me realize that the harem wasn't monolithic; there were still many who wanted to change the status quo, only lacking a leader. And I was willing to be the one to lead the charge!

I took a deep breath and said to Brother Zhen, "Brother Zhen, let's get started! First, let's start by rectifying the harem's finances. Please help me check the palace's annual expenditure accounts, especially those unnecessary expenses, to see what can be cut."

Brother Zhen took the order and left, while I began to work on another matter - improving the treatment and living conditions of the palace maids. Most of these maids came from poor families and entered the palace to serve their masters for a living. They worked hard every day but could only receive a meager salary, and their lives were very difficult.

I decided to start by improving their food. I called Xiaotao over and instructed her, "Xiaotao, tell the imperial kitchen to increase the variety of meals the palace maids receive, ensuring they have fresh vegetables and meat every day. Also, the monthly allowance must be paid on time, with no deductions."

Xiao Tao said hesitantly, "Your Majesty, isn't this against the rules? This has always been the way things are in the palace. If we suddenly change it, I'm afraid it will cause dissatisfaction among the other concubines..."

I shook my head and said firmly, "Rules are dead, but people are alive. If we can't even guarantee the basic living standards of the palace maids, then what is the point of this harem? Go ahead and do it, and I will bear all the consequences!"

Seeing my firm attitude, Xiaotao said no more and left.

I didn't stop there. I also decided to open literacy classes for the palace maids so that they could learn knowledge and improve themselves. I know that knowledge changes destiny. Only by mastering knowledge can one truly change one's destiny.

My series of actions caused a great uproar in the harem. Officials like Eunuch Li, Guard Lin, and Censor Chen responded, offering to assist me in my reforms. They were all good officials, concerned about the people and their country, but their status had previously prevented them from realizing their ambitions. Seeing a weak woman like me brave enough to challenge the old order, they were deeply inspired and determined to do their part.

Of course, my reforms were not smooth sailing. Some conservative forces began to secretly obstruct and try to undermine my plans. I sensed a storm was coming, but I was not afraid, because I knew that everything I did was for justice and conscience!

I sat by the window, gazing at the ancient osmanthus tree in the courtyard. Golden sunlight filtered through its branches, casting dappled shadows on the ground. My thoughts, like these, drifted and shifted. The Empress's support, the responses of Eunuch Li and Guard Lin, all gave me hope. But the covert obstruction of those conservative forces cast a shadow over my heart.

Just when I was worried, there was a gentle knock on the bedroom door.

"Come in."

Nanny Yang came in with a bowl of Tremella and Lotus Seed Soup, a kind smile on her face. She placed the bowl on the table and said softly, "Your Majesty, this Tremella and Lotus Seed Soup I made myself. Please try it."

Nanny Yang is an old lady in the palace. From the first day I entered the palace, she has always taken good care of me and treated me with great concern. I am always grateful to her and have great respect for her.

"Madam, please sit down and rest for a while." I took Madam Yang's hand and asked her to sit next to me.

Nanny Yang smiled and shook her head: "I will just stand here. Your Majesty, please tell me what you want to say."

I hesitated for a moment, but decided to tell her about my worries.

"Mammy, I want to change the current situation in the harem so that the maids can live a good life, but..." I sighed, "But my plan has just begun, and I have encountered resistance. I am worried..."

Nanny Yang listened quietly, a gentle smile on her face. After I finished speaking, she slowly spoke, "Your Majesty, you have a kind heart, and I can see it all. You want to change the current situation in the harem, which is a good thing!"

I looked at Madam Yang in surprise: "Madam, don't you object to me doing this?"

Nanny Yang smiled and shook her head. "I've spent most of my life in the palace. What haven't I seen? Those old customs and habits should have been changed long ago! Your Majesty, just go ahead and do it. I support you!"

My heart warmed, and I held Madam Yang's hand tightly: "Madam, thank you!"

Nanny Yang patted my hands and said earnestly, "Your Majesty, you are a smart person. You should understand what is the most important thing in this harem."

I was stunned for a moment and asked, "What is it?"

Nanny Yang's eyes were deep as she said word by word, "It's the human heart."

I nodded thoughtfully.

Nanny Yang continued, "Your Majesty, if you want to implement reforms, the Emperor's support alone isn't enough; you need the support of even more people. You need to show the people in the palace your determination, your ability, and most importantly, your sincerity!"

Madam Yang's words were like a flash of lightning, illuminating my heart. I looked at her, my eyes gradually becoming firmer. "Madam, I understand what you mean."

Nanny Yang smiled with relief.

Outside the window, the branches and leaves of the sweet-scented osmanthus tree swayed gently in the breeze, as if cheering me on. I know that my road to reform has just begun, but I believe that as long as I persist, I will succeed!