On a bright, sunny day with a clear blue sky, the harem welcomed a special visitor—a refined and elegant counselor. Dressed in a simple, elegant long gown, he presented an amiable and affable presence, his eyes gleaming with wisdom and deep concern. However, his arrival was like a pebble dropped into a calm lake, stirring up waves within the seemingly peaceful and tranquil harem.

Upon hearing the news, the introverted and shy Concubine Jing fled into a corner like a frightened bird. Her face was etched with sorrow, and she clutched a handkerchief tightly in her hands, which had become wrinkled and tattered from her vigorous rubbing. Her body trembled slightly, like a leaf shivering in the cold wind. "It's so embarrassing to let others know my worries," she muttered to herself, her voice filled with anxiety and fear. Her eyes were full of panic and confusion, and she kept glancing around, afraid that her hiding place would be discovered. Concubine Jing's heart was tied to her humble background, and she always felt inferior to others in the palace. She feared that the slightest mistake would lead to ridicule. She lived a cautious and repressed life every day.

Concubine Min, known for her fiery and outspoken nature, put her hands on her hips and shouted at the top of her lungs, "I think this is completely unnecessary! Psychological counseling? It's just a bunch of rigged trickery. I don't need it!" Her voice was sharp and piercing, echoing through the empty courtyard for a long time. Concubine Min's face was filled with disdain and anger, and her piercing gaze seemed like a blade, forcing the counselor back. The maids around her lowered their heads, trembling in fear, fearing to inadvertently anger this fiery master. Concubine Min's resentment stemmed from her concern for the emperor, which made her unhappy when she saw other concubines being favored. This emotion smoldered within her, filling her with anxiety and unease.

Faced with such strong resistance from the concubines, the psychological counselor bowed slightly and explained in a gentle voice: "My ladies, this is not to ask you to reveal all your private matters, but to teach you some good methods and techniques for self-regulation to help you deal with the various aspects of palace life more calmly. This is not a bad thing. In this deep palace, all of you ladies are facing many difficulties, and I just hope to provide you with a quiet path to relieve your emotions and find inner balance. For example, you can release the stress on your body and mind through fitness activities, such as practicing simple yoga moves, or strolling or jogging in the imperial garden; you can also try quiet activities such as embroidery and painting to divert your attention and calm your mind." His voice was gentle and firm, trying to melt the concubines' doubts and resistance.

Not long ago, the usually cheerful and lively Concubine Lan gradually became depressed by the demands of palace life. Once bursting with laughter and energy, she now often sat alone by the window, lost in thought. Her once beautiful eyes had lost their former luster, becoming dull and lifeless. Losing her appetite, she steadily lost weight, leaving the maids at her side worried. Concubine Lan was burdened by the immense pressure of her family's high expectations, fearing that her poor fortune in the palace would bring disaster to the family. This deep fear kept her awake at night and weighed heavily on her spirits.

Finally, after much persuasion from the palace maids, Concubine Lan decided to seek counseling. In a quiet and peaceful room, the counselor gently sat across from Concubine Lan, using gentle words to guide her to open up. Initially, Concubine Lan was hesitant and reserved, but with the counselor's patient listening and caring words of comfort, she gradually let down her guard.

She began to pour out her deepest anguish and helplessness, the exhaustion of life in the palace, the uncertainty about her future, and the anxiety about the Emperor's attention. Every word was saturated with deep emotion, every tear laden with endless grievances. The counselor listened intently, nodding from time to time, offering her encouraging and supportive glances.

The counselor taught Lan Fei some deep breathing and meditation techniques to calm her mind when she felt anxious. They also taught her how to organize her thoughts through journaling and how to use positive self-talk when facing stress. When she felt down, they suggested she take a stroll in the Imperial Garden, admire the graceful blossoms and trees, and experience the beauty of nature to distract herself and soothe her emotions. Or she could pick up her needle and thread and concentrate on embroidery, pouring all her inner worries into each stitch.

After a period of psychological counseling and self-adjustment, Lan Fei gradually emerged from her depression. A smile blossomed once again, a smile as bright and warm as a flower blooming in spring. She began to focus on her makeup again, carefully selecting beautiful clothes, and regained her former vitality and vigor.

One day, while strolling leisurely in the garden, Concubine Lan encountered several other concubines. Curious, they gathered around, inquiring about her transformation. Concubine Lan smiled and told the others, "I was skeptical at first, but I never imagined the results would be so remarkable. Counseling has helped me clarify many of my inner struggles. It has given me insight into my deepest desires and fears, and taught me how to confront and release them. Furthermore, the instructors don't pressure us to reveal our secrets; instead, they teach us self-regulation techniques, which are truly effective. Activities like walking and embroidery help me forget my worries and find joy." Her eyes sparkled with gratitude and hope.

These words caused a small stir among the concubines. Some of them began to feel curious and look forward to psychological counseling, while others still had doubts.

However, some concubines still harbored deep prejudice against psychological counseling. They gathered together, whispered, and expressed doubts about Concubine Lan's transformation, believing that it was just a temporary coincidence.

Upon learning of these events, Imperial Concubine Su decided to gather everyone. In a spacious and magnificent palace, the concubines gathered. Imperial Concubine Su sat upright in the throne, her face gentle and dignified, her eyes filled with understanding and tolerance.

"Life in the palace is not easy, and each of you sisters has your own difficulties." Concubine Su spoke slowly, her voice soft but full of power. "Psychological counseling is not something to be ashamed of, but a way to help us better cope with life in the palace. Don't miss the opportunity to transform yourself because of momentary prejudice. The methods taught by the teacher are designed to allow us to soothe ourselves and achieve a state of peace of mind and body. Staying active through fitness, or focusing on hobbies such as embroidery and painting, can all bring us peace of mind." Her eyes slowly swept over each concubine, full of care and encouragement.

The Defei who was sitting next to her nodded slightly and said, "Your Highness is absolutely right. I often feel sad because of my own affairs. It would be a good thing if I could find a way to comfort myself. I try to follow my teacher's advice and practice Tai Chi in the courtyard every morning to stretch my muscles and bones. I feel much better now." The Defei has always been gentle and virtuous. Her words made many concubines fall into deep thought.

But Concubine Min snorted coldly: "I just don't believe that just a few words can solve our problems? This is just a trick."

Concubine Su smiled slightly, not angry. "Sister Min, how can you know it's useless if you haven't tried it? Everyone has seen the changes in Concubine Lan. Why don't we give ourselves a chance?"

At this point, the Xian Fei, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke up: "I think what the Imperial Concubine says makes sense. I've always worried about my situation in the palace. If I could learn to adjust myself, I'm sure things would get much better. Lately, I've started studying calligraphy. Whenever I'm upset, I just sit down and practice, and it helps me calm down."

The concubines began to whisper and discuss the matter. Some were gradually convinced, while others remained hesitant.

Concubine Su stood up and walked among the crowd. "Sisters, we are in this palace and should support each other. Why not put aside your prejudices and give it a try? Even if it can't solve all your problems immediately, it can at least make us feel a little better. Besides, this doesn't mean that everyone should reveal all their secrets. It means learning some techniques to calm your mind and relieve stress by doing things you love. I also have some methods that the teacher hasn't taught you, such as taking a hot bath to relax before bed or taking a few deep breaths at the scenery outside the window in the morning. These can all improve your mood."

After hearing this, everyone couldn't help but show approval in their eyes.

With Concubine Su's patient persuasion, more and more concubines began to be willing to try psychological counseling.

Accompanied by her maid, Concubine Jing timidly entered the counseling room. She lowered her head, not daring to meet the counselor's gaze. The counselor gently guided her, and gradually, Concubine Jing began to recount her loneliness and fear in the palace. Her long-suppressed emotions burst forth like a flood. The counselor taught her to express her feelings through painting and encouraged her to recall happy memories when she felt afraid. She also suggested feeding the palace birds, saying that watching them happily fly would lift her spirits.

After several sessions of counseling and self-adjustment, Concubine Jing gradually became cheerful and no longer always cowered in a corner alone.

Although Concubine Min remained tough, she couldn't help but waver in her heart as she watched the sisters around her change one by one. Finally, one quiet night, she quietly came to the door of the counseling room, and after much hesitation, she finally stepped inside.

The counselor told Concubine Min that when jealousy arose, she could try to distract herself by doing something she enjoyed, such as reading poetry or playing the guzheng. She was also taught how to face her feelings for the emperor and not let them become a burden.

As time passed, more and more concubines found inner balance and strength through psychological counseling, and the atmosphere in the harem gradually became harmonious.

One day, the Emperor visited the harem and saw the concubines looking radiant and cheerful. Curious, he inquired about the cause. Concubine Su smiled and told the Emperor about the counseling program. The Emperor was impressed and praised Concubine Su's intelligence and foresight.

From then on, psychological counseling became a common practice in the harem, helping concubines better cope with the challenges of palace life and adding a touch of warmth and care to this seemingly cold harem.

On a quiet and pleasant afternoon, Concubine Lan, Concubine Jing and several concubines sat together, leisurely sipping tea and happily sharing their experiences.

Lan Fei smiled and said, "In the past, I always felt like there was a huge rock weighing down my heart, but now I can finally feel relieved. Through the methods taught by my teacher, I can control my emotions more effectively. I went to the Imperial Garden for a stroll and admired the blooming flowers. Suddenly, I felt that the whole world had become beautiful."

Concubine Jing also chimed in, "Indeed, I'm no longer so afraid of communicating with others. Whenever I get nervous, I follow my teacher's advice and take a few deep breaths, then look at my birds. I instantly relax."

At this time, a concubine who had just entered the palace asked curiously, "Is it really so magical?"

All the concubines couldn't help laughing. Concubine Lan said, "You will know if you try it."

In another corner of the harem, Concubine Min sat alone in a pavilion, reflecting on her counseling journey. She sighed to herself, "It turns out that letting go of prejudice really does open up new perspectives. Those self-regulation techniques, along with distracting myself by doing things I enjoy, have truly helped me feel less anxious. Now that I can read and play the piano, life isn't so difficult anymore."

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