After a broken heart, I traveled through time and space and became an abandoned concubine. My fate i
Chapter 70: The Run-in of Democratic Decision-making
Under the subtle influence of Concubine Su, the concept of equality of all beings gradually permeated every inch of the harem like a drizzle of spring rain, bringing a different atmosphere to the seemingly calm but undercurrent harem life.
To make the harem gathering more interesting and creative, Concubine Su decided to break with convention and let the concubines vote on the theme of the gathering. This unprecedented decision, like a huge rock dropped into a calm lake, instantly caused a huge stir in the harem.
As soon as the news spread, the entire harem became lively as if a bonfire had been lit.
The lively Concubine Rui was the first to jump on the bandwagon. Like a joyful butterfly, she flitted lightly through the palaces. Every time she met a concubine, she beamed, her smile as radiant as a blooming spring flower. She enthusiastically declared, "Sisters, choose my theme, and I guarantee you'll have a blast. I've prepared exquisite sachets for everyone." As she spoke, she gently raised the exquisitely embroidered sachets in her hands. The flowers embroidered on them were lifelike, emitting a delicate fragrance that spoke of Concubine Rui's care and anticipation. Concubine Rui's eyes gleamed with a fiery glint, a light that reflected not only confidence in her theme but also an eagerness to win. She silently mused, "I must win everyone's support this time. This isn't just to win the vote, but also to establish my prestige within the harem and let everyone know of my abilities and charm. But what if anyone discovers my subtle tactics to solicit votes?"
Upon hearing the news, the usually confident Concubine Hua merely raised her lips, her expression as if everything was under control. She was dressed in a magnificent palace gown, each stitch embroidered with intricate patterns, a testament to her noble status. Holding her head high, Concubine Hua proudly declared, "My theme is undoubtedly the best. You all know the choice, needless to say. I believe that with my wisdom and vision, I can propose a theme that will make this gathering an unforgettable occasion." Her eyes revealed an unwavering resolve and confidence, as if the vote were merely a formality, and victory was already assured. Concubine Hua felt that her idea was unique and brilliant, unmatched. She had meticulously planned this theme for a long time, every detail carefully considered. She was certain that her theme would stand out and become the center of attention.
In stark contrast to Concubine Hua's confidence, Concubine Rou appeared nervous and uneasy. Sitting alone in her palace, she clung to the maidservant beside her, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke, "Although I've carefully thought of this theme, I'm not sure if it will be well-received by the sisters. I'm truly unsure." Concubine Rou's face was filled with worry, her furrowed brows forming deep furrows that refused to smooth. She worried that her theme wasn't compelling enough, that it wouldn't stand out among the many excellent proposals. "If I don't win this time, my position in the palace will decline further. How will I live my life from now on?" Concubine Rou's thoughts grew increasingly anxious, her hands twisting the handkerchief she held unconsciously.
Meanwhile, Concubine Jin was also busy. She adopted a strategy of winning over the imperial concubines, seeking out those with whom she had a good relationship. Whenever she encountered one, she would warmly take their hand, a glint of cunning in her eyes as she said, "Sisters, if you choose my theme, I will take good care of you in the palace. We sisters must support each other." Her tone was gentle, yet it carried a firmness that brooked no refusal. Concubine Jin knew that in the harem, social connections often determined victory more than the theme itself. She knew her theme might not be the best, but as long as she could win over enough people, victory was within her grasp.
The dignified Concubine Yi sat quietly in her palace. She simply shook her head at the other concubines' actions, a hint of helplessness and disdain on her face. She believed the theme of the party should be something everyone truly liked, not something that relied on tactics to win votes. Concubine Yi said to the maids beside her, "This kind of canvassing for votes is truly disgraceful. We should win based on the merits of the theme itself." Concubine Yi's gaze was clear and firm. She firmly believed that a truly good theme would naturally gain everyone's approval, without the need for fancy tactics and shady deals.
Amidst this bustle, some concubines expressed different attitudes. For example, Concubine Jing seemed uninterested in the vote, simply stating, "Whatever you want to do, I don't mind." She seemed uninterested in the struggles, preferring instead to enjoy the tranquility of her own palace. Sitting by the window, gazing at the blossoming flowers and falling leaves, Concubine Jing thought to herself, "What does all this commotion have to do with me? I simply wish to guard my own little world and live a peaceful life."
Concubine Jing, always timid, prayed silently in a corner, hoping that this vote wouldn't offend her fellow sisters. She clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and kept repeating to herself, "As long as everything stays safe, it doesn't matter who I vote for. I absolutely don't want my choice to cause trouble and make my sisters resent me." Concubine Jing's face was filled with fear and uneasiness, a look that moved pity.
Concubine Su observed all of this, observing the concubines' actions calmly. Regarding Concubine Rui's small gift strategy, Concubine Su smiled and said, "Concubine Rui's intentions are good, but ultimately it depends on whether the theme truly makes everyone happy." Concubine Su's eyes held a hint of tolerance and understanding, but also a hint of concern. She worried that such small favors would affect the fairness of the vote.
Regarding Hua Fei's confidence, Guifei Su encouraged her, saying, "It's a good thing that Hua Fei is confident in her subject, but you shouldn't be too conceited. You should listen to your sisters' ideas." Guifei Su's tone affirmed Hua Fei's confidence, but also reminded her that she hoped she could remain humble and respect the opinions of others.
When Concubine Jin saw her trying to win over others, Concubine Su frowned slightly and said softly, "Concubine Jin, sisters should treat each other sincerely and not use this method to exchange for votes." Although Concubine Su's voice was soft, the majesty in it was unquestionable. She hoped that Concubine Jin could understand the importance of fairness and sincerity in this vote.
As for those concubines who showed neutrality or lack of interest, Concubine Su also expressed her understanding and said, "Everyone has their own ideas. Whether to participate or not is everyone's freedom." Concubine Su's words were as warm as the spring breeze, allowing the concubines who were originally a little uneasy to put aside their concerns.
At this moment, Concubine De, relying on her higher position, began to put pressure on the other concubines. With a stern face, she said sternly, "Listen up, everyone! You must choose my theme, or you'll be in trouble!" Concubine De's firm tone and threatening eyes made the concubines present feel pressured.
Upon hearing this, Concubine Su rushed to the scene and said with a gloomy face, "De Fei, democratic elections are all about objectivity and fairness. Why are you using your position to pressure others? Everyone has the equal right to express their opinions. You are going against our original intention." Concubine Su's voice was cold and stern, like a chill wind on a cold night, making Concubine De shiver. Concubine De's face flushed and paled, but she couldn't get angry, so she just kept her mouth shut.
As the voting progressed, suggestions poured into the suggestion box like snowflakes, their diversity dazzling the audience. One suggestion was to hold a poetry conference. The concubine wrote, "Poetry is a cultural treasure of our dynasty. A poetry conference would showcase the talents of our sisters and enhance the atmosphere of elegance." Her words flowed with a poetic and picturesque charm, as if one could imagine a scene of talented scholars and beautiful women reciting poems and composing couplets.
Some suggested a cooking competition, writing: "Delicious food can make people happy. Sisters showing off their skills will surely fill the palace with laughter and joy." This description makes it seem as if the steaming, fragrant delicacies are already in front of you, making you salivate.
Others suggested imitating folk markets, allowing everyone to experience the joy of buying and selling. "Folk markets are incredibly lively, and if they could be held in the palace, they would surely give the sisters a unique sense of joy." Reading this, one can almost hear the boisterous cries of vendors and laughter, imbued with the essence of everyday life.
Of course, there were also some absurd suggestions, such as raising a group of monkeys to perform acrobatics in the palace. "Monkeys are lively and cute, they will definitely make everyone happy." Seeing such a suggestion, Concubine Su couldn't help but laugh, feeling both amused and helpless.
Concubine Su carefully read each suggestion, nodding and frowning. She said to the maidservant beside her, "It seems everyone is very enthusiastic, but we also need to carefully screen them. We can't just adopt everything, but we can't completely ignore everyone's ideas either." The maidservant carefully recorded Concubine Su's opinions, not daring to neglect even the slightest bit.
The day of voting finally arrived, and the atmosphere in the harem was tense to the extreme. The concubines arrived early, feeling apprehensive. Each face wore a different expression: some nervous, some expectant, and some feigning composure.
Concubine Rui held the handkerchief tightly in her hand, and the handkerchief was a little deformed by her grasp. Her eyes kept scanning the concubines around her, trying to guess everyone's thoughts.
Concubine Hua straightened her body and stared at the ballot box, as if she wanted to convey her wishes with her eyes.
Concubine Rou's palms were full of sweat. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down.
Concubine Jin looked around, observing the actions of other concubines, secretly calculating her chances of winning.
When the vote count began, the entire harem seemed enveloped in an invisible web of tension. Every time a name and its chosen theme was announced, it was like a stone dropped into a lake, causing ripples.
Concubine Rui's vote count wasn't particularly impressive at first, which made her heart race and beads of sweat formed on her forehead. She silently prayed, "Please let me win, please let me win."
Hua Fei's votes were initially ahead, which made her smile with a hint of pride. But as the votes changed, her smile gradually froze, and her eyes were filled with anxiety.
However, as the vote count progressed, the situation became increasingly complex: some themes initially took the lead but were quickly overtaken by other themes, while others remained lukewarm.
In the end, Concubine Rui's proposal won by a narrow margin. However, this result was like a bombshell, instantly causing an uproar.
"Is there something fishy going on here?" one of the concubines whispered softly. Her eyes were filled with suspicion, and her voice, though low, was remarkably clear in the quiet atmosphere.
"That's right, I think other topics are good too." Another concubine agreed, frowning, her face full of confusion and dissatisfaction.
Concubine Hua was even more indignant. She stood up suddenly and shouted, "My theme is obviously better, how could Concubine Rui win? There must be something wrong here!" Her voice was sharp and excited, and her eyes were burning with anger.
Facing everyone's doubts, Concubine Su stood up, her face serious and solemn, and said: "Democratic decision-making must be fair and just. The result this time is fair, just, open and valid, but if there are any violations in the future, they must be dealt with according to the rules. I hope everyone can respect the rules and make suggestions for the harmonious development of the harem. Don't lose the friendship between sisters for the sake of a temporary victory or defeat." Concubine Su's voice was firm and powerful, echoing in everyone's ears.
Hearing these doubts, Concubine Rui said aggrievedly, "I didn't cheat. The sisters voted for me voluntarily." Tears flashed in her eyes, and her voice trembled slightly. At this moment, her heart was like a tangled mess, feeling both happy for her victory and aggrieved by the doubts.
Concubine Yi said: "No matter what, since the result has been decided, everyone should respect it. But in the future, we should all participate more fairly and justly." Concubine Yi's words were calm and rational, trying to calm everyone's anger.
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