I fulfilled the female supporting role's wish and I succeeded

Concubine Hua sat in front of her dressing table, drumming her fingers on the surface, her eyes gleaming with anger. She suddenly stood up, grabbed the teacup on the table and threw it to the ground.

There was a crisp "bang" sound, and the teacup fragments scattered everywhere. Hua Fei shouted sternly: "Come here!"

Upon hearing the noise, Concubine Li hurried over and was shocked when she saw the mess on the ground.

Concubine Hua turned around and stared at Concubine Li with a sharp look in her eyes: "That little bitch actually slept with the Emperor for seven consecutive days. Has she put a spell on the Emperor?"

Lipin lowered her head and answered cautiously, "Your Majesty, please calm down. This matter is indeed a little strange."

Concubine Hua sneered, "Hmph, I'd like to see how long she can keep her favor. Go to Shoukang Palace and tell the Queen Mother about this."

Concubine Li took the order and left, her skirt fluttering as she hurried through the winding palace corridors.

Soon, Zhuxi arrived at the Yangxin Palace, carrying a food box. Inside, the air was filled with the scent of sandalwood incense, and the Emperor was hunched over his desk reviewing memorials. Zhuxi gently knocked on the door and said respectfully, "Your servant greets His Majesty."

The Emperor raised his head, his eyes shifting from the memorial. He put down his red brush and spoke softly, "Please stand up. Why is Aunt Zhuxi here? But what does the Empress Dowager want to tell you?"

Zhuxi slowly stood up, holding the food box in both hands, a trace of worry flashed in her eyes: "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager asked me to bring some snacks, saying that Your Majesty has been working hard these past few days and needs to nourish himself more."

Zhuxi swallowed softly, a hint of hesitation in her eyes. She took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and continued, "The Empress Dowager also asked me to ask the Emperor if he's free to have dinner at Shoukang Palace tonight."

The Emperor frowned slightly upon hearing this, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. After a moment, he spoke slowly, a hint of resignation in his tone: "Then let's do it today. Tell the Empress Dowager that I'll be there tonight."

Zhuxi lowered her head and replied respectfully, "Yes, I understand. I will go back and report now."

Shoukang Palace

After dinner, the Queen Mother signaled the maids to leave, leaving only the Emperor and herself in the palace. The flickering candlelight illuminated the Queen Mother's kind yet slightly solemn face. She gently patted the Emperor's hand, her tone gentle but unquestionable:

"Emperor, you have summoned Concubine Shu for seven days in a row. Although she is young and beautiful, there are many concubines in the harem. How can you favor only one person?"

The emperor frowned slightly and was about to speak when the empress dowager continued, "Peace in the harem is related to state affairs. You must understand how to treat everyone equally, so that balance can be maintained."

The emperor suppressed his displeasure and forced a smile: "I understand, your son. Thank you for your guidance, mother."

The Queen Mother nodded with satisfaction, a relieved smile on her face.

However, the emperor's heart was in turmoil. He clenched his fists lightly, and a complicated look flashed in his eyes.

As the king of a country, he couldn't even make decisions on his own private affairs. This helplessness made him feel a little depressed.

The emperor left Shoukang Palace with heavy steps.

He stopped, looked up at the bright moon in the sky, a complicated look flashed in his eyes.

"Nian Gengyao was ordered to suppress the rebellion of Lobsang Danjin, and I have to stabilize the situation in the harem as well." The emperor whispered to himself with a frown.

He took a deep breath, turned around and said to the eunuch beside him: "Order the emperor to go to Yikun Palace."

The eunuch responded respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Soon, the Emperor arrived outside the Yikun Palace. Upon hearing the news, Concubine Hua hurried out to greet him, her face filled with surprise and anticipation.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you." Concubine Hua bowed and saluted, her voice soft and pleasant.

The Emperor reached out and helped Concubine Hua to her feet, speaking gently, "My beloved, please stand up. I came to see you today. How have you been lately?"

A hint of joy flashed in Hua Fei's eyes, and she replied softly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am doing well."

The two walked into the hall hand in hand. The flickering candlelight illuminated Concubine Hua's beautiful face.

The emperor sighed inwardly and said softly, "I have been busy with government affairs recently and have neglected to take care of the harem. I am sorry that my beloved concubine has suffered."

Hua Fei's eyes welled up with tears, and her voice trembled slightly: "I am very satisfied that Your Majesty can come to see me."

The emperor patted Hua Fei's hand gently, his eyes filled with apology and tenderness: "I will come to visit you more often in the future."

Concubine Hua looked up at the emperor, her eyes full of attachment and admiration.

The emperor stayed in the Yikun Palace for the next few days. Concubine Hua's face was filled with happiness and her eyes were shining with pride.

One day, Concubine Hua encountered An Lingrong in the Imperial Garden. She held her head high, a sarcastic smile on her lips, and her tone was full of provocation:

"Lady Shu, long time no see. I heard you've been quite free these days."

An Lingrong's face darkened, and she suppressed her anger and replied, "Empress Hua, you're joking."

Hua Fei sneered, a trace of contempt flashing in her eyes: "Really? But why did I hear that the emperor hasn't visited you for several days?"

An Lingrong clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms.

She bit her lip, trying to remain calm. "The Emperor has his own considerations on who he favors. I dare not speculate."

Hua Fei raised her chin proudly, her tone full of boasting: "Of course. The emperor has been in my palace these days. I believe he thinks I know how to serve better."

After saying this, she walked away arrogantly, leaving An Lingrong standing there with her fists clenched and tears glistening in her eyes.

Qiuyue saw An Lingrong's sad face and quickly stepped forward. She gently took An Lingrong's hand and said softly, "My lady, please don't be sad."

An Lingrong raised her head, tears glistening in her eyes. Seeing this, Qiuyue felt a pang of pain in her heart, and her tone became even gentler: "Although the Emperor hasn't been here these days, he must still be thinking of you."

She pointed to several palace maids not far away, who were walking towards them carrying exquisite food boxes and brocade boxes. Qiuyue smiled with satisfaction: "Look, the emperor sends people to deliver rewards every day. Isn't this the emperor's love for you?"

An Lingrong took a deep breath, wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, and said softly, "You're right, I shouldn't have let my imagination run wild."

Seeing An Lingrong's mood improve slightly, Qiuyue nodded with relief. She gently patted the back of An Lingrong's hand and said firmly, "Don't worry, my lady. The Emperor's feelings won't change. Let's wait patiently. I believe the Emperor will come to see you soon."

An Lingrong's eyes flashed with a complex expression after hearing Qiuyue's words. She slowly raised her head, a faint smile curled up at the corner of her mouth, and nodded gently.

"You're right, Qiuyue," An Lingrong said softly, a hint of sadness in her tone, "I shouldn't have let my imagination run wild."

She turned and looked toward the distant Imperial Garden. Sunlight shone on the flowers and plants, casting a brilliant riot of color. An Lingrong took a deep breath, as if to engrave this beautiful scene into her heart.

"I understand the emperor's intentions," she said softly, a barely perceptible shrewdness flashing in her eyes. "I will wait patiently."

An Lingrong turned around and gave Qiuyue a gentle smile. She reached out and gently patted Qiuyue's shoulder, saying firmly, "Let's go, let's go back."

The two walked side by side, her skirt swaying gently in the breeze. An Lingrong's back looked fragile yet strong, which moved people.

However, only she herself knew that all this was just a carefully designed performance.