Chapter 3593 Poor

Nan Yan smiled and said, "You don't have to thank me. I still have something to discuss with you."

Everyone asked, "What instructions does the Queen have?"

Nan Yan smiled and said, "It's like this. The Emperor's birthday is coming up in two months. Although it's not a grand birthday, the Emperor has been so busy with government affairs over the years that he's never had a proper birthday. This time, envoys from various overseas countries have come to congratulate the Emperor, so the Emperor plans to hold a grand celebration."

Upon hearing this, everyone showed happy expressions.

To be honest, these concubines had a really unfair life. They could only see the emperor a few times a year. Especially when the emperor took the imperial concubine on a tour, they could not see each other for two years. When the emperor and the imperial concubine were not in the palace, there would be no hustle and bustle in the palace. They had to live a lonely life every day, which was really exhausting.

So, when people heard that His Majesty the Emperor's birthday was going to be celebrated with great fanfare, it was a huge event and everyone was quite happy.

Even Concubine Yi couldn't help but laugh and said, "That's great."

Nan Yan smiled and said, "That's good, but trouble has also come."

Concubine Yi asked, "What trouble is it?"

Nan Yan said, "Since we're going to hold a grand event, it's going to cost money. However, with several major events in recent years, plus the war with Yue last year, the court is really running out of money."

As soon as we heard that it was a matter of money, everyone became cautious and looked at each other.

Nan Yan said, "But the Emperor's birthday is no small matter. Especially as I just said, with envoys from overseas countries coming, it would be embarrassing if we couldn't handle the situation properly. I'm sure none of you sisters would want that."

Everyone looked at each other and forced a smile, "Yes."

"Of course not."

Nan Yan said: "So, in order to increase revenue and reduce expenditure, I have decided to cut the expenses of the harem. Starting with me, the monthly fee will be reduced by half. As for you——"

As she spoke, she looked up and glanced at everyone.

This time the matter had been brought to light, and everyone knew what was going on. Concubine Yi and Concubine Li looked at each other and stood up. Concubine Yi said, "My sister Concubine Li and I are also willing to follow Your Majesty. Our monthly allowance will be reduced by half."

Nan Yan nodded and said softly, "I am deeply touched by your kindness. However, you have Princess Yongping as your child, so please don't let her suffer any injustice."

Then he turned to look at Concubine Li and said, "During the two years since I left the palace, you have been the one who has been managing the harem."

Both of them lowered their heads and listened to the lecture.

Nan Yan said, "How about this, I'll reduce your monthly fees by 30% for both of you."

The two were deeply moved and quickly bowed, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration."

Seeing that the three had reached an agreement, the other concubines dared not say anything. They stood up and took the initiative to ask for a reduction in their monthly allowance to show their loyalty. Nan Yan naturally knew that they were not as willing as they said, but they had to give face to her, the imperial concubine. Besides, this was also a way to please His Majesty the Emperor, so the matter was settled.

After chatting for a while, the concubines dispersed.

As soon as they left, Nan Yan immediately had an abacus brought over to calculate how much they could save. Aunt Tong Yun smiled and said, "Your Majesty, there's no need to calculate. In fact, just by cutting the monthly salaries of the concubines in each palace, we can save about a hundred taels of silver in these two months. There's also the expenses of the servants in each palace, and if we can be more frugal with the expenses of other parts of the palace, we can save a lot of money."

Nan Yan smiled and said, "That's good."

As they were talking, Ruoshui came in holding a bowl of bird's nest. She had a sullen face and was mumbling something. When she came over and placed the bird's nest next to Nanyan's hand, Nanyan asked, "What's wrong? Did you have a fight?"

Ruoshui quickly shook her head: "No."

Nan Yan deliberately smiled and said, "Did Lu Linchuan offend you again? Tell me, I will help you vent your anger."

When Ruoshui heard this, her face immediately turned red.

This time when she came back from Yongzhou, Nan Yan let her have her time and rarely called her to do anything. She knew in her heart that this was the emperor and the imperial concubine giving her and Lu Linchuan some time to spend together, so the two of them would get together whenever they had time.

Although neither of them dared to do anything inappropriate, after they understood each other's minds, a few words could convey each other's feelings. Even though they had not reached the stage of discussing marriage, her relationship with Lu Linchuan had improved a lot.

Everyone started to make fun of them.

At first Ruoshui was about to get angry, but later she simply raised her hands and started fighting. Unexpectedly, Nanyan also started to ridicule her at this time. She blushed, turned her back and whispered, "Your Highness is so annoying!"

Aunt Tongyun said from the side: "It's unruly!"

Nan Yan also laughed, and then said: "Okay, tell me quickly, who offended you? You came in with a grudge."

Ruoshui then leaned over and whispered, "I just went to the imperial kitchen to serve Her Majesty bird's nest. When I came back, I saw the ladies from the other palaces leaving. As we passed the rockery, I heard someone complaining that Her Majesty was using their money to curry favor with the Emperor. They said that when the Emperor celebrates his birthday in the future, all the credit will go to Her Majesty."

Nan Yan listened and her face gradually darkened.

Aunt Tongyun also frowned, and she immediately said, "You didn't talk to anyone."

Ruoshui said, "Aunt, you underestimate me. I haven't even shown my shadow. These people are so weird. Who cares about them? Whatever they say will only cause trouble."

Nan Yan nodded gently: "That's right."

Aunt Tongyun said: "But, Your Majesty..."

Nan Yan gently waved her hand and said, "I knew from the beginning that this matter would inevitably offend people, but with such a big thing at hand, there's nothing I can do about it."

Aunt Tongyun said, "After all, Concubine Yi and Concubine Li are still on the side of the Empress."

Ruoshui immediately said, "That's right. I later saw Concubine Li go over and scold them, and then they dispersed."

Hearing this, Nan Yan couldn't help laughing.

She knew that nothing could be perfect. Since she had cut everyone's monthly fees, it would be impossible for her to please anyone. However, with Concubine Yi and Concubine Li loyal to her in the harem, it would make things easier for her and make her feel more comfortable.

She sat back on the couch and breathed a sigh of relief, while Ruoshui had already brought the bowl of bird's nest to her: "Madam, it's freshly stewed."

Nan Yan glanced down and said, "Starting tomorrow, this will be waived."

Ruoshui pouted when she heard this: "Why?"

Nan Yan said, "Every bit you can save is a bit you can save."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhu Feng's voice, tinged with laughter, came from outside the door, saying, "Why, is my concubine so poor that she can't even afford a bowl of bird's nest every day?"