Chapter 171 The Cannon Fodder Concubine of the Harem - Serving the Emperor

The news that the Emperor had summoned Consort Xu to his bedchamber tonight spread throughout the palace, causing an uproar. Everyone was asking who this Consort Xu was.

Some palaces echoed with the sound of shattering porcelain, while others appeared quiet on the surface but harbored hidden turmoil within.

When the Emperor returned to the harem after three months, he surprisingly chose a little-known seventh-rank concubine to serve him. How could this possibly satisfy the proud and arrogant ladies?

When the Emperor was the late Emperor's legitimate son and still the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince's residence only had four wives and concubines in total.

The Crown Princess was betrothed by the late Emperor. Her family was the Ministry of War. She died in childbirth the year the Emperor ascended the throne, giving birth to a daughter who is now five years old. The Emperor has not yet appointed another Empress.

This year's imperial concubine selection also included the late empress's half-sister, who was granted the rank of fifth grade.

The other three women in the Crown Prince's harem are Consort Shu, a first-rank official, Consort Li, a first-rank concubine, and Consort Jing, who currently have a daughter.

Currently, there are only twenty concubines in the harem. Although the emperor did not attend this year's selection, he informed the empress dowager beforehand that a selection of concubines is possible, but not too many.

After much deliberation, the Empress Dowager selected a dozen or so women who appeared to be fertile to enter the palace.

Consort Shu's Palace of Splendor

"I didn't expect her to be so capable. I wonder how she managed to come out on top among these newcomers to the palace!"

Consort Shu sat upright on a chair in the hall, her eyes slightly narrowed, a hint of jealousy and resentment flashing in them.

As she elegantly sipped the fine tea prepared by her maid, she spoke softly, her voice revealing a complex and indescribable emotion.

Consort Shu's appearance was only slightly above average, but she had a noble temperament, and with makeup, she looked rich and beautiful.

Standing to the side, Green Diamond flattered, "No matter how capable she is, she can't escape your grasp. What skills could she possibly have? It's just a coincidence. I guess the Empress Dowager was pressuring him, and His Majesty just picked one at random."

Seeing that Consort Shu had put down her teacup, Lü Ling respectfully walked behind her and gently massaged her, then continued:

"You still have the final say in the harem, which is a good thing. When that person gets pregnant, then... you can sit on that throne and enjoy the homage of all the officials."

Green Jade's words pleased Consort Shu. The young girl was still too naive; she shouldn't forget where she came from after being pampered once.

Consort Shu secretly scoffed at the situation.

*

Consort Li's Hibiscus Palace

Suddenly, a loud "thud" came from inside the palace, followed by the sound of porcelain shattering.

The sudden noise shattered the tranquility of the palace, and the servants immediately knelt on the ground, their bodies trembling.

The person on the main seat was dressed in a brocade robe with gold-embroidered birds and clouds, exuding beauty and nobility. His beautiful features were slightly ferocious due to anger.

This person was none other than Consort Li, who claimed to be the most beautiful woman in the harem.

"So she's from Consort Shu's side. No wonder she had the ability to get the Emperor to spend the night with her first. Don't think I don't know what that bitch Consort Shu is up to. She's just plain-looking, but she thinks she can steal my favor by finding someone pretty? Dream on!"

Consort Li was furious. She thought that when the Emperor entered the harem, he would come to her palace first, since the Emperor had visited Furong Palace the most times in the past!

Although Consort Li's rank in the harem was one level lower than Consort Shu's, she was favored. Consort Li often boasted about her favor in front of Consort Shu, acting arrogantly.

Whenever Consort Shu tried so hard to control her expression, Consort Li felt extremely pleased.

It was only because Consort Shu's belly was fertile that she gave birth to a princess; otherwise, it would be hard to say who would have a higher rank!

Thinking of this, Consort Li couldn't help but feel a little lost, and a hint of frustration showed between her brows.

She gently stroked her lower abdomen, sighing inwardly, "When will I be able to conceive a prince?"

Consort Li knew that in the inner palace, the princes held a very important position, and without a prince by her side, her position would probably be difficult to secure.

Now that Consort Shu has given birth to a princess, this undoubtedly brings her enormous pressure.

However, Consort Li did not give up hope.

She knew that conceiving a prince would not be easy, but she was willing to put in the effort. She took care of her health, hoping to increase her chances of getting pregnant.

At the same time, she actively sought to get closer to the emperor, striving for more opportunities. Despite the difficulties, she did not give up, hoping that one day she could conceive a prince and bring glory to herself and her family.

Seeing Consort Li's dejected look, Liu Yun quickly stepped forward to comfort her:

"Your Majesty, the Emperor is only indulging in a fleeting interest. He's busy with state affairs all day long. After a while, he'll forget about it, and we can get rid of that little concubine..."

Liu Yun made a throat-slitting gesture.

Consort Li smiled silently as she watched Liu Yun's actions.

Yes, the Emperor is so engrossed in the affairs of the court that he has no time to spare for a concubine he has only favored once!

Consort Shu, being such a selfish person, certainly wouldn't meddle in other people's business. As long as it's done discreetly, it's fine!

In an instant, Consort Li's mood brightened, and she felt wonderful!

*

Qinyuan Palace

Ever since Xu Li, the chief steward of the Imperial Household Department, personally came to Qinyuan Palace to announce the imperial decree: Consort Xu would serve the emperor tonight, Qinyuan Palace has never been quiet.

First, Liang Yun, the chief steward of the Imperial Household Department, personally led four eunuchs and three palace maids to Qinyuan Palace, where they knelt and begged Yao Yao for forgiveness.

"Please forgive me, Your Excellency. I have been unwell recently and was unaware that my subordinates were so audacious as to withhold your allowance and fail to provide you with servants as per regulations. I have been negligent in my management and have already dealt with these unruly servants severely! I have personally selected a few usable servants to apologize to Your Excellency. I hope you will accept this with a smile."

Xu Yaoyao feigned panic, but instead remained calm and smiled as she said:

"Steward, please don't take this to heart. Just punish him severely as a warning. I also want to thank you for sending such a thoughtful servant. Thank you."

Liang Yun's attitude was sincere, and Xu Yaoyao did not pretend to make things difficult, even though both of them knew exactly what was going on.

How could someone be sick for three months? But Yao Yao wouldn't take it too seriously; one shouldn't easily offend people in the palace.

Moreover, Liang Yun was clearly trying to make peace and show weakness. His coded message was that the palace servants he brought were trustworthy and not spies from other palaces.

Now is the time when we need manpower, and Liang Yun's delivery is very timely.

After Xu Li left, a young eunuch from the Imperial Household Department arrived with a sedan chair and was waiting outside Qinyuan Palace.

Once Yaoyao is dressed up, she can get into the sedan chair and leave.

When Yaoyao heard Xu Li specifically say that there was no need to cleanse herself or change clothes, and that she could just go directly to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, which was the emperor's bedroom, she had some doubts, but she knew that here, she had to listen to the emperor.

After the Imperial Household Department announced the decree, both master and servant were overjoyed, and the remote Qinyuan Palace became a place that everyone envied.

Yao Yao understood why the Emperor would suddenly choose her to serve him in bed, but she knew it couldn't be thanks to Consort Shu!

The biggest change from the original plot is that she went to the plum garden this morning! Could it be that the Emperor saw her? Yao Yao wondered uncertainly in her heart.

However, no matter what, she finally took that first step!

Ever since she learned that her husband had agreed to serve her in bed tonight, the smile on Hongguo's face has never disappeared.

She paced back and forth in the room, rummaging through Yaoyao's clothes, trying to make Yaoyao present her best self to the Emperor.

Because of the emperor's words, Yaoyao did not choose a new dress, but instead put on a brocade woolen cloak, which was sent by Steward Gangliang.

Among the maids sent by Steward Liang was a skillful one, and Yaoyao had her style her hair into a lily-shaped bun to match her clothes. Yaoyao then did her own makeup.

Yao Yao planned to wear light makeup, and her clothes and headdress toned down her charming temperament. In the early stages, Yao Yao planned to portray a pure and innocent persona, both innocent and alluring, because the contrast would be more attractive.

Although the original owner had a very good foundation, she couldn't withstand the poor food in the palace, so Yaoyao used makeup tools to make herself look delicate and innocent.

Hongguo stared at Yaoyao, who had been dressed up, her mouth agape and her eyes wide with shock, frozen in place.

Hongguo looked at Yaoyao with shining eyes, as if she had discovered some treasure, her eyes filled with amazement and envy.

She had never seen such a beautiful and slender woman before, like a fairy who had stepped out of a painting, making people want to look at her more.

Finally dressed up, Yaoyao was a little nervous. She placed her hand on Hongguo's hand and then walked step by step toward the sedan chair.

*

The Emperor stayed in the Imperial Study for an hour. When he heard Wang Bao say that Yao Yao had arrived at the palace, he put down the book in his hand and went there with Wang Bao.

When the emperor arrived at his bedchamber, he gestured to the eunuchs and palace maids to be quiet.

The Emperor walked in quietly and saw the woman in the hall sitting uncomfortably in a chair, her head slightly lowered, her fair fingers tightly gripping the hem of her clothes, looking somewhat at a loss.

Like a frightened little white rabbit, this was the emperor's first impression of Yaoyao.

The emperor rarely paid attention to women's appearances; he devoted almost all his energy to the affairs of state.

In the emperor's eyes, all women were basically the same, but today was the first time he had a deep impression of a woman.

"Your Majesty!" Yao Yao spotted Emperor Jingping and immediately rose from her chair to bow to him.

"Rise," Emperor Jingping said gently, supporting Yaoyao with one hand.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness," Yaoyao said shyly.

Emperor Jingping glanced casually at the sachet at Yaoyao's waist, then praised, "The clothes are beautiful, but of course, the person is even more beautiful."

The sudden praise caused Yao Yao's face to flush rapidly, and her voice became even softer: "Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty~"

Perhaps it was because he hadn't been to the inner palace for many days, or perhaps the woman before him was too alluring, but Emperor Jingping had a primal reaction.

However, he knew that the most important thing tonight was that pill.

Emperor Jingping took Yaoyao's small hand and led her to the bed, casually asking, "The sachet has a nice design and smells wonderful. What's inside?"

Without the slightest doubt, Yao Yao obediently answered the Emperor, "Your Majesty, there is some agastache in here, so it smells very good."

Hearing Yao Yao's answer, Emperor Jingping was somewhat disappointed; this was not the answer he wanted to hear.

Before Emperor Jingping could ask any further questions, Yaoyao suddenly nestled boldly into the emperor's arms and said mysteriously:

"Your Majesty, I have a secret to tell you! There are two antidote pills in my sachet, which are said to be able to cure all poisons, but I have not tried them and I am not sure if they are true!"

Emperor Jingping raised an eyebrow. Interesting. He hadn't expected the young girl in front of him to be so honest.

If he hadn't been so certain that the other party hadn't noticed him during their chance encounter this morning, Emperor Jingping would have doubted himself.

"Oh? That's amazing! I've never seen such a miraculous medicine before!"

Emperor Jingping looked very interested.

Yao Yao wasn't stupid. When the two sat down on the edge of the bed, Yao Yao untied the sachet on her body and took out a very small box from it.

Emperor Jingping stared intently at the small box before him, watching it being opened to reveal two pale yellow pills inside.

Yao Yao noticed that Emperor Jingping was very interested in the pills, so giving her a gift to please her boss was essential!

Yao Yao took out a individually wrapped pill from the sachet, put it back in, and then handed the small box along with the pill inside to Emperor Jingping, saying generously:

"Your Majesty, it's a pleasure to meet you. Please accept this pill as a gift from your concubine!"

Emperor Jingping was surprised that the pills were obtained so easily, and even more surprised by the generosity of the woman in front of him!

At this moment, Emperor Jingping's impression of Yaoyao improved even more!

Emperor Jingping accepted the gift without hesitation. He smiled and asked, "And you? Is there anything you like? I'll give you a small gift as well!"

Yao Yao was preparing to leave with the persona of being innocent and guileless, so she said ingratiatingly, "Your Majesty, you can give me something practical!"

"Gold and silver jewelry, exquisite silks, promotions in rank, etc., are all acceptable. I'm not picky."

Yaoyao blinked her big eyes and met the emperor's gaze, her eyes clear and bright.

This was the first time Emperor Jingping had encountered someone so bluntly asking him for good things and a promotion. Clearly, Emperor Jingping didn't dislike them; on the contrary, he quite liked them.

"You're not picky? Fine, then I'll reward you with everything, okay?" Emperor Jingping said jokingly.

Yao Yao seemed not to hear Emperor Jingping's teasing and said excitedly, "Thank you, Your Majesty! You are so kind to me!"

Emperor Jingping: "..."

*

The candlelight flickered, and the bed curtains trembled more and more slowly until they gradually calmed down. Because he was worried that the woman's body could not withstand it, Emperor Jingping called for water three times and then stopped.

Yaoyao rested her head on Emperor Jingping's arm, lying on his strong chest, her hands on his waist, her cherry-like mouth panting heavily.

Emperor Jingping's free hand kneaded Yao Yao's soft little hand, while his other hand, which was being held down, rubbed Yao Yao's back.

A golden brocade quilt was draped over the two of them. The atmosphere was very warm and cozy.

Yao Yao gently pinched his waist, and Emperor Jingping's body went numb for a moment from Yao Yao's sudden movement. He opened his eyes, and a sharp look flashed across his face.

Yao Yao was unaware that Emperor Jingping intended to rest. She tilted her head back and said coquettishly, "Your Majesty, I'm so tired. It's not good for us to rest."

After saying that, Yaoyao even rubbed the spot she had just pinched with her hand in a flattering manner.

After hearing this, Emperor Jingping touched Yaoyao's ear and said teasingly, "Is that all the ambition you have?"

Yao Yao trembled at Emperor Jingping's touch on her ear. Her ears were sensitive, and she unconsciously let out a soft moan. Emperor Jingping was aroused by this moan and lost control of himself, leaning over her.

The bed curtains began to shake rapidly again, producing a series of beautiful sounds, filling the room with a sweet and alluring fragrance that made one blush.