After entering the palace, the concubines could not serve the emperor directly, but had to learn the rules first.
When Ji Yunhuan entered the palace, she became the Concubine Shu. Her status was noble and naturally different from others.
She lived alone in Shuhua Palace, and was personally taught etiquette and rules by the nanny beside the Empress Dowager. Since entering the palace, Ji Yunhuan had lived in seclusion and rarely went out, and no one had ever seen the true face of Empress Shufei.
In Chuxiu Palace, there are less than ten new concubines, and they are all maids-in-waiting and maids-in-waiting. There is not even a single noble lady.
"I heard that His Majesty has already been to Shuhua Palace. The Concubine Shu is truly favored."
"Why? We are still learning the rules. Why can she see His Majesty?"
"She was conferred the title of Consort Shu by the Empress Dowager, and her position is high, so of course she is different from us."
"Ji promised, didn't you attend the Hundred Flowers Banquet? You must have seen the Concubine Shu, right? I heard that the Concubine Shu is well-known for her talent and she shined at the Hundred Flowers Banquet, which is why she won the favor of the Empress Dowager and rose to prominence from then on!"
"I'm so envious. It's a pity that I come from a low background and can't go to the Hundred Flowers Banquet. Otherwise, I might be the one that gets noticed."
Ji Yonglian stood aside with her hands hanging down, not participating in the discussion.
She believes that she is as beautiful and talented as Ji Yunhuan. She has everything that Ji Yunhuan has, and she also has things that Ji Yunhuan doesn't have!
If she could snatch Su Honglang from Ji Yunhuan, she could naturally snatch the emperor away as well!
What's the point of the Queen Mother liking her? If you want to gain a foothold in the harem, you must ultimately gain the Emperor's favor. If you can get pregnant, that would truly be a step to heaven.
"Silence!" The aunt in charge came over with a sullen face. "I just taught you the rules yesterday, and you forgot them today?"
"The most taboo thing in the palace is to speak carelessly. You must know that disaster comes from the mouth. You are all new to the palace. Any master in the palace is more noble than you. If you say something inappropriate and anger the noble, no one can save you."
"You all have high aspirations, and I hope you will rise to prominence, but if your lives are in jeopardy, how can you expect to have a successful future?"
The concubines quieted down instantly, but many of them were still dissatisfied.
Only Ji Yonglian saluted the aunt who disciplined her and said, "Thank you for your teachings, aunt."
The aunt in charge smiled with satisfaction and said, "You should learn more from Ji Dacheng. Ji Dacheng is careful with his words and deeds, and he has learned the rules well."
"Today I will teach you how to kowtow to the Empress. Once the Empress summons you, your green cards will be sent to the Imperial Household Department. Your future prospects will depend on your luck."
The concubines were all happy. They had been tired of learning the rules for a long time, and now they could finally serve the emperor in bed!
******
Inside Jingren Palace.
The palace masters and concubines have all arrived and are sitting on both sides according to their ranks. Those with lower ranks can also come to pay their respects, but they can only stand aside and wait.
"The Queen has arrived~"
The concubines stood up and saluted one after another. The queen, dressed in palace clothes, sat in the center at the top.
"No need to be polite. You sisters came early today. It is I who arrived late."
The queen was dressed up new today, with powder on her face and bright red lips. She looked less sickly and more lively.
Every move she makes is graceful and elegant, and she has the bearing of a mother who rules the country.
"Seeing that Her Majesty is in good health, I am relieved. Her Majesty is not late. There are still some people who haven't arrived yet."
Huipin on the right was smiling. She had been in the palace for many years but had little favor. It was thanks to the help of the Empress that she was able to get the position of concubine. Naturally, she hoped that the Empress would be well.
"That's right. His Majesty didn't stay at her place yesterday. How come she's still late?"
"The Empress has already arrived, but Concubine Liu hasn't come yet. Isn't that a disrespect to the Empress? The Empress is kind and generous, but I can't stand her!"
The queen felt exhausted as she watched the people below express their loyalty.
She entered the palace to check and balance Concubine Liu. She had the position of queen and the love and respect of the queen mother and His Majesty, but Concubine Liu had a family background and was favored. She didn't want to compete, but she had to.
Now she is already terminally ill, and is only being treated with strong medicine. Before closing her eyes, she only wants to see Liu Yan die with her own eyes!
"I guess something has delayed her. Someone, go to Changchun Palace and take a look. She is a noble concubine, of high rank. If you don't come now, she will miss the opportunity to pay homage to the concubines."
"I have a new crop of pre-rain Longjing tea here. It has a clear and rich flavor. Huipin loves tea, so I'll give it all to Huipin."
"Your Majesty gifted me with a batch of silk the other day. The embroidery is superb. If you sisters like it, please pick one or two pieces and take them back. You will look bright and beautiful in them, and I will be pleased to see you."
"Thank you, Her Majesty!" Everyone expressed their gratitude in unison, especially some concubines of lower ranks who were particularly happy. Apart from the rewards from the Her Majesty, they could not get such good materials on weekdays.
"The emperor has arrived~" Liu Dewang's loud voice was heard outside the door.
The emperor walked in wearing a dragon robe with an expressionless face. Wherever he went, a large number of people knelt down.
The concubines had not seen the emperor for many days and wished they could take this opportunity to flatter him, but the emperor's majesty was so terrifying that they would not dare to approach him even if they had a hundred courage.
Only the Empress could stand beside the Emperor, whispering softly, "Your Majesty, today is the day for the concubines to come to pay their respects. If nothing goes wrong, the green-headed cards will be put up tonight. Your Majesty, would you like to see the new concubines in person?"
The emperor hummed a light "hmm" and sat down at the top.
The queen sat beside him, speechless for a moment. Although they had been married for many years, the emperor was more like a king to her than a husband.
The emperor didn't say anything, and the concubines below didn't dare to say anything either. The atmosphere froze for a moment.
Except for the emperor himself, everyone felt that time was extremely difficult to bear.
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