Chapter 394 Yixiu 72
After politely rejecting Huapin's advances, Yixiu knew that she had understood her attitude.
As the queen, her position as the empress was increasingly stable. Even if Honghui was imprisoned one day because of the emperor's taboo, no one could shake the status of her mother, the empress dowager.
In this case, why would Yixiu personally intervene in the competition for favor with other concubines? She also did not need to support these forces in the harem.
But she also knew that there were many people in the harem who had the intention of showing goodwill to her like Huapin; there were even many young people who had ambitions to become her queen.
It is impossible to stay out of it completely. In this case, it is better to let the harem flourish. Everyone has to take care of themselves first to avoid being plotted against, so naturally they will have no time to focus on the throne under Yixiu's butt.
For example, this trip to the Old Summer Palace was so exciting without her as the queen.
When it comes to the Mid-Autumn Festival family dinner on August 15th, some families are happy while others are sad.
Concubine Wu, who had replaced Cao Qinmo's role in her previous life and became Nian Shilan's new minion, was pregnant. She looked very radiant and her complexion was obviously much better than that of another pregnant Concubine Fang.
But compared to them, Shang was not favored at all. After all, she was promoted to Concubine Xian because she had no children. Even the Zhongcui Palace, which was originally said to be renovated for Concubine Zhen, now belonged to her.
In this way, except for Yonghe Palace and Xianfu Palace where the Empress Dowager previously lived, each palace now has a main seat.
There are not many palaces left for others.
Of course, there were also some poor people who did not come back with them and disappeared silently in the Old Summer Palace like withered flowers.
Because it was a day for family reunion, the harmony between the emperor and the empress had to be demonstrated. Yixiu could not be lazy any longer and had to go to the Old Summer Palace three or two days in advance. After a tiring journey by boat and carriage, she was ordered to rest for a day as soon as she arrived. Anyone who wanted to pay a visit had to wait until the next day to come to Taohuawu to pay their respects.
Unfortunately, she could hide from the concubines but not from the emperor. On the night of August, Taohuawu was surrounded by mountains and filled with streams. Although the peach blossoms had fallen, it was still a beautiful scene.
After dinner, the emperor somehow felt in high spirits again, and the two of them took a leisurely stroll along the stream. Yinzhen, who was not good at drinking, had two cups today. At this moment, he was blown by the gentle breeze, looking at the extraordinarily bright full moon in the sky, and in the silence, he felt as if he was floating in the air.
"Yixiu, if possible, I really want to live in seclusion, without the burden of paperwork. Although I am poor, I can enjoy myself and not have to live in fear like I do now."
"But if this is true, what should the people of the world do?"
"Yes, if I don't do it, who should I teach these things to?"
The Emperor shook his head and said no more, smiling instead, "I feel at ease now that you're here. Concubine Wu and Concubine Fang are both pregnant, and I'm really worried about Concubine Yu's temper. Also, I've heard some nonsense rumors have been spreading in the Old Summer Palace lately. It would be bad if outsiders saw the joke of my harem at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet tomorrow."
"I have only just arrived today and am not very clear about these matters. When the concubines come to pay their respects tomorrow, I will ask Concubine Yu in detail."
Yixiu wouldn't agree lightly, so she used her procrastination tactics to play Tai Chi with the emperor: "As for the Mid-Autumn family banquet, I think they all know the rules and won't lose face in front of outsiders. Of course, I will remind them more tomorrow."
"Just take care of these things as you see fit, but don't overwork yourself. I see there are quite a few new recruits who can be used, so you can give them some experience."
Yixiu turned her head to glance at the emperor who was looking up at the moon, and smiled gently: "I don't need to do that."
The next morning, after the emperor was sent away, all the concubines arrived on time, but even a few people who had been in the limelight recently did not dare to arrive on time.
Yixiu said a few polite words as usual and then began to show concern for the two noble ladies who were pregnant: "Are the pregnancies of Noble Lady Fang and Noble Lady Wu all right?"
The two of them quickly stood up with a smile, and Concubine Fang was the first to say with a smile: "I and the heir are all well, thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
Wu Guiren's smile, having been snatched away by her, became even more gentle and harmless. "I and the child are both fine. Your Majesty, however, must have been exhausted from the journey. I wanted to come visit you yesterday, but was afraid to disturb your rest."
"Thank you for your concern. I had a good rest yesterday. The Old Summer Palace is quite beautiful and spacious. Living here, I didn't even feel the summer heat."
Yixiu was unbiased and gave them a few more words of advice about not craving cold food and avoiding certain foods. Then, according to procedure, she began to care for her old employee again: "Concubine Yu, you have been working hard to manage the Old Summer Palace these days. Yesterday, the Emperor even praised your excellent preparations for the Mid-Autumn Festival family banquet. I am grateful for your kindness and have saved myself a lot of trouble."
Concubine Yu pursed her lips, and it was obvious that she wanted to restrain her pride but failed, and she still showed her hearty smile: "I am just following your old rules, and thanks to Sister Maopin for helping me, I am afraid I can't do it if I am alone."
Concubine Mao waved her hands hurriedly: "I am just helping out. We have been busy for a long time. Fortunately, the Emperor and the Empress do not mind our clumsiness."
Concubine Fang came up to flatter her again: "If you two sisters are still clumsy in helping the Empress to manage the six palaces, we will be beaten into the mud."
"Isn't what Concubine Fang said biased? Which of the sisters in the palace is stupid? Even if you want to curry favor with me, at least don't step on me all at once. I don't like being a stepping stone for others."
Concubine Zhen curled her lips and spoke rudely. Concubine Fang hadn't expected her to suddenly embarrass herself in public. Her pale face flushed with anger, and she was at a loss for words.
"We are all sisters in the Six Palaces. There is no need to be a stepping stone. Don't hurt the sisterhood. Concubine Zhen, you are going too far."
It was Yixiu who spoke up, shifting the tense atmosphere. Concubine Zhen simply smiled at her words, her charming smile directed at Concubine Fang, who was sitting across from her. "Well, since the Empress has said so, I'll apologize. I'm pregnant with the prince, and I'm so precious. Could you please forgive me?"
Concubine Fang felt a lump in her chest, and could only reply with a forced smile, "Sister Zhenpin, what are you saying? We are sisters, how could I blame you?"
"Seeing you all so harmonious, I'm very pleased. After all, we're all the Emperor's concubines, and it's natural for us to have tempers clash with each other every day. A few arguments are fine, but you absolutely must not harbor any malicious intent that would bring disgrace upon the Six Palaces. I'm afraid the consequences would be more than you can bear. Remember that?"
"Your Highness, I will remember your Majesty's teachings."
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