Xiao Tao and Xiao Cui, who later chased me to the Imperial Hospital, pulled me back to Chenxiang Pavilion and told me to have a good rest. Doctor Jiang took my pulse and urged me to go back. He was just as unconcerned as usual and even made an appointment with me to come and take my pulse next time.
Song Heng came to the harem several times. According to Xiao Tao's chatter, he went to the Queen, Concubine De, and Concubine Fu, and so on. It was said that he did not stay in the same room with anyone and returned to Chengqing Palace late at night. But these are all hearsay, so who knows whether it is true or not.
She was buzzing in my ear while I was reading a storybook. Just when I wanted her to stop, she hugged me with a sad face: "Doesn't His Majesty know that you are innocent? Why doesn't he come to Chenxiang Pavilion... Wuwuwuwu..."
There were also rumors in the harem that Concubine Mu had fallen out of favor. Every time I went for a walk, I would see all kinds of looks, some sympathetic, some suspicious, some inquiring, etc. I might as well be practicing bows, carrying buckets, and reading new novels in the yard.
One day, it was time to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. A group of beautiful women from the harem, led by the Empress, went to the Cining Palace for tea. When I fell behind, a concubine pulled me up, calling me "sister" with exceptional tenderness, asking me to keep up. Her sincerity made me wonder if she really was my long-lost sister.
The Empress Dowager was casual and friendly, and the concubines in the harem seemed to be having a great time in the Cining Palace:
Queen Mother: What’s going on Lady Fu’s face?
Lady Fu: Your Majesty, please don’t worry about it. There are many mosquitoes on summer nights and I got stung by mistake.
Concubine Li: It just so happened that His Majesty rewarded you with some White Jade Cream a few days ago. It worked really well. I’ll send someone to deliver it to you later!
Lady Fu: Thank you very much, sister. However, His Majesty saw that he had already asked Eunuch Afu to deliver the cream yesterday, so there is no need to trouble you.
Concubine Shu: But what about the cream that Xijiang recently sent as tribute? Lady Fu is so enviable!
Lady Fu: Sister Shu, stop teasing me! Eh? This mutton-fat jade bracelet looks so pretty on my wrist!
Concubine Shu: What a coincidence! Your Majesty said the same thing the day before yesterday! (Shy smile)
【Real situation:
Eunuch Afu: Your Majesty, would you like to reward Lady Li with something tomorrow?
Emperor: Well, it’s up to you.
-
Eunuch Ahfu: Today, Lady Fu has been scratching her face in front of Your Majesty. Your Majesty, would you like to reward her with some cream tomorrow?
Emperor: It’s up to you.
-
Concubine Shu: Your Majesty, the moon is so beautiful tonight!
Emperor: (sitting at the table reading a book) Yes.
Concubine Shu: Your Majesty, the lotus flowers in the yard are so beautiful!
Emperor: (turning over a book) Yes.
Concubine Shu: Your Majesty, do I look good wearing this mutton-fat jade bracelet?
Emperor (contemplating the contents of the book, not hearing): ...
Concubine Shu: Your Majesty?
The Emperor (suddenly realizing): Well, it's getting late. You should go to bed early. Ah Fu, return to Chengqing Palace.
Concubine Shu: ...
Grandpa Ah Fu: Yes.
Concubine Shu: Sister Mu, why aren't you talking today? You're usually so lively and clever!
Me: (The pastries in the Cining Palace are so delicious! This pastry is so soft! This dessert is so crispy! Even the tea is so fragrant!) Huh?
Concubine Shu: Why are you so sad, sister?
Me: (I choked on my pastry! Xiao Cui, help me!)
Finally took a sip of tea and swallowed it——
Me: I just choked while eating a snack, don’t worry about me.
Concubine Shu: ...
Lady Li: ...
All the concubines: ...
Empress Dowager: Queen, has the Emperor visited the harem recently?
Queen: To answer your Majesty, yes, Your Majesty has been blessing the harem recently, which is truly a blessing for my sisters.
Concubine Shu: Good fortune!
Concubine Li: Good fortune!
Lady Fu: Good fortune!
All the concubines: What a blessing!
All eyes turned to me——
Me: ...blessing.
Concubine Shu: Don’t be discouraged, sister.
Li Guiren: Sister, thank you.
Fu Meiren: Come on, sister.
…
We ate while watching the "Exhibition of the Emperor's Rewards", "Exhibition of the Emperor's Caring for His Concubines", and "Record of the Emperor's Equal Treatment"... They shyly lifted their hair, and I patted my belly generously, and then we all went back together happily. It was perfect.
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