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As the year draws to a close, there is little festive atmosphere in the palace. Because of Emperor Kangxi's poor health, all celebrations must be simplified. Although he is not in the palace, no one in the harem seems inclined to celebrate the New Year properly.
Inside Yongshou Palace, Consort Chen was sitting with two young noble ladies residing in a side hall, looking at the New Year's gifts that had just been delivered by the Imperial Household Department. This was the annual custom; although the Emperor was not present, they still had to receive their due allowances. After all, they were royalty, and even if things were simplified, it was impossible to completely skip the New Year. Therefore, the Imperial Household Department had reduced the allowances by 20% compared to previous years.
"Your Highness Consort Chen, the hairpins and bracelets they gave you are far superior to those of your concubines!" Consort Wan said, looking at the New Year's gift catalog sent to Consort Chen by the Imperial Household Department.
“Of course. Your Highness has given birth to the Seventeenth Prince. Now the Seventeenth Prince is highly regarded by Prince Yong and has already been sent out on official business. If they weren’t blind, they certainly wouldn’t dare to neglect our Consort Chen,” said Noble Lady Mei.
Consort Chen listened to the flattery of the two noble ladies, but her mood remained unsatisfied. She worried day and night about the safety of the Seventeenth Prince outside, and had no interest in these empty titles and jewelry.
"Your Majesty, why do you look so unhappy?" Consort Wan asked, noticing Consort Chen's expression.
"Yes, Your Majesty, this is the best that the Imperial Household Department has sent this year. Looking at these, they are no worse than those of the Four Palaces," said Consort Mei.
“If you like them, each of you can pick one when they arrive!” Consort Chen said.
"Oh dear, Your Highness, I dare not overstep your bounds. You are a high-ranking concubine and have given birth to a prince. We concubines do not have such privileges. If people see this, they will say that we have overstepped the rules. If we are punished with a severe beating, my life will be lost because of a hairpin." Consort Mei quickly lowered her head and said.
The harem is now basically in the hands of Consort Yi. Since Consort De went to the capital, Consort Yi has been in charge of managing the harem. Perhaps because Consort Yi felt she hadn't been chosen by Emperor Kangxi to accompany him, she was in a bad mood and thus became very harsh on the concubines in the harem. Not long ago, a minor concubine was beaten by Consort Yi for wearing a Manchu-style dress that was inappropriate for her status, and she has been bedridden ever since.
"Don't overthink it. I only brought these things because I thought they were good. I'm getting old, and it's no longer appropriate for me to wear such bright colors. Don't they even consider my age? They brought these things that are clearly more suitable for a young woman in her late twenties. Is this really thoughtful of them?" Consort Chen's brows furrowed slightly with anger.
“Your Majesty is right. They only think they should send some nice things, but they haven’t taken Your Majesty’s status and age into consideration. It’s clear they’re not showing any genuine respect!” said Consort Wan.
"They're only doing this because Yinli is now favored by Prince Yong and also somewhat loved by the Emperor. You don't need to be polite, take a look, it's good for you. Consider it a reward from me," said Consort Chen.
Consort Wan and Consort Mei exchanged a glance, then stood up from their seats, took a few steps back, and bowed in unison to Consort Chen, saying, "Thank you for your reward, Your Highness!"
"Alright, why are you being so polite with me?" Consort Chen said with a smile.
Meanwhile, in Yikun Palace, Consort Yi was also reviewing the list of New Year's gifts for the concubines in the harem, which had been handed over by the Imperial Household Department. Since she was now assisting in managing the six palaces, she naturally had to see what the Imperial Household Department had sent to each concubine.
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