The main courtyard was the men's domain, while the wives stayed in the side rooms separated by a gauze curtain.
The west side room of the main courtyard is not as big as the main hall, but the room is filled with brightly colored ducks so it doesn't feel crowded.
Listening to the men around them offering toasts, the wives also started chatting amongst themselves.
Lanqin smiled and said to Consort Shu, "Since the Seventeenth Prince started working for the Emperor, he has done everything perfectly and is highly valued by the Emperor."
Consort Shu was overjoyed upon hearing this and personally poured wine for Lanqin, saying, "Seventeen is the Emperor's brother, so it is only right that he serves the Emperor."
Lanqin nodded, said a few more pleasantries to Seventeen, and then started chatting with Yuyin who was standing next to her.
Lanqin and she were cousins, as the other wives present knew. Even those who didn't know could guess from the name of the Seventeenth Consort. Naturally, the two of them had some private conversations, and it was inconvenient for others to disturb them.
The two strolled slowly forward, walking through the side gate to the main garden. It was already dusk, and although the sunlight wasn't very warm, it made the entire garden even brighter. Occasionally, leaves would fall to the ground with a soft rustling sound, adding to the peaceful and serene atmosphere. A few flowers were in full bloom, their delicate fragrance filling the air.
Lanqin unconsciously took a deep breath, and Yuyin noticed, so she covered her mouth and chuckled, "Does Your Highness really like flowers?"
Lanqin reached out and plucked a flower, gently sniffing it. She said, captivated, "Yes, especially orchids. Their fragrance is so pleasant, it's unlike anything found in ordinary people."
Yu Yin said, "The orchid can be considered a gentleman among flowers. Its pure and holy appearance is very endearing."
Lanqin vaguely sensed that her words were not on this topic, so she asked, "Is something on your mind, little sister?"
Yu Yin smiled faintly, but it was a bitter smile on her lips: "Yu Yin greatly envies the Emperor and my sister's relationship."
"The Emperor treats his concubines very well," Lanqin said.
“Sister knows that’s not what I meant,” Yu Yin said. “The Emperor treats you differently from others. He loves you, just like an ordinary couple.”
Yet he still had a harem of wives and concubines. Lanqin didn't utter the treasonous words: since ancient times, what emperor has ever favored only one woman?
Lanqin then realized that Yuyin was not happy in the Seventeenth Prince's residence. Whether she was greedy or genuine, she had to be aware of this because she was born into an imperial family. So she said to her, "The Seventeenth Prince is a good young man. You should treat him well. The Seventeenth Prince is a capable man and will be a pillar of the court in the future."
“My sister knows this too, but now Meng has a child to rely on, while I have nothing. Compared to her, I am nothing more than a willow catkin in the wind or a reed in the wind.”
Lanqin comforted her again: "I think that Meng is also an intelligent person. After this period of time, the Seventeenth Prince will definitely favor you."
Yu Yin nodded. She wasn't unaware of this, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of anticipation. It wasn't that she would be bullied in the mansion; she was a cousin of the Noble Consort Xi, so who would bully her? However, matters of the inner palace couldn't be explained in just a few words.
This is also the biggest worry for these women in the imperial harem.
With a touch of melancholy, Yu Yin and Lan Qin returned to the side room of the main courtyard.
Lanqin was toasted by Consort Shu again and chatted with the other wives about everyday matters.
Although she wasn't the main guest, her status was extremely high, and the wives of the princes tried their best to find a moment to toast Lanqin several times, which could be considered as having had a few rounds of drinks.
Lanqin sat with the concubine for a while, ate some food, and then took her leave with Consort Shu.
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