In the early morning, the sunlight was slightly cool, and an autumn breeze began to blow. In the magnificent Fengyi Palace, countless beauties dressed in red and green sat on both sides, and the fragrance of cosmetics slowly spread with their movements, turning Fengyi Palace into a sea of flowers.
The crimson palace gown shimmered with light, adorned with lifelike phoenixes embroidered with gold thread, as if they might take flight at any moment and rise from the ashes. The tassels of the phoenix hairpin on her head swayed gently with each sway. The Empress sat regally at the head of the table, smiling as she looked down upon the assembled concubines.
Accompanied by a few witty remarks, the Queen's thoughts involuntarily returned to that day.
“Your Majesty, what the Emperor needs is a strong support, an Empress who can manage the affairs of the harem for him, not a concubine who only cares about vying for favor. If the Empress is no different from ordinary concubines, then what is the point of having an Empress? The position of Empress will have no meaning.”
Yes, if the empress only cares about competing for favor with the concubines and can't even fulfill her basic duties, then what makes her empress?
She was deeply hurt when she first heard these words. After all, she was just an ordinary woman who hoped to be loved by her husband and have lovely children.
But upon closer reflection, from the day she married the Emperor, she was no longer an ordinary woman. She was the mother of the nation, the Emperor's virtuous and capable assistant. Wasn't this what he had always hoped for?
The Empress gave a bitter smile. It seemed that the Emperor's recent favoritism had made him arrogant and reckless, and he had completely forgotten his original intentions. If it weren't for this incident, he would probably have made one mistake after another, and eventually be abandoned by the Emperor, bringing shame to his family.
"The hairpin on Consort Chu's head is exquisite, with delicate and translucent gemstones. It's truly beautiful!" Consort Liu said, her voice tinged with jealousy as she looked at the hairpin on Consort Chu's head.
The Empress focused her gaze on Chu Baiwei's hair. Today, Chu Baiwei was dressed in a pale blue palace gown, her hands draped with a light veil. Her jet-black hair was styled into an exquisite updo, with a hairpin inserted diagonally in her hair. The tassels on her hair trembled slightly as she spoke, making a crisp and melodious sound.
The hairpin was modeled after a rose, with a large blue gemstone adorning the center of the blooming rose. The gemstone shimmered and sparkled, reflecting in everyone's eyes. The Empress could even see the envious glances of the women.
He used to be incredibly jealous; he was envious of anything Chu Baiwei obtained. But now, thinking about it, what was a mere concubine compared to her—an empress, the emperor's first wife, with the support of her family?
It was simply because he was too lonely, lacking the emperor's love and support, and fearing that a woman might take her place and bring her down to earth. The emperor's trust and respect had always been what he craved, and he shouldn't ask for anything more.
Adjusting her attitude, the Empress revealed a faint smile, the gloom that had previously enveloped her dissipating, revealing her inner radiance. In that instant, Chu Baiwei looked at the Empress, who was now in his arms, and sensed a change in her, a change that filled him with dread.
"Consort Chu is deeply favored by the Emperor, so it's only natural that she receives some good things. As long as you sisters serve the Emperor diligently and behave yourselves, the Emperor will certainly not mistreat you. Not to mention the Emperor, even I will reward you sisters."
She gave a few instructions to the maids behind her, and soon a dozen palace servants appeared before the concubines, carrying trays with exquisite wooden boxes lying quietly on them.
The palace maids opened the wooden box, revealing a series of exquisite hairpins. At a glance, it was clear that they were made by a famous craftsman, with every detail showing meticulous care.
"This...isn't this the gift that His Majesty bestowed upon Her Majesty the Empress during the Emperor and Empress's wedding? Her Majesty the Empress is usually very meticulous, why is she being so generous today? We concubines are truly unworthy of such a gift." Consort Bai, who was speaking, looked surprised. She had delicate and lovely features and a soft and pleasant voice.
She was once a head palace maid serving the Empress. To gain favor with Chu Baiwei, she was promoted by the Empress. Because of her cute appearance and likable personality, she was favored several times. Unfortunately, in the end, the Emperor was still swayed by Chu Baiwei, and she failed to achieve the Empress's goal.
Consort Bai had been with the Empress since childhood and knew her personality quite well. After falling out of favor, she remained obedient and never resisted the Empress's sarcastic remarks.
The Empress was always concerned with appearances and rules. She carefully kept everything the Emperor bestowed upon her and forbade anyone to touch it. While she wasn't exactly harsh to the concubines, she rarely showed them any kindness, let alone bestowed anything upon them.
"What I bestow upon you is naturally yours. As long as you serve the Emperor obediently and well, I will have plenty to reward you with in the future." The Empress placed her hands on her abdomen and smiled as she looked at the concubines below. The concubines had different expressions and whispered among themselves, not quite used to the Empress being so kind to them.
As expected, the Empress reached out and fiddled with the cloisonné and red coral earrings on her head, her tone sharp, "Of course, if anyone dares to cause trouble in this harem, don't blame me for being ruthless. The Emperor has given me the power to manage the six palaces. If anyone causes trouble and disappoints the Emperor, I believe all of you sisters know how to deal with her."
Using both kindness and severity, and employing a strategy of praising before suppressing, the Empress's nonchalant tone, laced with boundless murderous intent, sent chills down the spines of the concubines, especially those who harbored ulterior motives, who suppressed their thoughts.
Of course, there is one exception: Chu Baiwei. He is deeply favored by the emperor and has humiliated the empress countless times. He also covets the empress's position. Even if the empress doesn't deal with him, he will still deal with her.
How many women in this world wouldn't want to be the most honored woman in the world?
"Consort Chu, how is His Majesty's health these days?" The Empress turned her gaze to Chu Baiwei, and seeing the other's indifferent expression, she couldn't help but feel angry. But he had indeed improved quite a bit, and was no longer as blunt and sarcastic as before.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty has recovered very well, and he has even bestowed many fine things upon you!" Chunxiang, Chu Baiwei's personal maid, replied first. Chu Baiwei also raised her chin slightly, her tone arrogant.
"That's good. I will reward you with a golden begonia pearl hairpin as a reward for your diligent service to the Emperor."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"They're all my sisters, it's alright. These are just some of my things. But the maidservant beside Consort Chu is too unruly. How dare she interrupt when her mistress is speaking? Guards—drag her out and give her fifty lashes." The Empress smiled faintly, and with a few words, she dislocated Chu Baiwei's arm.
Chu Baiwei gritted her teeth; she knew Chunxiang was doomed. "Empress, one day I will make you kneel at my feet."
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