They didn't have to worry about food and clothing, but their lives were stagnant, and they weren't even free to stroll around the Imperial Garden.
If I were still wandering around the inner palace, what if I ran into the emperor?
The elderly imperial concubines were out of the question, as the emperor didn't have such unusual tastes. However, there were quite a few concubines left behind by the late emperor, most of whom were in their prime.
Who knows, before long, it might turn into some kind of palace secret. And what if another Wu Zetian emerges? That would be terrible!
Shen Meizhuang grew increasingly frightened. Palace power was important, but she couldn't let go of the emperor's concerns.
"Your Majesty, I understand. Please rest assured, I will take good care of myself and strive to have a son or daughter as soon as possible."
The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "That's good. I have nothing else to do here. Have Consort Jing help with the epidemic. Dress up and go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Advise the Emperor that state affairs are important, but his health is also important."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand."
After Shen Meizhuang withdrew, Zhu Xi asked, "Empress Dowager, you are worried about the epidemic, so why did you still let Consort Hui hand over the palace affairs to Consort Jing?"
"His Majesty is exhausted by this matter. Even if Consort Hui is very considerate, she probably won't be in the mood for it."
A cold glint flashed in the Empress Dowager's eyes. "The plague outside the palace has only been out for a few days. With all the preparations made before, how come tens of thousands of people have died?"
"Some people think I am deaf and blind, and want to try the same trick again to see if they can scare me to death. I enlightened them and they got their wish!"
Zhu Xi exclaimed in surprise, "You mean Consort Hua?"
The Empress Dowager said, "In any case, it's either her or the Chuxiu Palace. They probably think this old woman is too much of an eyesore and wish I would also catch the plague and pass away!"
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