"But, my queen, can they... really do it?" Rainbow was still a little worried.
"Don't worry!" The queen smiled confidently, "One is scheming and resourceful, the other is arrogant and self-righteous. Such people are the easiest to control. Moreover, they both have things they want to get. With a little use, they can become chess pieces in my hands." The queen calculated everything clearly, as if everything was under her control.
Shoukang Palace was a place of tranquility and peace. Concubine Liu sat quietly by the window, a book in her hands, immersed in a world of words. Suddenly, her personal maid Dong'er hurried in, shattering the tranquility.
Dong'er leaned over to tell Concubine Liu a piece of news that had recently been circulating in the palace: the Empress Dowager had gifted many precious items to Concubine Xian. However, after hearing this, Concubine Liu didn't show much emotion. She just frowned slightly and continued to look down at the book in her hands, as if this matter had nothing to do with her.
In truth, even Concubine Liu herself couldn't quite grasp her true feelings at the moment. Rather than feeling envy or jealousy, as she'd expected, she felt these events were meaningless, like listening to someone else's story, unable to stir any interest or emotion. Once, when the emperor treated all his concubines equally, without favoritism, Concubine Liu hadn't felt resentful or frustrated, believing that everyone was in the same boat, and she'd considered that perfectly fine. Now, despite the emergence of a favored and virtuous concubine, Concubine Liu remained indifferent, as if none of this concerned her.
At that moment, a sudden realization struck Concubine Liu. She realized that while her body was imprisoned within this magnificent palace, her soul was unfettered. She seemed to have found her true destiny: a way of life beyond the intrigues and machinations of the court. However, reality was harsh. This magnificent palace not only imprisoned her own life, but also the safety of her family. She knew, as a woman, how difficult it would be to break free from this shackle of fate. Within the constraints of this feudal society, women's status and power were extremely limited, often becoming victims of political struggles and family interests. Concubine Liu lamented that no matter how many ideals and ambitions she had, she could not change this predetermined fate.
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