These concubines naturally did not come empty-handed; they would all bring small gifts for the Empress, such as pastries, books, self-painted pictures, a pot of flowers, self-embroidered items, and so on. The Empress would always graciously accept the gifts and reward them with even better things.
This made those lower-ranked concubines feel both surprised and delighted. Without the Emperor’s favor and a prestigious family background, their lives weren’t really great. The stipend for lower-ranked concubines is really low; sometimes, to eat something they desire, they have to pay for it themselves. Some of the struggling concubines even have their Palace Attendants take embroidered items out of the palace to exchange for money to get by.
And now, the Empress’s rewards greatly enhanced their lives. Their hearts brimmed with gratitude toward the Empress.
The Empress’s next action made their stagnant palace life lively because she also had them divided into two teams to play various games. Winners received rewards, ranging from various items to real gold and silver! This made the concubines even more enthusiastic. Following the Empress means having meat to eat! This reflects the sentiments and shared realization of all lower-ranked concubines.
The Empress’s garden was filled with laughter and cheer.
Tianmiao sat at the stone table, watching the group of bright young girls in front of her, their faces revealing the brilliant smiles expected at their age, and she, too, slightly raised the corners of her mouth. There is a world called Earth, in the Tang dynasty, where social customs are open, and women’s status is relatively higher compared to other dynasties. Whether common women or noblewomen, engaging in fun activities would not be criticized.
Yet these young girls, trapped in this deep palace, some never even encountering the Emperor once in their lifetime, eventually wither away silently, fade, and disappear. Now, it’s just a small effort for her to make their lives a bit better, so why not?
Consort Xian frowned upon hearing these affairs. Does the Empress plan to secure her favor using those lower-ranked concubines? That cannot be allowed. Moreover, the Emperor had promised to visit her twice, but both times ended up at the Empress Palace instead. Could it be that the Empress was already using those lower-ranked concubines to secure her favor then? Such tactics are truly shameless!
Consort Mei also frowned upon hearing these matters. Is this the Empress’s new trick? Does the Emperor become so enchanted when visiting the blooming Empress Palace that he can’t leave? She used to mock Consort Xian for eagerly waiting for the Emperor two nights in vain, but now she was feeling the same dissatisfaction herself. It seems that the Empress is the one causing mischief; such methods are truly despicable. No, she cannot let the Empress continue this way.
Thus, in the afternoon, while the Emperor was reviewing memorials, both Consort Xian and Consort Mei successively brought soup, then subtly slandered the Empress in front of him. The Emperor exclaimed—what is this? Unacceptable! To allow the concubines to indulge in play, it’s indeed improper. Thus, he could not continue reading and furiously rushed to the Zhaoyang Palace of the Empress.
Before even entering the doors of the Zhaoyang Palace, he heard laughter and merriment within. The Emperor halted the Palace Attendant’s announcement, stealthily tiptoed inside. Then he witnessed a scene he had never seen before—the concubines so lively. He had never seen them like this. As if a spring breeze brushed by, as if flowers were in full bloom, like a celestial paradise. Like a beautiful painting, making one reluctant to disrupt the scene.
He immediately spotted the Empress. In terms of appearance, the Empress wasn’t as stunning as any concubine present, yet just by sitting there, she could be noticed at first glance. She seemed like the center of all, smiling while conversing with some concubines, while others peeled fruits for her.
She was not the most beautiful, yet she was the most dazzling.
And none present noticed the Emperor had arrived.
The Emperor finally couldn’t help but lightly cough, only then did someone notice his presence.
The once lively and bustling garden instantly turned dead silent, everyone kneeled on the ground, overwhelmingly nervous.
Except the Empress.
The Empress still sat there.
Many faces turned pale, kneeling and trembling on the ground, all pleading for the Emperor’s forgiveness.
The scene sharply contrasted with the previously lively moment—a drastic reversal, an absolute transformation from gentle spring to harsh winter.
The Empress slowly raised her head, glancing at the Emperor. The meaning in her eyes was unmistakable: Look at the mess you’ve made!
The Emperor instinctively stepped back two steps, guiltily looking at the Empress.