"It’s a miracle that grape trellis actually survived transplant," the Emperor remarked while eating grapes, but then he suddenly changed the subject, "Empress, have you been having music and merriment every night lately?"
"Oh, not at all. I’ve just had the musicians practice intensely so that they can perform for your birthday," the Empress replied. The Empress’s birthday was next month, and the Emperor’s was the month after that, just one month apart.
The Emperor was moved. He remembered the Chief Eunuch mentioning that the Empress had composed some pieces herself and had the musicians practice diligently, just to perform at his birthday. Such thoughtful effort!
"You have a kind heart, Empress," the Emperor said emotionally, looking at the Empress.
Tianmiao smiled, "It’s only natural."
The Emperor, feeling happy, chose to express himself with rewards: reward, reward, reward! (Similar to how modern guys express affection for their girlfriends by buying gifts, buying, buying!)
The Emperor’s rewards flowed ceaselessly into the Empress’s Zhaoyang Palace.
The irate Consort was nearly jumping in anger. This was completely opposite to what she imagined! Damn it, damn it!
How did she suddenly capture the Emperor’s attention?
If she didn’t take some action, she could kiss the chances of becoming Empress goodbye.
Just as the Consort was pondering ways, the day to set off for the Summer Palace arrived.
The Emperor’s Dragon Carriage was spacious and comfortable, the Empress’s carriage wasn’t bad either. The Empress invited Lady Rong and Lady Qing to join her in the carriage for a card game—a simple game from Great Zhou Country. The wealthy used Jade Tokens, while commoners used wood or other cheap materials.
Lady Qing was much more lively and cheerful now, not afraid of Lady Rong in the slightest, especially since she had the Empress as a backer.
She didn’t hesitate to play the cards, even if Lady Rong glared at her. She just chuckled, took Lady Rong’s cards, and made her pay up. Lady Rong grumbled about bullying by virtue of power, then obediently handed over the money.
Meanwhile, the Emperor was bored in the Dragon Carriage, so he sent someone to ask what the Empress was up to and received the answer that she was playing cards with Lady Rong and Lady Qing.
"She sure knows how to enjoy herself," the Emperor chuckled, "Go and bring her over to me."
Thus, the Empress was forced to end the card game, promised to continue tomorrow, and went to join the Emperor in the Dragon Carriage.
The Emperor was sipping tea, and as the Empress boarded the Dragon Carriage, he laughed: "I’ve asked Consort Xian and Consort Mei to come over as well, we’ll all play cards together shortly."
How low his emotional intelligence is! Tianmiao mused internally. Seeing the fun she and Lady Rong had, he organized such a scene himself. Hoping his wives would all get along harmoniously? Wishful thinking.
If looks could kill, Consort Xian and Consort Mei had already fought a thousand battles.
When Consort Xian and Consort Mei excitedly boarded the Dragon Carriage, thinking they had exclusive favor, they saw the Empress and another rival, managing with great effort to squeeze out smiles.
Playing cards, sure thing. Tianmiao wouldn’t hold back, boldly cheating with spells. Eventually, she won stunningly, filling her pockets.
Consort Xian whined, lamenting her empty purse, and the Emperor grandly waved a hand, reward! Consort Mei looked pitiably at the Emperor, very well, the Emperor waved a hand again, reward.
Consort Xian and Consort Mei provocatively glanced at the Empress. The Empress smiled at the Emperor, saying, "Shouldn’t winners be rewarded even more than those who lost?"
Exactly! My Empress is so capable, truly deserving of being the Empress!
The Emperor waved his hand once more, reward!
The rewards that Consort Xian and Consort Mei received combined didn’t match what the Empress got.
Both of their eyes turned green with envy.