Although the concubines heard the Emperor and Empress speak this way and continued to play, it was obvious that they were not as relaxed as at the beginning.
"Sigh, sometimes I wonder whether it’s your harem or mine. They seem to like you more." The Emperor pretended to sigh.
"They do prefer me. However, there are still those who only like you." Tianmiao smiled, turning to tease the person walking towards them.
Following Tianmiao’s gaze, the Emperor saw Xianfei and Meifei gracefully approaching with their attendants.
The Emperor awkwardly touched his nose, "I didn’t ask them to come."
"With them around, the children won’t enjoy themselves. You take them away." Tianmiao said unceremoniously.
"I have to leave too? Can I not just ask them to leave?" The Emperor pointed to his nose, somewhat aggrieved. Why did even he have to be sent away?
"That way, they would hold a grudge against these young girls." Tianmiao said flatly.
"How could that be? Xianfei is the most gentle and considerate, and Meifei is proud, disdaining to quarrel with these concubines." The Emperor immediately denied.
"Are you sure? Do you not really know them, or are you unwilling to say it outright?" Tianmiao looked at the Emperor, her voice turning a bit cold.
"I..." The Emperor was stunned, meeting Tianmiao’s gaze, suddenly at a loss for words. Does he know some things? He’s clearer than anyone. But some things, he doesn’t want to delve into or to know their true nature.
"Your Majesty, please." Tianmiao said calmly.
The Emperor stood up with a sullen face, glanced at the Empress, and said nothing as he stepped towards Xianfei and Meifei. Upon meeting them, after exchanging a few words, both women followed behind him, smiling brightly. Before leaving, Xianfei turned to give the Empress a provocative look.
Once the Emperor, Xianfei, and Meifei were far away, Consort Rong ran over, sat beside Tianmiao, poured her a cup of tea, and handed it to her.
"Empress, you could make the Emperor very happy. I don’t understand why you push him away." Consort Rong spoke very directly, but her words were filled with concern for the Empress, and carried a tone of persuasion.
"Do you think the Emperor’s favor is very important?" Tianmiao sipped the tea Consort Rong handed her and asked leisurely.
"Isn’t it important? Empress, you should know your situation best. Without family support, the Emperor’s favor is the most important thing for you." Consort Rong frowned, "Although I live comfortably, it’s only because the Emperor finds me agreeable. Even though I’m not favored as much as Xianfei and Meifei, he still visits my palace once or twice a month."
Tianmiao remained silent, and Consort Rong continued, "I originally thought it was just about living in a different place, that with Silver, anything could work. Later, I realized that’s not the case. In this harem, the Emperor’s favor is the most important. If I want to add to my meals, I can spend Silver, but those favored by the Emperor can buy the largest and fattest; without his favor, one gets the worst quality."
"Consort Rong, what are you trying to say?" Tianmiao put down her teacup, smiling at the bright and beautiful woman before her.
"I’m just trying to say that the Emperor’s attitude towards you has completely changed. You should seize this opportunity." Consort Rong’s tone was full of sincerity.