Counterattack of the Cannon Fodder Chambermaid

by Usui Takumii

not mine, Princess Capture Plan. Total: 177 chapters and 12 epilogue so 189 chapters .

16. 151 to 160

150

Yan yan's pregnancy was pretty stable.

She didn't get any nausea or other symptoms. Her stomach merely swelled up extremely quickly.

June arrived in the blink of an eye. The Yun Province's summers weren't hot, and along with Luo Huai Yuan's care, Yan Yan didn't feel unwell despite summers supposedly being unbearable for pregnant women. Perhaps it was due to her martial arts training over the years. Overall, Yan Yan was quite well-adjusted.

The cries of cicadas sounded ceaseslessly. Several towering trees stood by the lakeside, filling the surroundings with shade. The summer's fierce sun was completely blocked off, and the breeze added an additional layer of comfort.

Under the trees was a chair, upon which sat a person.

That person leaned against the back of the chair with eyes squinted in pleasure. A fishing rod stuck out towards the water. The surface was calm, occasionally disturbed by some ripples.

Suddenly, the person's eyes opened and he sat up. He exerted some force with his hand and pulled on the rod. A fish was actually hanging on the end of the line.

This fish wasn't big but it also wasn't small. It was just the right size for a stew. Luo Huai Yuan's left cheek revealed a small dimple as he took the fish off and put it into a bucket next to him.

"I knew you'd be here!"

A girl's voice sounded out. Yan Yan walked over from the distance. She wore red robes embroidered with gold-threaded chrysanthemums, paired with a verdant skirt with cloud and ripple patterns. Her little stomach was extended but it didn't seem to affect her movements. She walked over graceful as usual.

"Aiyo my great aunt, walk a little slower…."

Luo Huai Yuan leapt up extremely nimbly and threw the rod to the side. He swiftly went up and took her by the arm.

"What are you all good for? Don't you know to urge the consort to walk slower!?"

Lan'er and Liu'er pursed their lips and didn't dare argue. The two of them were Yan Yan's new personal palace maids after Mei Xiang's group got married off.

"Enough, you shouldn't blame them. I'm just pregnant, it's no big deal. It's only been a few months!"

With Luo Huai Yuan's support, Yan Yan went and sat in the chair. She took a glance at the bucket.

"Oh, pretty good. There's three of them already."

Luo Huai Yuan put his hands on his waist and said smugly: "Precisely. We'll take it to the kitchen later and have them make carp and tofu soup for you to drink."

Yan Yan smiled and didn't say anything.

Ever since Yan Yan was confirmed to be pregnant, Luo Huai Yuan had started busying himself. He still mostly busied himself with making food for Yan Yan.

Eating too much seafood would get stale, so he started getting some freshwater fish. When the Yun Prince Estate was constructed, they built a large garden in the back. There was a lake in the garden that initially had quite a lot of fish. Luo Huai Yuan felt there wasn't enough variety and brought back quite a few hatchlings and shrimp. After a few months, the small fish gradually grew bigger, and along with the original fish, there was plenty of shrimp and fish for Yan Yan to eat.

Furthermore, it was also a source of amusement for him. During these idle summer afternoons, he would take a fishing rod over and go fishing, using the excuse of wanting to supplement the consort's dinner.

Luo Huai Yuan clapped his hands together, seemingly having recalled something. He looked around and saw that Xiao An Zi had appeared at some point. He waved for him to go check the net hanging by the shore.

The net was woven with fishing lines. The mesh was extremely fine, and when it was lifted up there were things moving inside. Luo Huai Yuan received it and opened it for a look. He immediately smiled.

"My dear, how did you get in here? Don't you at all these small ones."

As he spoke, he lifted a large blue crab brandishing its claws, and threw it back into the lake. He then said to Yan Yan: "Look, there's also some freshwater shrimp. We'll stir fry them for you to eat tonight."

Yan Yan glared at him, "Eat, eat, eat. Look how I've become!"

Luo Huai Yuan squinted in a smile and said: "Not fat, fat not."

During this time, Yan Yan had gotten fatter compared to before her pregnancy. However, she wasn't like most pregnant women who would swell up like balloons. In the past, her figure was slender, upright, curvaceous and delicate. Now, she had gotten quite a bit rounder. She was white, tender and rosy, her fine complexion making others jealous.

Someone had already brought over another chair and a small table. There were a lot of snacks and fruits on the table, along with a cup of fresh milk.

This was Yan Yan's afternoon snack. Everything was requested by Luo Huai Yuan.

He said that pregnant women needed to eat well and be well for the baby to come out healthy and cute. Yan Yan had laughed at him. He hadn't given birth before, so why did he know more than someone who was pregnant? That fellow had put his hands at his waist and said he was proficient in everything. To put it plainly, he was just being considerate. Who said men couldn't be concerned just because they couldn't give birth? When a woman's husband was more concerned than her about her body, she would feel very blessed.

This was probably happiness.

Yan Yan had never regretted marrying Luo Huai Yuan. Perhaps it wasn't just a lack of regret. There were probably many other things, but it wasn't very clear to her. She just felt she was very happy, as though drifting in a warm ocean.

Yan Yan lifted the cup of milk and took a small sip. This thing actually wasn't tasty. It had a faintly raw taste, but after drinking it for a while it wasn't hard to swallow. Luo Huai Yuan held a cup of Holly Tea. His large physique made him suffer in the summer. While others didn't feel it was hot, he felt it was unbearable. But since Yan Yan was pregnant, they couldn't put anything cold in the room. Therefore, hiding in the shade of the trees was the best place to spend the summer.

"You should lose weight. Not only is this bad for your health, you will also suffer."

The tea was clearly cold but Luo Huai Yuan was covered in sweat after drinking. Yan Yan couldn't watch any longer and helped him wipe it off with a handkerchief.

"I know, I know. I will definitely eat less and exercise more in the future." Luo Huai Yuan said.

Yan Yan gave him a glance and ignored him.

Having been married for so long, no one knew better than her when he didn't mean something. His words were clearly just for show. However, Yan Yan also knew this wasn't the time for Luo Huai Yuan to lose weight. The two of them had discussed this in the past. Luo Huai Yuan's reasoning was very sufficient and convincing.

His words were thus:

"I'm tall and upright like a tree facing the wind. I'm outstanding and handsome. It's not an exaggeration to say no one was ever as good looking, and no one will ever be. Why would I remain fat for so many years? It's because I don't want to steal those people's thunder. Think about it. My current appearance is already deeply rooted in the minds of others. I'm just a fat, stupid and timid person. If I suddenly underwent a major change, wouldn't it scare everyone!? How eye-catching would that be?! What if I accidentally attrcact jealousy? It's better to remain fat…."

Yan Yan was struck quite hard by his self-confidence.

It had to be admitted that based on his features, Luo Huai Yuan wasn't an ugly person. When he was young, he was cute and chubby. However, it wasn't to the extent where his looks were unrivalled like he was saying. To put it plainly, he was just lazy, too lazy to move. Regardless, Yan Yan had never seen him exercise or practice martial arts.

Whenever he could sit, he definitely wouldn't stay standing. Whenever he could lie down, he definitely wouldn't stay sitting. Furthermore, he liked to eat. He ate whatever was tasty. Based on how he whipped up food for Yan Yan, it was clear how he bulked up over the years.

Of course his words weren't unreasonable. This truly wasn't a good moment for him to attract any attention. It was best if they laid low and lived their own lives.

At this moment, a eunuch hurried over and reported that the consort's mother, Madam Shen, had arrived. The carriage was outside the Gates of Righteousness.

Yan Yan stood up with a swish, her expression extremely astonished.

She had only sent word last month to the capital about her pregnancy. Since she was still supposed to be in mourning, she didn't make a big announcement. Only the people in the Yun Prince Estate were aware of it, as well as the Zhenguo Duke Estate and Shen Qi in the Fu Province.

After sending the letter to the capital, there had been no response. How did her mom end up coming over to the Yun Province? This place was thousands of miles away!

Yan Yan felt impatient and vanished with a step of her foot.

Lan'er and Liu'er's jaws dropped in astonishment. Luo Huai Yuan was the same way. However, he snapped out of it faster than the other two. He called out "great aunt" while chasing after her.

When Shen Yi Yao received Yan Yan's letter, she had been unable to sit still.

She was a woman and knew a woman's suffering. When she first got pregnant herself, she had been both pleasantly surprised and worried. She was especially emotional and missed her mother. She would return home whenever she was free and stay by her mom's side. Her thoughts were all over the place and along with her body's discomfort, she was tormented quite a bit.

Now, she wondered if Yan Yan was the same way. Her daughter and son-in-law were in the distant Yun Province, and it was hard to see them. Shen Yi Yao thought about this day and night, and her eyes couldn't help but turn red. In the end she couldn't endure and decided to make a trip.

No one in the Shen household stopped her. They all felt it was good for her to go. If the situation had permitted it, Second Madam Shen and the Zhenguo Madam would have gone as well. Although the Zhenguo Duke looked steady on the surface, he was also a little worried about his granddaughter.

Since Shen Yi Yao was going, Yan Mo was naturally not going to be left out.

Ever since the Weiyuan Marquis Estate was no more, Yan Mo started studying diligently, intending to stand out through the imperial exam. This was an important moment in his studies. He had been planning on taking the exam next year to try it out. Now that his sister was pregnant, she was naturally more important in his mind. The relationship between brother and sister had always been very good. After not seeing her for several years, to say he didn't miss her would be a lie. Shen Yi Yao didn't want to let him go at first, but couldn't talk him out of it. Therefore, the two of them packed up and departed.

They rode the carriage wearily to the Yun Province. Only after reaching the Yun Prince Estate's gates did the two finally feel relieved.

It naturally wasn't possible for Shen Yi Yao to be travelling lightly. Not only did she bring a bunch of maids and grannies, she also had quite a large retinue.

The long line of carriages were stopped outside the Gates of Righteousness, giving off the air of a wealthy household. When the name was given, someone hurriedly went inside to report.

Then they waited for a good amount of time. The closer they were, the harder it was to wait patiently. Shen Yi Yao frequently lifted the curtains and looked outside, hoping to see her daughter right this instant.

A weathered yet stalwart man in his forties got off his horse and came to the carriage window.

He was tall and sturdy, dressed in a slightly worn cloth robe. He didn't look handsome and seemed quite ordinary. However, the radiance within his eyes revealed that he wasn't simple.

"Sis Yao, don't be anxious. This prince's estate isn't small and it'll take some time to report."

Shen Yi Yao nodded and looked a little sour, "It's my fault. I should have listened to you and had someone send the news in advance. I just felt that since we were about to arrive, there was no need to go through the trouble."

152

Regardless of the court's reaction, moving into the palace proceeded at a pace that was neither slow nor fast.

First the former emperor's concubines had to move out. Once they were relocated to the Cian1 Palace, it was time for the new concubines to move in.

Xiao-Shi was given the Fengqi Palace. This move made those observing either let out a breath in relief or feel deeply disappointed. The Fengqi Palace was where many generations of empresses had lived. By moving in, the matter seemed to have been decided. All that remained was to see when she would be conferred.

Qiao-Shi was given the Longcui2 Palace's main hall. Yu Jiao and Yu Rong lived in the side halls.

Xiao Hua was arranged into the Chenxi3 Palace.

The Chenxi Palace wasn't on the center line of the imperial palace, but was located towards the back left of the Jing Emperor's Violet Imperial Hall. Not long after the previous emperor died, the Jing Emperor kept insisting on simplifying things. Neither the Violet Imperial Hall nor the Fengqi Palace were redecorated. The Jing Emperor only ordered for the Chenxi Palace to be properly renovated.

The meaning behind this was worth everyone pondering over.

Once all the previous concubines moved out, the Chenxi Palace started undergoing renovations. By the time everyone finished moving and right before it was Xiao Hua's turn to move in, the renovations were completed. The timing had been grasped perfectly.

At this moment, Xiao Hua was eight months pregnant.

Afterwards was the long awaited conferral of titles. First Yu Jiao and Yu Rong were officially decreed imperial concubines. Yu Jiao was given the title of Tranquil Concubine and Yu Rong was the Serene Concubine. Next, Qiao-Shi was given the title of Virtuous Concubine and appointed mistress of the Longcui Palace.

The decrees conferring Xiao-Shi as empress and Xiao Hua's conferral were given together.

As Xiao-Shi knelt and received the edict within the Fengqi Palace, the Jing Emperor arrived at the Chenxi Palace.

When he arrived, Yi Yi and Zhuo'er were both sprawled on the couch stroking Xiao Hua's large belly.

"Mom, when is little bro coming out? Why is he always in there?"

Xiao Hua was half reclined on the couch and she stroked her daughter's little face, "There's still another two months. What, does Yi Yi want to play with him already?"

"That's right." Yi Yi stroked her round belly once again and said quietly: "Little bro, hurry and come out. Big sis will share some rose cakes with you."

"It could also be a little sis." Xiao Hua said while smiling.

Yi Yi furrowed her little brows and muttered to herself for a bit, "A little sis is fine as well. Yi Yi can play with little sis while big bro plays by himself."

Zhuo'er said on the side: "Maybe it's better to have a little bro, not a little sis."

Xiao Hua asked meaningfully: "What? Zhuo'er doesn't like little sis?"

"It's not that I don't like her. Little sis is too dumb. If another dumb little sis gets added on, Zhuo'er will get a headache."

These words made Xiao Hua burst out laughing. The Jing Emperor who had been listening outside the door for a while also revealed a smile.

"Father….."

Yi Yi's eyes were sharper. Seeing the Jing Emperor by the door, she ran over.

Xiao Hua sat up and was about to stand when she was stopped by the Jing Emperor.

"Majesty, why not make a sound after coming?"

"Listening to you speak with the children."

Xiao Hua smiled, "Were you secretly laughing at the children again? Children at their age are all innocent and pure."

"No, the two children are very good and very smart."

He played with the children for a while. Actually, it was mostly Yi Yi curiously asking about this and that. Ding Xiang brought the two children out before the Jing Emperor pulled out a decree from his sleeves and gave it to Xiao Hua.

Xiao Hua opened it and took a look. She saw a string of eloquent praise before finally getting to the main topic. The gist of it was that she would be conferred a senior concubine with a pretty good title: "prime."

The Jing Emperor stroked Xiao Hua's hand, "I feel like it's not enough, but…."

Xiao Hua covered his mouth and smiled with tears in her eyes, "I feel it's already more than enough."

The Jing Emperor pulled her into his arms and didn't say anything.

He wouldn't have been able to distinguish such things in the past. However, after living in the East Yuling alley for a few days before returning to their normal life, he felt a discrepancy in his heart.

He couldn't point out anything specific, but he would always feel he was wronging her. They were clearly supposed to be the husband and wife, but they weren't in reality. There was still someone between them. Someone whom he clearly wanted to cast away, but couldn't.

"I wanted to wait after you gave birth to pass down the edict. At that time I would have given you a grand conferral ceremony. But then I thought if you gave birth to our child after receiving a high ranking title…."

The Jing Emperor's expression was still unaffected as usual, but from his words it was clear he had some knots in his heart. As for Xiao Hua, having been his partner who shared his bed for so long, she naturally understood him extremely well.

It was enough to know his heart ached for her!

He was probably afraid she would feel uncomfortable about a different woman receiving the honor that comes with being his principal wife…..

Actually Xiao Hua was able to obtain information faster than the Jing Emperor had imagined. She had known from the moment he drafted the edicts and delivered it to the Ministry of Rites. The only thing she didn't know was that he would bring her copy over, even before the edict-declaring eunuch arrived at Xiao-Shi's place.

She could truly understand the meaning behind his actions. Therefore, she didn't care about anything else….

At some point, Xiao Hua's tears had started flowing. Only when the Jing Prince busied himself with wiping them for her did she realize.

"Aiya, I told you this time's pregnancy has made me more emotional….Sir Jing, I'm really very happy…."

Sir Jing was what Xiao Hua called the Jing Emperor when they were back at the East Yuling alley. At that time, she could call him this affectionately. After getting to the palace, Xiao Hua rarely used this form of address.

The Jing Emperor rubbed her hair and didn't say anything. He listened to her mutter in his arms.

"…Yi Yi keeps saying it's a little bro. I feel like it's a girl. She's so emotional that it has spread to her mom as well…."

"It's fine if it's a daughter. She'll be our second princess."

The conferral ceremony for a senior concubine was rather complicated. Because it wasn't convenient for Xiao Hua to move about, everything was simplified.

Only Xiao Hua's part was simplified. When she was supposed to kneel and listen to the edict, she was allowed to stand while supporting her stomach. Even the final kneeling three times and kowtowing nine times upon receiving the edict was not required. Since his majesty said it wasn't necessary to kneel, no one dared say otherwise. But the various rituals by the Ministry of Rites were still performed according to the rules.

The day after being conferred senior concubine, she was supposed to kneel three times and give nine kowtows to the empress dowager. Because there was no empress dowager in the palace, this was no longer required. Then it was time to pay respects to the emperor and the empress. Because the empress's conferral ceremony hadn't been held yet, this part was also no longer required so people wouldn't nitpick the fact Xiao-Shi wasn't the empress yet.

As for paying respects to the emperor, that part was even more easily handled. The Jing Emperor didn't leave the night before, and the morning of the next day, Xiao Hua paid her respects to him. Before she could lower herself properly, she was lifted up.

Afterwards, Xiao Hua laughed about it with the Jing Emperor. Everything had truly been simplified.

The empress conferral ceremony was much more complicated than the senior concubine's. Just preparing for it took over a month. By the time the ceremony came, it just so happened to be Xiao Hua's due date.

The empress received the golden phoenix marked announcement and returned to her palace. Before she could take it out and look upon it with pleasure, she received news that the prime senior concubine was going into labor. She immediately flew into a rage. She wondered whether this senior concubine purposefully waited for her conferral to give birth.

Theoretically, the empress should be making a trip for the sake of appearances, but the empress had never gotten along with that prime senior concubine. Furthermore, she felt that she was ruining her happy occasion and was even more unwilling to go.

At this time, an old nana walked over and said after saluting: "Empress, since this is the new emperor's first child after ascending the throne, everyone is watching. For the sake of your reputation, it's better to make a trip to the Chenxi Palace."

The empress knew this person spoke the truth. With a face full of impatience, she called her palace maids over to help her change into regular clothing before heading towards the Chenxi Palace.

When she arrived, she saw the Jing Emperor sitting outside the delivery room in the side hall. He still wore his set of heavy imperial robes.

The emperor and empress had both participated on the conferral ceremony's first day. The Jing Emperor had been in the front court while the empress was in the rear palace. Based on his current clothes, he had clearly hurried over straight away from the front court.

The empress sat down next to the Jing Emperor, "Majesty should go change out of those clothes. This seat will watch over the prime senior concubine."

The Jing Emperor didn't speak and also didn't look at the empress.

A palace maid served up some, and placed a cup next to the empress. Eunuch Fu took the tray of tea and offered it in front of the Jing Emperor. Only then did the Jing Emperor vacantly place the tea cup in his hand on the gold plated tray and took a new cup from it. Eunuch Fu took the tray back to the palace maid on the side. The empress saw that the tea saucer from the previous cup had already shattered into several pieces, supporting the tea cup on top precariously.

His majesty was just that worried about that bitch?!

It would be best if it was a difficult birth that resulted in death. That way, she could openly accept the senior concubine's motherless child as her own. The empress had heard midwives say that giving birth was putting one foot into the gates of hell. The slightest mishap would result in tragedy…..

The empress was lost in her own thoughts, glancing at the delivery room door with flashing eyes. The Jing Emperor seemed to have sensed her malicious intentions, his apathetic eyes shifting over onto Empress Xiao's face. Empress Xiao was too focused and didn't notice.

After their presences were announced, Virtuous Concubine Qiao and the Tranquil and Serene Concubines walked in. They first saluted the Jing Emperor and then the empress before standing to the side.

"Majesty, don't worry too much. The senior concubine will definitely be fine."

The Jing Emperor suddenly felt inexplicably irritated, and felt that these people were all eyesores.

One of them showed unconcealed malice while the other's words made it sound like some issue had occurred. He wasn't an impatient person, but this time he lost his patience.

Actually Virtuous Concubine Qiao was a little unjustly blamed. How could she be looking for trouble with the Prime Senior Concubine in front of the Jing Emperor? She was just giving some routine words of comfort while trying to make an impression. But due to the empress's poor example, her opportunity turned into misfortune.

"All of you may leave. No need to wait here."

"Majesty—-"

The Jing Emperor frowned.

Eunuch Fu immediately stood up, "Why don't you concubines return to your palaces first. His majesty is being considerate since it's hard to say how long it'll take."

Xiao-Shi's group could only stand up, salute, and leave.

After leaving the Chenxi Palace, Virtuous Concubine Qiao gave Empress Xiao a curtsey.

"Let me congratulate the empress first, and head over tomorrow to pay respects."

Empress Xiao revealed a dignified smile, but Virtuous Concubine Qiao's following words made her smile turn rigid.

"Unfortunately, it seems the senior concubine won't be able to make it tomorrow. She really knows how to pick her timing. But she has always been understanding of etiquette, and will definitely come in the future to make up for it."

On the second day of the empress conferral ceremony, the emperor would be accompanied by the nobility and officials to pay respects to the empress dowager. Afterwards they would go to the Hall of Origin. Everyone gathered would express their congratulations and the emperor would pass down an edict decreeing prosperity for everyone. At the same time, the empress would have to pay respects to the empress dowager, and kowtow to the emperor.

Afterwards, the empress sat in the Fengqi palace as all the women from the highest concubines to the princesses and other women worshipped her. This included the princes and heirs as well.

Since the prime senior concubine was giving birth today, she would definitely not show up tomorrow. Furthermore, if the delivery dragged on, would it still be possible to proceed with the ceremony?

Empress Xiao's heart was suddenly a mess because she was uncertain.

Virtuous Concubine Qiao's words weren't intended to be mocking. She was just giving her a reminder. As for what Empress Xiao thought about it, that had nothing to do with her.

After the unrelated people left, the delivery room doors suddenly opened.

Xiao Hua supported her stomach and walked out under Matron Xu and Nana He's support.

"Majesty, you shouldn't worry. You should change out of your imperial robes. This servant concubine will still be a while."

Xiao Hua was currently going into labor, but it wasn't time to give birth yet. The labor contractions were still too far apart. Her going into the delivery room in advance was to make preparations such as taking a bath and eating a few things, as well as exercising to make the birth easier.

Someone had reported that the empress had arrived, and to avoid surprising people, Xiao Hua had entered the delivery room, leaving the Jing Emperor outside by himself. They couldn't let others see that the senior concubine who had gone into labor wasn't giving birth, but instead urging his majesty to go change and eat!

"Does it hurt a lot?"

The Jing Emperor stood up and took a couple of steps forward. He stroked her hand and wiped the sweat off her brow.

"Not too bad. Matron Xu said the time hasn't come yet. Why don't you go change? This servant concubine will eat a little with you. I have to eat something to replenish my stamina anyway."

Seeing this, the Jing Emperor finally changed out of his heavy robes and ate together with Xiao Hua.

After eating, Xiao Hua entered the delivery room, leaving the Jing Emperor waiting outside once again.

Translator's notes:

Minor spoilers, maybe?

Author's notes:

This author has found many reasons for Hua Hua's inability to be conferred empress at this moment.

Background too low.

The Jing Prince has a principle wife.

There is no reason to confer a concubine over the principle wife, especially since she was his first marriage. If the Jing Prince didn't confer her, he would be drowned in spit.

Of course, it might not be certain in the future. The rear palace isn't a place where background is emphasized. If the emperor says you are noble, then you are noble. Heavens bless you Xiao-Shi, you definitely shouldn't court disaster. It's much easier to be abolished than to be conferred. In ancient times, quite a few imperial concubines ended up being conferred empress. Haha.

Compassionate Calm

Clinking Jade

First light of dawn

153

Everyone's attention was naturally focused on the new emperor's first offspring after his ascension.

The moment the second prince was born, the news was spread all over.

Xiao Hua didn't take long to deliver him. She had adjusted herself well during pregnancy and had made plenty of preparations. Before evening fell, the baby was safely delivered.

When the empress received the news, she immediately let out a breath, and then gripped the bowl of medicine in her hands tightly.

The next day, the empress conferral ceremony continued according to convention.

The Jing Prince's apathetic air seemed to have faded quite a bit on this day. Considering the birth of the second prince, the officials all understood the reason.

Xiao Hua should have been the one leading the concubines to pay respects to the empress. Virtuous Concubine Qiao took over the role instead.

The empress sat high above on her throne and seemed extremely satisfied. The only regret she had was that Xiao Hua wasn't there. But what others had said was right. In the future, she would be the empress, and thus was in charge of the rear palace. She wielded the phoenix seal, and would have other opportunities to deal with that person.

This day belonged to the empress. Xiao-Shi had never experienced this feeling of looking down upon everyone while sitting up high. She grew intoxicated on this feeling, but something suddenly happened that snapped her out of it.

On the second day of the empress conferral ceremony, the Jing Emperor passed down an edict conferring the eldest prince Luo Zhuo as the crown prince.

This imperial edict immediately aroused great waves.

Many officials submitted memorandums saying that this was unreasonable.

This time the Jing Emperor didn't engage in tai-chi with these people and overruled them extremely abruptly. What was unreasonable? Apart from emphasizing the principle wife, the Grand Xi Dynasty had always emphasized seniority as well. Since the principle wife didn't have any offspring as of this moment, there was no need to consider her. Thus, it made sense to go with seniority. The eldest prince was the Jing Emperor's oldest son, and his mother's status was also not low. She was personally conferred the senior concubine by his majesty, and even had a meaningful title.

What do you mean the prime senior concubine had a lowly background? Within the imperial rear palace, there was no regard for background. Everything under the heavens belonged to the emperor. If the emperor said someone was highborn, who would dare call that person lowly?

Furthermore, the Jing Emperor also said that establishing the crown prince early made the nation more stable. This was also truly reasonable.

Those underneath naturally weren't able to pick out any faults with the emperor's attitude and actions. The few who did were intentionally ignored by the Jing Emperor. Things were thus decided.

Jia Sheng, the director of the Board of Rites, was unperturbed. While the others were astonished, he was the only one who wasn't.

This was because he had received the edict establishing the crown prince at the same time as those conferring the empress and the senior concubine. He had already gone through the procedures early on, and was only now bringing it out.

The meaning of this was worth some serious consideration.

Of course, Jia Sheng was also an old talent. He had some thoughts in his mind, and didn't mention them to anyone.

The second prince's Third Wash ceremony was held at the Chenxi Palace. The Jing Emperor presided over it personally. This time wasn't as before with Luo Zhuo's case. Many people wanted to attend, but since the Third Wash ceremony was for within the family, only the rear palace's concubines and the former emperor's few princesses were in attendance.

Empress Xiao's teeth itched with resentment but she still had to act magnanimous and come along. She looked aggrievedly at the Jing Emperor but he didn't even spare her a glance. After she returned, she fell ill due to her anger.

After coming to the capital, the empress rarely became seriously ill. She at most had to keep drinking medicine, and occasionally had a headache or coughed a couple of times. She had been incredibly excited at being conferred the crown prince consort and then the empress.

This time she became bedridden after getting back. She didn't even have to pretend, and summoned many imperial physicians to diagnose her. It could be seen how much the series of events had stimulated her.

Some people commented privately that the empress wasn't magnanimous enough. Merely showing up for the second prince's ceremony was enough to make her bedridden with anger.

In the Chenxi Palace.

"Mother concubine, why doesn't this little bro wake up. He's always sleeping."

"Little bro is still young. Wait until he's as big as our little Yi Yi. Then he'll play with Yi Yi every day."

Yi Yi pouted, her face showing a hint of complaint.

"Yi Yi isn't little anymore. I'm a big princess. Eldest Princess Calm Virtue."1

Yi Yi's conferred title had already been granted. She was given the title of "Calm Virtue". After being called "eldest princess" by everyone, she started correcting Xiao Hua whenever she called her little Yi Yi. It's not little. It's big. It seemed as if the word "big" was much, much better than the word "little".

Crown Prince Zhuo'er glanced at his silly sister and rubbed his finger against his younger brother's little face.

It seemed every child was sensitive towards the word "little". Zhuo'er was the same way. His age was little and his person was little and those around him always called him little crown prince. Zhuo'er was very displeased. He made a point to correct them and said he should be called big crown prince, just like when they called him eldest prince initially. Yi Yi ended up learning this from her brother.

After Xiao Hua found out about it, she almost couldn't breathe for laughing. Even the Jing Emperor revealed a rarely seen smile that was between laughter and tears.

"Alright, it's time for your younger brother to breastfeed. I'll have auntie Ding Xiang take you guys out to play."

"No, Yi Yi wants to stay and look at little bro."

Xiao Hua didn't say anything else. She pulled aside her clothes and held her second son up. The small baby seemed to have smelled the fresh milk and leaned in without even opening his eyes.

The second prince wasn't deficient in any nourishment after being born. Xiao Hua hadn't planned on breastfeeding him herself initially. But after thinking of how healthy Zhuo'er and Yi Yi were after being raised on her breastmilk, she would still personally breastfeed a couple of times. The rest of the time it was left to the wet nurses.

Yi Yi looked at her younger brother suckling vigorously and her eyes turned red from envy. She chewed on her finger and it wasn't clear what she was thinking.

"Yi Yi, mom has told you many times not to chew on your fingers. It's a bad habit."

Yi Yi immediately put her small hands behind her back, and smiled blinkingly at Xiao Hua, saying quietly: "Mom, little bro sure is enjoying himself!"

"Little bro can only drink milk, so he gets hungry more often."

"Mom, after little bro is done eating, let Yi Yi have a couple mouthfuls."

Xiao Hua looked at her daughter in shock, "Doesn't Yi Yi not like the taste?"

Zhuo'er and Yi Yi started eating actual food quite early on, and naturally stopped drinking breastmilk. Such small children insisted on eating tasty food. Xiao Hua had joked about it to the Jing Prince at the time.

"But little bro is enjoying himself so much—-"

She was just envious.

The second prince was still young, and couldn't drink that much. Xiao Hua didn't take any lactation preventing medicine, and would have to squeeze out quite a lot every day. Seeing her daughter's longing gaze, she figured her daughter was still young at three years old. Some households breastfed until the children were seven or eight years old.

"Milk isn't actually tasty." Xiao Hua still wanted to discourage her daughter.

Yi Yi pursed her lips, looking disbelieving.

Fine. Children were more curious at this age. Furthermore, they never gave up until the end.

Seeing that the second prince had eaten his fill, Xiao Hua wiped his little mouth with a handkerchief and called her daughter over.

Yi Yi didn't stand on ceremony and the moment she came over she grabbed her mom's white mounds and sucked two large mouthfuls.

"Little sis, is it tasty?"

Little Yi Yi's expression was weird as she nodded: "Tasty."

Zhuo'er looked bashfully at Xiao Hua, his little face earnest. "Little sis got to eat."

How could Xiao Hua be unaware of her son's awkward little personality? She smiled and pulled her son over. Zhuo'er carefully sucked in a mouthful. The taste was weird. He wasn't willing to believe it and leaned in once again.

When the Jing Emperor arrived, he was greeted with the scene of his eldest son grabbing Xiao Hua'er's white mounds. He immediately furrowed his brows. He cleared his throat and Zhuo'er immediately retracted his mouth like a startled mouse.

Xiao Hua's face was aflame as she forced a normal expression and stroked her sons head, "It's not tasty, right? You guys are already over three years old, but are still envious of your younger brother."

Zhuo'er muttered: "It tastes very weird."

Yi Yi burst out laughing and clapped her hands. "Big bro got tricked. It actually wasn't tasty at all."

Only now did the Jing Emperor's expression look a little better. He walked over and sat on the side.

Xiao Hua knew that men were petty. When she first mentioned breastfeeding after giving birth to the second prince, she was refused. Only after bugging him for quite some time did the Jing Emperor agree to let her occasionally do it.

"The two children are still young. They saw their younger brother drinking milk and got curious."

This could be counted as an explanation, right?

Xiao Hua snuck a glance at the Jing Emperor whose expression was indecipherable.

She thus thought this matter was done with.

After another two days, the second prince turned one month old.

His one month anniversary naturally needed a grand celebration. The Jing Emperor seemed like he wanted to make up for his regrets with Zhuo'er back then, and put a lot of emphasis on this event.

Since it was a grand celebration, all the princesses, officials and titled women all had to participate.

The Jing Emperor arranged a banquet at the Hall of Bright Sun. Another banquet was arranged at the Hall of Harmony in the rear palace. The empress should have been the one to preside over it, but she was bedridden and thus naturally didn't qualify. Therefore, Xiao Hua who had the highest status in the rear palace outside of the empress and was the birth mother of the second prince ended up presiding over things.

This could be counted as the prime senior concubine's first time meeting all the titled women since Xiao Hua wasn't present during the empress's conferral.

Xiao Hua had assumed it would just be a casual encounter, but realized she had been mistaken.

The titled women outside the palace had to salute the higher ranked titled women on the inside. The salutations differed based on their various statuses. Normally, the highest ranked titled woman outside the palace was a first-ranked madam. Since Xiao Hua was currently a major first-ranked senior concubine and since women inside the palace were higher than those outside by a rank, everyone had to pay their respects to Xiao Hua.

Since there were too many people, they naturally couldn't do so one by one. Apart from the Duchesses with extremely high ranks, everyone else saluted in a group along with those of their rank.

Luckily the paying of respect was overseen by a female official, and didn't require Xiao Hua to spend too much thought. She just had to sit on the Luan Throne and accept the salutes, and bid them to rise once it was done.

Xiao Hua wore the royal robes of a senior concubine as she sat on her throne. Her face held a smile as she watched a group of titled women approach. These women wore the proper clothes of nobility and their bearings were extremely good. There were young and pretty ones as well as ones who were old and grey.

Xiao Hua saw an extremely familiar person within the group, and after thinking for a while she recalled who she was.

It was the Jinyang Marquis's madam!

This name stirred up Xiao Hua's distant memories and she couldn't help but space out.

She still vaguely remembered how she had knelt wretchedly in front of her back then for a path of survival, but ended up being dragged off and sold…..

"Concubine, are you tired?"

Ding Xiang's voice sounded in her ear. Xiao Hua had just gotten out of her puerperium, and everyone in the Chenxi Palace worried about her condition as she had to go through such an extremely formal occasion wearing the heavy royal robes.

"It's nothing."

The eunuch leading the rites called out: "Salute—–"

"Greetings to the senior concubine. Long live the senior concubine, long live the senior concubine."

"Rise."

"Thank you senior concubine."

This wasn't the first time the Jinyang Madam entered the palace. Titled women had to enter the palace and offer congratulations whenever there were major events. Previously she had come to congratulate the empress during her conferral ceremony. This time it was for the second prince's one month anniversary while also paying respects to the senior concubine.

Seeing this large arrangement, it seemed the emperor's true purpose was to increase the senior concubine's reputation. Otherwise, why did the female officials make this into such a big event? No one would believe that there wasn't someone directing things in the back.

Although she thought this in her mind, the Jinyang Madam wasn't foolish enough to show anything on the surface. None of the titled women that were present were fools. They probably saw through many things but no one dared to show any abnormalities.

The emperor wanted to increase his favored woman's reputation. They were all women here, and naturally understood the meaning behind this. Furthermore, the prime senior concubine's power was currently at its peak. In terms of favor, she was the solely favored one. In terms of children, she had two sons and a daughter while the empress didn't even manage to lay an egg. Since none of them had any vested interests, no one would offend her for no reason.

The Jinyang madam was quite curious about this person who could make the most powerful man put in so much effort. She took the opportunity while saluting to sneak a glance at the prime senior concubine seated on the throne.

This prime senior concubine was extremely beautiful. Her palm sized little face contained a pair of limpid eyes. Her skin was extremely fair and her bearing extremely graceful. Yet she also contained a hint of youth and inexperience. The combined effect gave her a charm that made one unable to look away. It wasn't clear how old she was. She seemed as though she was in her twenties, yet also seemed very young…..

Up until she stepped down, the Jinyang madam had still been lost in the prime senior concubine's beauty. Yet as she thought about it, her brows couldn't help but furrow. She felt that this prime senior concubine looked a little familiar.

Virtuous Concubine Qiao and the Serene and Tranquil Concubines stood on the side, unable to conceal their jealousy. The Serene and Tranquil Concubines were still all right, and were merely admiring. Virtuous Concubine Qiao's expression was strange. She wanted to show a magnanimous and appropriate smile, but wasn't quite successful and it became extremely weird.

But the three of them were just bystanders on this day, and no one paid attention to them. Even if they did, they could all sympathize with the jealousy of the three who had to share a man with this solely favored person. They were all women after all.

Author's notes:

Don't think this author is being vulgar. This author has seen six or seven year old children watching their mother breastfeed a younger sibling and wanting to have a taste out of curiosity.

The term "eldest princess" is written "big princess" when translated literally.

154

!

The second prince was brought out to show his face before being carried away again.

Since he was only a month old, everyone was quite understanding. Even if they weren't, a royal son wasn't someone who could be held by anyone. He wasn't like a baby in a normal household who could be played with a little.

Then it was time for the banquet, which really just meant it was time to eat.

But there was quite a lot of etiquette involved with eating in the palace, especially when the titled women from the outside dined with those on the inside. Luckily there was a female official who led the event. Otherwise, Xiao Hua would definitely make mistakes.

She finally understood why his majesty said it was better for her to invite this female official over. Turns out that he had expected this. There were too many complicated rules to follow. Everyone was dressed in formal clothes and the banquet no longer looked like a banquet. Instead, it became like a competition to see whose etiquette was better. This made Xiao Hua feel extremely unnatural and afraid she would make a mistake somewhere.

The female official seemed to have noticed Xiao Hua's anxiety and said quietly: "If concubine doesn't wish to remain, it's ok to leave."

"Is it fine?"

Xiao Hua hadn't experienced such an occasion before, and still had the mindset of hosting guests at a normal household. The host naturally had to accompany the guests in that case. She didn't realize that this sort of banquet was just a venue for the nobility to interact with royalty, and was more for political purposes. It allowed the ruling monarch to maintain and strengthen his relationship with his subjects. The royal family didn't mind giving their subjects some of this glory, and those who were able to participate were naturally pleased to receive it.

But how could the monarch be viewed in the same fashion as his officials? Although Xiao Hua wasn't the monarch, since the Jing Emperor had her entertain the outer titled women, she represented the Jing Emperor's dignity, and should be viewed in the same way. Therefore, once the official ceremony had concluded, it was up to her if she wanted to stay.

"It's fine." That female official smiled as she looked at the various titled women below, "Perhaps these people feel more reserved with concubine being present."

This female official's smile made one feel extremely at ease. It had the considerate feeling of being immersed in spring winds.

Xiao Hua couldn't help but ask: "Does anything need to be said?"

"No need, concubine."

Xiao Hua got up. The music and festivities in the hall quieted down. She gave a smile to the crowd below and took her leave. When she stepped out the door, she heard the female official giving a formal explanation to the gathering. The gist of it was that the concubine had just gotten out of her puerperium and hadn't completely recovered yet. What followed was another wave of congratulations.

After leaving, Xiao Hua complained to Ding Xiang: "These rules are too complicated. It's truly tiring."

"Such occasions are quite common in the future. Concubine still needs to get used to it. But once you're used to it, it won't be a big deal anymore. As the mistress, you can naturally slack off a little."

Thinking of those titled women who were left behind to simmer, Xiao Hua couldn't help but smile at Ding Xiang over their misfortune.

It naturally wasn't comfortable for those outer titled women to enter the palace. Although it was an honor, they would all be exhausted once they left.

The Jinyang Madam had been stewing over things in her mind the entire day, and only after getting on her carriage did she reveal a bewildered expression.

Once she returned to her estate, the Jingyang Marquis saw his madam still looking dazed and couldn't help but ask: "What is it? You seem to be preoccupied this whole time."

Tian-Shi felt her mouth was a little dry and her heart was pounding over her conjecture. She cleared her throat and asked: "Lord Marquis, do you know anything about that prime senior concubine? Do you know what her family background is like?"

The Jinyang Marquis muttered to himself and shook his head, "Why are you suddenly asking this? This prime senior concubine's background is very mysterious. No one's heard much about her before, so it's likely she doesn't have a noble background."

Tian-Shi swallowed and pretended to be calm: "It's nothing. I just felt that she was extremely beautiful and was curious."

Xiao Hua returned to the Chenxi Palace. After half an hour, the Jing Emperor returned as well.

His fair face contained a hint of red. He seemed to have drank some alcohol.

Xiao Hua personally helped him out of his clothes and prepared water for a bath. When the Jing Emperor finished bathing, Xiao Hua was in the middle of eating swallow's nest porridge.

"Majesty, want to eat some?"

The Jing Emperor brushed aside his damp hair and reclined lazily on the couch. He shook his head.

After Xiao Hua finished eating, she grabbed a cotton handkerchief from Chun Cao and went to the couch to dry the Jing Emperor's hair.

The Jing Emperor didn't like having others serving him closely, especially regarding his hair. Apart from those special few people, he would never let anyone else touch it. Every time he finished washing his hair, if Xiao Hua didn't say anything he would just let it drip, and didn't even know to call someone to dry it.

Ever since Xiao Hua realized this bad habit of his, she wouldn't be able to endure it and would dry his hair for him. He thus became dependent on her. Whenever he washed his hair, he would wander about in front of Xiao Hua with his wet hair until she couldn't endure any longer and dried it for him.

After Xiao Hua dried the Jing Emperor's hair, she saw how comfortable he looked and had Ding Xiang bring over a comb. She let him lean against her legs as she slowly brushed his hair loose and used her fingers to massage his scalp at the same time.

The Jing Emperor squinted his eyes in pleasure, and played around with the corner of Xiao Hua's clothes. He seemed to be in a very good mood.

"Was today tiring?"

"Tiring. There were too many rules. Only after experiencing this event did I realize that the etiquette I learned in the past didn't really count as etiquette." Xiao Hua let out an embarrassed laugh. "It's a good thing there was the female official helping. I ended up leaving as soon as I was able to."

The Jing Emperor let out a satisfied "en" sound, "There will be many such occasions in the future. It's good to get used to it."

Once the Jing Emperor's hair was pretty much dry, the two of them went to bed.

The curtains were lowered and the Jing Emperor's gaze changed. Xiao Hua naturally understood what this meant.

After the previous emperor passed away, he needed to observe the mourning period. She had been pregnant and he was busy every day. During this long half a year, the two of them had only done it once or twice. Furthermore, since they had to be cautious they couldn't properly enjoy themselves.

The Jing Emperor had truly been starved. He didn't say any superfluous words before pressing over. Having not done it for a while, Xiao Hua was also quite starved. The Jing Emperor merely teased her a few times before she wasn't able to endure it any longer.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and presented herself for the monarch. But this monarch ended up focusing on the wrong spot, and started teasing her chest instead. Not only did he tease it, he also started sucking on it.

It wasn't like she hadn't experienced this before. While she breastfed Zhuo'er, Yi Yi and now her second child, she had also "breastfed" this man of hers. Therefore, Xiao Hua's face only turned red but she didn't push him away. She even had him alternate between the two. Xiao Hua always kept in mind what Matron Xu said about her breasts becoming different sizes if they weren't evenly fed from.

The Jing Emperor suckled for some time before grumbling, "No feeding the children in the future."

Xiao Hua was distracted as she felt her body burning up. She couldn't help but say aggrievedly: "Then I'll have the imperial hospital prescribe some lactation preventing medicine."

The Jing Emperor gave her a glance and didn't respond.

….

After a long, long time, the Jing Emperor finally said, "Not allowed."

Xiao Hua spent quite a lot of effort before she finally understood what he meant.

….

After tossing around until midnight, the two finally stopped.

Xiao Hua was already unable to move from exhaustion. The Jing Emperor carried her to take a bath.

Ding Xiang took the opportunity to tidy up the bedding. She saw the various traces on the bed that even included some milk stains, and couldn't help but blush.

Ding Lan was more open minded with her reactions and turned a blind eye to it as she tidied everything and put on some fresh sheets.

When the two of them left, Ding Lan teased quietly: "I've never seen you get so shy easily before. What, you've started to understand the meaning behind this after meeting up with Vice Commander Zhao a couple of times?"

Ding Xiang gave her a pinch, "That mouth of yours really has no filter."

"It's ok, I know you guys have a good relationship. You shouldn't leave him hanging. Go tell the concubine when you have a chance. She's a good person and will support the two of you."

Ding Xiang knitted her brows. "Ai—-I know this. But looking at the current situation, the concubine is lacking people by her side. It's better to wait a little."

"But you aren't young anymore, and can't afford to wait."

Ding Xiang didn't speak further. She looked at the moon hanging in the sky and let out a deep sigh.

The empress's illness was truly quite serious this time. Otherwise, she would definitely not have let Xiao Hua increase her reputation during the second prince's one month anniversary.

After the banquet ended, Virtuous Concubine Qiao came to the Fengqi Palace.

The empress clearly knew she wasn't here for anything good, but she couldn't suppress the hope in her heart and invited her inside.

Virtuous Concubine Qiao was very astonished at seeing the pale face empress lying in bed.

She feigned a few words of concern before getting into the main topic.

The main gist of her words were that with the empress absent, the prime senior concubine had been in the spotlight. The female official had organized it into a huge event and all the outside titled women had paid respects to the senior concubine. It was enough to seem as if they were paying respects to the empress instead.

Virtuous Concubine Qiao was someone who was good with her words. Sometimes, despite knowing her ulterior motives and knowing the situation clearly, it still wasn't possible not to be emotionally affected by her words.

The empress was extremely clear what her intentions were. She clearly felt that this senior concubine was an insurmountable obstacle and wanted to borrow her might as the empress. Cannon fodder were also pushed to the front like this. But sometimes it was inevitable to unite against a common enemy, even if one clearly knew their intentions. After all, this matter had stabbed her own heart in the same manner.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Although Virtuous Concubine Qiao and the Empress weren't friends, they did have a common enemy. Virtuous Concubine Qiao's meaning was extremely clear already. The rest was up to the empress to decide what to do.

Once Virtuous Concubine Qiao left, the empress couldn't help but cough up a mouthful of blood.

She felt a trace of sorrow in her heart, but also plenty of resentment. She resented that person's existence, resented Virtuous Concubine Qiao for grabbing at her like a lifeline, both of them challenging her prestige as empress over and over.

Nana Zhao walked over and helped the empress drink a bowl of medicine.

"Empress shouldn't listen to the virtuous concubine's words. It's putting a toll on your health. Empress's health cannot afford anymore disturbances."

"She didn't say anything false. This seat also understands her intentions…." The Empress grew emotional and grabbed Nana Zhao's hand, "But this seat really wants to have that person die. Can Nana help me with this?"

Nana Zhao's gaze turned inexplicably gloomy, "Empress is overestimating me. Empress needs to understand something. It's important to first raise yourself up. You don't have any foundation in the rear palace. The one you should ask for help isn't this servant, but rather someone you should rely on."

"Someone I should rely on…"

"Empress, you've forgotten about the Royal Imperial Concubine. The royal concubine has been the empress for almost thirty years. Having been in the palace for so long, she has no need to fear a newly promoted senior concubine."

The empress laughed very mockingly. As expected, it still came to this.

This was the first time she truly hated herself for being powerless. Virtuous Concubine Qiao had poked her sore spot and continuously challenged her dignity as the empress. The Xiao clan had done the same. She clearly knew that Nana Zhao was sent over by the Xiao clan, she knew everything….

But did she have the power to refuse?

Heh….

155

.

Having thought about it continuously for several days, the Jinyang madam still couldn't resist calling her son Ruan Siyi's concubine Bi Yuan over.

Bi Yuan couldn't figure out why the madam was asking about a maid's appearance from long ago. However, being personally summoned by the madam meant was an opportunity to get closer to her. She naturally racked her brains and did her best to recall.

After thinking for a while, she finally remembered this person. The reason she could remember was because this person's appearance was quite outstanding and also because that event had ended up causing quite the mess.

Although four or five years had passed, she was still able to remember if she put some effort into it.

Bi Yuan slowly described the person in her memories. As her memories were stirred, her description slowly became more and more detailed.

After the Jinyang madam finished listening, her willow brows furrowed.

"If I found a painter, could you describe her features to him?"

Bi Yuan nodded hesitantly and said: "Should be able to."

After Tian-Shi heard this, she let out a breath. She didn't let anyone else handle it and took Bi Yuan to the study.

Tian-Shi was quite the talent when she was younger, and was rather good at painting.

Bi Yuan carefully spoke as Tian-Shi's brush moved. After countless revisions which took an entire afternoon, they managed to sketch out a small likeness painting of a girl.

The girl in the painting was extremely frail, her body slender and her posture was half lowered with her eyes withdrawn. Only her exquisite little face could be seen while her eyes remained hidden.

Tian-Shi frowned but Bi Yuan said it looked extremely close.

Seeing that the madam seemed a little unhappy, Bi Yuan asked quietly: "Madam, is something…."

"How old was this person back then?"

Bi Yuan thought for a while: "Very young. Perhaps thirteen or fourteen. When the young master placed her under this servant, this servant wondered where he got such a young lass."

"Alright, you can take your leave first. Don't mention this to anyone."

"Yes." Bi Yuan bent her knees in salute. Before she left, she said, "In the past, she was close with Grandma Wang from the small kitchen. This servant would always see her in the small kitchen."

Tian-Shi waved her hand and Bi Yuan took her leave.

The Jinyang madam was a little dispirited. The sketch looked completely different from that person.

The person in the drawing was young, inexperienced and frail. Her face looked decent but there was only half of it visible. As for that person, she had been full of the natural grace that could only be developed from being endlessly pampered. Apart from the sharp chin, nothing else looked similar.

Thinking of the Grandma Wang that Bi Yuan mentioned, Tian-Shi's heart stirred once again. She called her subordinate Matron Qu over and gave some detailed instructions. Matron Qu went to carry out her instructions.

…..

A few years had passed and Grandma Wang was even older now. She still stayed in the Jingxiu Pavilion's small kitchen, and often sat in the same spot without moving.

These days some people had come trying to make her acquaintance but she didn't even spare them a glance. She sat and waited for them to reveal their fox's tail.

They finally revealed their intentions, but it turns out they had actually wanted to ask about the little lass from several years ago.

Grandma Wang still remembered that lass. Who knew where such a fine little lass ended up being sold off to. Grandma Wang felt sad just thinking about it.

She was sad for herself, and it was also a sort of sympathy for someone suffering the same plight.

Grandma Wang's eyes stared vacantly, confusion written across her wizened face, "Who are you asking about? You, from the Liu family's second branch, this old woman is already old. My memory hasn't been good these few years…."

As she spoke, Grandma Wang fumbled around, using a stick to prod at the stove fire. Her movements were slow and wooden.

This person from the Liu family's second branch also felt they were making things difficult for this old woman. She was so old her memory definitely wasn't good. Seeing that they couldn't get anything out of her, they returned and reported to Matron Qu.

Grandma Wang watched him leave and sighed again. Who knows why they're bringing up that lass, it's been almost five years since she was sold!

Tian-Shi received the reply and felt even less confident.

Just as she was about to dispel this notion, Bi Yuan suddenly asked to see her.

"Madam, this servant remembered one more thing. That little lass had a pair of extremely beautiful eyes."

Tian-Shi quivered, and called someone to bring over a paper and a brush. She make a few strokes with her brush.

"Did it look like this?"

"Right, right. The shape is very similar. This servant hadn't seen such an eye shape her entire life."

Tian-Shi took a deep breath and took out a new piece of paper. She started drawing carefully, and soon an exquisite beauty's face appeared. After adding the final touches, she had Bi Yuan take a look.

"Did she look like this?"

Bi Yuan continuously nodded "This servant has only noticed her once. This little lass looked very outstanding, but strangely never attracted anyone's attention."

"Alright, you may leave. Remember not to mention this to anyone."

After Bi Yuan left, Tian-Shi's eyes flashed weirdly.

A person's temperament could change and their appearance would change a little as they matured. But this sort of change would definitely not be too big. She looked at the person in the drawing once again and revealed a profound smile.

However, Tian-Shi was always thorough in doing things. Despite being sure in her heart, she still had people ask around outside.

Although Xiao Hua's background seemed mysterious to many people, it wasn't really a secret. After the Jinyang madam investigated and matched up the timing, she finally confirmed that this prime senior concubine was a bed-crawling maid she had sold off back in the day.

Could this information be used to her advantage?

The pampered prime senior concubine. She grew excited just thinking about it.

Once the empress somewhat recovered, she came to pay respects to Royal Concubine Xiao. This was the first time meeting with the royal concubine after being conferred empress.

The royal concubine lived in the Cian Palace's main hall. Compared to the other former concubines who shared a side hall, her treatment could be counted as extremely good.

None of the former concubines dared to kick this dog who had fallen into the water, even though the royal concubine was no longer the empress and even though she didn't even have a son.

Her daily life was extremely leisurely, copying down a few scriptures and burning some incense in worship. If seemed that after the previous emperor died, she had gotten addicted to burning incense and worshipping Buddha.

When the empress came to pay respects, she was in the middle of copying a scripture. She didn't put on any airs, and didn't force the empress to wait outside. Instead, she allowed the empress to stand and watch next to her.

Around half an hour later, the royal concubine placed the brush in her hand down and slowly let out a breath. Two palace maids offered a warm hand towel which she pressed against her face before using to wipe her hands and throwing it back on the palace maid's tray.

They went to the main hall and took a seat. The royal concubine sat in the higher seat while the empress sat in the lower one. They royal concubine lifted her tea cup and started drinking tea.

What the empress hated most about the royal concubine was this point. No matter the occasion, she always had to display this lofty attitude. The empress hadn't met her that many times, and it was all when she had first married the fifth prince. Every time she went to the Fengqi Palace, this so called aunt of hers was always seated high up on her throne while she kowtowed below and trembled.

As of today, she was now the empress while her status had become awkward. But it still seemed that her own status was lower than hers.

The empress suddenly had the urge to smash her cup and leave, but managed to suppress it. She understood what she was here for.

"I heard your health isn't too good?"

"Yes, aunt."

As she spoke, the empress couldn't help but cough a couple of times. Although she seemed to have recovered, it was really just on the surface.

The royal concubine gave her a glance and said faintly: "Your body is your biggest asset. Those outside hadn't even made a move yet and you're already angering yourself to death. What's the point of struggling on? Why not just honestly stay in place."

The empress's face suddenly flushed. She felt humiliated at having her flaws pointed out. She wanted to speak, but was interrupted before she could.

"Here are a few scriptures. Take them back and write down a copy every day to clear your mind. Bai Shao, send the empress back."

"Yes."

The empress left unwillingly. Bai Shao returned to the royal concubine's side.

"Concubine, is this ok? This servant noticed that the empress's face was full of indignation. I'm just afraid she'll form some resentment in her heart."

"If this seat had known things would turn out like this, I definitely wouldn't have given her to the Jing Prince. Any other daughter in the Xiao clan would have been more presentable than her. This personality of hers needs to be properly polished." After speaking, the royal concubine lifted the tea cup. She said with a frown, "This tea is getting worse and worse….."

Bai Shao didn't dare speak.

When the royal concubine was still the empress, all the good things in the palace was first given to the Fengqi Palace. This included the finest tea leaves. As of today, the empress was now the royal concubine, and her treatment naturally wasn't as good. Of course, this didn't mean that the Jing Emperor was mistreating the former concubines. It's just that a concubine's allocations were this way to begin with. It's hard to become frugal after being accustomed to luxury. This saying was quite fitting.

"How are things over at Bai Zhi's side?"

Bai Shao shook her head, her face full of worry. "His majesty didn't do anything to her, but that Esteemed Official Qi's methods are extremely good. Since she's also clearly one of his majesty's people, everyone naturally yields to her. Esteemed Official Chen….isn't doing too well…."

The royal concubine vented her anger as she let out a cold hmph, "Fool! This grand empress of ours isn't thinking of properly consolidating her power in the rear palace, and is fussing over some trivial matters instead. This makes it difficult for us to make any progress in the palace. Is she even a daughter of the Xiao clan!?"

After a while, she spoke again: "Have Nana Zhao give her some pointers."

"Yes."

The Grand Xi nation had several rankings for female officials. There were six offices and twenty-four departments that worked together to oversee the service in the entire palace.

The six offices were: The esteemed office of the palace, esteemed office of rites, esteemed office of service, esteemed office of meals, esteemed office of housing and esteemed office of merits. Each of them were in charge of four departments and together, they managed affairs inside the palace.

The esteemed office of the palace had two major fifth ranked female officials as the matrons. Under the guidance of the empress, they were in charge of court affairs.

After Nana Zhao pointed a few things out to the empress, she summoned the two esteemed officials. Seeing the one called Esteemed Official Qi, the empress's heart skipped a beat.

No one understood better than her the methods of this person surnamed Qi. No, it was actually the Jing Emperor's methods. Back at the Jing Prince Estate, she had been made a mere figurehead. Could it be that it would be the same here in the rear palace?

As expected, the empress's office of affairs encountered numerous setbacks. They would often encounter things that contradicted the "rules". Esteemed Official Qi would then bring out the palace's book of law and inform her.

If she listened to her, then it would be fine. If she didn't listen…well, it wasn't important if she listened or not. They would merely proceed according to the "rules".

The offices and departments were actually established by the previous dynasty. This sort of system definitely restricted the empress's power. To put it plainly, while the empress was in charge of the entire rear palace, the ones responsible for distributing the orders were the six offices.

Back then, when Xiao-Shi who was still the Jing Consort was made a figurehead, the Jing Prince hadn't come up with anything original. He merely used the rules of the palace and applied them to the Jing Prince Estate.

Of course, everyone had their own methods. The former empress had installed her own people into the esteemed office of the palace and used them to control the rear palace. That person was the current Esteemed Official Chen. In the past, the other esteemed official was someone who belonged to the Virtuous Loyal Empress1. After the Virtuous Loyal Empress's death, that person was replaced by Esteemed Official Qi.

The empress was enraged and tried to use her status to suppress Esteemed Official Qi while calling for her to be replaced.

Esteemed Official Qi was calm in the face of the storm, and informed the empress that to replace a major fifth-ranked official required his majesty's approval. Esteemed Official Qi's attitude and words were full of respect, but her meaning was very clear: don't joke around, this servant belongs to his majesty.

In her helplessness, the empress could only borrow Esteemed Official Chen, who could be said to be on her side, to suppress Esteemed Official Qi.

Unfortunately, Auntie Qi had started making arrangements back when she was still in the eastern palace. She had the help of the internal general manager Eunuch Fu, and they both had the backing of the Jing Emperor. None of the female officials in the six offices and twenty four departments were blind. They naturally knew what was beneficial for them.

To be able to live peacefully in the depths of the palace, people all had to go along with the direction of the wind.

The wind was currently blowing towards the current emperor. Wherever his majesty goes, those under him would naturally follow along. Just like when the previous emperor shared his love with both the senior concubine and the empress, the subordinates also divided into two factions.

As of today, his majesty clearly put everything towards the person in the Chenxi Palace, so naturally no one dared make trouble for her. Just like how his majesty clearly wanted to make the empress a figurehead, so no one dared to prevent it.

Even Royal Imperial Concubine Xiao was able to sense this formless muzzle being placed upon her. In the past she had several people she could rely on. Now these people were either unusable or had been relocated from their key positions.

This sort of situation made Royal Imperial Concubine Xiao extremely resentful, while also feeling that Emperor Jing was not a simple person.

Normally, when a man experienced a reversal of fortunes, he would place all his thoughts on governing properly, and would rarely care about the smaller details.

This included the former emperor. The authority of the rear palace had been completely handed over to her. Although Senior Concubine Xu had managed to struggle against her, the former emperor had never interfered in the affairs of the rear palace.

Only this Jing Emperor was different from others. This man actually paid attention to the trivial matters.

The royal concubine had cursed the Jing Emperor countless times in her heart for being petty and unrefined. But although she cursed, she was clearer than anyone why the Jing Emperor would act this way.

Author's notes:

Little Xiao-Shi and old Xiao-Shi are a bit at odds. Even the wisest people won't be able to carry a bad teammate. Don't worry, those who will act up will all act up in the next chapter. A cornered dog will choose to jump over the wall after all.

Translator's notes:

Noticed one of the comments under the raws:

"Did the Jinyang madam's head get squeezed by a door? "Could this information be used to her advantage?" Shouldn't she be trying to figure out how to apologize and curry favor, in case the senior concubine takes it out on the entire estate?"

Senior Concubine Xu.

156

.

The palace held a grand banquet for the mid-Autumn Festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month.

Because it was a moon-viewing banquet that was enjoyed by the monarch and his officials, it was set in the pavilion on the lake within the imperial gardens.

The pavilion was extremely large, constructed upon the blue waters of the lake. There was an open-air terrace constructed of white marble which was perfect for viewing the moon.

The banquet was divided into two areas for men and women. The Jing Emperor sat on the left with the officials and nobility while the empress sat on the right with the concubines and the titled women. They were separated by various potted plants that were as tall as a person.

Such a banquet when hosted at night was extremely magnificent. Countless lanterns lit up the pavilion and there was singing, dancing and playing instruments. It looked like a scene from paradise.

The empress sat in the seat of honor.

She was dressed up in an extremely eye-catching manner. She wore a bright yellow palace outfit and wore a nine-tailed phoenix hairpin on her head. Under the lamplight, she looked graceful and opulent, giving off the prestige of the nation's mother figure.

Below the seat of honor, two long rows of seats were arranged. Xiao Hua sat in the first seat on the left and Virtuous Concubine Qiao was seated the next spot down. Further down, the titled women were arranged by their ranks. The right side's layout was the same, except there wasn't a seat across from Xiao Hua.

There were many fruits and refreshments placed on the table. One of the plates contained various sorts of bite-sized mooncakes. They looked extremely exquisite.

The two children sat with Xiao Hua in her seat. One was wearing a delicate crown prince's outfit and the other wore a pink little palace outfit. Combined with the children's jade-like appearances, they looked extremely cute. They attracted the attention of countless women. They truly felt that this senior concubine was good looking, and her dragon and phoenix pair of children were also extremely outstanding in appearance.

This was the first time the children participated in such an occasion, and they were naturally quite curious. Yi Yi saw the palace dancers performing and couldn't bear to even blink. Zhuo'er was much better off. Although he also felt it was novel, he didn't express anything on the surface. He sat upright next to his mother concubine, exhibiting a crown prince's demeanor to the extreme.

This made his mom Xiao Hua unable to stop herself from smiling.

"Zhuo'er, aren't you tired sitting like that?"

"A little." Zhuo'er furrowed his little brows, "But Gentleman Qian said that although Zhuo'er is still young and doesn't need to learn anything else, basic etiquette needs to be observed. Especially in front of outsiders. Can't let down the royal family's appearance."

Gentleman Qian was the crown prince's gentleman, and was responsible for teaching the crown prince etiquette and correcting his mistakes. The Grand Xi Nation did have an established institution in the eastern palace, which had the three official tutors and three junior tutors to instruct the crown prince. Since Luo Zhuo was still young and still lived with Xiao Hua in the Chenxi Palace, he didn't have to be registered yet. However, he still needed to learn etiquette every day.

Xiao Hua could see that this child had some hard days ahead of him. But as the Jing Emperor said, his position required him to be groomed in this way. If his parents spoiled him too much, it would only result in their child becoming a useless person in the future. Furthermore, Xiao Hua didn't know how to teach a child, and especially didn't know how to teach an heir apparent. Thus, she could only go along with the Jing Emperor's arrangements while doing her best to cherish her children more during their free time.

"Let mother concubine know if you're tired. You're still very young, no need to work so bitterly."

Luo Zhuo only nodded, but still remained in his upright position. Xiao Hua saw her child's determination and no longer said anything.

Compared to Zhuo'er, Yi Yi didn't have much of the bearing of a princess. However, the eldest princess was still young, and no one would question it. She grew bored of the singing and dancing after a while, and started fussing to Xiao Hua that she was hungry.

They hadn't eaten dinner that night. Even as their mom, she had only eaten some snacks. After getting here, there were still only snacks to be had. Xiao Hua instructed Ding Xiang to prepare some of the children's favorite foods.

The Jing Emperor sat up high on the left side, and could see the situation clearly. Although he held a cup of alcohol in his hand and his expression remained unperturbed, has gaze had never left that spot.

Seeing the movement on that side and thinking the same thing as Xiao Hua, he quietly gave Eunuch Fu some instructions. Ding Xiang moved very quickly, and soon brought over some food. There was sweet porridge and butter biscuits, as well as little buns, and jujube paste rolls. Yi Yi liked sweet foods and smiled the moment she saw them. With Ding Xiang's help, she started eating. Zhuo'er didn't like sweets so Xiao Hua used her chopsticks and grabbed a couple of little buns and a jujube paste roll into his empty plate for him to eat.

Zhuo'er was also hungry, and started eating the things Xiao Hua had given him.

The two finished eating, and some palace maids cleared the things away.

At this time, a low-ranked eunuch carried a golden platter over. On the platter were several large, golden colored crabs. They were the size of one and a half palms. There was also a jug of alcohol.

"These are freshly offered crabs. His majesty bestowed it for the concubine to enjoy. There's also some superior amber wine."

Xiao Hua turned her head towards the raised platform and happened to meet the Jing Emperor's eyes.

Although she couldn't see clearly, she could understand his meaning. He was definitely thinking how she hadn't eaten dinner yet. The children could eat first and no one would find fault with them, but she wasn't able to do so. Therefore, he bestowed some crabs to let her fill her stomach.

Xiao Hua smiled in his direction and said: "Tell his majesty this servant concubine thanks him for his bestowal."

This was witness by many people, including the empress.

Only bestowing the senior concubine but not the empress. Everyone could see where his majesty's heart lay.

Looking at the empress's rigid expression, the Serene Concubine let out a rare smile. She made eye contact with the Tranquil Concubine who was also smiling in Schadenfreude.

Ding Xiang was responsible for peeling the crab while Xiao Hua was responsible for eating it.

Dipped in garlic vinegar, it was exceptionally tasty. Even Yi Yi and Zhuo'er continuously ate several bites.

"Alright, alright. Children shouldn't eat too much food with cold essence. It's not good for your health." While she told the children this, Xiao Hua who should also be eating less cold foods hadn't stopped yet.

Crabs were cold in nature, but when eaten along with amber wine, the effects were counteracted. Therefore, Xiao Hua drank several cups of amber wine. The amber wine didn't burn the mouth, and was extremely pure and fragrant. Xiao Hua subconsciously drank a few more cups.

The light breeze gently brushed her cheeks and the full moon shone above her head. The moon's reflection in the water was surrounded by ripples, and it suddenly felt like paradise.

Eunuch Fu walked over, "Concubine, his majesty had this old servant come invite his highness the crown prince over."

Xiao Hua nodded and Zhuo'er left with Eunuch Fu to the Jing Emperor's side.

The banquet reached its halfway point and the atmosphere became more relaxed. The sound of chatter gradually became louder.

The Jing Emperor's side had various officials eating and drinking together. Xiao Hua's side had some of the titled women leaving their seats to interact with others. Even the empress was speaking closely to a few women who appeared to be her relatives.

Virtuous Concubine Qiao's maternal family was the Chengyang Count's household who also had people present. Her mother and older brother's wife came over to her and spoke about family matters.

In comparison, Xiao Hua's place was extremely cold and cheerless.

She wasn't familiar with the women in the capital, and those who wanted to curry favor with her didn't dare since they didn't understand the senior concubine's personality.

At this moment, the Jinyang madam walked over. She first gave Xiao Hua a salute and then struck up a conversation.

"Seeing no one by concubine's seat, this servant shamelessly came over. Actually there are a lot of madams who want to make concubine's acquaintance, but don't dare because they don't know your personality. But this servant has thicker skin, so hopefully concubine won't blame me."

"Jinyang madam is overpraising."

"This is the eldest princess, right? She looks like one of Buddha's fairy maidens. Like a jade statue, so fair and cute…."

Yi Yi didn't really like this stranger in front of her and looked at Xiao Hua, saying: "Mother concubine, Yi Yi wants to play with brother."

"Brother is over by father's side."

"Then I'll go find father."

Xiao Hua considered it and said: "Mother concubine will have auntie Ding Lan take you. You have to behave, and can't run around. Just stay by your father's side."

Seeing Xiao Hua agree, Yi Yi pulled Ding Lan along. Ding Lan held her hand and along with a few palace maids and two eunuchs took Yi Yi to the left side as a group.

Xiao Hua turned her attention back to the Jinyang Madam and said: "Apologies madam. What were you just saying?"

The Jinyang madam smiled rigidly for a bit, "This servant was just praising her highness the eldest princess for her intelligence and cuteness. It seems her highness is so wise at such a young age, she will definitely be a role model for our Grand Xi's princesses in the future."

Xiao Hua smiled awkwardly. This person was really laying on the flattery without blinking an eye. But of course, hearing this person compliment her child, she still felt quite pleased.

But for some reason, Xiao Hua couldn't really stand this flattering person. She didn't know what to say to her, and merely smiled without saying anything.

Xiao Hua felt her behavior was appropriate enough, but some people would feel that it wasn't that good.

Especially since Tian-Shi felt that she had something she could use against this senior concubine. At this time, the prime senior concubine should be the one currying favor with her instead. Unexpectedly she seemed to be giving her the cold shoulder. This made Tian-Shi a little angry, and her eyes flashed as she looked at Xiao Hua.

"This servant feels that concubine seems a little familiar. Kind of like someone I had seen a few years ago."

If Xiao Hua still didn't understand the Jinyang madam's meaning after this gaze and these words, she would have lived her life for nothing.

She pursed her lips in a reserved smile and her expression was indifferent, "Really? Madam might have confused me with someone else. This seat isn't from the capital."

"Is that so? Perhaps this servant made a mistake…."

"Madam naturally made a mistake."

"But it wasn't just this servant who had seen that person before. There were quite a few others. This servant's estate has an old servant called Grandma Wang….."

The rest of her words were cut off by a gaze that penetrated one's heart. That cold glance seemed to contain countless of knives and arrows.

Because she knew the prime senior concubine's background, the reverence in Tian-Shi's heart had long since been replaced by contempt. This was why she alone dared come over to talk to her when no one else did.

The reason being that she felt she had some blackmail on her!

This feeling was as though the lowest person had suddenly found out a shameful secret about someone extremely high and noble. She immediately felt that she could use this weakness to force this noble person to give her glory and power.

The Jinyang madam's thoughts weren't wrong. This sort of information truly couldn't be revealed to others. Even if the truth wasn't like this, everyone knew that public opinion could often override the actual facts of the matter. Xiao Hua's current reputation would be thoroughly ruined.

This was even more the case since Xiao Hua wasn't by herself. She had three children behind her. A crown prince, the eldest princess and a second prince. If their mother concubine's reputation was ruined, it might implicate the children as well.

But, at the same time, Xiao Hua couldn't show any weakness.

Xiao Hua understood this sort of person's thoughts too well. Her greed knew no bounds. If she gave in, she would never see the end of it. Not only would she be faced with this boundless greed, even her children would be implicated.

"Jinyang madam, this seat thinks you probably understand. Some words you can say, some words you cannot say. Watch your mouth. Don't implicate your entire family…."

Xiao Hua currently had some backing for her attitude. This was because she knew the Jing Emperor would definitely believe her. Of course, how to deal with this Jinyang madam also gave her a headache. She wasn't worried about the Jing Emperor's side, but was afraid things would spread…..

Suddenly, a clamor arose in the distance. There were many people surrounding the place and someone cried out: "The eldest princess has fallen into the water….."

Xiao Hua's body suddenly went limp. She hurried over with Ding Xiang's support.

Behind her, the Jinyang madam stood in the same spot. Her expression revealed some fear and also a trace of malevolence.

From behind her, a voice suddenly rang out, "Madam, why are you standing here?"

The Jinyang madam froze and saluted soon after, "Greetings to the Virtuous Concubine."

157

By the time Xiao Hua rushed over, the Jing Emperor was already there. Yi Yi had also been rescued from the water.

The child was completely soaked and coughing non-stop, spitting out water. Zhuo'er stood on the side and repeatedly called out "little sis", his little face turning red from worry.

"Yi Yi…..majesty…."

"Concubine, the eldest princess is fine. She was rescued the moment she fell into the water….."

Xiao Hua immediately let out a breath, and went over to her daughter who was in the Jing Emperor's arms. She stroked her face and only then started crying.

The imperial physician arrived very quickly. After a careful examination, he said there weren't any major issues. She should take a hot bath after getting back, eat some lighter foods and drink a bowl of ginger soup. If she doesn't get a fever in the middle of the night, everything will be fine.

At some point, all the officials and outer titled women had been sent out. Only the palace maids and eunuchs who had been present at the time remained, as well as the empress and the concubines.

"Just what exactly happened?"

All the palace maids and eunuchs were on their knees. Eunuch Fu summarized things with a dark expression. Only then did Xiao Hua know how Yi Yi managed to fall into the water when she went over to the Jing Emperor's side.

It turns out that after she went over, she got bored of sitting there and pulled her brother along to play. The Jing Emperor saw that there were many servants following behind them and thus permitted it.

But Yi Yi was naughty, and seeing the moon's reflection in the water as well as the pretty ripples, her heart had stirred. Then seeing the countless lanterns in the water, she went over to the water's edge and asked the palace maids to grab a lantern for her.

There were around ten people who were waiting on the two children. Everything had been fine. Ding Xiang and the rest of the people with the children had been repeatedly warned to guard them carefully today, thus surrounded the two tightly.

But somehow, the eldest princess ended up falling into the water.

"Concubine, someone, someone pushed us."

Ding Lan was also completely soaked. When the eldest princess fell into the water, she was the first one who noticed and jumped in to lift her up. This was why Yi Yi wasn't hurt too badly, and only choked on some water. It was cold by the lake to begin with, and the wind was blowing. After they got out of the water, everyone had rushed to check on the eldest princess and completely forgot about Ding Lan on the side. At this moment, she was shivering from the cold.

Xiao Hua had someone bring Ding Lan some warm clothing. Ding Lan draped it over herself and continued speaking: "This servant was standing behind the eldest princess when someone suddenly pushed from behind. The eldest princess ended up getting bumped off. This servant saw things weren't good and jumped in after her."

"This servant was behind Auntie Ding Lan, and was pushed over by someone behind. " One of Yi Yi's palace maids called Yu Chuan said.

"This servant was also shoved…."

Once everyone finished speaking, Xiao Hua finally understood how Yi Yi ended up in the water.

This was the princess and crown prince's first time attending such a banquet. Xiao Hua had been afraid something would happen, and ordered everyone to keep an eye on them.

Her subordinates had done their best, but this was also their first time and they weren't experienced enough. The eldest princess wanted to go to the lakeside and they couldn't stop her. Therefore, they had surrounded her tightly, deeply afraid something would happen.

Although their thoughts were good, they had forgotten to watch their backs. One of them had been ruthlessly shoved by someone and fell forward. The tight group caused a domino effect which caused the eldest princess who was in the very front to fall in.

"This servant truly wasn't aware, otherwise I definitely wouldn't have fallen forward. Things had happened too suddenly." The low-ranked eunuch who was pushed was crying until his face was full of snot and tears. "However, this servant's reactions were quick. Feeling something wasn't right, I managed to grab that person. It was that person who pushed this servant."

Xiao Hua followed the low-ranked Eunuch's pointing finger and saw an ordinary looking palace maid around twenty years old who was being restrained by others.

Seeing the senior concubine look over, that palace maid cried out in fear, "This servant is being unjustly blamed. This servant really didn't push him. This servant was walking while carrying alcohol and wine when someone bumped into her. This servant lost her balance and fell over. The spilled alcohol and dishes on the floor are proof…."

When this palace maid was asked who it was that bumped her, she wasn't able to clearly say it. She only cried and said that there had been too many people around and she really didn't see it….

In this short period of time, they weren't able to figure anything out. Yi Yi had recovered her spirits and cried while hugging Xiao Hua.

"Take the two children back first. Leave the rest for Us to handle."

The Jing Prince's face was cold and stern, his apathetic gaze seemed to have iced over. Xiao Hua nodded, leaving with the two children and the palace maids.

After returning to the Chenxi Palace, Xiao Hua held Yi Yi and comforted her for a long time before she finally fell asleep. Looking at her son's worried face, she knew he had also been frightened.

"Mom, why would someone push me and little sis?"

Xiao Hua froze and pulled her son into her arms. She didn't know what she should say.

"If it wasn't for Xiao De Zi1, Zhuo'er definitely would have fallen in as well."

"Zhuo'er, you don't need to think too much. You're still young and shouldn't have to worry about such things. Father will protect you guys. Mother concubine will as well."

Zhuo'er didn't continue asking, but he seemed to be lost in thought.

After coaxing her son to sleep, Xiao Hua looked at the two for a long, long time. Looking at their jade-like little faces under the lamplight, her heart was inconceivably soft.

Who could have been responsible?

Actually there were only those few suspects, or perhaps just one…..

The Jing Emperor returned before long.

He sat next to Xiao Hua and held her hand, "The children were frightened."

Xiao Hua squeezed his hand. She wanted to give him a smile but found it was a little difficult. She leaned weakly in the Jing Emperor's arms.

"Have you managed to figure out what had happened?"

The Jing Emperor's gaze darkened, "Although there isn't any concrete evidence, it was probably done by the Xiao clan, or perhaps by the royal concubine or the empress."

"The Xiao clan?" Xiao Hua muttered.

"Alright, you don't have to worry about this. We will handle it."

Xiao Hua nodded and didn't speak further.

In the middle of the night, Ding Xiang came and reported that the eldest princess had gotten a fever.

Xiao Hua and the Jing Emperor put on their clothes and hurried to the side hall. Yi Yi's little face was red from fever. There were palace maids on the side helping her cool off with towels.

The two children were both awake. Zhuo'er sat on the side watching his sister. Yi Yi saw that Xiao Hua had come and stretched out her arms, asking to be held. The child was uncomfortable due to fever, and let out little whines as she cried quietly.

"You naughty little thing, you just had to go play by the water….."

Xiao Hua held her daughter's burning body and her own tears flowed from heartache.

After her daughter was born, she was always rather obedient and rarely got sick. She was just a little naughty. But she was also exceptionally bright and cute. It was all because of her, because she had become an eyesore for others, which caused her daughter to suffer all this….

"Mom, Yi Yi doesn't feel good…."

"There, there. Let's drink some medicine and it'll be better in the morning."

Yi Yi finished drinking her medicine and continued to fuss. Xiao Hua saw that her son's eyes had turned red and had Ding Xiang bring him to the other room to sleep. She held her daughter and comforted her for a long time before Yi Yi fell asleep.

"Majesty, you should hurry and rest. You still have court in the morning."

The Jing Emperor didn't speak but he also didn't leave.

Looking at his stubborn gaze, Xiao Hua could only pull him onto the bed. The two of them lay in bed with Yi Yi for a while, keeping watch over their daughter at the same time.

Although the Jing Emperor didn't say anything, she could tell from his gaze that his heart was aching as well.

The next day, the Jing Emperor went to court. Xiao Hua saw that her daughter's fever had faded and instructed the palace maids to take care of her carefully. Only after having Ding Xiang stay behind as well did she feel at ease enough to go back and rest in her room.

She had only slept a short while when Chun Cao came and reported that the eldest princess had woken up and was calling for her mother.

When she went to the side hall, Yi Yi was sitting in bed with eyes full of panic. She started crying the moment she saw Xiao Hua.

"Mom, Yi Yi is scared…."

"Good child, don't be scared. Don't be scared. Mom is here…."

The imperial physician came very quickly. After examining, he said that the eldest princess had suffered a fright, and prescribed a calming medicine that was suitable for children. He explained that she'd get better after a few days of care.

Despite his words, Yi Yi had become extremely timid after her fever faded and her body became healthy again. She would stick very closely to Xiao Hua, and whenever she couldn't see her she would start crying. Xiao Hua could only stay with her every day, but also had to worry about her second son who only turned a month old not long ago. Soon, she started losing weight.

The Jing Prince felt both heartache and anger as he watched. His face had gotten even colder over the past few days as he gave off an unapproachable air. The court was also recently extremely quiet. Everyone seemed to know that his majesty was fidgety over what happened with the eldest princess, and no one dared to make trouble at this time.

Eunuch Fu had a similarly unpleasant expression.

He had been chasing after a wild goose the entire day but ended up being pecked blind by it. He had investigated the situation, and when he finally found the perpetrator, all that remained was a corpse.

The trail was completely cut off. However, perhaps due to his experience when he was younger, Eunuch Fu could be quite unreasonable at times. Seeing the person's corpse, he had merely laughed coldly a couple of times. He didn't say anything else before dragging out everyone who had dealings with this person in the last half a month.

Those who had witnesses were asked to testify, those who had met the person by themselves were all dragged out and beaten to death.

This scene was extremely grand. People were summoned from the entire palace, from the lowest ranked sweeper area all the way up to the esteemed office of the palace, to come observe. They actually carried it out right in front of the doors of the justice department.

In a place like the imperial palace, there had never been a lack of capital punishments, and these punishments were often also for personal reasons. There were all sorts of methods used to keep people in line. But usually, these would be carried out in private, and it was very rare that twenty to thirty people would be beaten to death at once while others were called to "observe".

They weren't allowed to close their eyes, and had to watch with eyes wide open. The point was to make them thoroughly remember who could be touched and who couldn't. It also proved that even though they could erase the evidence, they still needed to communicate their orders. To communicate required their people to act, right? It's fine if the mastermind couldn't be found, he'll just cast a huge net and drag everyone in.

The masters may not hurt from this, but the lives of servants are still lives. Would they not be afraid to lose it?

The day of the execution, not only Eunuch Fu was present. The prime senior concubine had come as well. She didn't say anything, and even when Eunuch Fu stood at the front to "warn" the others, she still sat there on her throne. She only sat there and watched.

The palace maids and eunuchs who had initially objected to Eunuch Fu's actions immediately quietened down. They stood there and honestly watched as the people were beaten to death. The dull thuds rang out over and over into their ears.

Soon, the ground became saturated with blood. Only then did Xiao Hua get on her carriage and leave majestically with her procession.

She returned to the Chenxi Palace and got off the carriage. Only after entering the main hall did she cover her mouth and start retching.

The watching palace maids fetched water and a bucket. Ding Xiang stood by her side and helped her catch her breath with a heavy heart.

"Concubine, why must you do this to yourself?"

Xiao Hua didn't say anything, leaning against the couch with a weary expression.

For someone like her who had been beaten to death in her past life, nothing affected her more than hearing the dull thuds and watching someone get beaten to a pulp.

But she had to go today. She had to!

For the sake of displaying her attitude to others while also telling herself that she couldn't just blindly hide behind his majesty, blindly yield and retreat. There were plenty of enemies inside this palace, and just because she yielded doesn't mean her enemies would. It was a situation where both sides couldn't coexist to begin with. No need to pretend everything was fine.

The Jing Emperor was aware of Eunuch Fu's actions, and he also tacitly approved of them. Otherwise, how could a general manager eunuch like Eunuch Fu stir up such a fuss without reservations?

But Xiao Hua's actions had truly shocked him. When he received the report, he put down the accounting ledger in his hands and hurried to the Chenxi Palace.

When he entered, the first thing he saw was her emaciated and pale face as she lay there wearily.

Xiao Hua opened her eyes when she sensed someone sitting down next to her.

"Majesty—-"

He stroked her face and didn't say anything. Having shared a bed for so long and had a few children together, he naturally knew what she was thinking.

He just felt his heart ache, felt that he was a little useless. Despite all his precautions, someone had still managed to get through. He had thought as the ruler under the heavens, he could give her a stable and peaceful life, a comfortable environment and allow her to smile without worries. But he realized that even the emperor was helpless against these things.

"Give Us some time. We won't let the Xiao clan off."

This was an emperor's vow, so he used the royal "We".

Xiao Hua also nodded solemnly, and said: "You have your methods, and I have mine as well. You won't stop me?"

"They aren't worth your efforts."

"But I wish to vent my anger…."

Xiao Hua buried her face into the Jing Emperor's chest, "If I become someone different one day, someone not like my current self, would Sir Jing still treat me the same as before?"

"Of course, I will."

Because many things had happened between these two people, their feelings had already been carved deeply into their bones.

Unless they peeled their skin off, broke the bones, ground them into dust and destroyed their memories….the memories of the disregard at their first meeting, their secret thoughts and self-restraint that followed, the initial stirrings of their heart that was based on lust, the first time she had cried in his chest, her happiness when she first got pregnant, the thoughts of wanting to keep her hidden, the little details after giving birth, all the way until the things that happened in the East Yuling alley….only if all this were to be erased…..

Otherwise, how could he treat her any differently? She was herself, and wouldn't be anyone else.

It wasn't her appearance or her personality. It was all the little bits and pieces they had shared together. The beautiful memories they made together that could never be duplicated.

Author's words:

Don't say this author is simply too cruel. I feel under the circumstances when no evidence could be found, this way is more satisfying. They can't just resign themselves, right?

This author still remembers something my cousin once said. He didn't say it to me, but I don't remember what the circumstances were….."If someone provokes you, you either endure or you beat him until his eyes are black, and until he gives you a wide berth in the future, not daring to provoke you anymore…."

These words left quite an impression on this author. Simply too violent.

For the same reason, now the servants would have to think things through before going along with their master's schemes. Of course, this is just treating the symptoms but not the cause. Treating the cause is still underway.

1-low-ranked eunuch De

158

The empress soon received the news after the event.

She paced back and forth neurotically in the hall, her hand tugging at her handkerchief.

"…how dare she, how dare she?…..why wouldn't she dare, she has someone supporting her…."

Seeing the empress muttering to herself this entire time, Nana Zhao couldn't endure any longer and spoke.

"Empress, you have to be steady now. The royal concubine has already erased all the traces. They don't have any proof."

"…..why do you indulge her so? Why? Why?"

"Empress!" Nana Zhao called loudly and finally woke up the empress who was lost in her own world.

"Empress you shouldn't be thinking about these things at the moment. Because of this event, the royal concubine lost a large amount of her people before finally covering everything up. They won't be able to trace it back. You must remain calm and not reveal anything. Otherwise, everything would be ruined!"

"Is it really covered up?"

The empress was a little on edge. This event had truly given her a fright. Just from the report, she could imagine the scene. Several tens of people had been beaten to death just like that. It was said the ground in front of the justice department had been covered in blood, and still hadn't been cleaned up yet.

"Yes, empress definitely won't be implicated in this." Nana Zhao's expression was patient as she spoke one word at a time.

"That's good, that's good….." After muttering for a while, the empress started coughing. Once she started, she wasn't able to stop until her face was red and she was out of breath.

A palace maid brought over some medicinal pellets and helped the empress swallow them. She then brought some water over to soothe her breathing. The empress finally recovered. Cai Lian took the handkerchief in the empress's hands and gave her a new one. The old handkerchief was stained with blood.

Cai Lian was worried in her heart. The empress had been coughing up blood more and more frequently. How could this continue? Unfortunately, her words weren't of any use. The imperial physicians were also helpless regarding this matter, and could only tell the empress to remain calm.

Remain calm? It was already good if the empress could remain calm for a single day. That side was clearly favored and she still insisted on having people report to her about the movements over there. Wasn't this just making things hard on herself!?

After clearing up the copper basin and the other things, Cai Lian took the bloodstained handkerchief and prepared to have it burned.

"Big sis Cai Lian, what are you up to?"

She hadn't expected to run into someone and she wasn't able to hide the handkerchief in her hand. Cai Lian could only say: "This handkerchief got dirtied so I'm going to go wash it."

That low-ranked palace maid leaned in intimately. She smiled and said: "Such a small thing doesn't require you to do personally. I'll help you wash it. Hey, why is there blood?"

Cai Lian's face turned rigid, "I accidentally cut my hand and used it to wrap it up."

"Big sis Cai Lian, are you ok? Should I help you apply some medicine?" The low-ranked palace maid appeared worried.

"No need, no need. It's just a scratch and it's no longer bleeding."

"En." The low-ranked palace maid's face bloomed in a smile. She took the handkerchief and left while saying: "I'll send it back to big sis once it's cleaned."

Cai Lian was left standing there in fright.

Not many people knew that the empress was coughing up blood. The bloodied handkerchiefs were never reused. She had them burned. Cai Lian didn't understand, but since she was the empress who wouldn't lack for anything, it was quite normal for her to get rid of a dirtied handkerchief.

However, the empress had never told her to keep this a secret. Therefore, it's fine if she let Cui Ju help her wash it, right? She had also made up an excuse for it.

Cai Lian thought this and felt relieved.

…..

What a crisp sound, the tea cup was shattered on the ground.

Bai Shao couldn't help but shiver. This was already the royal concubine's third shattered cup in the past few days.

"They were all beaten to death?"

"En."

"For this trivial matter, this seat has already lost several people. Now another few deeply hidden people have been lost. This old eunuch is really vicious. How did I not notice him before?!"

"Concubine, calm your anger!"

The royal concubine laughed a couple of times, her expression weird, "Calm what anger? This is a good thing. Since they wish to go to war, then I'll truly stir things up. Let's see how the emperor plans to clear things up this time."

After a while, the royal concubine spoke again: "Nana Zhao, keep an eye on the empress. That person has way too many failures and not enough successes!"

"Yes."

The beatings this time stirred up the entire rear palace, and also the entire court.

The previous emperor had just died less than a year ago. Theoretically, the new emperor should be showing filial piety and modesty, and shouldn't be making such a fuss.

But he had acted and had so many people beaten to death. Although they were all servants, the blood had stained the court. The previous emperor had died less than a year ago and the new emperor hadn't changed his title yet. This was all going against convention.

Of course, these conventions weren't rules, and didn't have to be followed. But new emperors normally abided by these conventions in case they got criticized. Only the Jing Emperor broke off from the norm.

The officials naturally couldn't criticize the emperor, so they could only criticize the general managing eunuch and the prime senior concubine behind him.

Actually Eunuch Fu was only criticized in passing. After all, he was someone who followed the Jing Emperor and obeyed his commands. He wasn't ordered by the senior concubine. But since the prime senior concubine had appeared in her carriage at the time, everyone could naturally make a fuss and say she was the mastermind.

Therefore, the prime senior concubine became a demoness.

Those officials naturally didn't use this word in front of the Jing Emperor. They merely said the prime senior concubine was using her seductive wiles to confuse and shake up the nation. Her methods were cruel and her heart was vicious, and wasn't suitable to be the crown prince's mother.

Not only did the officials jump out and say this, even Minister Lin stepped out at this time. Minister Xu on the other hand didn't express any opinion.

What the officials said in the first part could still be ignored. They were at most saying the prime senior concubine's character wasn't good. The last part was the main point of this situation.

Just this point made it clear to the Jing Emperor that someone was provoking trouble once gain. Bringing up the prime senior concubine was a ruse. Their goal was to get rid of the crown prince.

Since ancient times, mother and son had always complemented each other. If the prime senior concubine couldn't retain her position on her throne, there would naturally be someone saying the crown prince's status wasn't enough to be the crown prince, and ask the Jing Emperor to reconsider. With "such" a mother concubine, the crown prince's character naturally wouldn't be good either.

The crown prince's character was always of the utmost importance, and since his character wasn't good, he naturally didn't qualify to be the crown prince.

The Jing Emperor was silent in the face of the court's reactions. He didn't say anything and didn't listen to anything. He also didn't express any opinions. Some officials submitted memorandums but he pretended to be mute and didn't even respond to them. You can say whatever you like, We aren't going to respond to it. We'll pretend not to have heard.

He'll respond a little if they talked about something else. But the moment the prime senior concubine was mentioned, the Jing Emperor turned into one of the hall's ornaments. The court couldn't just come to a standstill over this matter, so everyone was very sullen.

If they could, they definitely would have grabbed the Jing Emperor by his neck and yelled: would it kill you to say something? Even if you play dumb, you can't play it so obviously.

What was more extreme was that not only did he ignore the officials, he even ignored Minister Lin's memorandum. As one of the prime ministers, he was the head of countless officials. The emperor normally respected the prime ministers. No matter if it was the monarch or the officials, they should each give the other some face.

Since the Jing Emperor didn't give Minister Lin any face, for the sake of his dignity Minister Lin reported himself as ill.

The next day, the Hall of Supremes was a lot emptier. Around ten or so officials had all called in sick, and already submitted their leave of absence request.

The court was extremely silent but the Jing Emperor pretended not to notice. The Hall of Supremes had never had never been so silent, it was enough to hear a pin drop.

Minister Xu finally walked up and submitted a memorandum saying that there was flooding around the Yellow River. Only then was the silence broken. Several other officials started submitting memorandums here and there.

Before the court was adjourned, the Jing Emperor said "Peng Hai Rong didn't come today, right?"

This Peng Hai Rong was one of the few officials who had asked off due to illness.

The official responsible for the roll call had a bitter expression as he stepped out and said: "Yes, majesty."

The Jing Emperor stood from his throne and said faintly: "Since he didn't come, there's no need for him to come in the future. Minister Xu, find someone to take his spot."

"Yes, majesty."

"Court adjourned—-"

After the Jing Emperor left, the officials looked at each other. They turned around and wanted to get Minister Xu's opinion, but realized he had already left at some point.

Minister Xu and Right Imperial Censor Zhao Jing Heng was walking in the palace hallway.

"Minister Lin was dealt a stuffy blow this time. His liver's probably going to be sore from anger once he gets the news."

Minister Xu flashed a smile, "I told you noble households aren't that simple. Did you think Minister Lin was willing to be the nail that stuck out? He just didn't have a choice in the matter. This also has to do with his loss of dignity. He probably thought his majesty would definitely give him some face. Who would have thought he encountered someone who doesn't play by the rules."

"His majesty's personality is truly tough as iron."

In the relationship between monarch and officials, the monarch also had to compromise sometimes. In the two times the new emperor had exchanged moves with his officials, the Jing Emperor had proven himself to be extremely opinionated.

Of course, his abilities had also been extremely good. The first time he let them argue and occasionally had people fan the flames. Once they grew tired of arguing, he made his decision, making no one able to say anything. It was due to their own incompetence, unable to compromise after arguing for so long. It wasn't We who acted on Our own.

This time he followed the saying "silence is golden" and was extremely patient. Furthermore, he didn't express any opinions. He waited until they grew worried and angry and decided to "threaten" him.

But officials only had two ways to threaten the emperor. One was to "call in sick", which was to say "I've got issues that prevent me from working". Another way was martyring themselves in protest. But no one was tired of living enough to kill themselves in protest at the moment. Especially not over an imperial concubine. This wasn't being a martyr, this was being a fool.

Of course, this wasn't to say these officials didn't have the determination to do so. It just wasn't necessary for this situation.

The Jing Emperor's silence was a sort of probe. If there really was an official who jumped out and killed himself, he naturally wouldn't sit still. Unfortunately, in this contest of patience, it was the emperor who ended up triumphing over his officials.

When Minister Lin led the way in "calling in sick", the officials had already lost.

Because of these officials banding together to threaten him, the emperor had been "angered." Since you aren't willing to come work, then get lost. We have plenty of people. Of course, this could be applied to all of you.

This sort of attitude couldn't be adopted right from the get go. Otherwise, he would be a tyrant, someone who refused to listen to any advice.

As a monarch, the Jing Emperor naturally couldn't let this thought spring up in his official's minds. The moment it did, they would feel they had no say in court anymore. For the sake of their nation and for the sake of succession, the Jing Emperor definitely wouldn't let this happen. While it may seem satisfying, it was actually extremely dangerous to the development of the nation.

The Jing Emperor's current actions gave the officials the feeling that "We were forced to do this by you guys. We had no choice." But where did the limits of his actions lie? Those who were in court today naturally didn't have to analyze it, but those who "called in sick" had no choice but to do so.

It was just a "small matter", or rather someone else's matter. It wouldn't be worth it to lose one's status over it. Especially Minister Lin. How could he be willing to lose his seat? Could he take this risk?

The Jing Emperor clearly favors the senior concubine. Their daughter had been harmed and fallen into the water so he was already irritable. He had only seized some people to try and catch the mastermind, but ended up being hassled by these officials. They criticized his wife and his children, and were just short of pointing at him and calling him muddleheaded. Anyone would get angry at this.

A commoner's anger causes blood to spill five feet. An emperor's anger causes corpses to cover a thousand miles.

This time the emperor was angered, but not as far as to cover a thousand miles in corpses. But no one dared guess whether he would say tomorrow "Minister Lin didn't come? Since he didn't come, no need for him to come anymore". After all, the Jing Emperor was "angered". Even if he spoke out of anger, if those words came from his mouth, Minister Lin wouldn't have the face to reappear in court again.

"Minister Lin can't afford to gamble." As his old opponent, Minister Xu was certain.

"Especially since his majesty even told me to find someone as the replacement today…." Speaking to this point, Minister Xu cupped his hands and started laughing loudly.

Zhao Jing Heng also couldn't resist letting out a smile, "This majesty is really a unique person!"

"Isn't he the wise monarch that you've been wanting?" Minister Xu spoke meaningfully.

Zhao Jing Heng froze, and lightly coughed, "That remains to be seen…."

Minister Xu patted him on the shoulders heavily and stepped forwards with wide strides. His actions showed a hint of excitement.

The next day, Minister Lin recovered from his sickness as expected. Those who had called in sick the day before had naturally all recovered as well.

Author's words:

Since Repressed Jing is getting busy, Xiao Hua naturally won't fall behind.

159

As the jingEmperor singlehandedly faced off against the officials, Xiao Hua had also started moving.

Her movements were very strange. She had never taken a step towards the Fengqi Palace before, but now she suddenly said she wanted to go pay respects to the empress.

After eating breakfast, she left the sleeping Yi Yi to Ding Xiang and headed majestically to the Fengqi Palace in her palanquin with her procession.

Xiao Hua's palanquin was rarely used because she almost never left the Chenxi Palace. It was similar to how she was in the Jing Prince Estate's western pavilion.

This was her sort of yielding, but unfortunately the empress didn't understand. She just had to provoke a lioness who was protective of her cubs.

When she arrived, she got off her palanquin and happened to run into Virtuous Concubine Qiao who was also there to pay respects.

"Little sis virtuous concubine, what a coincidence. Let's go together."

Looking at the smiling prime senior concubine whose attitude had changed completely, Virtuous Concubine Qiao was extremely astonished. She let out an uneasy smile and followed behind Xiao Hua as they entered the Fengqi Palace.

Ever since the empress became the empress, she really enjoyed having the palace's concubines come pay her respects. Although there were only these two or three kittens, she would always show up for it unless she truly couldn't get up.

Seeing the prime senior concubine make a rare appearance today, the empress was very astonished.

Xiao Hua adhered to palace etiquette. She bent her knees in salute, and without waiting for the empress to call her to rise, she went and sat in the first seat on the left.

After everyone finished their salutes, she smiled and said: "This servant concubine was impolite for not being able to come pay respects all this time. But it couldn't be helped. You also know this servant concubine happened to give birth around this time and then had to recover after. When I finally recovered, the eldest princess got ill, so there still wasn't any opportunity. Now that the eldest princess has gotten a little better, this servant concubine is here to atone."

The empress gave a dignified smile. She couldn't figure out what this prime senior concubine was here for.

Xiao Hua's following words immediately let these women understand what she was here for.

"His majesty had said this servant concubine doesn't need to come, but this servant concubine wanted to. The empress is after all the empress. This lower ranked person still needs to follow the rules and play my part. I can't just let his majesty's favor make me forget about everything, otherwise what would be the point of appointing an empress? Wouldn't you say so, empress?"

As the saying goes: tone is important in speech and words are important in literature. The Grand Xi's culture was broad and profound. There were many words that seem to mean one thing, yet could mean another depending on the tone it was spoken with.

If one only considered the senior concubine's words on the surface, they were naturally extremely respectful. They fully played the part of someone lower in status and was fully considerate of the empress. But this was no longer the meaning once her tone was factored in. She was clearly bragging.

That's right, she was here to show off.

The empress's dignified expression immediately cracked. She wanted to glare at this prime senior concubine who was domineering, ostentatious and didn't know how to speak properly, but also felt that it would be a loss of face as the empress. After all, ever since she became the empress she had always paid attention to her status. She could only cover it up with a handkerchief and let out a light cough.

This cough was warning the senior concubine not to forget her own status.

But since Xiao Hua wasn't there to pay respects to begin with, she naturally played the fool.

"Empress, is your health not good?" She knit her willow brows and acted concerned, "If it's not good, you must call for an imperial physician. Otherwise, what would be the point of having them around? They receive an imperial salary yet aren't even able to cure such a small issue. Our empress still wants to give birth to several offspring for his majesty!"

Xiao Hua's tone was very worried, but these words struck the empress a heavy blow. Her face couldn't help but turn red.

Xiao Hua lightly adjusted her phoenix hairpin, giving a lovely and charming smile, "Oh, sincere apologies, empress. This servant concubine's mouth never had a filter and I ended up airing out all your business. But it's fine, giving birth to offspring for his majesty is supposed to be the harem's most important order of business anyway. As the empress, you naturally have this in mind all the time. Luckily this servant concubine doesn't have to bear such a burden." She let out a sigh, "His majesty has also said this servant concubine has worked rather hard. After giving birth to this second prince, I can take a break for a year and a half. Otherwise it wouldn't be good for my health."

"You—–"

"This servant concubine has decided to go along with it. It's good that his majesty is considerate. He has too few offspring in the palace currently. There's only just three. This servant concubine is under a lot of pressure you know. Empress, you must take care of your body properly. This servant concubine is waiting for you to help share the burden….."

"Cough cough…cough cough….."

"Empress, what's wrong with you now? Why are you coughing so much? What are you all good for? Why aren't you calling for a physician after seeing the empress so seriously ill?"

Seeing the prime senior concubine get angry, the palace maids on the side all knelt down.

"Prime senior concubine, it's not that these servants are irresponsible. The imperial physician had already examined the empress. It's due to her previous illness acting up. They can't treat the cause, and can only help her recuperate."

"Oh—-so that's the case. I've accused you unjustly. You may all rise."

Xiao Hua lifted her brows slightly and returned to her seat.

In this brief period of time, she changed from lovable and foolish to heavily worried, followed by a beauty's anger. Now she showed an understanding expression. Her face truly changed too quickly. Not only was Virtuous Concubine Qiao and the others unable to react, even the coughing empress had paused in astonishment.

Was this prime senior concubine pretending, or was she really being considerate? She stabbed at all the empress's sore spots. Her words continuously committed murder without drawing blood. The empress's face was almost purple from anger.

Xiao Hua clicked her tongue and looked at the red-faced panting empress and said: "Empress, you must definitely take care of yourself. Our majesty is still waiting for you to give him an heir."

The Serene Concubine's eyes flashed and she followed up saying: "That's right. Empress must definitely take care of yourself."

Xiao Hua held back a meaningful smile and gave the Serene Concubine a glance.

Was she looking to avenge old grievances?!

No matter what, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

"Little sis Serene Concubine is correct. Empress, look at how all your sisters are worried for your royal self. You must really take care. If anything happened to you, wouldn't it be benefitting others?"

You'd be the one benefitting, ok?!

The empress couldn't endure any longer, but remembered her own status. She viciously glared at Xiao Hua and said: "You guys all take your leave. This seat is tired."

Xiao Hua curled her lips and stood up.

"Then empress you must take care. This servant concubine will visit again tomorrow."

Only when the prime senior concubine's figure left the gates did the empress finally spit out a mouthful of blood and fall unconscious.

After leaving the Fengqi Palace, Xiao Hua didn't return to the Chenxi palace, and instead took her carriage towards the Cian Palace.

Virtuous Concubine Qiao watched the arrogant senior concubine's procession depart and her eyes flashed. The Serene and Tranquil Concubines did the same.

From the looks of it, some winds are about to stir!

The ever-silent and low-key senior concubine has finally made a move. Who will end up winning and losing in the end?! From today's situation, the senior concubine appeared to be in the lead. The empress had been suppressed until she wasn't even able to speak.

However, it didn't matter to them who ended up winning or losing. The two of them were hopeless women, what desires could they possibly have?! However, didn't this mean that they might have the opportunity for revenge?

The Tranquil Concubine was a little frightened.

"You were a little impulsive just now."

The Tranquil Concubine spoke on the way back.

The Serene Concubine's expression was dull, but her gaze held a hint of sharpness, "I don't want to endure any longer."

Having endured for so long, endured until that person became the empress, the possibility of revenge had become more and more uncertain. Now that an evenly matched opponent had finally stepped out, it would be good to let her take the lead or make use of her.

The Tranquil Concubine's gaze froze, and she let out a sigh, "But she is the empress after all."

The Serene Concubine sneered in disregard. Only at this moment did she resemble the Yu Jiao of the past.

"A toothless tiger, what's there to fear!? Now that she acted against the eldest princess, the prime senior concubine won't let her off. Couldn't you tell? The usually withdrawn senior concubine has suddenly raised her war banner. I still remember back then when that docile person suddenly changed her attitude. She had even used me as an excuse…..it turns out that she had already known back then the empress didn't have any good intentions….heh, to think I had hated her so much back then. Putting it plainly, she was just saving herself…."

"Yu Jiao—–"

"Big sis Yu Rong, even if I get caught up in this, you don't have to. I'll get revenge for the both of us."

"You silly lass. We've always done everything together. Ever since we left the palace to the Jing Prince Estate, and now coming back to the palace. You are me and I am you. Don't say such foolish words."

"Then you—–"

"Of course I'll go along with you. Although the prime senior concubine's status can't be compared with the empress, remember that she has his majesty behind her. The empress's biggest mistake is forgetting that a woman's foundation is based on her man. Otherwise, the senior concubine wouldn't have the guts to be so domineering and ostentatious in front of the empress!"

….

After arriving at the Cian Palace, Xiao Hua didn't go anywhere else and directly went to pay respects to Royal Imperial Concubine Xiao.

The royal concubine also didn't put on airs and invited her into the hall.

After saluting, Xiao Hua sat down beneath the seat of honor. A palace maid served some tea. Xiao Hua gave a bashful smile to the royal concubine and said: "Just got back from paying respects to the empress, and since royal concubine is from the same clan, this one has come to pay a visit."

"Thank you senior concubine for still remembering this royal concubine."

The royal concubine's words were merely an act of modesty, but unexpectedly Xiao Hua took them at face value. She casually said: "That's only natural. The royal concubine used to be the empress, the mother figure of everyone under the heavens. This servant concubine has already heard things in the Jing Province, and wanted to come visit ever since entering the palace. Unfortunately there was never any time. Luckily the stars aligned today and so this one came over."

"Ho ho…."

Xiao Hua blinked her eyes and looked around. She said with a face full of pity: "The royal concubine is being wronged too much. You should be living in the Cining Palace, but ended up living in this Cian Palace's first hall. Living with the rest of the former concubines, this place truly isn't spacious enough."

Right as she spoke, she lightly hit her own mouth, "Look at this servant concubine, my mouth truly doesn't have a filter. His majesty has said so several times. I say whatever comes to mind. Royal concubine wouldn't blame me for it, right?"

The royal concubine was able to keep her composure much better than the empress. She said faintly: "Senior concubine is young. This seat naturally won't bicker with you."

Xiao Hua laughed drily a couple of times and changed the topic: "That's good. Based on today's trip to the Fengqi Palace, it seems the empress's royal body isn't well. It also isn't convenient for this servant concubine to comment on it. His majesty says the empress is narrow minded and gets jealous easily, so he never lets this servant concubine appear in front of the empress and make her feel stuffy. But this servant concubine understands etiquette, and naturally can't go along with his majesty's words. In the future, I must pay respects to the empress every day."

"You are someone who understands etiquette."

Xiao Hua boasted shamelessly, as though she hadn't understood the royal empress's implied meaning at all, "That's for sure. Thank you royal concubine for your praise."

She looked at the sky outside and said: "Royal concubine, please don't find fault. This servant concubine should take her leave. The eldest princess got a fright after falling into the water, and needs this servant concubine to be by her side whenever she eats her medicine."

"You may leave by yourself."

Xiao Hua saluted once more before leaving.

Bai Shao looked at her departing figure and said: "This prime senior concubine's actions really don't make any sense. This servant had thought she had come to make royal concubine feel uncomfortable, but who knew she would leave after a few words."

"Couldn't you tell that she was declaring war?" The royal concubine took a sip of tea and frowned. "Truly a little vixen. Seeing that this seat doesn't look upon her favorably, she doesn't even bother wasting her energy. Things look bleak for the empress. Just based on her actions of loudly proclaiming her readiness, and along with his majesty's support, the empress isn't her match at all."

Bai Shao pondered over the royal concubine's words before understanding what she meant.

"Then what can we do?"

"What to do? We do nothing! The empress is truly a fool. She has yet to give birth herself but is already thinking to get rid of obstacles. She ended up provoking a lioness who's protecting her cubs. She even implicated this seat and caused her to lose so many people…..Eunuch Fu that old eunuch is truly vicious. He'd rather kill off innocents than let the guilty get away…"

Things had been arranged by the empress while the royal concubine had supplied the manpower. In the end, the empress didn't lose half a penny whereas the royal concubine had lost half of what few people she had left.

But what choice did she have? The empress was also surnamed Xiao, and she herself wasn't the empress dowager. She had to borrow the empress's hand whenever she wanted to do anything. This was a compromise between the two of them. The royal concubine had to swallow this pent up grievance.

At this time, a eunuch came in. He knelt and said: "Concubine, something happened to Esteemed Official Chen. His majesty has stripped her of her position."

"For what reason?"

"Er, his majesty said that the person who caused the eldest princess to fall in the water was someone from the esteemed meal office. Since the esteemed meal office is under Esteemed Official Chen's administration, a superior has to take responsibility for the subordinate's mistakes. Therefore….."

So this was the Jing Emperor settling scores. He knew this Esteemed Official Chen was one of hers, and he still made a move? And it was with such laughable reasoning! A palace maid's crime had passed through several layers and directly implicated the top.

But the emperor was the emperor, what could she say about it? Could she say the emperor didn't give her face?! The emperor didn't have to give a former concubine any face, because these former concubines depended on him to survive. She wasn't the empress dowager, why did he have to give her face?!

The royal concubine was usually able to suppress her anger, but today she wasn't able to do so.

First she had lost a bunch of people in the front court. Then the favored concubine strutted around in front of her and now her most useful subordinate had lost her position. She couldn't help but smash her teacup.

Author's notes:

This chapter shows it's important to cultivate one's character. It's not good to lose one's temper too easily….it also tells us that someone who plays the fool can be rather annoying….hehe, just kidding.

This author always felt that women understand each other best, and they know exactly where to stab for the most pain….

Of course, Xiao Hua didn't just come to anger the empress. There's something else as well.

160

When xiao hua got back to the Chenxi Palace, she first went to the side hall where her daughter lived.

Yi Yi had been very clingy these few days. Xiao Hua had left while she was asleep this morning, and didn't know if she had cried when she didn't see her.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Hua didn't hear her daughter crying when she went into the hall. Instead, she heard Yi Yi's extremely happy laughter. She went over and saw the two children sitting across from each other on the couch. In between them was a snow white little dog who lay there belly up.

"Big bro, this little doggy is really cute. Where did it come from?"

"This was given as an offering from an outer province. Father had specially picked it out and had me give it to little sis."

Zhuo'er reached his fingers out and gently tickled the puppy's stomach. The puppy curled up as though it was ticklish. Its eyes were large, its snout was white and its little tongue stuck out. It whined a couple of times but didn't resist. Yi Yi looked at her brother teasing the little dog and learned to do the same. After teasing it a few times, she started laughing loudly.

Yi Yi hadn't laughed in a long time. Her most common expressions now were to shiver in fear and alarm. Seeing her daughter reveal a happy expression once again, Xiao Hua couldn't help but tear up.

"Mother concubine—-"

Zhuo'er's eyes were still sharper, and immediately saw Xiao Hua.

She smiled and walked over, sitting next to the children.

"Mom, where did you go? Yi Yi didn't see mom when I woke up."

Xiao Hua stroked her daughter's head and said gently: "Mother went to handle some things, beating away the bad person who scared dear Yi Yi so they wouldn't dare do it again."

"Then did the bad person get beaten away?"

"Not yet." She gave her daughter a kiss, "But father and mom will both protect Yi Yi. We'll beat that bad person away sooner or later."

"Is that bad person the empress?" Yi Yi asked with a confused look.

Xiao Hua's expression turned rigid, "Why do you say so?"

"Big bro told me."

Xiao Hua's eyes moved to her son. Zhuo'er sat there and looked stubbornly at Xiao Hua.

Yi Yi continued saying: "Big bro said that the empress doesn't have children and is jealous that we still have a little bro. That's why she wants to kill us all…."

Xiao Hua frowned, "Zhuo'er, why would you say these things to your sister?"

"It's the truth."

Looking at her son's stubborn gaze that contained a hint of tears, Xiao Hua's heart shivered from pain. Her own tears couldn't help but flow out.

Her son was so young, he wasn't even four! What should a four year old child be doing? He should have been cuddled up in his mom's arms acting childish, but instead he had already encountered the darkest of things in this world.

Zhuo'er saw Xiao Hua crying and was a little frightened. He grabbed her hand and said, "Mom, don't be sad. Zhuo'er won't tell little sis these things anymore."

"No….mom isn't sad because you told your sister. Mom just feels she's letting you and Yi Yi down….you guys are so young but already encountered such things….mom has been too lax….mom had always thought taking a step back was the magnanimous thing to do, but now I realize it was a mistake….."

"Mom, don't cry anymore. If you cry, Yi Yi also wants to cry…..wah…."

In the end, the mother and children hugged each other as they cried. This scared Yi Yi's palace maids so much they didn't dare enter to see what the matter was.

"Alright, alright. No more crying. You guys are children, and should be laughing every day. Also, Zhuo'er, don't worry about adult matters. Just learn properly and grow up well. Let your dad and mom worry about this problem."

Xiao Hua wiped her eyes and wiped her children's eyes.

Zhuo'er's little nose was red. He lowered his head and said: "Zhuo'er understands."

Xiao Hua stroked her sons head and said to her daughter: "Also Yi Yi, as long as you are fine, mom will be extremely happy….."

Something was struggling between the three of them. Only now did Xiao Hua realize that when the three of them hugged each other, they had forgotten the little puppy. The little thing was squeezed between the three of them, and was doing its best to get loose.

Xiao Hua hurriedly scooped it out and put it to the side. The little white dog whined in complaint, shook itself and rolled on the couch.

"Wow, this little doggy is really cute." Yi Yi immediately forgot what she was crying about.

"If Yi Yi likes it, you can raise it, ok?"

"Ok, ok. Yi Yi likes the little doggy."

Seeing that the little thing can help her daughter take her mind off of things, Xiao Hua was also quite happy. She said: "Then Yi Yi should give it a name."

"Name?" Yi Yi did her best to think and said: "Doggy is white, let's call it Whitey?"

"Whitey? Alright, let's call it that. Our Yi Yi is really smart, knowing how to name the little dog."

Yi Yi smiled shyly and buried her head into Xiao Hua's arms.

The little puppy called Whitey was still crouched there foolishly, his tail wagging in circles. He didn't realize that he had been given such a plain and silly name.

With Whitey accompanying her, Yi Yi finally recovered from her fright.

Actually a child just needed something to take their mind off of things in times like this, and they would quickly forget they were frightened.

After checking with the imperial physician, Xiao Hua once again thanked the heavens that her daughter was still young. If this had happened when she was a little older and understood more, it may have left her scarred for life.

Therefore, Xiao Hua hated the empress even more. Why couldn't she direct things to the adults instead of being vicious towards the children? But Xiao Hua knew that this question would never be answered. His majesty wasn't willing to be intimate with the empress so she didn't have any children. As long as she was solely favored, the empress would never let her off.

Since they couldn't coexist, then neither of them should blame the other!

Xiao Hua would punctually go to the Fengqi Palace every day to frustrate the empress. The empress would sometimes see her, and sometimes not.

When she didn't see her, she had to give a convincing reason. Therefore, she would say she was ill. This made it even easier because Xiao Hua then insisted on helping her get better. She wouldn't take no for an answer, since that would be disrespectful to the principal wife and the palace's environment.

Since the empress was bedridden, who else would dare refuse the senior concubine?

Even if they refused, it wasn't of any use. For example, Nana Zhao had stepped out of line and stopped her once. Xiao Hua's reaction was as expected—-

I'm the mistress and you're a servant. How dare you block my way?

Xiao Hua would bring quite a lot of people every time she came. There were palace maids and eunuchs. The senior concubine only had to raise a finger and there would be several extremely vicious servants who would press the person down and give them a whipping.

These people were all experienced in carrying out punishments, and could whip you until you cried for your parents and wish to be reborn, but wouldn't leave the slightest wound behind. Only your teeth and gums would show some damage. After being whipped, Nana Zhao couldn't eat for several days and several of her old teeth had fallen out.

The senior concubine is carrying out personal sentencing?

Where are the wounds?

You're saying there are some problems with her teeth? Isn't it normal for someone her age to be losing a few teeth? Furthermore, did mistresses need a reason to give servants a beating? Since she was already known as a demoness, what could they do but endure her beatings?

Since none of her subordinates dared to stop Xiao Hua, the empress could only take matters into her own hands.

"Senior concubine what are you trying to do? How dare you be so unbridled in the Fengqi Palace?"

Xiao Hua played dumb quite appropriately, "When the empress is ill, it's only natural for the concubines throughout the palace to come care for her. These are the rules! This servant concubine can't forget her place just because she's favored. This servant concubine respects the empress a lot."

"You've got guts…..cough cough….."

"This servant concubine's guts are rather small. Ask his majesty if you don't believe it!"

No wonder the royal concubine had said her body was her biggest asset. The empress had countless words she wanted to curse the senior concubine with, but unfortunately her body couldn't support it. Due to her anger, she was already out of breath from coughing, her limbs weak and body feeble.

Therefore, she could only be "taken care" of.

Of course Xiao Hua didn't personally take care of her. As the grand senior concubine, does she need to do it personally?

As previously mentioned, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. The Serene Concubine and the Tranquil Concubine haven't forgotten who was to blame for their current condition. That sort of hatred where they wanted to eat her flesh and drink her blood had been constantly suppressed within their hearts. After holding it in for several years, it had long since become an overwhelming sense of impulsiveness that bubbled over.

Since the senior concubine made it clear she planned on fighting the empress to the end, the two of them naturally wouldn't pass this opportunity by.

She's the awesome empress so they couldn't do anything openly. Learning from the senior concubine and angering her to death without risking their own lives was a good idea. This was truly stabbing her in her sore spots. Since there was someone acting as a shield, the two naturally complied wholeheartedly and added salt onto the empress's wounds.

After suffering this for a day, the empress forced herself to sit in in her throne the next day. Despite truly being ill and unable to get up, she had her palace maids support her as she allowed the concubines to pay her respect. But at this point, they weren't really paying her respect. They were "paying" her back.1

The empress naturally didn't forget her own status. She was the empress who wielded the phoenix seal and commanded the harem. But his majesty never paid attention to her, and any message she sent over was like casting a stone into the ocean. Furthermore, the six offices had stopped obeying her commands!

Esteemed Official Chen from the esteemed office of the palace had been switched out. The office had naturally turned into the Jing Emperor's echo chamber. Since the Jing Emperor didn't make any moves, the six offices naturally all played dumb.

Therefore, within the rear palace, everyone watched as the empress was thoroughly "respected" by the rampaging senior concubine. There were even some servants who secretly placed bets on how long the empress could endure.

The empress had also asked the royal concubine for help, but unfortunately she was ignored.

The royal concubine wasn't really ignoring her, she was just truly powerless to help. The rear palace was completely grasped by the inner management and the six offices. Even the royal concubine found it hard to make any progress.

There was no need to try sending a message out. How could they submit a memorandum accusing the senior concubine of overly following "etiquette" and being too "considerate", causing the empress to hate her and having her scram as far as she could? After all, she was properly complying with palace etiquette. To say she was stabbing her sore spots? Where was the proof?!

Don't forget, there was no need to pay with one's life if one angered someone to death.

It's your own fault for not being able to control your anger! If you could, then everything would be fine. To put it plainly, you just aren't magnanimous enough, your heart isn't broad enough. You don't know how to self-reflect. No one else gets as angered as you do.

The royal concubine could only tell the empress the same thing over and over—-

"Calm your mind, calm your mind. Treat her as a barking dog."

The term "paying respect" in Chinese when read literally is "asking for good health". The wordplay used here in Chinese is that they weren't asking for her health, but asking for her life instead.