Chapter 1023 - 7: I Can See All the Cheats
That night, all the concubines received invitations to the Empress Dowager’s flower banquet. Each one was excited and eager to attend, as the Emperor would also be there the following day. If they stood out and impressed the Emperor, they might receive his favor, bringing them closer to ascension. There was not a single concubine who didn’t want to climb higher; in this palace, one must strive for oneself.
Early in the morning, after Tianmiao had just finished breakfast, the Chief Palace Maid came to report that everything for the flower banquet was ready. Nothing was lacking in the Empress Dowager’s palace; whatever she wanted to do, it was always executed efficiently. Before dawn, the Palace Attendants were already up and preparing.
"Reward." Just one word from Tianmiao. She was now the wealthiest person in the harem, broad-minded and generous. To these diligent and hardworking Palace Attendants, Tianmiao was always very generous.
The Palace Attendants in the Empress Dowager’s palace all thanked her graciously, filled with joy.
Soon, the Empress arrived with a group of concubines to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. Some of the lower-ranked concubines had only seen the Empress Dowager during the selection process; this was the first time they saw her in the harem. The Emperor’s birth mother had endured hardships in her early life, but now, her hardships were over, and she had become the ruler of the harem. This piqued the curiosity of the concubines, wondering what kind of person the Empress Dowager was and how she would treat them.
Upon seeing the Empress arrive, Tianmiao smiled and waved to her, "Empress, come to my side."
The Empress’s eyes flashed with astonishment at the favor but maintained a composed and dignified demeanor. After paying her respects, she approached Tianmiao and sat down beside her.
Tianmiao asked the Empress a few questions warmly and then spoke with several concubines. Meanwhile, she also noticed the special abilities displayed by the concubines who possessed them.
Qing Noblewoman’s ability was: The Empress Dowager is gentle and generous, favoring women who are measured and know when to advance and retreat.
Jing Concubine’s ability was: The flower banquet would feature crabs, which are cold, and shouldn’t be eaten too much. The Emperor will come after court.
Shu Concubine was the most striking in the room, as she was the most beautiful. Her skin was snow-white, hair jet-black, waist slender, and posture graceful. Her special ability was a space containing the so-called Spiritual Spring Water, allowing her to cultivate fruits and vegetables. The produce from within is completely different in quality from the outside.
Lin Daying’s small orb was advising her: Do not underestimate the ancients; the wisdom and methods of ancient people should not be taken lightly.
...
This Imperial Palace was almost full of intrigue. To seize the Emperor’s fortune and destiny, the mastermind behind it all was indeed relentless.
After chatting for a while, Tianmiao spoke up.
"The Emperor will come only after court; you can stroll around my little garden in the meantime. Don’t be restrained, just tell Bai He if you need anything." Tianmiao kindly said to the somewhat nervous young ladies. Bai He, who was Tianmiao’s Chief Palace Maid and an elder from the Emperor’s previous Prince Mansion, managed tasks reliably and steadily. Tianmiao entrusted many matters to her.
Then Tianmiao rose and left first; she wanted to take a nap.
With the Empress Dowager gone, naturally the Empress became the highest-ranking in the room. She looked around at everyone, then slowly stood up, "Ladies, although the Empress Dowager allows us not to be restrained, I hope everyone will still be careful and discreet in the Empress Dowager’s palace."
On the surface, all the concubines obediently agreed, but what they thought in their hearts was another matter. Having just entered the palace, everyone knew that the Emperor’s favor was the most crucial thing; who would emerge victorious was still uncertain.
The flower banquet finally began. The Emperor also came over after court. Once all the concubines were seated, the Emperor appeared, supporting the Empress Dowager’s hand.