The MC forgot the plot

- SEVENTY- SIX -

七十六 Imperial Harem; a battlefield for women

She, Shu Aifen has finally become the empress.

Dominating the imperial harem. The most influential and respected woman in all nations. A woman that is envied by all overlooking the Six Eastern Palaces and Six Western Palaces.

Shu Aifen has finally entered the life of her beloved husband, Emperor Feng Jun Bei. It has been three years since the failed coup, three years since she married her husband, and three years since she was crowned as the Empress.

"Your highness, the Noble Consort Xian and  Consort Wu have already entered the halls of your highness's palace. Noble Consort Liang and Imperial Noble Consort De seem to be much more closer than ever"  One of her maiden servants, Ge Ting, informed her.

The hands that move in soft motion paused making the ink darken and soon made a mark against the scroll. The phoenix crown, solely designated for the Empress swing softly under her movements as she roused into her seating position; with just a simple look her maiden servant understood and went to collect the key for the dowry that the Shu clan gave to her after marrying to the royal family.

A smooth jade, the greenest of all the jade that she has owned gleamed brightly against her milky white skin. Overturning the jade, a gold in the script was laid in the center with a lotus flower painted in gold along with the finest quality of silk gained from foreign trading.

"Come"

Ge Ting softly attended to her mistress and held it in her hand, feeling the warmth radiating from the jade.

"We will give these to the most 'obedient sister' of mine" she smiled, one that is part vague and another in schadenfreude.

Soon, she stepped away from her quarters and went out to meet her 'sisters'.

The blossoming red skirt brightened her complexion as it moves gracefully with every step of her feet. Sleeves tainted in peony flowers, the queen of the flowers that only the empress could wear, proudly envelops the garments of her top sleeves and top tube.

Soon after she stepped foot into the meeting hall, a group of beautiful ladies greeted her in a  sweet, formal tone. Without waiting for a second, she releases them and sat down on the highest seat before the others followed.

Smiling, the control has finally reached her hands and she is not willing to let any magpies occupy the nest or there will be bloodshed.

"It seems like my sisters have been harmonious with one another, sigh, if it weren't for bengong's duties bengong would have partaken in the activities of bengong's sisters"

"It is all due to the greatness of our Niang Niang! We sisters naturally feel the love that Niang Niang shows us!" Noble Consort Xian covered her words with nothing but flowery lies.

"Niang Niang must be jesting, Niang Niang is managing the six palaces and that is enough for Niang Niang to be burdened. Us sisters can only manage our own palaces and help bit by bit to Niang Niang"

Noble Consort Hu replies, after the formal greetings the rest began to move the conversation to the topic they wanted to talk about.

"There is also another festive celebration and we older sisters wanted to meet and greet our new younger sister!" Imperial Noble Consort De lead the wave, her pair of glistening eyes caught the attention of the Empress.

The others listened very much to her and echoed their curiosity and enthusiasm for their 'news younger sister' that has yet to arrive in the lands of the Han.

"That is right, Bengong is relieved to see bengong's sisters so harmonious. Princess Mahide of the Mongolia tribe. One of the daughters of the late king of Mongolia has reached peaceful cooperation and braved herself to cooperate for peace with our land and theirs"

"We will take good care of our new younger sister so that your highness can be relieved of her burdens even if little"

Shu Aifen's eyes narrowed into slits as she laughed and praised her 'sister' for being so well-behaved and caring. She then ordered Ge Ting to get the jade from her dowry and reward it to her most precious and loveable sister.

"Your highness! That would be presumptuous of me!"

"Are you refusing bengong's gift?"

The gentle tome turned sharp like knives, piercing the nervous smile of Imperial Noble Consort De and took the jade from Ge Ting's hand.

All of the concubines seated in the meeting hall watched as the Empress rose from her seat, her fingers so ever gently placing the finest quality of jade into one of the sisters. Envy and suspicion arose in their hearts, it's been two months since the Empress seemingly favor Imperial Noble Consort De.

From massive gems to rarest silks, everything that was given to the Empress by the Emperor was also shared with Imperial Noble Consort De.

But they were told by Imperial Noble Consort De that the Empress is her enemy! What enemy would show such generosity and trust towards their opponent?!

"Everyone should strive to become like Noble Consort De, such a kind-hearted person! Bengong is relieved to pass this duty of celebrating the first meeting of our new younger sister, Princess Mahide to our sister" as if not seeing the covetousness of the little sisters below her, she even pressed her other sisters to congratulate their elder sister.

Giving one more entrusted look towards her 'sister', all of the concubines seated congratulated the forcibly smiling Imperial Noble Consort De.

"Congratulations to Eldest sister!" Consort Wu remarks a person that was too inconspicuous at times.

"Our eldest sister is truly wise and kind!" Noble Consort Xian on the other hand praises everyone with a sweet mouth.

"To become the eldest sister, we should all strive hard, right sisters?" Noble Consort Liang flashed a smile to her eldest sister, the closest person to Imperial Noble Consort De.

Everyone left with smiles on their faces but one can only wait for the aftermath of the calm before the storm.

Notes:

• Noble Consort Xián means Able, Virtuous, Worthy
• Noble Consort Liáng means Respectable, Kind, Worthy [Gracious]
• Six Eastern Palaces and Six Western Palaces on either side of the three main structures were the residences of the imperial concubines.
• Dove occupies a magpie's nest is an idiomatic means to occupy someone else's residence by force,

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Chapter 76 is up!

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