The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 2 - The Must-Do Tasks After Time Traveling

Having been in the palace for many years, Chun Feng and Chun Yu naturally understood that their mistress had fallen out of favor. But no matter how much she's disliked, in this harem, it's all about winning the Emperor's affection. Both of them had been mesmerized by their mistress's beauty, certain that such a rare beauty would surely capture the Emperor's heart. Once she gained his favor, wouldn't her fortunes turn around?

"Alright, I'll go right away." Chun Yu, who was quiet and often followed Chun Feng's lead due to her seniority, promptly complied.

While the two palace maids busied themselves caring for Bai Jingxian, she, in turn, began to plan her life in this new world. What excited her the most was discovering that she had a special advantage. Though it was somewhat of a cheat, it was still perfectly suited for her current situation: an endless supply of fertility pills!

No matter how many she consumed, the bottle would always refill itself. With such a treasure in hand, the imperial harem was as good as hers. In ancient times, emperors valued offspring above all else, and this emperor had only two surviving princesses and one sickly prince. If she could successfully bear a healthy son, her path to becoming a favored consort would be all but guaranteed. It was the perfect setup for her future success, even if her fantasies of changing her husband nightly might be too far-fetched.

The fertility pill's greatest feature was its protection of the unborn child. No matter the poison or mistake made, the child would remain unharmed, though the mother might suffer. Bai Jingxian chuckled at the thought — had the Time Travel God brought her here just to bear children?

She didn't mind. To her, this was a fair exchange.

The imperial selection began in March and ended in May. Three days ago, the emperor had personally promoted her to the rank of Noble Lady. It was also during these past three days that the other selected women had left the palace, having either failed to secure a position or been promoted themselves. Five women, including Bai Jingxian, had been selected for the emperor's harem.

Emperor Rui's harem was relatively small. He had ascended the throne only seven years prior and had held only one major selection event. The previous time, the empress dowager had personally hosted banquets and selected noblewomen for the harem, including Bai Jingxian's legitimate sister. Now, the harem held no more than ten concubines, and due to the emperor's lack of heirs, the court was becoming increasingly concerned. 

This time, the selection had drawn many daughters of prominent families, none of whom wanted to be overshadowed. Hence, Bai Jingxian had been the target of their collective disdain.

When Chun Feng entered the room, she saw her mistress sitting up. "Would you like some warm water, Your Ladyship?" Though they had not served Bai Jingxian long, both had learned much about her and witnessed her heartbreak over the past few days.

"Yes." The original owner of Bai Jingxian's body hadn't known these two maids well, but Bai Jingxian herself could tell they were placed there as a formality. In the eyes of those higher up, she was nothing more than a pretty face, someone of no importance.

In fact, her elder sister had spread rumors about her throughout the palace — that she was illiterate, crude, and the daughter of a lowly concubine, even insinuating that their mother had once been a prostitute. All manner of slander had been heaped upon her, knowing she couldn't fight back.

"You two have worked hard these past few days. I'm useless, and you must be feeling frustrated serving me. If you wish, after tonight's bedchamber duty, I will find a way to arrange better futures for you both." After drinking a cup of warm water, Bai Jingxian's parched throat felt much better. She wasn't just offering them a kind gesture — she meant it. In the harem, no one could handle everything on their own. Helpers, whether trusted or merely available, were always needed.

She couldn't quite gauge their loyalty yet, but these two had been diligent in caring for her during these difficult days. It was only fair to offer them a choice.

"Your Ladyship!" Chun Feng immediately knelt, her eyes wide. "Please don't send us away. We are more than willing to serve you with all our hearts."

Though puzzled by her mistress's words, Spring Feng knew that their lives would be even harder if they were sent away from their current post.

Bai Jingxian hadn't expected such a response. "I'm useless. You've seen how things are these past few days. With Noble Lady Bai pressing down on me, even if I serve the emperor, my future looks bleak. The other concubines also resent me. Staying by my side will be dangerous."

Years of neglect had honed her skill in reading people. Bai Jingxian could tell from Spring Feng's flustered expression that her desire to stay was sincere.

"Your Ladyship, no matter what the future holds, I am willing to serve you," Spring Feng said earnestly. She understood the perilous position her mistress was in, but she also believed in her kindness. Even in these difficult circumstances, Bai Jingxian had never mistreated them.

"Are you sure?" Bai Jingxian's expression turned cold as she asked again.

Chun Feng nodded firmly. "I'm certain. I will serve you with loyalty, no matter what may come."

Bai Jingxian smiled. "Good. I trust you." She stood up and helped Chun Feng to her feet. "In that case, I'll be counting on both you and Chun Yu."

Fighting for favor was inevitable. Anyone who stood in her way would be her enemy.

When Chun Yu returned, she witnessed the heartfelt moment between her mistress and Chun Feng. Hurriedly, she entered and bowed. "Greetings, Noble Lady. I hope you are feeling well."

Chun Yu said, hurriedly performing a bow, so overjoyed to see her mistress awake that she forgot to set down the items in her hands.

Bai Jingxian smiled, helping Chun Yu to her feet and saying, "You and Chun Feng have worked hard these past few days." She reached out to take the heavy items from her, but Chun Yu stopped her.

"Your Ladyship, this is our duty. There's no need for thanks. You've just awoken, and these things are heavy. Please allow me to handle them."

After placing the items on the table, Chun Yu's eyes sparkled as she looked at her mistress. Seeing her joy, Bai Jingxian couldn't help but smile.

She then repeated to Chun Yu what she had said earlier to Chun Feng, and Chun Yu's response was exactly the same. Though she hadn't thought it through as deeply as Chun Feng had, Chun Yu appreciated that Bai Jingxian treated them as human beings.