The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 5 - The Honorable Consort

The lower-ranked concubines arrived one by one, and among them was Bai Jingxian.

She had set out early but was intercepted by her older half-sister, Bai Jingyan.

It wasn't that she was afraid of her; both were of the same rank, so who was more distinguished?

However, with her timid nature, she couldn't change much in a short time, and attracting suspicion was undesirable.

Besides, she wasn't sure of the Emperor's intentions. Logically, since she had served him last night, there should have been a decree this morning.

But with the sky already bright, and no decree in sight, she had no choice but to keep up appearances.

Bai Jingxian, delayed by Bai Jingyan, arrived just in time.

As a concubine, she was not allowed near the main hall of Kun Ning Palace and had to wait by the door.

She underestimated her own appearance. Even though she was dressed modestly, her face and delicate aura drew everyone's attention.

When Bai Jingxian stepped into the main hall, there was a noticeable intake of breath from the crowd.

She knew well that the women in the harem liked to use rules as a means to assert dominance. Keeping her head lowered and adhering to etiquette, she followed Bai Jingyan to the consort area.

At that moment, the Empress emerged.

"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress. May the Empress live long and be safe."

A group of concubines greeted the Empress with proper respect, even the esteemed consort had to half-crouch, showing respect to the main wife.

The Empress glanced at the kneeling concubines and slowly walked to her main seat.

After taking her seat, she did not immediately call for anyone but took a sip of the tea handed to her by a palace maid. After savoring the tea's aroma, she slowly swallowed it.

With a satisfied look in her eyes, she took another sip before setting the cup down.

"Rise."

The Empress's voice was clear and melodious. At just twenty-four, she had become Empress soon after marrying the Emperor a year into their marriage.

Her skills were remarkable; otherwise, her relationship with the Emperor wouldn't be so harmonious.

The Emperor spent half of his days in the Empress's palace, which was the source of much bitterness between the Empress and the concubines.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

After the consorts stood and resumed their seats, the Empress glanced at the back and immediately spotted the outstanding Bai Jingxian. "Which one is Bai Jingxian?" the Empress asked.

Originally, Bai Jingxian wanted to step forward. Since she had served the Emperor last night, the Empress's call was meant for her, and she should offer her respects.

Her recognition would mark her as a true member of the harem.

However, someone was quicker to act. "Replying to Your Majesty, I am." Bai Jingyan, for unknown reasons, stepped out before Bai Jingxian.

Bai Jingxian dared not fall behind. "I am Bai Jingxian." Her voice was soft and timid, like a little rabbit, conveying her meekness.

The Empress was momentarily taken aback. Two Bai Jingxians? At that moment, the Empress's personal maid stepped forward to explain.

Bai Jingyan had failed to make a notable name for herself in the harem even after years in the palace, and even the Empress did not recognize her. Clearly, she had little "skill."

"Ah, so you are sisters. The Emperor is indeed fortunate. Please, raise your heads." The Empress smiled at the two kneeling consorts.

Raising one's head was also a matter of etiquette.

One should not directly gaze at the Empress's face but should only look at the lower position. Otherwise, it would be considered disrespectful.

Nevertheless, Bai Jingxian caught a glimpse of the Empress's face. While not exceptionally beautiful, it was far from unattractive—elegant and dignified, fitting for an Empress.

Due to the makeup, her precise features were not fully discernible.

"Which Bai Jingxian served the Emperor last night?" Seeing the two sisters, the Empress thought that the one who entered the palace earlier lacked any distinguishing features, no wonder she didn't receive the Emperor's favor.

"Replying to Your Majesty, it was I." Bai Jingxian bowed her head to the Empress once more.

She had her reasons for doing so. In the harem, the Empress held considerable power, second only to the Empress Dowager. Winning her favor could lead to unexpected benefits.

Like Consort Zhen, who gained favor and used her position to eliminate Consort Hua, eventually aligning with the Empress.

At first, the Empress had given her special treatment due to her appearance.

Otherwise, how could a mere concubine be allowed to call any physician she wished?

"Hm. Good. Step forward and offer tea." With the Emperor's decree, the Empress was not disappointed.

Unfortunately, the decree had not arrived before the Emperor saw her.

"Yes."

Bai Jingxian stepped forward to present tea to the Empress and performed her respectful greeting. The Empress did not make things difficult for her.

"A new favored concubine has joined the palace. May she serve the Emperor well and help the royal family flourish. Rise."

After drinking the tea, the Empress made a formal statement and had them rise.

"Thank you for Your Majesty's guidance."

Bai Jingxian kowtowed in gratitude and then stood up.

As she continued with the formalities, De Fu arrived with the imperial decree.

With the decree, everyone turned to face the Empress.

Seeing that the Empress was about to kneel to receive the decree, De Fu quickly stepped forward to stop her. "Your Majesty need not kneel to receive the decree."

Upon hearing this, Lan Guifei's resentment towards the Empress flared up again.

Perhaps her resentment was so deep that De Fu also relayed the Emperor's command that Lan Guifei (Nobel Consort Lan) need not kneel.

Lan Guifei smiled, her smile more radiant than usual.

'The Emperor's decree: Because Bai Jingxian is graceful, with a pleasant voice and refined beauty... dignified and affectionate, close to noble virtues. I decree that she be promoted to Li Liangdi and granted the title of Honorable Consort. Thus is the decree.' 

"Thank you for Your Majesty's grace. Long live the Emperor!" Bai Jingxian understood that she had been promoted to Honorable Consort.

De Fu was surprised by the decree but felt it was justified given the previous night's events.

Such a beauty could only be added to the Emperor's harem.

"Li Liangdi, please." De Fu closed the decree and handed it to the kneeling Bai Jingxian.

He then saluted the Empress and Consort Lan, "Your Majesty, Consort Lan, I have other matters to attend to and shall not disturb your greetings."

"Go and attend to your duties." The Empress smiled and waved De Fu off.

As she looked at the kneeling consorts, a smirk played at the corner of her lips.

Her gaze lingered on Bai Jingxian a moment longer.

"Alright, Li Liangdi, please greet Lan Guifei and the others. You must be tired from serving the Emperor last night. Rest soon."

The Empress's words were sweet, but laced with venom.

"Yes."

Bai Jingxian was not afraid. With her life preserved, she would now set her sights on her next goals.