The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 10 - Joy

By the next morning, the Emperor had long left, and Chun Feng and the others informed Bai Jingxian that she could not delay the morning greeting.

When she awoke, her voice was hoarse. She drank several cups of water to soothe her throat.

"When did the Emperor leave?"

"My lady, His Majesty just left a short while ago," Chun Feng answered with a smile. "His Majesty didn't want us to wake you, but since you said you must not miss the morning greeting, we woke you up."

"Good, you did well."

She managed to get up but nearly stumbled as she stepped down. Fortunately, Chun Feng and others were quick to support her, or she might have missed the morning greeting with the Empress today.

With Chun Feng and Chun Yu's help, Bai Jingxian got herself presentable and left her palace.

The morning greeting was as competitive as before, with many trying to belittle her. However, these words could not hurt her; her goals differed from theirs, so their words had no effect on her.

Seeing Bai Jingxian's indifference, the Empress lost interest and concluded the morning greeting with a simple "Dismissed."

Bai Jingxian was puzzled by the purpose of such greetings. Was it to display status or to watch her husband take in another concubine and add to her troubles?

Without being in the Empress's position, she could not fully understand the Empress's intentions. After a tumultuous night, it was best to go back to sleep and preserve her life. The harem was a battleground, and she did not want to exit the stage prematurely.

As soon as she returned to the palace, she was informed that Bai Guiren had committed an offense and was demoted and relocated to the Cold Palace.

Tsk, the Emperor's decree was quite interesting. She was quite pleased.

"Today this palace is in high spirits. Chun Feng, gather everyone from the courtyard," she said. A large courtyard like this should be utilized.

In the new Qingliang Hall, she did not want to be surrounded by spies. At the very least, she wanted capable people around her.

"Understood."

Chun Feng had intended to remind her about this matter earlier but was delayed by the Emperor's visits. Now that her mistress had brought it up, she was naturally going to handle it well.

Soon, all the servants and staff from Qingliang Hall arrived in the front and back courtyards.

The head housekeeper, errand eunuchs, and others knelt on the ground in the front courtyard.

"This palace has called you here for no major reason, just to arrange your duties for the future."

Although she didn't know many details, it didn't stop her from selecting her personnel.

"Wang Momo will remain the head housekeeper of Qingliang Hall, with the same responsibilities as before, managing all affairs of the hall."

Upon hearing her duties assigned, Wang Momo immediately kowtowed and thanked her. "Thank you, My Lady." She had initially sought a place to retire, not expecting to find a kind mistress.

"Don't be in a hurry to thank me. Since I've entrusted such an important task to you, I naturally don't want to be surrounded by deceitful people. Do you understand?"

"I am loyal to My Lady," Wang Momo responded with a firm tone and another kowtow.

As an experienced harem veteran, she knew the fate of those who were disloyal. Although she had not served this mistress before, she had witnessed the consequences of betrayal and did not wish to experience it herself.

"Good. Rise."

Next was Xiao Li. His expression of loyalty was even more direct. He raised his finger and swore allegiance, promising to be as ruthless as needed.

Listening to him gave Bai Jingxian's headache, making her suspect that he had a grudge against her family.

"Alright, you can stay by my side from now on."

She promoted two more palace maids, mainly because Chun Feng and Chun Yu were already busy serving her directly, and some smaller tasks needed to be handled.

With the main business settled, she rewarded everyone and dismissed the meeting after choosing a few trusted individuals.

"Wang Momo, you will be busy with Qingliang Hall from now on." 

"It is my duty, My Lady. You are too kind," Wang Momo replied respectfully.

What Bai Jingxian did not know was that Wang Momo had another identity; she had previously served the Emperor. However, as she grew older, she voluntarily requested to be transferred here.

Few knew this, except for De Fu, who was close to the Emperor and understood the situation.

Xiao Li, without needing any prompting, expressed his loyalty again.

Bai Jingxian, feeling dizzy from listening to him, quickly interrupted, "Alright, tell me about Bai Guiren."

Xiao Li explained everything in detail.

After hearing the story, Bai Jingxian smiled.

"My Lady, these are rewards from His Majesty." Wang Momo, after organizing the items, handed over a small booklet.

Bai Jingxian took it and smiled. The rewards showed the Emperor's attentiveness to her, confirming that her efforts from that night had paid off.

"His Majesty is thoughtful. Wang Momo, have Chun Feng deliver a bowl of tonic soup to His Majesty." Since he was thoughtful, she should respond in kind.

"Understood."

Wang Momo was pleased. After spending a few days together, she learned that her mistress was kind-hearted.

During these days of morning greetings, she had been very obedient. The Emperor had not visited her for four or five days. Although the rewards had not ceased, the things she received were not comparable to those of other concubines in the harem.

Naturally, those who sought trouble had given up, as there were more favored concubines to contend with.

That day, with the weather bright and cheerful, and having shaken off her gloomy mood, Bai Jingxian began to miss the bar culture of the modern world.

Although there was no place for her to indulge here, she needed to find some enjoyment.

So, she started to long for ancient wines.

"Xiao Li, think of a way. What if the mistress falls?"

Under a fake mountain in Qingliang Hall, Chun Feng, and Chun Yu watched anxiously as the figure swayed atop the mountain.

They had not expected the mistress to be so daring when drunk.

The beauty sitting at the peak of the fake mountain in light pink attire swayed her legs, causing those below to feel uneasy.

There was truly no one else in the palace as bold as she.

Tipsy, Bai Jingxian seemed disturbed by the voices below. She pressed her finger to her lips and said, "Quiet!"

"Be quiet. I won't fall. I'm steady."

In her past life, she had often climbed mountains and crossed rivers. Even after leaving that unfortunate village, she had not forgotten to seek out her favorite pastimes during her free time.

She was well-trained in handling alcohol and able to drink countless cups without faltering.

Previously, Wang Momo had procured some fine wine for her, which she had enjoyed.

Having been in the palace for over a month, and now living alone in Qingliang Hall, she indulged in relaxation as much as she could.

Her post-drinking demeanor was graceful, half-leaning on the fake mountain in an elegant and relaxed manner, creating a beautiful image of a drunken beauty.