The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 31 - A Chess Piece

She had been anticipating this moment and preparing accordingly.

Unexpectedly, the Empress arrived.

"Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

After sitting down, the Empress delivered a few formal remarks and then waited for someone to speak.

The first to speak, however, caught everyone off guard.

"Your Majesty, I've heard that the imperial kitchen has introduced some new dishes. My attendants inquired and found out that it was He Liangdi who came up with these ideas. Liangdi has certainly opened our eyes this time," Shu Fei (Consort Shu) said, glancing at Bai Jingxian, who was seated below her.

Bai Jingxian had no choice but to stand up and offer a polite bow, smiling as she replied, "It's an honor if Shu Fei enjoys them. It was merely a small indulgence on my part, I hope I haven't made a fool of myself in front of Your Highness."

She had considered various possibilities, but she hadn't expected Shu Fei to be the first to speak, let alone to praise her. Something was suspicious.

Shu Fei always appeared calm and composed, never competing for favor like the other consorts. She and the Noble Consort had the most scheduled nights with the Emperor, so jealousy didn't seem like her style.

However, for some reason, Bai Jingxian couldn't shake the strange feeling that Shu Fei resembled Qi Yuepin, someone she found unsettling in an inexplicable way.

"Liangdi deserves our thanks. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have known there were new ways to enjoy food. Now, everyone in the palace can enjoy these dishes," Shu Fei smiled but dropped the subject after that.

The Empress glanced at Shu Fei, puzzled by her actions. "Shu Fei is right. He Liangdi has done well and should be rewarded." The Empress looked at her attendant, "Shiqin, bring out that set of goose-yellow brocade from my wardrobe and give it to He Liangdi. The color suits her well; it will make her look even more radiant."

She then added, "Also, bring out the set of topaz jewelry the Emperor gave me. It matches perfectly. We wouldn't want her to think I'm stingy." The Empress joked, casting a teasing glance at Bai Jingxian, who was still standing.

Seeing the Empress being so generous, Wen Jieyu was visibly displeased. "The Empress is giving her too much credit. It's just some food. Anyone in the imperial kitchen could come up with something like this."

Wen Jieyu simply couldn't stand Bai Jingxian stealing the spotlight. On top of that, because of Bai Jingxian, she had lost her turn with the Emperor for half a month, which infuriated her even more.

Bai Jingxian wasn't one to back down, and just as she was about to respond, another voice rang out from her left.

"Exactly, Jieyu is right. It's just a different way of preparing food. She's not the only one eating this way. I've heard that even poor peasants eat like this."

It was none other than Li Changzai, the one Bai Jingxian had expected to attack her.

"Oh? Is that so? I've never been out of the mansion, so I had no idea. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness. It seems I don't have as much knowledge as Li Changzai, who even knows what poor people eat. I'm ashamed to accept such lavish rewards."

She bowed again, looking toward the Empress with an expression of guilt.

Well-informed, indeed. Li Changzai's father had recently been promoted from a provincial post, so her family's background probably wasn't too great. How else would she know so much about the lives of the poor? This thought crossed the minds of many present.