The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 60 - Great Joy in the Harem

"Your Highness."

De Fei wanted to say more, but was interrupted by the Empress. "Jiang Momo, take good care of your Highness and ensure she doesn't wander about. Let her wait peacefully to return to the palace."

With many pregnant concubines now, the Emperor wouldn't return to the palace any time soon. In past years, he might have returned early due to court affairs, but this year was uncertain.

A seemingly cold-faced mama stepped forward. "Yes, Your Empress, I will keep a close watch on De Fei."

De Fei looked helpless. "Sister, why must it come to this?" She truly felt it unnecessary.

"Guifei's pregnancy is problematic. It's best for you to avoid drawing attention. Return now." The Empress, noticing De Fei's reluctance, leaned down and whispered in her ear.

De Fei was astonished. "How can this be?"

"Enough. We'll discuss this upon returning to the palace; it's not convenient to speak of it here." In the summer retreat palace, the servants attending were not entirely from the main palace, making it impossible to compare.

De Fei was not one to lack judgment. "Yes, I'll listen to my sister."

Once De Fei left, the Empress promptly summoned the imperial physician. Concerned for the Emperor, she had someone inform him.

Thus, the Empress began nurturing her body in the temporary palace.

Guifei, having received care from Madam Tan, felt better and, upon learning that the Empress needed rest, couldn't hide her joy.

In the past half month, several other pregnant concubines were reported.

Now, the Empress Dowager could no longer sit idly.

She called De Zhong to begin planning a cleanup.

Meanwhile, the situation in Jiangnan was becoming increasingly severe. The examination for the imperial examination was to be held next year; if it wasn't handled well, the Emperor would attract less than one-fifth of the talents from previous years.

The Tan family also began to stir because of Guifei's pregnancy.

Many people came to the forefront.

These were the fish the Emperor wanted to catch; now that they were out of the water, he was busy and excited every day.

Even those serving the Emperor were working overtime.

After half a month of busyness, De Fu had lost several pounds.

"Good news, Master!" A young eunuch ran excitedly toward De Fu at the gate, instinctively lowering his voice knowing this was the Emperor's residence.

"What is it?" De Fu, who had just closed his eyes, opened them. "If you fail to make me happy, be careful that I will punish you." 

"Master, today several masters summoned the physician, all of whom are pregnant!" The young eunuch reported without holding back, directly stating the cause of his excitement.

De Fu might have been as excited as the young eunuch before, but now he couldn't muster any enthusiasm.

There were seventeen concubines brought to the summer retreat palace by the Emperor, excluding those who had lost their children, as very few were favored.

The Emperor couldn't even remember their names; fortunately, they were sensible and didn't cause trouble, remaining quietly in their places.

Among the ten who could be named, already ten were pregnant.