The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 64 - Changchun Palace's Secrets 01

"Your Highness," Huihua said, trembling with fear. "The entire rear courtyard is under the Emperor's control. If you continue like this..."

She was terrified that Shu Fei's actions would bring disaster upon herself. The Third Prince was already frail and wouldn't live long even if left alone. Why dirty her own hands?

"You don't understand. I've carried the burden of that mother and son for too long. It's about time I eased my own load, don't you think?"

Shu Fei's eyes were filled with madness—she had truly lost her mind.

What she couldn't have, no one else could either. Wenke was what the Emperor desired. So, she would ensure that the Emperor's desires went unfulfilled. After all, wasn't she herself also left unfulfilled?

"Very well, I will make the arrangements," Huihua replied, her loyalty to Shu Fei unquestionable, and she followed her orders without hesitation.

Shu Fei smiled. "Good. Once this is all over, Huihua, you'll be of age to marry. I'll see to it that you find a good match."

She was always willing to provide a way out for those loyal to her.

"Your Highness!" Huihua immediately knelt at these words. "I do not wish to marry. I want to serve you for the rest of my life." Her life had been saved by Shu Fei, and she didn't believe life outside the palace would be better than staying by Shu Fei's side. She wasn't willing to leave the palace to face hardship again.

"Silly girl, listen to me," Shu Fei said as she helped her up. "The people you've trained are quite capable. I can't delay your future any longer."

At that moment, Shu Fei seemed different—no one could quite understand what she was thinking.

"Your Highness..." Huihua wanted to say more but was cut off by Shu Fei. "Enough, go and make the arrangements."

.....

Meanwhile, Bai Jingxian was strolling through the Imperial Garden, bored and thinking that, with no one in the palace holding a higher rank than her, she might as well enjoy the pleasant weather. The breeze was light, and it was a rare moment of relaxation.

"My Lady, this is the first time we've come this way. Who would have thought the Imperial Garden was this large?" Chunyu and Chunjing, the two maids following her, were full of curiosity.

Looking at the flowers and trees blooming in competition, Bai Jingxian's face also revealed a rare expression of amazement. "Indeed, the palace is beautiful at every turn. This must be the Eastern Six Palaces. The scenery here is truly different."

She had only ever seen such sights on television before. It was her first time experiencing it in person, and it was truly refreshing.

"My Lady, look over there. Isn't that an osmanthus tree? It still has flowers on it! I didn't expect there would still be osmanthus flowers blooming this time of year." Suddenly, Chunjing pointed at a tree poking out from behind the palace walls.

Chunyu glanced over and said, "Your Highness, that is Shu Fei's Changchun Palace. The osmanthus tree is planted inside the palace walls, likely transplanted by Shu Fei herself." She hadn't been to this area many times, but she remembered the palace buildings.

That was indeed Changchun Palace, the most lavish and spacious of the residences. Besides Shu Fei, no other consort lived there, a clear indication of how deeply the Emperor favored Shu Fei.

Chunyu kept these thoughts to herself, not saying them aloud.

"Let's go over and take a look. If the flowers are good, we can ask the palace staff to make some osmanthus cakes." Bai Jingxian had a craving for sweets.

Although she had been well taken care of since gaining favor, her taste preferences had shifted during her pregnancy.

"At once, My Lady," Chunjing responded happily, thinking that such a small request would surely not be refused by the staff of Changchun Palace.

However, as they drew closer, they noticed guards standing outside Changchun Palace. In the inner palace, especially in the harem, the presence of men—aside from the Emperor—was unheard of.

Seeing guards posted there, Bai Jingxian was naturally surprised and stopped in her tracks. "Chunjing, go find out why there are guards at the entrance to Changchun Palace." If something serious was happening, it might be best for her to return to her chambers.

Before Chunjing could approach, a familiar figure appeared in the distance.

"Your Highness, isn't that Eunuch Xia? What is he doing here? Could there be another consort living in Changchun Palace?" It couldn't be. Shu Fei was at the summer palace, and there were no other consorts residing in Changchun Palace. So why was Eunuch Xia bringing so many supplies?

"Let's wait and see," Bai Jingxian said, stepping into the shade of a tree. Hidden from sight, they quietly observed.

Eunuch Xia did not enter the palace but instead called out from the gate.

"Wait a moment, I will fetch her for you," a eunuch's voice replied from inside, but there was no immediate movement to open the door.

Eunuch Xia wasn't offended. He stood in the hot sun, not showing a trace of impatience.

This piqued Bai Jingxian's curiosity.

She stepped a bit closer, but it was still hard to hear the conversation from the palace gate.

"Your Highness, should we go ask Eunuch Xia directly?" Chunjing, noticing her mistress's curiosity, suggested.

But Bai Jingxian felt something was off about Changchun Palace. Asking directly was not an option, so she replied, "No need. We'll wait here and see what we can overhear."

At this point, her thoughts of osmanthus cakes had vanished.

Eunuch Xia wiped the sweat from his forehead over and over, and at last, the palace gate creaked open.

"Greetings, Eunuch Xia. How may I assist you?" A gentle-looking palace maid dressed in plain robes emerged from the palace. Instead of inviting Eunuch Xia inside, she stood at the gate, looking down at him.

Even from a distance, Bai Jingxian found Eunuch Xia's fawning expression unpleasant, further confirming her suspicion that Changchun Palace held a great secret.

"Dongmei, I bring summer supplies on behalf of His Majesty. The Internal Affairs Department reported that the supplies in Changchun Palace had been depleting quickly, so I hurried over to ensure the lady was well served. I would like to deliver the items personally to her."

Eunuch Xia had been handling these errands ever since his master entrusted the responsibility to him. He was in charge of the supplies for the temple within Changchun Palace and feared punishment from the Emperor if things were not done properly.

Dongmei smiled faintly. "Indeed, the supplies have been used up quickly, especially with Lady Zhang also residing here. I appreciate your effort, but there's no need for you to see the lady. She does not wish to meet anyone."

Dongmei waved her hand, signaling for the attendants to come forward. Several elderly maids and junior eunuchs emerged from the palace, collecting the items brought by Eunuch Xia's group.

"The supplies have been received. Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch Xia. This is a small token of appreciation from my lady, please do not refuse it." Dongmei understood etiquette well, though she acted superior toward Eunuch Xia, she knew how to maintain the dignity of her mistress.

"Thank you, Dongmei. Please convey my best wishes to the lady, and let me know if there is anything more I can do. His Majesty gave me strict instructions to ensure she is well taken care of."

"I will pass on your message. Thank you for your hard work, Eunuch Xia."

The palace gates shut once more, and Eunuch Xia, after watching for a moment, left with his attendants.