The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 113 - Seeking Death

Zhao Jinrui lifted his gaze, wearing a look that seemed to say, "Are you joking with me?"

Bai Jingxian shot him a glance. "Your Majesty, don't look at me like that. You know my salary well. Look at those three; can they support themselves on what they get?"

He shifted his gaze to his sons, and indeed, they could eat quite a bit.

"It was my oversight. How about this: I'll give half of my salary to you and the children every day?"

Bai Jingxian wouldn't be polite about it. "That sounds wonderful. Then I'll thank the Emperor on behalf of the three children." It would be foolish to turn down money.

In truth, she wasn't lying. She didn't know what the Empress was thinking, but it seemed everything given to the princes was strictly according to the rules. However, for her three children, it was simply not enough.

Sigh. Earlier, to survive, she had to tolerate a lot, but now that her life was secure, she wanted to live a bit better and had to fight for it.

Her heart was becoming increasingly insatiable.

But who in the harem understood the meaning of satisfaction? Certainly not her.

That night, Zhao Jinrui stayed over, but the next day happened to be the day for the harem to pay respects to the Empress, so he went with Bai Jingxian to Kunning Palace.

Now, Bai Jingxian no longer needed to watch anyone's expression to get by.

The Emperor was willing to give her face, so of course she was happy about it.

She wasn't the Empress and had no need to act virtuous and kind.

With the Emperor's support, Bai Jingxian remained her usual friendly self, getting along with everyone, which made Zhao Jinrui view her with even greater admiration.

The Empress watched all of this, and jealousy flashed in her heart, but she still suppressed it.

Since her miscarriage, Wen Xiuyi had been wearing a sullen face around everyone.

"The Emperor is indeed biased. In the past, he never accompanied anyone to pay respects to the Empress; I'm getting jealous."

She voiced her jealousy, something no one expected.

Zhao Jinrui glanced at her. Wen Xiuyi now appeared more radiant than before. Perhaps she had been overshadowed by Lan Guifei for too long, forced to dress modestly.

But now, in her official robes with jewelry representing her status, she truly caught people's attention.

"Oh? Is Wen Xiuyi implying something towards me?" Zhao Jinrui felt displeased as he thought of those scholars.

Wen Xiuyi hadn't expected the Emperor to retaliate like this. "I dare not, Your Majesty. How could you misunderstand me?"

In front of everyone, Wen Xiuyi began using terms of endearment meant for her private conversations with the Emperor.

"I simply haven't seen the Emperor for many days and missed you."

"Enough, Wen Xiuyi should learn the rules. Kunning Palace is not your residence. Empress, the rules of the harem must be enforced from now on." Zhao Jinrui walked up to take his seat at the main table.

Bai Jingxian stood at her own spot.

Wen Xiuyi was embarrassed, her expression darkening. "Your Majesty, please forgive me. It was all my fault; I overstepped."

At least she wasn't foolish. If the Empress decided to punish her, she'd likely be confined for months.

"The Emperor and I are simply chatting among sisters; let's forgive Wen Xiuyi this time. If there's a next time, I'll discipline her myself, is that alright?" The Empress was eager to have someone confront Bai Jingxian; she certainly didn't want to go against the Emperor.