The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 116 - End

Translator XiaoBai: This is the final chapter of The Daily Life of a Concubine. Thank you for your support. Please follow me for updates on new books :) 

My recommendation: https://www.wattpad.com/story/376444093-the-enchanting-imperial-concubine

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It's uncertain whether Bai Jingxian truly believed his words, but from that day onward, the Emperor stayed at Lanyue Pavilion every night.

The harem began to murmur with dissatisfaction, but no amount of complaints could sway the Emperor's resolve. Each day, when he entered the harem, his destination was always Lanyue Pavilion.

As for Minister Wen, he suffered repeated anger from the Emperor over his daughter's situation, which led him to vent his frustrations by writing a letter to Wen Xiuyi in the palace. Wen Xiuyi, upon receiving the letter, could hardly believe it. She couldn't fathom that the Emperor would be so heartless. Naturally, Zhao Jinrui didn't bother to explain anything to her. He was too busy pampering his beloved beauty every day.

Because of the Emperor's indulgence, rumors outside the palace grew rampant. This was something Bai Jingxian hadn't anticipated. Accusations of disrupting the state and being a wicked temptress seeking to ruin the country were all thrown at her.

The civil officials had truly infuriated Zhao Jinrui this time. He immediately apprehended several outspoken ministers. Now that he held power, he had no fear of anyone challenging him. Observing the Emperor's disregard for the civil officials, some people started to become fearful.

"Hmph! This is the Zhao family's empire, not yours, civil ministers! Do you really think I can't do without you?"

To set an example, Zhao Jinrui named a few officials and brought forth incriminating evidence against them.

"Clean up your own messes before criticizing my harem!"

As the Emperor's fury intensified, many who had initially spoken out fell silent, realizing the danger of their position. Zhao Jinrui finally felt a sense of relief.

"You didn't mention how she tended to me when I was ill, didn't acknowledge her merit, yet you're all obsessed with a woman's looks. What, are all your wives ugly?"

"I'll show you what loyalty to the Emperor and love for the country really look like."

Initially, he hadn't planned to reveal this, but they forced his hand. Seeing the military officials, especially those from the Cheng family, enjoying the spectacle, Zhao Jinrui felt even more stifled.

Hmph, do they really think I rely solely on them for my empire?

When Zhao Jinrui publicly introduced movable type printing, panic spread among the civil officials. Where were the largest collections of books? In the royal libraries, of course. If the royal family intended to nurture scholars from humble origins, what role would they play?

Wouldn't civil service recommendations become obsolete?

No, this couldn't happen—it would destroy the foundation of their power.

Zhao Jinrui didn't want to drive them to desperation, but since they sought their own demise, he was more than happy to oblige.

"Hmph, if such things that benefit the nation and its people are created by this so-called wicked consort, then what do you say now? Is my He Jieyu still a wicked temptress?"

At this moment, Zhao Jinrui was like a triumphant rooster, proudly displaying his prowess.

"Your Majesty, we do not believe it."