Chapter 43 (1/2)

Chapter 43

To Fight for Favor

Early the next morning, all the concubines go to Feng Yang Palace to give Mo Qi Qi their morning greeting.  Something out of the ordinary happens this morning, Yang Shi Han who has entered the palace for a couple of days actually goes to her palace this morning.  That makes the rest of the concubines really curious, whispering amongst themselves.

”Why is Yang Guifei here?  She has never bothered greeting the empress from the day she entered the palace.”

”We will have an interesting drama today.  The empress will definitely not let her off.”

Yang Shi Han walks in wearing a white dress while putting on a pure yet n.o.ble-looking make-up.  Her chin is slightly tilted while a beautiful smile can be seen on her lips.  Arrogance and disdain can be seen in her eyes as she sits right next to the empress' seat.

Seeing that, everyone are immediately upset, ”Yang Guifei, you are too bold!  You actually didn't pay respect upon seeing the empress.”

”Correct!  Even if you are favoured, you are only a concubine!  If you disrespect the empress like that, what will happen to our system?”

”Your Ladyship, Yang Guifei is too disrespectful.”

Hearing the complaints from the concubines, deep down inside, Mo Qi Qi understands that they are trying to pit her against Yang Shi Han, or at least subdue her!  Yang Shi Han has been receiving the sole favour from Jun Qian Che ever since she entered the palace.  The former empress would have properly schooled Yang Shi Han by now, but the current Mo Qi Qi will not.  In fact, she is grateful towards her.  It is because of her that Jun Qian Che does not place any desire on this empress of his.  That is how she managed to protect her body after all.

Having seen enough of their drama, Mo Qi Qi calmly speaks up, ”Do not be angry, meimeis.  We are all sisters, why must we fight each other in this manner?”

The concubines are stunned upon seeing the empress' tolerance towards Yang Shi Han.  Zhao Pin does not believe the empress will be that generous, ”Your Ladyship, Yang Guifei is arrogant after receiving favour, she does not bother paying respect upon seeing you.  How can her disrespectful acts be tolerated?”

Yang Shi Han covers her smile using a fan, ”Your Ladyship, it isn't that chenqie isn't willing to bow down to you, just the emperor once said that chenqie is exempted from any rules or ceremonial obligation in the harem.  Moreover, chenqie's knees have been hurting these past few days, so it is a little inconvenient.”

Mo Qi Qi looks at Yang Shi Han who is raising her eyebrows before laughing brilliantly, ”Bengong understands.  Yang Meimei have to serve in the chamber every night, it is understandable that you are tired.  It is okay, from now on, treat bengong's palace like your own home.  No need for too many formalities.”

”Your Ladyship—”  the rest of the concubines are not satisfied.

Mo Qi Qi smiles, ”Other meimeis should not be too shrewd.  Since the emperor said that, we should listen to him.  How about this then; all meimeis are now allowed to not pay formal respect in bengong's palace, if you does not feel like doing it.  We are all sisters after all, there is no need to be so formal.”

Yang Shi Han looks at Mo Qi Qi suspiciously before scornfully smiling, ”Your Ladyship changed a lot ever since you fell from the viewing tower.  Chengie have heard about it from other people, but only after seeing it myself am I now convinced.”  She a.s.sesses Mo Qi Qi's expression as she says that.  What makes her even more surprised is there is not a single trace of anger in Mo Qi Qi's face.  The former Mo Qi Qi would have thrown tantrum long ago.

”Yang Meimei praises me too much.  Bengong was too young and impulsive back then and did a lot of things that hurt all of you.  Now that bengong thinks about it, everything is so embarra.s.sing.  From now on, bengong wants to have good relationships with all meimeis.  Bengong will become a virtuous empress; one that is worthy of the emperor's approval and meimeis' respect.  Since we are all sisters, we should all get along.  Only when the harem is peaceful will the emperor's troubles lessen; he will be able to focus on the court matters and foster an even more prosperous kingdom.”

Yang Shi Han laughs drily, ”Your Ladyship's words are really touching, hopefully you will really do as you said.  Aiya, His Majesty was at it for too long last night, chenqie is still tired from it.  Your Ladyship, chenqie will leave first to recuperate.  Chenqie still needs to serve His Majesty at bed tonight!”  She gets up and sweeps her eyes over the crowd, the corner of her lips raised mockingly.

Mo Qi Qi's elegant smile did not change, ”Since it is like that, meimei should hurry and leave.  Serving His Majesty is the most important thing.”