The photo I used as the chapter cover is
Noble Lady Shen, the Third Princess of the Mongolian Reign.
The photo I used it's not mine, credit to the rightful owner.
–
Noble Lady Shun, the Third Princess of the Mongolian Reign, just arrived at her new home, the Palace of Earthly Honor. She was standing in her bedroom, admiring the foreign forniture and decorations, that adorned the room.
She entered the Royal Palace of the Mongolian reign a year ago, and was bestowed a marriage just two months ago, 'You're a Princess, and like the Second Princess did, you will become The Emperor of the Jin Empire concubine, is that clear?', that were the words of her supposed 'father', meanwhile her mother, dressed in a luxurious dress that wrapped her pregnant belly, was looking at her daughter pitying her and her fate, and Noble Lady Shun hated that.
Her personal maid that traveled with her from Mongolia to the Jin Empire entered the room, "Princess, the Emperor bestowed to you the fifth -rank Noble Lady Shun, and this servant came to you to report the current situation in the harem."
"I heard the Emperor usually bestows the fifth -rank at the start, even if you're a Princess."
"Yes Princess, this servant heard even Royal Princess Uisun from Joseon and your sister, the Second Princess, were bestowed the title of Noble Lady upon entering the harem, later they were promoted."
"So it isn't a surprise, go on, how is the situation in the harem?", asked Noble Lady Shun at the maid, the latter replied, "This servant heard that in the harem currently there are three main forces: the Imperial Noble Consort, mother of the First Prince, Noble Consort Xi, backed by the Empress Dowager, and Consort Zhen, mother of the famous blessed twins, and also her is backed by the Empress Dowager. Also, this servant heard that recently Noble Consort Xi gave birth to the Sixth Princess, and Imperial Concubine Chun to the Fourth Prince, she was promoted to Consort Chun for that, now there are two consorts, there was a third but she was banished to the Cold Palace and demoted to Noble Lady, since she killed the Third Prince, Imperial Concubine Ning's son, that was adopted by Consort Zhen.
Imperial Concubine Ning and Consort Zhen were half-sister, but the first one passed out almost five months ago. Also, three concubines are pregnant, Imperial Concubine Xian, Jia and Li."
Noble Lady Shun was shocked at how many information her maid was able to got, what seemed strange is that the maid didn't mention anything about an Empress, thought nobody told her anything about the Jin Empire, other than she will marry the same husband as her half-sister, "Doesn't the Emperor have a wife? An Empress?", asked Noble Lady Shun.
"This servants replying, the Emperor will hold the ceremony of selection in four months, all the concubines in the fourth-rank Consort (Fei) and above, will be able to partecipate, if Princess in four months can be promoted to Fei, Princess might be the Empress! This servants hopes to see the Princess in the Phoenix Throne!", the servant bowed, in sign of respect towards her master, and her desire for Noble Lady Shun to be named Empress.
Noble Lady Shun, seeing her servants so devoted to her, couldn't help but smile and say, "Stand up, don't need to be so courteous."
"Thank you Princess.", the maid got closer to her master, and watched the beautiful lips of Noble Lady Shun move, as she says, "I will take the Empress throne, but you must help me and be loyal to me, is that clear?"
"Shi, Princess."
–
Ling Xue was in her room, finishing making her eyebrows, she was ready to go to the Emperor's birthday Banquet, that will be held in the luxurious Pavillon of Eternal Spring, her big pregnant belly was showing that it won't take too long for Ling Xue to finally held her child. She always dreamed to be a mother, since she was a child, since she doesn't have siblings, instead, Ling Xue dreamed to take care of children, like a mother would do.
Now she lived a good life; begin a middle-ranked concubine of the Great Emperor of Jin, still a closed number of six concubine for her rank, and her personal Imperial Doctor told her she's giving sign that she's carrying a Prince, such news could only bring happiness to Ling Xue, but a little worry too, how will she protect her son? She must talk to her friend and seek advice in how to be able to protect not only yours, but another one; something Ling Xue never had to do before.
As she looks at the mirror and sees that her eyebrows were perfectly done, she tries to stand up from her chair, but senses something wet going down her legs, immediately after she falls from the pain in her abdomen; Ling Xue knew what was happening, she was giving birth.
"Servants! Help!"
–
Jiao Wei was going towards Ling Xue's Palace, she wanted to be sure she was okay; she knew how fragile the eight and ninth months of pregnancy were, especially the first one, so Jiao Wei thought to pick up Ling Xue from her Palace, and to go together to the Pavillon of Eternal Spring together.
As she looks at her friend's Palace from outside the gate, Jiao Wei noticed two maids speaking with a nurse and an Imperial Doctor, 'Ling'Er must be giving birth!'
Jiao Wei hurries inside the palace, as she stops the the group of maids and doctors, "Is Imperial Concubine Xian giving birth?"
"Greetings to NiangNiang, – said an Imperial Doctor, – NiangNiang, Imperial Concubine Xian is indeed giving birth, her contractions started almost an hour ago."
Hearing that, Jiao Wei couldn't help but be exited and worried at the same time for her; she knew of her dream to be a mother, but giving birth is a difficult process, that could let both the mother and the child die, Jiao Wei knew about this with her aunt, sister of her father, Liu Wei. She died while giving birth to her younger cousin, Jing Guo, nine years old.
Also she remembers, she can't contact or know about her family until she's promoted to Noble Consort, unfortunately, that's the rule, but if the Emperor gives permission, they can contact let their family visit the harem. Usually Princess concubines like Jia Pin, Li Pin and Shun GuiRen, they use their personal servants that know how to send a secret letter to their homeland, to the Royal Family.
"Is Xian Pin health good? How many blood did she lost?", Jiao Wei wanted to know more about the situation, to clam down her worries and anxiety.
"Replying to NiangNiang, Nubi can take NiangNiang to the side hall, next to the bedroom, were Imperial Concubine Xian is.",
a maid came forward, replying to Jiao Wei, the latter answered, "Guide me to the side hall, also this concubine wonders if the Emperor knows about this."
"Replying to NiangNiang, the Emperor doesn't know about this yet as the Imperial Doctors just recently arrived, and us servants were busy attending to Imperial Consort Xian, please spare us NiangNiang!", the servant bowed, trying to please Consort Zhen.
"You can stand up, this concubine understands and appreciates your efforts into serving Imperial Concubine Xian, that's your job after all, – said Jiao Wei, – also, after accompanying me to the side room, you will go and report everything that happened to the Emperor, say that you were sent by Consort Zhen."
"Shi NiangNiang, please follow this servant to the side hall."
–
At the Pavillon of Eternal Spring, the banquet already started. Everyone was present but Consort Zhen and Imperial Concubine Xian, the Emperor already knew something happened, so he sent his new personal eunuch, Lu Gong, to get news about his two concubines, since he was worried about their well-begins.
The Empress Dowager was also present and, after giving a brief look at her son, she said, "Emperor, this old one wonders where Consort Zhen and Imperial Concubine Xian are."
"This Emperor sent Lu Gong to get news about Our concubines."
"Good, this old one didn't have a chance to meet with Consort Zhen after the sudden passing of the little Prince, this old one hopes that Consort Zhen is healthy.", replied the Empress Dowager, the Emperor hearing that his mother was worried for Jiao Wei, simply smiled and replied,"Our concubine is healthy, This Emperor thanks Empress Dowager's concern on Consort Zhen's stead."
"Oh you don't have to worry Emperor, this old one is quite close with Consort Zhen, such manners are spared when this old one is accompanied by Jiao'Er, – said the Empress Dowager,– After the banquet, this old one will send a four hundred years ginseng to Consort Zhen."
"This son is grateful hearing that Royal Mother and Consort Zhen are close."
Both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager returned their attention to the banquet, were Noble Lady Feng was performing a dance for the Emperor, when Li Gong entered the Pavillon, catching the attention of the Monarch.
"Your Majesty, this servant came back to report to the Emperor.", said Li Gong upon arriving near the Emperor's throne, the latter replied,
"Speak freely, what happened to Consort Zhen and Imperial Concubine Xian?"
"Replying to Your Majesty, Consort Zhen was waiting outside the Palace of Universal Happines, since NiangNiang wanted to come to the banquet together with Imperial Concubine Xian, for her safety since her due date is soon.
Imperial Concubine Xian, while doing her makeup, started her labour, and Consort Zhen stayed at the Palace of Universal Happiness to accompany Xian Pin."
Meanwhile, Imperial Concubine Rong was glancing at the Emperor and Li Gong, noticing that he came to report something, 'For sure about Zhen Fei and Xian Pin.', thought the concubine.
"Did you notice Li Gong and the Emperor expression, MeiMei?", next to Imperial Concubine Rong, there was Imperial Concubine Li, that while enjoying her food, she was stroking her belly, "Yes JieJie, something happened for sure.", recently among Imperial Concubines, excluded Xian Pin, there was a meeting, to join forces and with a plan: to become Consort.
In the meeting there was Imperial Concubine Rong, Li, Jia and recently they thought of asking Noble Lady Shen to join, not only for her background; even if illegitimate, she still is a Princess with her mother begin a legitimate child of a Duke, but also because she asked herself to join, saying, 'I want at least the guifei title, or this concubine might not be satisfied.', she was bold, something the other concubines didn't expect upon seeing her for the first time.
"MeiMei, I think I know what happened, – started Imperial Concubine Li, – I think Imperial Concubine Xian is giving birth, otherwise, why would the Emperor be so calm and even smile while talking with Li Gong? If you look closely, even the Empress Dowager has a little smile."
while talking, Imperial Concubine Li started eyeing the Empress Dowager, while putting her fan just under her eyes, hiding her nose and lips.
Imperial Concubine Rong looked closely, and like Li Pin said, both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager were smiling, "JieJie, I think the Emperor is waiting for the birth of the Royal child, before announcing something. His Majesty wants to make a big scene, since also the Uyghurs and Noble Lady Yu are present, it's their first Banquet with the Emperor."
From the schedule that Imperial Concubine Rong knew, the Uyghurs will introduce the daughter of a Duke of the Koha Clan, fifth-ranked Noble Lady Liu, named Ying Liu. So probably we will hear before news about Imperial Concubine Xian's child than seeing Noble Lady Liu's introduction, 'Immagine if the news comes during her introduction, oh my.', thought Rong Pin, smiling to herself.
"MeiMei I agree, also, Noble Lady Liu isn't to be seen, her seat is empty, probably she was going to prepare for her performance, – said Li Pin, – apparently she heard that the concubines that the Emperor admitted to the harem outside the Selections, were the ones who showcased a dance or playing some instrument, she's so shameless."
For the second time in her life, Imperial Concubine Rong couldn't not agree with Li Pin, the first one when she proposed the meeting group between Imperial Concubines.
"Announcing the entering of Noble Lady Liu from the Koha Clan, Uyghurs."
The beautiful lady entered the Pavillon, 'I must admit she is a beautiful lady, but so are all my concubines.', thought the Emperor.
"This concubine greets the Emperor, – after bowing, Ying Liu continued to speak, – pin qie would like to present a dance for the Emperor and the Empress Dowager.", the girl smiled at the Emperor and, after the latter gave permission, Ying Liu started to dance.
For sure she was a talented maiden, for her age, she was quite advanced in dance technique, but the Emperor wasn't attracted to her at all, maybe he will try to spend some nights with her give her only a chance to produce a Riyal heir, then if his opinion of her doesn't change, he will forget about her and interact only with their child, this was what the Emperor was going to do with most of his concubines, obviously excluding Consort Zhen and some others.
Ying Liu finished the dance, and everyone complimented her, the Emperor was about to bestow some rewards to Noble Lady Liu, but Li Gong had to interrupt the Emperor decree, because the news of Imperial Concubine Xian was far more important to him than a mere Noble Lady that just joined the harem.
"Your Majesty, the child is born."
It took only these words for the Emperor to smile and give luxurious awards to the eunuch.
Then, he did what he wanted to do at the starts of the banquet, but waited for the right moment to do so; "This Emperor has something to announce, We just got a report that Imperial Concubine Xian has given birth to the Fifth Prince, we will promote her to the third-rank Consort (Fei), the Prince will hold the third rank (Beile) and will be named Wang Yongqi."
Hearing the Emperor's words, the Prime Minister's face blanked, 'Now even if Consort Hua is out, there are still 3 Consorts and 1 Noble Consort, I need to remind to my daughter to at least get pregnant before the selection', he thought. The Wife of the Prime Minister thought the same, and will request a meet with her daughter later.
Many Princes are born recently, and fortunately, Noble Consort Xi didn't give birth to a Prince, or Imperial Noble Consort Qi's position wouldn't be stable anymore.
"I did tell you MeiMei, something was really happening, who would have thought that Xian Fei was giving birth to the Fifth Prince meanwhile we were gossiping of that Noble Lady Liu?", said mockingly, Imperial Concubine Li.
Imperial Concubine Rong, another time, agreed with the Joseon Princess.
Meanwhile, at the Palace of Universal Happines, there was something going on, the doctors weren't to check Xian Fei, but Consort Zhen.
Just a moment ago, after the Fifth Prince was finally born, the Consort lost consciousness, and was given a bed in a guest room.
The doctors were speaking to Li Gong, that returned after reporting to the Emperor about the birth of the Fifth Prince, and Jiao Wei's Palace head maid, a good news;
"This Imperial Doctors gives his congratulations to Consort Zhen and the Emperor", said the doctor bowing towards Li Gong, since now he was the representative of the Emperor.
"May this eunuch know what happened to Consort Zhen? The Emperor doesn't currently know about this since this servant just came back from the Pavillon, so His Majesty will not have a good reaction if it's something bad.", asked the eunuch, the doctor, still bowing, replied, "No! This doctor is saying the truth, fortunately, Consort Zhen didn't lost consciousness for an illness, she is pregnant for three months already, congratulations to the Emperor and Zhen Fei!"
And like that, two blessings happened the same day, the birth of the Fifth Prince and his beloved is pregnant again, which means when she gives birth, the Emperor can promote her to Noble Consort, he was so happy and exited about it. Until a week after these events, an eunuch from Imperial Noble Consort Qi's Palace, came to the Dragon Hall, where he was currently.
"Your Majesty, this eunuch has to report something to the Emperor from Qi Huang GuiFei, – said the eunuch bowing, – it's a good news."
The Emperor was curious, since there weren't good news from Qi Huang GuiFei's Palace from the admission of his son to the Royal Academy,
"This Emperor gives you permission to speak freely, what joyous news has Our concubine to share with Us?"
"Replying to Your Majesty, Imperial Noble Consort Qi is pregnant already for three months, like Zhen Fei, congratulations to the Emperor!"
"This Emperor is happy for Our concubine, say that We will visit her tomorrow, since We will spend the night with Noble Lady Liu tonight."
And like that, the eunuch left the Dragon Hall, worried about what to say to his master, knowing she will broke some vases and decorations after hearing that someone else will be with the Emperor tonight.
–
Time skip: 3 months.
Jiao Wei was reading a book about maternity in her room, she was already six months pregnant and this time, fortunately, she wasn't pregnant with twins, but only one baby. The twins were already 10 months old, and already tried to take their first steps, but miserably failed, but the Emperor was quite proud of them.
In three months, a lot of things happened. Firstly, there was a Kingdom that is probably going to declare war on us, for some borders problems, it was normal for a big Empire such as the Jin Empire, since it had a long story of conquering Kingdoms and even one Empire,
so, the Empress selection was anticipated.
It will be held tomorrow, but Jiao Wei already told the Emperor that she won't partecipate, she wants to give all her attention to her kids, and she knows she isn't ready for the Phoenix throne; so only 3 concubines will partecipate, since also Consort Xian, Ling Xue, didn't want to join the selection for the Empress throne, so only Qi Huang GuiFei, Xi GuiFei and Chun Fei will join.
And so, the first big tragedy of the harem happened; Imperial Concubine Li and Jia were both poisoned, while they were having a tea in one of the Pavilions of the Forbidden City. Both of them are pregnant, and after begin poisoned, with a lethal one too, Imperial Concubine Li didn't seem to have lost the baby, but Imperial Concubine Jia, had a premature labor and she has given birth to a death fetus. Since then, Jia Pin didn't come out of her Palace, if not for the funeral; unfortunately, the doctors couldn't determine the gender, and such the baby's name and title was, "An, Prince of Bao of JiFang City."
Meanwhile, Imperial Concubine Li belly's continued to grow, like Imperial Concubine Jia regret, sadness but also jealousy towards her friend, 'Why me and not her?', thought Jia Pin.
(t/n. An is a gender-neutral chinese name, meaning peace.)
Jiao Wei also recently received news of Imperial Concubine Rong, she has given birth to the little Seventh Princess, ranked third (Junzhu), named Wang HeShan. But the cherry on top, was what the Emperor told to her last night, when he decided to spend the night with her;
'This Emperor today accepted something the official proposed last week, after the Empress selection, We will hold a concubine selection to produce more royal heirs, since we are already starting to plan and the first steps to go on war. My beloved, – the Emperor the kissed Jiao Wei's hand, – I promise you I will make you Noble Concubine before going to war, and when I return, you will be Imperial Noble Consort.'
Jiao Wei was happy she would be able to protect more her children, and also help Ling Xue. Begin a Noble Consort, not only she could be able to invite her mother to visit her, but she could also request a private meet with her father and brother; since males aren't allowed in the harem, but she could also hold enough power to protect the ones she loves, and that was something she wanted since entering the harem.
Also, Noble Consort Xi was a close friend of her, so she shouldn't have problem if either she remains as GuiFei, or gets promoted to Empress.
But from what the Emperor hinted before, Noble Consort Xi won't be the Empress, and since he mentioned making Jiao Wei Imperial Noble Consort, he will probably make Qi HuangGuiFei, the Empress, 'It was expected, I hope JieJie won't be sad because of it.' thought Jiao Wei.
A sudden knock on the door interrupted Jiao Wei thoughts, that brought her back to reality; the Emperor just entered her room, "Jiao'Er, are you okay? This Emperor is worried for you."
"You Majesty, this concubine feels good, this pregnancy is much easier than the twins' one.", replied Jiao Wei, the Emperor answered, "This Emperor is grateful hearing that both you and Our child is doing good, how about the Fifth and the Second Princesses?"
"Both the little Princesses are healthy and doing good, – replied Jiao Wei, – and for the selection of the Empress, when will us concubines know the results?"
Since the selection for the Empress was held in private, the concubines who don't partecipate, will have to wait for the results, "This Emperor will send Li Gong to were the concubines will wait, just after the selection will be made."
"Us concubines will wait at YuanMing Garden, under the Pavilion near the big tree, all of us will be there, waiting for the results, then we will come to the Empress' Palace to give our congratulations to its new master."
(t/n. the Empress Palace is the Phoenix Palace, when there is a new Empress, the Palace is automatically given to her.)
"You're very thoughtful, my beloved, – said the Emperor, then he kissed her forehead, – for the concubines selection, unfortunately, I have to select more than the last time, at least four, I'm sorry Jiao'Er."
Jiao Wei gave a smile to the Emperor, and replied, "You're the Emperor and it's Your Majesty's duty to produce as many heirs as possible, and also to have many connections with nobles and foreigns, this concubine doesn't mind."
–
Imperial Noble Consort Qi was kneeling and praying to buddha in front of the shrine, while whispering 'bodhisattva', the Consort was wishing not only for her children's well begin, but also for the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, until a maid interrupted her prayers, "NiangNiang, Nubi has something urgent to report."
"You better really have something urgent to report, can't you see this Consort is praying to buddha?"
"Nubi asks for NiangNiang's forgiveness." said the maid while bowing, the Consort looked helplessly at the maid, as she replied, "Speak freely, what is so urgent to have to report in person to this Consort?"
"Nubi replying to NiangNiang, the Prime Minister wants for his niece, Lady ChuHua Hui, to join the harem after the Empress Selection."
"What did you just say? Father wants my cousin to join the harem?"