The Darling of Heaven Owns a Rip-off Shop

The news of Imperial Concubine Xian’s pregnancy was just the beginning. Concubine Mei was also pregnant, and so was Concubine Rong. With three concubines pregnant at once, the Emperor was not at all pleased. However, this reason could not be disclosed to others.

Just as Imperial Concubine Xian reached her fifth month of pregnancy, a conflict erupted at the border.

The foreign tribes returned with renewed force.

In the court, without exception, everyone advocated for war because they all understood that this battle must be fought and fought fiercely. The foreign tribes could no longer be given a chance to breathe.

And the Emperor made a decision to personally lead the campaign.

This was to be a war that must be won. The Emperor’s victory as he led the campaign personally would also be a war recorded in history.

The Emperor wouldn’t give up this chance to achieve eternal fame. It could be said that no normal emperor would pass up such a great opportunity.

The Emperor’s decision to lead the campaign, however, greatly worried Imperial Concubine Xian and Concubine Mei. With the Emperor gone, the Empress would be the highest authority in the harem. As for the Empress Dowager, who had been praying in the Buddha hall within the harem for years without stepping out, there was no hope for her to come forward and manage harem affairs.

If the Empress wanted to use this chance to do something to the fetuses in Imperial Concubine Xian’s and Concubine Mei’s wombs, even if they took every precaution, they couldn’t ensure complete protection. Concubine Rong, however, was not worried at all. This was because, during the pregnancies of Imperial Concubine Xian and Concubine Mei, the Empress hadn’t shown any concern. The so-called rewards were just words, saying to take good care of the fetus. But it was different for Concubine Rong; she received a lavish gift.

Initially, Concubine Rong thought the Empress would be wary of her and keep her distance. Surprisingly, she discovered that the Empress’s attitude toward her remained as always, which relieved her mind completely. She often went for strolls to the Empress’s palace to chat with her.

Thus, with the Emperor’s departure, the most fearful were Imperial Concubine Xian and Concubine Mei.

But did they dare to ask the Emperor not to go? They dared not. Nor did they dare to speak ill of the Empress in front of the Emperor. In recent days, the Empress had already held the highest position in the Emperor’s mind within the harem.

The Emperor didn’t even bid farewell to these pregnant concubines individually; he only said goodbye to the Empress alone.

”Take my guard with you. This guard is incredibly brave, capable of ensuring the Emperor’s safety,” said Tianmiao, advising the Emperor to take Dong Xiao.

”Alright, alright,” the Emperor agreed with a nod, feeling elated. This was all the Empress’s intention; she was concerned for his safety. Although this time he would only be stationed at the back with no danger, seeing the Empress’s arrangements filled his heart with joy.

And so, the Emperor set out with an army of 200,000.

Tianmiao stood with the concubines of the harem on the highest pavilion of the palace gates to see the army off. Imperial Concubine Xian and Concubine Mei cried their hearts out as if it was a final farewell. Concubine Rong rolled her eyes at them, thinking how foolish they were. Did they think the Empress would be concerned about their pregnancies? No, she wouldn’t and never would be.

After the army departed, Imperial Concubine Xian and Concubine Mei retreated into their palaces, closing their doors in fear, terrified that the Empress would use the Emperor’s absence to take action against them.

However, the Empress made no moves; she continued with nights of revelry, taking the concubines to admire peacocks and enjoy entertainment. She even organized a talent competition wherein embroidery, painting, playing music, and such were all welcomed to compete, with generous rewards. For a time, the Empress’s palace was bustling with activity.

The Chief Eunuch left to assist the Empress in managing palace affairs, watched her ”enjoyment of life” with a complex expression daily. In his heart, he disrepectfully lamented that the Empress seemed to be living more joyfully than the Emperor, more like a foolish ruler. Ah, bah! The Chief Eunuch shook his head, quickly trying to cast out such treacherous thoughts from his mind.