The Empress Arrives: Rebirth of Concubine Hua

Chapter 139: Differences between Wives and Concubines
Yinzhen had been busy these days dealing with Guan Shanyu, the lieutenant commander of the Baoyi Guards. He took advantage of the fact that his youngest son had snatched a lantern from the concubine of Prince Yong's mansion in the downtown area on the day of the Lantern Festival to report Guan Shanyu.

Several censors also reported that Guan Shanyu was not strict in managing his subordinates, accepted bribes from others, condoned his own sons to commit crimes, and occupied the people's fertile land. Emperor Kangxi was furious and ordered an investigation to verify the facts. After that, Guan Shanyu was stripped of his official position. The main culprit Guan Zhengbai was detained in prison, and even his eldest son Guan Zhengke, the deputy leader of the Jingji Garrison, was implicated and demoted to the commander of the Jingji Garrison's Bordered White Banner.

The Ninth Prince gritted his teeth in the mansion. Guan Shanyu was secretly loyal to him, but he didn't expect to fall into this insignificant matter.

Why did his useless son insist on snatching the lantern from Prince Yong's concubine!
On the first day of February, Nian Shilan went to pay his respects to Ulanara.

Ulanara looked at Nian Shilan with a smile on her face.

"Sister, you look good today because you are in high spirits. Tomorrow, your sister will come to the mansion. Although she is only a concubine, she is your biological sister after all. I think you should be happy for her too."

Nian Shilan raised her hand to stroke her hair, without even looking at Ulanara, and said with a smile.

"Sisters are different from each other. I didn't have a heart-to-heart with this sister when we were in the mansion, otherwise, she wouldn't have done something like falling in love with her brother-in-law, don't you think? You are also a sister, but I heard that you have a very good relationship with your sister, and you are even willing to give up your husband to your sister. But as for my sister, I will be happy as long as she doesn't compete with me for my favor. After all, when women compete for favor, they will use any means, and I am very scary."

Ulanara tightened her grip on the chair, but the smile on her face remained unchanged, and she was about to speak.

Nian Shilan suddenly said again.

"Oh, did I overstep my bounds just now? I actually compared the master to my sister's brother-in-law."

Ulanara smiled.

"It's okay. Although you are a concubine, you can barely be called a wife of the royal family. As long as no one spreads the word, it is not considered an act of usurpation when we sisters talk behind closed doors in the mansion."

Nian Shilan glanced at Ulanara's hands, whose joints had turned white from exertion, seemingly unintentionally, and stood up to salute.

"Madam, you are generous and can forgive my mistakes. But according to the rules of our ancestors, a wife is a wife and a concubine is a concubine. Even if I am promoted to a wife one day, it cannot change the fact of my origin. I should remember my status. I was not careful when I spoke just now. I will think twice before speaking. I beg you to forgive me, Madam."

Ulanara thought about how when she first entered the palace, as a concubine, she could only be a concubine.

Later, after her sister died, she was allowed to be named the second wife by Yinzhen at the strong persuasion of her aunt, Concubine De.

The smile on her face finally became a little forced, but she still maintained it.

"My sister is smart. As long as you stick to your duties, I am not someone who cannot tolerate others."

Nian Shilan agreed and sat down.

Qi Yuebin drank her tea silently. Apart from her two brothers, she was the only daughter in her family. Her father's concubine also had half brothers, but no half sisters.

Qi Yuebin had heard about Prince Yong's wife before entering the palace, but such a thing should be a pain point for the current wife. Nian Shilan was so bold that she did that in front of so many people...

However, Qi Yuebin did not intend to meddle in other people's business. When two tigers fight, one of them will be injured. Since she had not yet gained Yinzhen's favor, she could only watch from the sidelines.

Mrs. Hu, Mrs. Shu, and Mrs. Feng all lowered their eyes.

After finally paying their respects, Ulanara called for everyone to leave.

Songzhi helped Nian Shilan out of the Xingfu Courtyard and walked towards Cheng'en Garden.

Qi Yuebin fell a few steps behind her, and Jixiang supported her and walked slowly.

Nian Shilan suddenly turned around and looked at Qi Yuebin and said with a smile.

"Since Concubine Qi came into the mansion, I have never been to your place for tea. If Concubine Qi doesn't mind the trouble, I will shamelessly go to Yueyuan to ask for a cup of tea today."

Qi Yuebin was stunned for a moment, then came to his senses and spoke hurriedly.

"I am honored by Mrs. Hua's kindness."

Jiang Fuhai watched Nian Shilan and Qi Yuebin leave together, and went back to report to Ulanara.

"Master, I saw it clearly. Concubine Hua and Concubine Qi had a very pleasant conversation and went to Yaoyue Garden together."

Ulanara said coldly.

"What is Nian planning to do? She alone is enough to cause me trouble. If the two of them team up to win favor, I'm afraid this backyard will have to bear her name."

Jianqiu was talking on the side.

"They... shouldn't do that? Who would be willing to share their favor with others?" Ulanara lowered her eyes, and her emotions could not be seen.

"It's always better to be prepared for the worst. Both of them are from military families, and Nian's brother has just made great contributions. It's possible that the two of them will unite and become my enemy. I have to think of a way."

It was the first time for Nian Shilan to visit Qi Yuebin's house. But seeing that Qi Yuebin still had many books in the house like in the previous life, Nian Shilan felt relieved.

As long as Qi Yuebin's temperament remains the same as in his previous life, he will have greater confidence.

When Nian Zhilan entered the palace, Yinzhen did not go to see her in person. He only sent Su Peisheng to give her some rewards, saying that he was busy with official duties and would see her another day.

Ulanara originally proposed that Nian Zhilan live with Nian Shilan in Cheng'en Garden, but Yinzhen said directly.

"Don't worry Shilan. Just let her live in Jianjiaxuan, which was originally where the concubines lived."

Nian Zhilan looked at the simple furnishings of Jianjiaxuan and said through gritted teeth.

"This place looks even worse than my house in the Nian Mansion. Is the palace so shabby?"

Her personal maid Xiaoyu said hurriedly.

"Young lady, be careful with your words. You are now a concubine in the palace, so be careful that there are ears."

Nian Zhilan calmed herself down, packed up and went to bed early, as she had to pay her respects to Lady Fu Jin early the next morning.

The next day, Nian Shilan said that he had a headache and could not go to pay his respects. Ulanara knew it and sent Xiao Linzi away.

Nian Shilan was having a leisurely breakfast in Cheng'en Garden when the eunuch reported that Nian Zhilan wanted to see him.

"Zhilan pays respects to elder sister, may elder sister be blessed with good health and happiness."

Nian Zhilan performed the greeting, but it was a common greeting.

Songzhi glanced at Nian Shilan's expression and spoke.

"Miss, we are in the palace now, not the Nian Mansion. Logically, you should address our master as Concubine Hua. This is the first time you pay your respects, so you should kowtow according to the proper etiquette of paying respects."

Nian Zhilan knelt down immediately.

"I, Nian, pay my respects to Concubine Hua. May Concubine Hua be well and healthy!"

Nian Shilan put down the bowl of soup in her hand and said with a smile.

"Get up. This is your first time in the mansion, so I think you may have a lot of difficulties to adapt to. You will get used to it slowly."

Nian Zhilan slowly stood up with Xiaoyu's help, lowered her eyes, and responded obediently.

"Yes, I still have a lot that I don't understand, and I hope Concubine Hua will be generous in teaching me."

Nian Shilan waved her hand and said.

"There is still a long time. There is no need to rush today. I will tell you slowly some other day. I can't leave you my leftover breakfast now."

Nian Zhilan smiled gently.

"I heard that Concubine Hua had a headache today, so I came to visit you. Now that I see that you are fine, I am relieved. I will take my leave now."

Nian Shilan watched Nian Zhilan walk out and said to Song Zhi.

"I don't believe she's a good person. Keep a close eye on her."

In Yaoyue Garden, Qi Yuebin was shocked.

How could that little palace maid named Gui Wan be Nian Shilan's sister?

But their relationship as sisters doesn't seem to be very good.

In this case, I wonder if this palace can still maintain its superficial peace?
(End of this chapter)