The harem is too complicated; the empress, a lazy bum, wins by doing nothing.

Chapter 143 Bandits and Robbers?

After the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, various matters concerning the previous dynasty gradually increased. In addition to attending court, Emperor Yuanwu spent his days in the Hall of Mental Cultivation reviewing memorials and meeting with court officials.

Before we knew it, it was the day of the Dragon Raising its Head on the second day of the second lunar month.

As agreed, Shen Qingwan got up early to wash and dress, had breakfast with Emperor Yuanwu, and left the palace together in two separate carriages. Since she was traveling with Emperor Yuanwu, Shen Qingwan only brought Zhen'er to serve her personally.

When they arrived at Huguo Temple, Emperor Yuanwu's carriage stopped, and Shen Qingwan continued on her way.

There are currently five imperial concubines residing in the imperial palace. The youngest is Consort Hui, the oldest is Consort Xian, and the remaining senior concubines are Consort Ru, Consort Wen, and Consort Xiao.

None of these five imperial concubines had children. They had spent their lives fighting in the harem. Now that the late emperor was gone, there was nothing left for them to fight over. Living in this palace, their relationships not only became harmonious, but the atmosphere also improved considerably.

Hearing that the Empress was coming, they made preparations well in advance.

"Greetings to Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty be blessed."

Shen Qingwan returned the greeting: "No need for such formalities, Your Highnesses. The New Year has just passed, and I am here on behalf of the Empress Dowager to visit you all, and I have brought some things to keep you warm."

The smiles on the faces of the several imperial concubines instantly froze when the Empress Dowager was mentioned.

Afraid of awkwardness, Shen Qingwan quickly changed the subject, "How are the imperial concubines doing here?"

During the New Year, Shen Qingwan also sent word to invite them to the palace for a gathering, so that people in the previous dynasty would not always bring up filial piety.

The Dowager Princess declined, so she had no choice but to come in person.

"Everything is fine. Although the temporary palace is not as good as the imperial palace, it is free from so many rules." The Empress Dowager smiled weakly, and then couldn't help but cough twice.

As they were talking, Shen Qingwan had already followed them to the main hall of the palace.

Although the temporary palace cannot compare to the imperial palace in any way, it is a bit colder.

As expected, the palace did not have heating, and even though the windows and doors were covered with thick quilts, the inside of the palace was still chilly.

"Why wasn't the earthworm burned?" Shen Qingwan frowned.

"Your Majesty," Consort Xian said with a troubled expression, "Your Majesty should not concern yourself with this matter. I know Your Majesty is kind-hearted and I also know that Your Majesty has a hard time in the palace. Although this year is colder than in previous years, as long as we get through the first month of the lunar calendar, life will not be so difficult."

After the Empress Dowager finished speaking, she couldn't help but cough twice.

"In previous years, the palace also had plenty of underground heating during the winter, didn't it?" Shen Qingwan said sullenly.

The Consort Xian and several other consorts exchanged glances. "Since Her Majesty the Empress took charge of the six palaces, the Imperial Household Department has never withheld the monthly allowance for the imperial palace. This is already a great honor. We all remember Her Majesty the Empress's kindness."

Although Consort Xian spoke tactfully, Shen Qingwan understood clearly. When Consort Xian was managing the six palaces, many concubines had their monthly allowances reduced, but she never expected that Consort Xian's reach would extend so far, even to the imperial palace.

"I am fairly aware of the situation at the temporary palace. After returning to the palace, I will have someone add charcoal to the temporary palace. I estimate it will take some time for it to warm up. Without an underfloor heating system, it is indeed too cold." After Shen Qingwan finished speaking, she turned her head and said, "Go and bring in the things I brought for the imperial concubines."

The guards carried in two large boxes, which were mostly filled with food, as well as cotton-padded clothes and quilts.

Shen Qingwan did not prepare any gold, silver, or jewelry. Although she had anticipated before coming that things would not be very comfortable at the palace, since the Empress Dowager and the Emperor would come here to escape the summer heat every year and the palace was renovated every year.

The palace was still dazzling, but the rest was... well, let's just say it wasn't so great.

Just as the imperial concubines were about to rise to express their gratitude, Consort Xian began to cough again. However, this time, her cough was much more severe than before. The maids rushed in, some massaging her back, others serving tea. Their movements were skillful and coordinated, suggesting that Consort Xian's cough had been going on for quite some time.

"Has the Empress Dowager been coughing like this all along? Has the imperial physician come to see her? What did he say?"

Consort Xian was coughing so badly that she couldn't speak at all. However, the youngest Consort Hui knelt down on the ground with tears in her eyes: "Your Majesty, Consort Xian has been coughing for more than half a year. We have invited her to come several times, but the Imperial Hospital always makes excuses to avoid us. They either send apprentices who haven't even mastered pulse diagnosis, who can't prescribe medicine and just go through the motions. It will be even more difficult to invite her next time."

Shen Qingwan remained silent. She naturally believed what Consort Hui said. Let alone a few consorts, even if the concubines in the palace were to fall ill and want to summon an imperial physician, the physicians from the Imperial Hospital would probably not be able to come quickly. "Don't worry, wait until I return and have someone from the Imperial Hospital come and take a look to see what's going on."

"Thank you, Queen, for your grace."

"It's getting late. His Majesty is still waiting for me at Huguo Temple, so I'll head back now."

Although it was still early before the expected time, it was much better to go back and wait than for Emperor Yuanwu to go back and wait for her.

But when Shen Qingwan arrived at Huguo Temple, she was still a step too late.

Emperor Yuanwu hurriedly returned to the palace because of a secret letter from the palace.

Now that Emperor Yuanwu has returned, there is no need for her to linger at Huguo Temple any longer.

"Let's turn back to the palace."

"Yes."

Before the guard's voice had even faded, a group of men in black suddenly sprang out from the bamboo forest at the foot of the mountain.

The dagger in the man in black's hand reflected a blinding light in the afterglow of the setting sun.

"What's going on?" Shen Qingwan was startled. She lifted the curtain of the carriage, and white powder rushed towards her, choking her and causing her to cough violently. Suddenly, her vision blurred, and she could not see anything clearly. Screams and sounds of fighting rang in her ears.

"Quickly, someone come and protect Her Majesty the Empress!"

"Your Majesty, please be careful! Do not get off the carriage!"

"Bandits and robbers are in danger! Protect the carriage!!!"

"what……"

With each call, Shen Qingwan's heart pounded.

Bandits and robbers?

What a coincidence! Emperor Yuanwu encountered bandits and robbers right after he left.

She had a feeling that these people were all after her!

When she went to the palace, she thought it would be quick to go there and back, so she didn't bring too many people with her. In addition, she never made enemies with anyone. Who could possibly want to harm her?
Shen Qingwan's heart was pounding violently, faster and faster.

The clamor of swords and spears outside seemed to be getting closer and closer to her.

She clearly felt the carriage she was in shake violently, as if someone had hit it.

Shen Qingwan's heart tightened suddenly, but the carriage curtain was lifted from the outside.

The man's features were sculpted, distinct, and exceptionally handsome. A carefree smile curved his lips, but a sharp glint inadvertently flashed in his eyes.

"Get off the bus with me!"

As they spoke, the man had already stepped one foot onto the carriage and grabbed her wrist.

"Prince Rui?"

(End of this chapter)