The wicked imperial concubine is courting death again; the comments section teaches her how to win w

The group exchanged glances, each with their own plans.

This job is both good and bad.

Even if it's done well, it might not be credited to me, and His Majesty might not even see it.

But if there's any oversight, you'll definitely be held responsible and might even be made a scapegoat.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. My eyes are failing, and I'm afraid I'm unable to do so even if I want to," Cui Zhiyin spoke first. "However, I have secretly embroidered a 'Hundred Longevity' painting for the Empress Dowager, wishing her good health and happiness."

Qi Yitang knew that her eyesight was not good, so she didn't force her.

Tan Yuanshuang clutched her chest, weakly saying, "...cough. Your Majesty, I wish to share your burdens, but alas, my body is failing me, cough cough..."

Qi Yitang was alarmed when she saw that her face was pale from coughing and she looked like she was about to faint at any moment.

Cough it up, but I hope you don't die in your own palace.

She quickly waved her hand, "It's alright, you should take care of yourself first."

There are only two left.

Yue Mingzhu hesitated. She wanted to help, but she knew nothing about cooking except how to eat, and she was afraid of being laughed at.

Bai Ruichu was quite straightforward, standing up immediately. "Your Majesty, I can assist you, but I have a request."

The request sounded much like a demand. Qi Yitang raised an eyebrow. Was this some kind of negotiation?

Did the Empress Dowager know that she had personally chosen such a filial daughter-in-law?

She said calmly, "Speak."

Bai Ruichu smiled knowingly. She knew Qi Yitang was all show and no substance, and would panic without anyone's help.

"The Empress Dowager's birthday is a major event that the whole country celebrates, but no matter how well we arrange the palace banquet, it can't truly touch the Empress Dowager's heart."

"Oh?" Qi Yitang wanted to see what she was up to.

"Do you know what the Empress Dowager truly wants?"

Bai Ruichu: "That's natural. His Majesty is over twenty years old and still has no children. This concerns the fate of the Great Qian Dynasty, so the Empress Dowager is naturally worried."

"But now, His Majesty only goes to the Empress's palace, and..." Bai Ruichu said pointedly, "The Empress has been receiving the Emperor's favor alone for so long, yet there's been no movement whatsoever. The Empress Dowager is bound to be even more anxious; how could she possibly be in the mood to celebrate her birthday?"

"Forgive my boldness, but Your Majesty should perhaps learn from Empress Zhao of the previous dynasty and advise His Majesty to bestow his favors equally, for this would be beneficial to the stability of the Great Qian Dynasty and ensure its lasting prosperity."

Bai Ruichu smiled provocatively, "What does Your Majesty think?"

As she said this, Tan Yuanshuang covered her mouth with a handkerchief and coughed lightly a few times with her pale face.

Cui Zhiyin remained silent.

Yue Mingzhu's eyes widened. Could it be that Consort Hui wanted everyone to take turns serving the emperor? She didn't want that!

[So, complicated power struggles only require the simplest methods; this is blatant robbery?]

[Oh no, the female supporting character is about to explode.]

No, I absolutely will not allow even the emperor to turn into a rotten cucumber!

Qi Yitang was also shocked by her shamelessness. Xie Ling wasn't short of legs; if he wanted to find someone else, how could she stop him?

If he didn't want to, could he just tie him up and send him to another concubine's bed?

She was a concubine, not a brothel madam.

The Empress Dowager's title of "Consort Hui" was truly remarkable; she was indeed very wise.

"Consort Hui, your intention to share the Empress Dowager's burdens is good. However, the matter of having offspring is entirely up to fate. Are you sure you will conceive after serving the Empress Dowager?"

"As for spreading favors evenly..." Qi Yitang smiled, "Your Majesty will naturally visit the palace of whoever you like, and conversely, I cannot control Your Majesty's wishes."

"Why don't you go and ask His Majesty yourself why he won't choose you as his concubine?"

Bai Ruichu's expression instantly became quite varied.

Having been in the palace for so long, it's not like she hasn't tried; she's brought food and drinks, and even arranged a chance encounter in the Imperial Garden...

She was either stopped by the eunuchs or waited in vain. She had never met His Majesty before, and didn't even know whether His Majesty was round or flat. How could she ask him in person?

Qi Yitang definitely did it on purpose!

……

Qi Yitang did it on purpose, of course.

They were so disgusted with her that they didn't even bother to drag Bai Ruichu in front of Xie Ling and make her repeat herself word for word.

That already shows how kind-hearted she is!

In the end, Qi Yitang still "forced" Bai Ruichu to help her organize the birthday banquet.

If Bai Ruichu refused, she would be considered unfilial. With this high accusation placed upon her, she had no choice but to grit her teeth and agree.

After giving Tan Yuanshuang a tonic and Cui Zhiyin a calming incense, and having a palace maid pack some pastries for Yue Mingzhu, Qi Yitang rubbed his back.

Being a concubine is this tiring; if being an empress were that tiring, one might die young.

It was still early, and Qi Yitang was sleepy, so she planned to take a nap first, and then go find Xie Ling for lunch.

Although she hasn't had much of an appetite these past few days, and even feels a bit bloated and nauseous, she can still keep me company.

Just as Qi Yitang was about to get up, a eunuch rushed in to report, "This servant greets Your Highness, the Empress Dowager summons you to Cining Palace."

……

After quickly washing up, Qi Yitang went to Cining Palace.

But as soon as he stepped into the palace, he saw Qin Lianyue, who should have been under house arrest, sitting next to the Empress Dowager, the two of them chatting and laughing.

Her expression faltered only slightly before quickly returning to normal. "Your Majesty, I respectfully wish you good health."

Get up.

Qin Lianyue rose and curtsied, "Greetings, Your Highness. You look even more radiant than before. It's been a few days since I last saw you."

Qi Yitang gave a polite, fake smile. "As for Consort Qin, I thought she would have lost some weight during these days of confinement, but she is still as plump as ever."

Upon hearing the words "Consort Qin," Qin Lianyue's smile froze for a moment.

Last year, the five of them entered the palace. Except for Cui Zhiyin, who was a concubine, the other four were all consorts, each holding a principal position in their respective palaces, so they were considered equals.

Furthermore, they all had titles, and Qin Lianyue thought that she was more respectable than Qi Yitang, who was a concubine but whose title was based on her surname.

However, she made a mistake and was demoted to the lowest rank among all the concubines.

Qin Lianyue was proud and arrogant; how could she swallow this insult?

The Empress Dowager glanced at Qin Lianyue and sighed. Her niece was good in every way, except for her lack of composure.

What does it matter if you're favored for a short time? The key is whether your belly can hold up.

The most important thing is to have a son or daughter after serving the emperor.

"Consort Qi, come sit next to me."