Chapter 40: Xiao Wenxuan
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“Ah, Prince Qi is truly filial to Your Majesty and Consort Zhen. As for us, we can only watch enviously as such exquisite perfume remains out of our reach.”
As Consort Zhen and Empress Zhao conversed, the other concubines grew increasingly eager to get their hands on the perfume. Seeing that they might miss out, Consort Shu spoke up.
Though her words praised Prince Qi’s filial piety, the underlying jealousy was unmistakable.
Empress Zhao smiled gently. Her ability to maintain harmony in the harem stemmed from her consideration of all the concubines’ feelings. She said, “Consort Shu, you are mistaken. As Consort Zhen mentioned, this perfume was sent by Prince Qi for me, but that doesn’t mean the rest of you are excluded. There’s so much perfume here—I certainly can’t use it all by myself.”
“Your Majesty is right. Sisters, Prince Qi sent so much perfume precisely for all of us. However, if I were to distribute it, I might not be fair to everyone. That’s why I entrusted it all to Her Majesty,” Consort Zhen added with a smile.
The other concubines’ faces lit up with joy. Consort Li remarked, “Prince Qi has become quite thoughtful.”
Empress Zhao and Consort Zhen exchanged a glance. Among the concubines, the two had a good relationship, as both were diplomatic and kind-hearted, unwilling to offend anyone.
Consort Zhen, in particular, had no powerful family backing, yet she had managed to navigate the harem safely through her intelligence and amiable nature.
Seeing the other concubines’ eagerness, Empress Zhao said, “In that case, let’s not just sit here. Come, everyone, take a look and choose a bottle you like.”