Xiao Shizhi could no longer sit still. Watching the sun gradually dim, she skipped the evening meal altogether and headed straight to Purple Orchid Palace where Bai Fuxue resided.
Li Dequan hurried after her, panting as he said, “Your Majesty, Lady Xu has always been gentle in nature. She surely wouldn’t do anything to Consort Bai.”
Xiao Shizhi’s brow remained tightly furrowed she was anxious.
For a moment, she thought that even if Bai Fuxue idled away her entire life, it might not be such a bad thing.
In the original story, Bai Fuxue was a slow-tempered character who only knew how to cry when faced with trouble, eventually being tormented beyond recognition in the harem.
What a delicate little white flower she was.
Xiao Shizhi paused at the entrance of Purple Orchid Palace and could hear laughter and chatter from inside.
The palace servants, upon seeing the Empress, immediately knelt to pay their respects.
Xiao Shizhi waved her hand for them to rise and slowly stepped inside.
Only to see,
Bai Fuxue laughing heartily, “I won! Hahaha, pay up, pay up!”
Lady Xu wore a crestfallen expression, “Sister, your luck is just too good.”
Noble Consort Lin’s purse was completely empty, and she looked utterly dazed.
Noble Lady Huang had lost all the pearl hairpins from her hair and even placed her purse in front of Bai Fuxue.
In contrast, Bai Fuxue had piles of silver notes, gold, silver, and jewels stacked on both sides, beaming with joy.
Bai Fuxue’s smile grew even more unrestrained, “Let’s call it a day, sisters. I’ll come again tomorrow.”
Lady Xu gritted her teeth, enunciating each word, “Sister, sit down. Let’s keep playing.”
She refused to believe that anyone’s luck could last forever.
The Xu family was wealthy and influential, how could she possibly lose everything to Bai Fuxue?
Xiao Shizhi stood amidst the wind and rain, her hands clenched tightly, watching the scene with uncontrollable fury.
Li Dequan observed the four consorts chatting and laughing, especially Bai Fuxue, who had won so much she was practically overflowing with riches, almost to the point of stripping the other three consorts of their expensive robes.
Li Dequan cautiously studied the Empress’s expression.
The young Empress’s pupils were trembling with rage.
Her lips were pressed into a thin, straight line.
After a moment, she helplessly returned to her usual calm demeanor.
Xiao Shizhi felt deeply unbalanced as she watched Bai Fuxue, who had been playing mahjong all day and was still full of energy.
She had spent the entire day worrying that Bai Fuxue might be bullied in the harem, waiting for her to come seek her out, all while struggling with endless official duties.
But what was Bai Fuxue doing?
She had been playing mahjong all day! Just look at Lady Xu, she was so upset she was crying!
Just as Xiao Shizhi was about to step forward, Bai Fuxue suddenly spoke:
“It’s getting late, and I’m a bit tired. As for this money…”
The three younger consorts hardly dared to look at how much Bai Fuxue had won,it was their entire savings.
None of the three were over twenty years old, and all had grown up in sheltered, wealthy households. How could they compare to Bai Fuxue, a seasoned schemer hardened by life’s hardships?
Bai Fuxue smiled sweetly, “This isn’t a small sum. How about you sisters do me a favor, and I’ll return all the money to you?”
Lady Xu and Noble Lady Huang were so furious they hugged each other and wept, hoarsely exclaiming, “Keep it! I don’t want it!”
Noble Consort Lin forced a bitter smile and asked, “What kind of favor?”
Once the three had calmed down, Lady Xu was still sobbing, her composure completely shattered.
Bai Fuxue said, “I’m in charge of preparing next month’s Mid-Autumn Festival banquet. You sisters have connections in the Palace Administration and come from prestigious families. How about putting in a good word for me there to make things easier?”
Lady Xu instinctively wanted to refuse.
Bai Fuxue smiled like a little fox, “Sisters, think carefully. Otherwise, you might have to ask your families for money.”
Lady Huang had lost so badly that her hair was disheveled, and even the most inconspicuous pearl hairpin had ended up in Bai Fuxue’s hands.
Lady Xu covered her face with her hands, “This sister understands. Thank you, elder sister, for your consideration.”
Lady Huang and Lady Lin had no objections either. Having lost so much, they were completely numb.
Bai Fuxue pushed all the silver and hairpins in front of her to the center of the table, “Then this elder sister will take her leave first. Shall we continue tomorrow?”
The others: No, no, no.
We’ll never play mahjong or dominoes again in this lifetime.
As Bai Fuxue turned around, she suddenly saw Xiao Shizhi standing right in front of her, her eyes dark and unreadable.
The three women behind her trembled and immediately knelt to pay their respects.
Xiao Shizhi walked up to Bai Fuxue and said in a low voice, “Did you have fun?”
Bai Fuxue replied guiltily, “Yes, I did.”
Xiao Shizhi chuckled from above, sending shivers down Bai Fuxue’s spine.
Under the complicated gazes of the three women, Bai Fuxue was dragged away by Xiao Shizhi.
In the palace corridor at night, Xiao Shizhi said:
“Did you not know that gambling is forbidden in the harem?”
Li Dequan glanced at Consort Bai. Gambling could be a minor or major offense. Since Consort Bai was now in charge of the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, this matter was of great importance and might displease Her Majesty.
Bai Fuxue took Xiao Shizhi’s hand and said, “Your Majesty, this humble consort did not gamble. I returned all the money to them.”
Xiao Shizhi: “.”
Li Dequan: ?
It was true that not a single coin had been taken in the end.
After a long pause, Xiao Shizhi said, “If they hadn’t agreed to your request, it would have been gambling.”
Bai Fuxue smiled guiltily, “Rules are meant to be broken?”
Back at the Pearl Mirror Palace, Xiao Shizhi didn’t say a word to Bai Fuxue the entire way. Even she herself didn’t know why she was so angry.
The little beauty took off her outer robe and walked barefoot on the plush carpet, embracing Xiao Shizhi from behind.
Her soft breasts pressed against Xiao Shizhi’s back, and her long hair cascaded over her neck.
The little beauty playfully nibbled on her earlobe and said, “Your Majesty, this humble consort knows she was wrong. How may I make it up to you?”
Xiao Shizhi turned around and held her, pressing her onto the bed, her fingers pinning the little beauty’s wrists,
A shadow flickered in Xiao Shizhi’s eyes, “Do you truly not care if I go to others?”
Bai Fuxue wrapped her arms around her shoulders, biting her chin, answering her with action.
Before dawn, Xiao Shizhi left the Pearl Mirror Palace.
Bai Fuxue nestled against her shoulder like a little kitten, holding her softly.
Last night, the little beauty had made no demands.
Xiao Shizhi lovingly kissed her forehead before leaving.
After the morning court session, General Bai Nianyong of the Bai family was asked to stay behind by Xiao Shizhi.
Bai Nianyong sat before the Empress, his heart pounding uncontrollably.
He had guarded the border for many years, exhausting himself for the Great Xia, only to be accused by civil officials in the capital of harboring selfish intentions. Just as the Bai family was on the verge of collapse, the Empress had protected them.
He couldn’t deny his gratitude, but considering that his only legitimate daughter was in the treacherous harem as a token of trust.
Thinking of his daughter, Bai Nianyong felt a pang of heartache.
Xiao Shizhi said, “The Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching. Old General Bai and Consort Bai haven’t seen each other for many years. I imagine you miss each other dearly.”
“How about arranging a day for you to reunite in the palace?”
Bai Nianyong knelt on one knee, his hair streaked with white, trembling as he spoke:
“Your Majesty is most gracious. Since my return to the capital, I have accomplished little and have caused Your Majesty much trouble. I am truly unworthy of such favor.”
Yesterday, Bai Fuxue had said the same thing while in bed.
A pang of bitterness tightened in Xiao Shizhi’s chest, strengthening her resolve to reward Bai Fuxue.
After meeting with the old General Bai, Xiao Shizhi felt weary and decided to take a stroll in the imperial garden.
She sighed inwardly, thinking how utterly exhausting it was to be an emperor.
Before she could even step out of the Zichen Hall, Bai Fuxue arrived, followed by Songluo carrying a thick stack of account books and detailed regulations, which were piled onto the table.
The Zichen Hall now had a designated seat for Bai Fuxue.
Bai Fuxue called out to Xiao Shizhi, “Your Majesty, it is time to review the memorials. I, your humble consort, must also begin planning the evening banquet.”
Xiao Shizhi, who had been about to take a break, froze in her tracks.
Bai Fuxue smiled faintly. “Your Majesty, you have not reviewed a single memorial today. How could you possibly have the leisure for a stroll?”
If you want to compete in diligence, I’ll compete with you. Let’s see who can outwork the other.
One day, you’ll wish I would just slack off.
Xiao Shizhi slowly retracted her foot, a sense of foreboding creeping into her heart.