On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the imperial court held a grand assembly. Envoys from various prefectures presented their local specialties as tributes. Foreign envoys would also be received.
All civil and military officials were required to attend.
As Prince Ding'an and Minister of Revenue, Xiao Yun was naturally expected to be present.
He went to the palace early in the morning, while Wang Qingyao slept in until she woke naturally.
The maids and wet nurses of Kangping Courtyard, along with the four concubines from the West Garden, came to pay their respects and offer New Year's greetings. Wang Qingyao, as expected, distributed a shower of red envelopes.
From the first to the third day of the Lunar New Year, the government officially permitted gambling games.
Throughout the streets and alleys, stalls offered games of chance, where participants could win various foods, daily necessities, or gold and silver jewelry.
At the major city gates and in the southern areas of the prefectures, colorful marquees were erected, selling all sorts of goods, much like modern pedestrian streets, with vendors of every description.
The major entertainment districts were also exceptionally lively and boisterous during these three days, featuring a wide array of performances, including singing and dancing.
When Wang Qingyao first transmigrated last year, she was an unattached young woman with no one to restrain her. Although she didn't fully understand the customs of the Great Sheng Dynasty, she still enjoyed herself immensely for several days.
This year, before she could even mention it, the Old Imperial Consort spoke to her when she went to pay her respects: "You are in the early stages of pregnancy, and it's crowded outside. You must not go out. If you want anything to eat or anything to play with, just have someone buy it for you."
Wang Qingyao: "Hehehe..."
The Old Imperial Consort continued, "You no longer need to attend morning and evening greetings. Taking care of your pregnancy is paramount."
Wang Qingyao: "Hehehe..."
Fearing she might tire herself out, the Old Imperial Consort chatted for a while before sending her back to Kangping Courtyard to rest.
Not long after she returned, a maid from Jingwu Courtyard came to summon Bian Siyue, stating that Imperial Consort Fang wished to see her.
Imperial Consort Fang was a woman with some schemes, but they were easily discernible.
She had only learned of Wang Qingyao's pregnancy yesterday, and today she summoned the concubine of her son. It was as clear as day to everyone.
While Manan went to fetch Bian Siyue, Wang Qingyao smiled and asked the young maid, "What does Imperial Consort Fang want with Concubine Bian?"
The young maid replied calmly, "The Consort heard that Concubine Bian has excellent calligraphy and wishes for her to help copy Buddhist scriptures."
Bian Siyue indeed possessed excellent calligraphy, but Huang Shiyu, Jiang Jing, and Qian Yu were also skilled. All four of them were proficient in the arts of zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
The young maid spoke with such conviction that the others in Kangping Courtyard did not suspect anything.
If Wang Qingyao hadn't seen Yun Zhu standing outside the courtyard gate with a smug expression through the courtyard wall, she might have believed it herself.
Bian Siyue arrived and paid her respects to Wang Qingyao. Wang Qingyao personally helped her up and, in front of the young maid, whispered, "In front of the Imperial Consort, your gynecological ailment can be cured."
Bian Siyue, being intelligent, paused for a moment before quickly understanding and replying in a low voice, "Yes."
Seeing them whispering, the young maid immediately perked up her ears, her face filled with curiosity and gossip.
Of course, she heard nothing.
The young maid led Bian Siyue out of Kangping Courtyard and met with Yun Zhu outside.
Yun Zhu paid her respects to Bian Siyue with utmost courtesy, explaining, "As the Concubine is of noble status, the Imperial Consort originally intended for me to personally invite you. However, the Prince and Princess have many misunderstandings about me..."
Bian Siyue smiled with a proud expression and did not respond.
Yun Zhu did not resent her attitude. The more proud and arrogant she was, the more she would dare to compete with Wang Qingyao!
Imperial Consort Fang's act was well-rehearsed. She truly had Bian Siyue copy a page of Buddhist scriptures first, and then, during a break, she began to chat with her.
"Who is serving the Prince in his chambers these days?"
"It's still the Princess Consort. We only recently learned of the Princess Consort's pregnancy, and it's only been a few days."
Imperial Consort Fang frowned. Did this mean that Wang Qingyao usually served him?
"However, the Prince wanted to stay in my room last night. But I thought it was improper for him to spend the night in a concubine's room on New Year's Eve, so I persuaded him to return. The Prince had been drinking and was a bit clingy, but he ultimately listened to my advice and stayed in the main chamber."
This was the first time Imperial Consort Fang and Yun Zhu had heard details about Xiao Yun's private life. The frown on Imperial Consort Fang's brow smoothed out.
"You are indeed sensible."
Bian Siyue covered her mouth with a handkerchief, revealing a shy smile.
"Since the Princess Consort is pregnant, and the Prince dotes on you, serving the Prince will be your responsibility from now on." After a pause, Imperial Consort Fang asked again, "Has the Prince... with the other three concubines?"
Bian Siyue then displayed a smile that was both proud and a little sad: "No, the Prince is not fond of women. He spends most of his time in the main chamber. Only when the Princess Consort is indisposed does it fall to me."
Imperial Consort Fang thought to herself: A jealous woman!
"Has the Princess Consort not arranged for any concubines for the Prince? Those two maids from her family..."
Bian Siyue snorted, "Those two maids are of average appearance. How could the Prince possibly fancy them?"
Indeed, Yin Zhu and Zhi Zi were not particularly attractive, but their plainness was precisely what a mistress would find reassuring. Had Wang Qingyao not considered such a move?
Imperial Consort Fang was somewhat disbelieving.
Bian Siyue smiled charmingly, "Although the Prince is not fond of women, he doesn't eat everything."
The implication was that Wang Qingyao had the intention, but Xiao Yun refused.
Imperial Consort Fang thought it made sense. He kept three beautiful women in the West Garden and did not touch them; there was no reason for him to desire those bland maids.