These concubines naturally did not come empty-handed; they would all bring small gifts for the Empress, such as pastries, books, self-painted pictures, a pot of flowers, self-embroidered items, and so on. The Empress would always graciously accept the gifts and reward them with even better things.
This made those lower-ranked concubines feel both surprised and delighted. Without the Emperor's favor and a prestigious family background, their lives weren't really great. The stipend for lower-ranked concubines is really low; sometimes, to eat something they desire, they have to pay for it themselves. Some of the struggling concubines even have their Palace Attendants take embroidered items out of the palace to exchange for money to get by.
And now, the Empress's rewards greatly enhanced their lives. Their hearts brimmed with gratitude toward the Empress.
