The Emperor has been too busy to visit the Harem lately. With the Empress not in the palace, everyone could even skip the morning greetings.
When they felt like it, a few of them would arrange to go out for a stroll. When they were not in the mood, each would return to their own quarters and live peacefully. Thus, the Harem had been very calm. Rarely were there any open disputes or unpleasantness between the Concubines.
「Qingya Residence」
After breakfast, Little Bun went to the Study Room.
Xia Ruqing, feeling a bit lonely by herself, went for a walk with the Palace Maids and eunuchs.
The weather in May was already somewhat hot. Fortunately, there were many shady spots in the Imperial Garden, and she slowly walked down the paths, leaning on Zi Yue's arm.
Pregnant women are sensitive to heat. It wasn't long before Xia Ruqing's forehead was dotted with fine beads of sweat.
