Who can truly live a carefree life? To be free from the struggles of basic survival is a blessing in itself.
The Empress said, "I would like to ask Your Majesty for a favor—to hand over the management of the harem to the Pure Consort."
The Emperor immediately found this suggestion problematic.
It wasn't that he thought Jiang Xian was incapable of managing the harem. But it was clear the Empress intended a full retreat, washing her hands of all her duties. If all authority over the harem were handed to a single concubine, how would that differ from rendering the position of Empress completely powerless? It would surely stir up dissent, which would be detrimental to both the Empress and Jiang Xian.
But the Empress had held her position for many years; she wasn't one to make such a clumsy proposal. So, the Emperor said nothing and listened for what would come next.
