Rong Heng had not conferred the title of Imperial Concubine, so the highest-ranking concubines in the harem were Consort De, Consort Xian, and Lady Shu. In some dynasties, the Four Concubines were known for their virtue and morality, but in Nanling Country, it was the Imperial Concubine who led, with the other three concubines being of equal rank and treatment. Above the Imperial Concubine was the Empress, followed by the Empress herself.
Below the rank of concubine were noble ladies, Chang Zai, and concubines; this hierarchy was quite similar to that of the Qing Dynasty. Back in Dongru Country, she had never understood the harem ranking system. It was only this morning, while cooking, that a serving aunt beside her had pointed it out to her.
Ayue's hands were full of mud from playing, and after returning to Changchun Palace, Tangyuan took good care of him by giving him a thorough wash before she sniffed and asked, "Are you hungry?"
