Bliss

It's been several days since our full day together but I still daydream about it. Such bliss. The Emperor has been with me almost every night since, so I finally told him he has to see one of my sisters. "But they are not you and would you not be jealous?" Was his retort so I replied honestly "Of course but for the sake of peace in the harem I must put aside these feelings." And then he asked who I would prefer him see. I told him I have no opinion in the matter, it's His Majesty's choice. He just stared at me. Knowing this was not the truth. "Okay okay fine I would prefer you see Sister Meili. She has a true humble heart." Smiling with my reply.

Surprisingly but I suppose not, he chose to visit her. Per usual I am happy for my sister of course but I miss him. Even more than before. Hmm. So I decided to paint that night...

Almost a month has passed since my return. Sister Meili and I are the only two the Emperor visits. However I'm sure the Empress Dowager would have it other wise. I shall try. I must. I have a feeling I may be with child again but it's too soon to be sure. I dare not say anything yet with Daiyu and Sister Xiu with child already. I'm worried one of them will have a prince. What will I do? However I refuse to play any tricks. I will not mess with a child's life. So we will just hope for the best.

Along with many nights with my love, he has also showered me in gifts. Apparently the Empress Dowager told him how shabby I looked compared to the other ladies and how dare he allow his beloved to look such a way. This made me laugh but grateful again for her thought. I received many new brightly colored dresses and sashes to match. Handfuls of heavy hair pins, all very beautiful. But my favorite was one of the gorgeous hair piece sets. The main piece is a large glass like lotus blossom that will sit in the middle of my bun. With a set of solid jade hair pins a deep beautiful green. As well as matching gold hair pins with 7 strings of dangling pearls each with pink pearls at the end to accent the flower. I will save this for special occasions. Since I also received other hair piece set that is more modest. One made up of emeralds and blue sapphire flowers, simple but elegant and very fine.

Huiqing wanted me to try most of it on of course but I told her not to worry. It will all be worn. I don't mind being spoiled but I must be careful not to get carried away with pretty things. That's not my goal. Even though I am happy the other ladies will not be able to look down on me now. Ha. I shouldn't be so childish. I don't really know their true intentions but their faces that day said everything. My absence in their minds put me at the bottom. But now I am back at the top with all the favor. I must have a get together so I can truly speak with my sisters.

I spoke with Sister Meili about it, we will host a small lunch in the garden once the weather is nice again. Which should be in few weeks. For now we have a banquet coming up and that was excitement enough. All of the Emperors brothers and their families with attend this one. I'm sure it will be extravagant with the Empress Dowager planning it. Her events are always beautiful and food unforgettable.