A Leisurely Life in the Qing Dynasty

Dong E Mingxi opened her eyes and found herself in the Fourth Master's household.

Who cared about the struggle among the nine princes or fighting for favor in the inner courtyard?

All she cared about was whether today's bird's nest soup had been simmered just right.

In the reception hall, a side consort tearfully accused her of monopolizing the newly presented Shu brocade.

Mingxi couldn't even be bothered to raise her eyes. "Sister, that's not quite right. Clearly, this fabric brings out my complexion."

Then she turned around and told her maid to mix milk and honey into a face mask.

The Fourth Master paid her a late-night visit and found her wrapped in a sable coat, counting banknotes.

"My lord, the account book is in the third drawer on the left. See yourself out."

Later, the Forbidden City was swept by turmoil.

On the night the new emperor ascended the throne, the Fourth Master pinched her soft cheek and sneered:

"My beloved consort, you live a life of leisure and luxury more comfortably than I do."