The aftermath of a pleasurable evening resulted in Qin Yuanxi being tossed around until the dead of night, his voice hoarse from all the shouting. How he managed to finally fall asleep, he couldn’t even recall.
The following morning came with an early court assembly. Having been tossed and turned throughout the night, naturally, he couldn’t rise early. However, being his first assembly since returning to the palace, Qin Yuanxi forced himself awake, rubbing his bleary eyes and clumsily pulling up his clothes. Midway through the dressing, something felt amiss. After rubbing his eyes again, he finally realized what was wrong.
Zhao Tuo had already changed into his attire, draped in purple, unmistakably the ceremonial robe reserved solely for the Prince of Lu.
“You—” Any trace of drowsiness lingering in Qin Yuanxi vanished instantly; he became alert.
Has the long-gone Prince Lu returned?
Before he could finish his sentence, the person before him leaned in directly, planting a bite on Qin Yuanxi’s lips: “Awake? I’ve had some hot porridge prepared. Have a sip to fill your stomach for the assembly.”
That hand naturally wrapped around Qin Yuanxi’s waist, even shifting down a bit, displaying a natural yet flirtatious gesture. Qin Yuanxi’s face immediately flushed red, his ears burning hot.
“Why are you dressed like this?”
The person in front was undoubtedly Zhao Tuo, but why was he wearing Lu Bohuan’s clothes? Qin Yuanxi couldn’t comprehend where things had gone wrong.
“You mean the ceremonial robe?” Zhao Tuo glanced down at his clothes and then spoke indifferently, “Is there a problem with dressing like this?”
Qin Yuanxi was left speechless.
If you say there’s a problem, what problem could there be? It’s just a piece of clothing; there shouldn’t be any issue with how one wears it. But if you say there’s no problem, then the real issue lies therein. The purple ceremonial robe was a symbol of Lu Bohuan’s status, an attire solely worn by him. As for Zhao Tuo, he typically preferred wearing armor. Earlier, when Qin Yuanxi couldn’t distinguish between them, it was their attire that aided his recognition.
However, now was not the time to discuss this. The court assembly awaited, and Qin Yuanxi was already late, with no time to spare for delays.
His Majesty had been on a prolonged incognito inspection and has returned to the morning court assembly for the first time. The courtiers, brimming with anticipation and their individual schemes, entered the grand hall. Yet, upon seeing the familiar figure at the forefront, adorned in familiar court attire, they were quite shocked, exchanging whispers and furtive glances.
Only Prime Minister Wang, composed as ever, seemed oblivious, as if he hadn’t noticed the reinstatement of the former Regent Prince into the court’s midst.
Everyone in the court knew that Lu Bohuan, the Regent Prince, had attempted rebellion. Even if they hadn’t witnessed Lu Bohuan leading his troops to besiege the palace personally, they had experienced several changes in officials in the court. It hadn’t been long since the war without gunpowder smoke had concluded. Hadn’t His Majesty eradicated the Regent Prince’s influence entirely? Why is it that after being out of the palace for a few months and then coming back, there seems to be a vague sense of another impending change?
All the little hidden intentions the courtiers harbored dissipated upon seeing Prince Lu’s presence; they immediately became subdued, not daring to even breathe heavily.
Meanwhile, the shrewd Prime Minister Wang glanced over these ministers, straightened his posture. These slippery figures in the court, if they knew His Majesty intended to appoint Prince Lu as his consort, who knows what their expressions would be!
When Qin Yuanxi arrived, everyone below was already assembled. Perhaps due to the prolonged absence from court or some other reason, the atmosphere in the hall felt peculiar today. It seemed a tad more solemn than usual, exceptionally quiet, devoid of even whispered conversations. All were in an attitude of complete compliance.
“Ahem, esteemed ministers, during my absence, were there any matters requiring a report?”
Qin Yuanxi had already scanned through the official business earlier. His inquiry about this was merely to pave the way for the impending issue of selecting a consort. Having just returned, what many courtiers were most concerned about was the matter of selecting a consort. So, Qin Yuanxi casually posed the question, paving the way, implying for those with ambitions to prepare quickly and not miss the opportunity.
Yet, after he finished speaking, no one below responded.
It was getting a bit awkward.
Like a teacher finishing a question during a class and asking which student would like to answer, only for no one to raise their hand.
Teacher Qin thought, since it was the case, why not just get straight to the point.
“Here’s the situation: upon my return to the palace this time, I found the young prince alone and lonely, lacking care and companionship. Being young, he needs company and care. What I mean is, esteemed ministers, regarding the matter of selecting a consort, everyone has their own thoughts, so please share.”
Qin Yuanxi directly named names: “I’ve seen all the portraits that were sent to the palace before. Each young lady has her own strengths, and I really don’t know how to choose.”
Clearly a philanderer, wasn’t his implication that he wanted to enjoy all the benefits?
Now that the Emperor had set the topic, the ministers naturally had to cooperate. Although rumors had recently circulated that girls entering the palace might suffer gruesome fates, so what? Sacrificing a girl could ensure their political success. What did it matter if it was one girl, ten girls, or a hundred?
Qin Yuanxi, seated on the dragon throne, observed the greedy glints in some people’s eyes and the loss of humanity reflected in their gaze. He furrowed his brow, feeling disgusted. He silently remembered the names of those he could see, planning to find an opportunity to exile them far away later on or simply depose them. Sacrificing women for their own futures—these scoundrels were corrupting the court’s morals and must not be tolerated!
“The Emperor’s harem is empty, and it’s time to select a consort. The crown prince is still young and needs care. I agree with the Emperor’s selection of a consort.”
“I support.”
“I also support.”
“I object!”
Amidst a chorus of agreements, this objection was particularly loud. Qin Yuanxi watched as Zhao Tuo looked directly at him, his eyes unwavering. Zhao Tuo repeated: “I object!”
“Oh.” Qin Yuanxi felt extremely uncomfortable under his gaze, his ears burning, and his heart beginning to pound.
He felt nervous.
Zhao Tuo’s objection was unexpected because, in Qin Yuanxi’s plan, there was no place for Zhao Tuo at all.
After all, Zhao Tuo hadn’t been quite himself before. Since returning from the villa, Zhao Tuo had barely reacted to him, let alone attended court. He seemed almost like a walking corpse. His condition had improved significantly since returning from Cangnan Valley; he could communicate normally and had reverted to the simple and honest Zhao Tuo that Qin Yuanxi had initially known. However, Qin Yuanxi still didn’t hold much hope for him because that loyal and honest Zhao Tuo wouldn’t participate in court affairs at all. He was merely a general who rode horses and fought battles; he was even less interested in politics than Qin Yuanxi.
Qin Yuanxi hadn’t expected him to show up in court today wearing court attire, whether it was a spur-of-the-moment decision or something else. But now, hearing Zhao Tuo directly voice his opposition, Qin Yuanxi couldn’t help but feel that something was a little different.
No, it was somewhat familiar.
This version of Zhao Tuo reminded him of Lu Bohuan.
Back when he first attended court, Lu Bohuan had stood down there, picking faults and causing trouble for Qin Yuanxi in various ways. The only difference was that back then, when Qin Yuanxi was being criticized and troubled by Lu Bohuan, he felt only panic and unease. Now, when Zhao Tuo opposed him, all he felt was joy and excitement.
“Oh, may I ask why you object, dear minister? Is there something wrong with me choosing a consort?” Qin Yuanxi deliberately asked in a teasing tone, with a hint of mockery in his eyes.
In his heart, he was genuinely happy. Zhao Tuo was jealous, and extremely so. Although he had been sore all over from being tossed around last night, he felt somewhat relieved now. Qin Yuanxi felt like he could go another round. Was his sweet love really coming back? It was so sudden; he was still getting used to it.
“The emptiness in the Emperor’s harem is because the Emperor doesn’t need it. Why should the Emperor delay those girls when he already has someone in his heart? For those girls, being summoned to the palace means being doomed for life. Your Majesty shoulders the hopes and aspirations of the people. Should Your Majesty bring harm to those women for your own desires? If so, how can Your Majesty be called a wise and benevolent ruler? How can you live up to the hopes and expectations of the people?” Each word was forceful and resolute. As Qin Yuanxi listened to the reprimand, he felt unfairly targeted.
He hadn’t finished speaking yet; his plan hadn’t been completed. This was just the beginning. He wasn’t someone who lusted after beauty. This was merely a pretext, okay?
Sure enough, as soon as Zhao Tuo finished speaking, someone immediately voiced their opposition.
“The prince’s words are mistaken. The Emperor’s selection of a consort is naturally for the purpose of ensuring the continuation of the royal bloodline in the harem. Does selecting a consort make the Emperor any less wise and virtuous? What kind of logic is that? Since ancient times, which wise and virtuous monarch didn’t have three thousand beauties in his harem? Prince, mind your words!”
“The continuation of the bloodline?” Zhao Tuo snorted coldly, his gaze sweeping over them as he continued icily, “The crown prince has already been established. What are you all worried about? Hmph!”
With Prince Lu’s sharp gaze and Zhao Tuo’s cold demeanor, just one glance silenced a large portion of the court. No one dared to speak out, even if they had objections. They all lowered their heads in silence, unable to understand why someone who had clearly been stripped of power could still flaunt authority in court, and why the Emperor hadn’t gotten angry. What was going on?
Seeing that the situation seemed to be changing, the old Prime Minister glanced at the Emperor and then at the prince before stepping forward to say, “It’s not appropriate for the harem to be without a leader. My suggestion is that while we may not select a consort, we must establish a queen. What does Your Majesty think?”
Establish a queen? Zhao Tuo’s expression grew even darker.
“Establishing a queen is good, indeed it is,” Qin Yuanxi observed Zhao Tuo’s expression clearly. Not only that, he deliberately smiled at Zhao Tuo, a mischievous glint in his eyes, as he asked, “I wonder if any of you esteemed ministers have a candidate for this queen position?”
Now the ministers below dared not speak up.
Selecting a consort was one thing, but establishing a queen was another matter entirely. While they could have their own small calculations for selecting a consort, establishing a queen was a matter concerning the state’s welfare. It wasn’t something that just anyone could enter the palace and become queen. Moreover, the sudden proposal to establish a queen caught them off guard.
Not only were they unprepared, but Qin Yuanxi wasn’t prepared either. He did intend to establish a queen, but this matter was rather difficult to handle, especially the establishment of a male queen. It needed to be approached gradually. Qin Yuanxi had made plans; he wanted to gradually win over those conservative ministers. However, today, because of Zhao Tuo’s intervention, he found a shortcut.
The regent’s influence still loomed large after all these years. As long as Zhao Tuo could propose the establishment of a queen, even if the entire court was dissatisfied, no one dared to oppose him to his face. Especially in the current situation, Qin Yuanxi understood it clearly. Zhao Tuo’s appearance in court today had already deterred many people. This guy was like a fixed anchor; motionless on the surface, but once moved, it could shake mountains.
Qin Yuanxi leisurely looked at Zhao Tuo, smiling faintly. “Since none of you esteemed ministers have objections, I have a candidate in mind. I wonder what Prince Lu thinks?”
In the court, Qin Yuanxi still addressed him as Lu Bohuan. It wasn’t a good idea to spread the news about his illness widely; it needed to be kept under wraps.
“I agree,” Zhao Tuo said.
Qin Yuanxi noticed that despite saying he agreed, Zhao Tuo’s expression was even darker than before. But that wasn’t important. What mattered was that everything would be fine with his agreement.
With this declaration of agreement, Qin Yuanxi announced the end of the morning court session and left, leaving the civil and military officials puzzled. What did Prince Lu agree to? Who was the candidate for the queen? Did His Majesty mention it just now? Why did they need to prepare for a grand wedding or choose an auspicious date from the Ministry of Rites? Did they miss something just now?
Only the Prime Minister walked leisurely, stroking his beard as he congratulated Prince Lu.
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
