Chapter 114 - 112.3: The Ruthless Emperor
Ye Qiu finally managed to avoid Noble Princess Consort Xiao’s entanglement due to his preoccupation with official duties lately, but now she has begun to cause trouble again. This time, even the Empress Dowager, who rarely leaves Cining Palace, has offered her support, and Ye Qiu himself has no reason to refuse.
Ye Qiu has been on the throne for six years, but in these years, he only selected concubines during the first year of his reign. Now the harem has only three princes, and the Empress Dowager is concerned about the heirs. This time, she is determined to select a few suitable concubines for Ye Qiu.
At the same time, the Empress also thinks that the palace maids are getting older and it’s time to replace a batch of them. For this selection of concubines, apart from Ye Qiu, not a single person objects.
When the Empress Dowager’s enthusiasm for the selection of concubines spread to the former court, it also caused a sensation. Some courtiers have already started recalling eligible young girls from their clans, hoping to become an "Imperial Uncle" and bask in glory, just like the Xiao Family.
Xiao Rou did not expect that what was originally just a matter of following her family’s wishes to bring a couple of her cousins into the palace to help her vie for favor, would turn into such a sensation.
She is the legitimate daughter of the Xiao Family and has been the Favored Concubine since she entered the palace. Although these past few years have not been as smooth as before, in her heart, the Emperor has always been hers alone. She may have lost favor, but apart from the Empress, did anyone else receive favor? It’s one thing for her cousins to come and help her vie for favor, but what if one of those contemptible girls from the selection charms the Emperor away?
The Empress is getting old, and even if the Emperor often rests in her quarters, she can no longer bear sons. However, it’s different for the newcomers. Now she is in a dilemma whether to proceed or retreat as the proposal to select concubines was initiated by her. She couldn’t possibly slap her own face, could she?
Xiao Rou is now anxious and even starts to doubt whether the family’s suggestion to propose a selection of concubines was really for her benefit.
Xiao Bairen indeed has other plans. The Xiao Family currently holds high authority, but what about when the Crown Prince ascends the throne? The Xiao Family and the Li family have been mortal enemies for a long time. Would the Crown Prince let the Xiao Family off once he inherits the throne? Xiao Bairen dares not take the risk.