Chapter 89: Chapter 66: Noble Lady Yui (Part 2)

“Your Majesty need not worry about this.”

Xu Qingluan stretched out her arm, as tender as a green onion, and massaged Zheng Yi’s head with her small hand, saying: “Father also mentioned that General Cui Xiawu, whom you dispatched last time, is indeed a fierce general.”

“When he arrived in Binzhou, he ambushed the supply convoy delivering provisions to the Wu Country’s army, killed over two thousand enemies, and burned a large portion of the provisions, causing heavy losses to the Wu Country’s army.”

“Father praised this man greatly.”

“Cui Xiawu?”

Zheng Yi murmured, recalling the Martial Champion Scholar he rewarded months ago.

“No wonder he is from the Cui Family, even if only a branch, yet still so outstanding.”

“However, through the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s investigation, it appears he has strained relations with the Cui Family, having stated he would never again associate with them, indicating he is a promising talent.”

Xu Qingluan remained obediently silent, as the Your Majesty was considering personnel appointments, especially by someone from the Cui Family, any comments from her would be inappropriate.

When the Your Majesty wishes to tell her, she would listen.

If not, she naturally should remain silent.

After a few moments of silence, Xu Qingluan spoke again: “Your Majesty, the concubine candidates have entered the palace. The Ministry of Rites has finished teaching them royal etiquette. When do you think is appropriate for them to formally enter the palace?”

“Why, is my beloved not jealous?”

Xu Qingluan pursed her lips and said: “With so many women in the palace, if I were jealous of each one, wouldn’t my Xianfu Palace be filled with sourness?”

“Hahaha.”

Zheng Yi laughed heartily: “What does my beloved think about when they should enter the palace?”

“I originally planned for after the Lantern Festival. Your Majesty, what do you think?”

“Nowadays, Great Yu is on the brink of war. My intention is not to make a grand ceremony but simply for Your Majesty to meet the concubine candidates in the Imperial Garden, select those to remain based on your preference, then grant them titles and palaces. How does that sound?”

“Then let’s proceed according to my beloved’s wishes.”

Zheng Yi hugged Xu Qingluan again. “By the way, how many participants are there in this selection?”

Xu Qingluan recounted like family treasures: “Replying to Your Majesty, this year’s concubine candidates were informed across the thirteen provinces, resulting in more than five thousand virtuous and beautiful candidates arriving in the capital.”

“After three rounds of examinations, only five hundred thirty-two remain for the Ministry of Rites to teach royal etiquette.”

“Among them, over three hundred are daughters of various officials’ families, chosen for their noble temperament, and over a hundred were nominated by provincial officials for their exceptional qualities.”

“Additionally, more than fifty are daughters of military officers.”

At this point, Xu Qingluan sat up and covered her delicate body with an undergarment, saying: “Your Majesty previously had a fondness for female Martial Artists, and only seventeen are included.”

“Among them are four First-grade Martial Artists, six Second-grade Martial Artists, and seven Third-grade Martial Artists.”

“Your Majesty, do you truly wish these female Martial Artists to join the palace as consorts?”

Zheng Yi inquired: “Why not?”

Xu Qingluan shook her head: “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager previously mentioned that female Martial Artists are often passionate and resentful. If they cause trouble in the palace, how should it be handled?”

“I have considered this,” Zheng Yi said. “So, those selected all have close ties with the Imperial Court, sharing interests.”

“For instance, Taiyii Dao, Compassion Temple, and so forth, all considered renowned and righteous sects in the Martial World.”

“These women from renowned and righteous sects bear both imperial and masterly favors, with their honor tied to the sect’s prosperity or decline, thus will not act against me.”

“Since that’s the case, I must comply with Your Majesty’s decision.”

Xu Qingluan resignedly said: “By the way, Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has been unwell lately and has been receiving treatment from the Imperial Physician. On the day of the concubine candidates’ selection, will the Empress Dowager attend the Imperial Garden?”

Zheng Yi felt a stir in his heart, as it was already the depths of winter, and even within the hall, one could feel the chill.

After the Lantern Festival, the warmth was fleeting, with the weather still quite cold.

In that case, it is even more necessary!

“This matter is set by the Empress Dowager, so she must be invited.”

Zheng Yi said: “Tomorrow, I shall pay my respects to the Empress Dowager at Cining Palace.”

“Everything will comply with Your Majesty’s command.”

Xu Qingluan’s cheeks suddenly flushed; she grabbed Zheng Yi’s hand and pleaded: “Your Majesty, I, really cannot take it anymore.”

“Jian, Jian Yu, quickly, quickly come in!”

“Coming, madam~”

An inquisitive voice from Jian Yu sounded outside the door. Zheng Yi couldn’t help but move his fingers, instinctively glancing toward the door.

“Your Majesty.”

Xu Qingluan leaned over, her breath as fragrant as orchids: “Jian Yu is designated a Noble Lady by Your Majesty. I care not for other concubine candidates, but you must not forget about Jian Yu~”

Zheng Yi promptly replied: “Rest assured, my beloved, I wouldn’t be that heartless.”

“Tomorrow, I will grant Jian Yu the status of Noble Lady Yui and let her reside in, let me think.”

“Xianfu Palace!”

Xu Qingluan immediately said: “I have a sisterly bond with Jian Yu, and Xianfu Palace has many vacancies. Having Jian Yu residing there won’t feel lonesome for me.”

“Lonesome?”

Zheng Yi felt a stir in his heart, and tapped her delicate nose: “In a few days, I’ll get you some little amusements, lest you become idle in the palace.”

Women mustn’t be idle!

Once idle, problems ensue.

Being a concubine, it’s impossible to leave the palace at will.

Therefore, it’s best to acquire some little amusements for them to enjoy.

To prevent palace intrigue from starting.

“Squeak,” the door was pushed open, and Jian Yu, a tall figure, walked in.

Face red, head almost touching her bosom, lacking any of her usual grace and prowess.

“Your, Your Majesty, Madam, what matter was Jian Yu summoned for?”

Xu Qingluan, clutching her chest, tried to rise, but was pulled back and held by Zheng Yi.

“Ah, Jian, Jian Yu, quickly thank Your Majesty, for you are granted the title of Noble Lady Yui by His Majesty.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep