Chapter 389: Should the Selection of Concubines Commence?

Chapter 389: Should the Selection of Concubines Commence?

Next month Xiao Yuchen was to be wed, and Tang Shuyi was so busy she barely touched the ground. Amidst her flurry of activity, the results of the imperial examination were announced; both Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yiyuan ranked in the first division.

Suddenly, the attention of everyone in the capital was once again on the Dingguo Duke's household. Out of the three top rankers of the first division, two hailed from the Duke's family. No one could accuse them of foul play; both Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yiyuan came from distinguished scholarly lineages, and it was predicted even before the examination that both would at least rank in the second division.

Tang Shuyi was naturally elated, rewarding the messenger who brought the good news with 166 taels of silver, a sum that nearly made the two officials faint with joy. Never in their years of delivering congratulatory messages had they received such a generous reward.

The two messengers walked away in high spirits, and soon, a stream of visitors came to offer their congratulations, leaving Xiao Huai and Tang Shuyi's smiles unwavering throughout the day.

Even Prince Duan was in high spirits today, receiving congratulations everywhere he went for securing such a fine son-in-law. A man who valued his reputation, he was naturally thrilled that his future son-in-law had brought him such honor.

Returning home, Prince Duan made a point of visiting Princess Jianing's courtyard, remarking, "Your discernment in choosing a son-in-law has truly brought us honor."

Princess Jianing was also in good spirits today, conversing amiably with her father in a harmony that had never been seen between them before. After Prince Duan left, Princess Jianing sat smilingly in a daze, while her chief maid remarked, "Your Highness, it seems your hardships have finally turned to joy."

Princess Jianing hummed in agreement, rising to select a gift to be sent to the residence of the Duke of Dingguo.

In the imperial palace, Emperor Li Jingyi also wore a smile behind his desk. Ye Deben, seeing this, commented with a laugh, "With Tang's great talents, it's inevitable for the crown prince to perform so well in the examinations!"

Li Jingyi took a sip of tea, smiling before adding, "The elder brother has also worked hard. He even encountered bandits during his travels."

Ye Deben nodded, saying, "I've heard that the crown prince met Princess Jianing during that incident. It seems that their fate was predestined."

Emperor Li Jingyi agreed, only regretting that the former emperor had already decreed their marriage; otherwise, he would have been able to bestow the marriage himself, adding luster to the event.

Just then, a young eunuch entered, announcing, "Chancellor Zhao requests an audience with Your Majesty."

The smile faded slightly from Li Jingyi's face, "Let him in."

Chancellor Zhao entered shortly after being summoned, performing a ceremonial bow before asking, "With the Duke of Dingguo's heir topping the exams, what are Your Majesty's intentions?"

Li Jingyi asked with a puzzled tone, "What intentions should I have?"

Chancellor Zhao suggested, "The Duke of Dingguo's family is in the limelight. If Your Majesty wishes to consider their well-being, it might be best not to appoint the crown prince as the top scholar during the palace examination."

After hearing this, Li Jingyi's gaze dropped to mask his disdain, but when he looked up again, his eyes were clear, "Whether or not I appoint the crown prince as the top scholar will depend on his performance during the palace examination. The imperial examinations must be fair, and it is the same with me."

Seeing his sincere and innocent face, Chancellor Zhao was at a loss for words for a moment. After a while, he added, "Your Majesty, everyone knows of your deep bond with the Duke of Dingguo. If you were to appoint his son as the top scholar, people might accuse you of favoritism, which would not be good for your reputation or that of the crown prince."

Emperor Li Jingyi appeared to ponder seriously before responding, "I understand. I will take your suggestion into consideration, Chancellor Zhao."

Believing the emperor agreed with his suggestion, Chancellor Zhao's face brightened with a smile, "Your Majesty is wise. The height of power often presages its fall, and surely the Duke and Duchess understand this."

Emperor Li Jingyi nodded gravely, "What you say is true."

Master Zhao, after taking a sip of tea, added, "His Majesty is nearing fifteen and has reached the marriageable age. Isn't it time to start the selection of consorts?"

Hearing this, Li Jingyi's face flushed, "I... I am still young. The matter of marriage can be discussed later."

"Your Majesty," Master Zhao said earnestly, "a nation cannot be without a ruler for a day, just as the harem cannot be without a queen for long. Moreover, Your Majesty must consider the issue of heirs."

Li Jingyi looked at Master Zhao in silence. As Master Zhao began to feel uneasy under his gaze, Li Jingyi said, "When and with whom I decide to marry are my private affairs and family matters. It would be best if Master Zhao refrained from intervening."

"I had no intention of meddling in Your Majesty's private matters," Master Zhao rose and bowed respectfully, continuing, "but as the sovereign, all your affairs are matters of state. Moreover, matters of the harem are tied to the imperial court, hence they are also affairs of state!"

"This is the first time I have heard that affairs of the harem are considered state matters," said Li Jingyi. "Tell me, why should the harem's affairs be state concerns? Could it be that someone seeks to exploit the harem for profit?"

Taken aback by his sharp retort, Master Zhao pondered for a moment before replying, "The main concern is the issue of progeny; the heirs of Your Majesty are directly related to the succession of the throne."

Li Jingyi nodded, "I understand."

Master Zhao was uncertain of what 'I understand' truly meant, but it wasn't his place to inquire further. At that moment, Li Jingyi said, "If there is nothing else, you may withdraw."

"As you wish."

Master Zhao bowed and withdrew, descending the steps of the Imperial Study. He looked back once more before stepping away, aware that the current emperor had a childhood bond with the daughter of Duke Dingguo, making her a likely candidate for Empress.

That was of no concern; an emperor's empresses were seldom few, and even if there was only one, the crown prince might not necessarily be her son. It all came down to the capabilities of the various factions.

The significance of the harem's influence was well understood by the ministers of the court; hence, many were sharpening their knives, eager to send their daughters into the palace.