“This subject concurs! We must change due process accordingly when faced with tense and unusual situations. We request that the emperor fill the imperial harem and secure descendants for the imperial line!”
The officials were worried that something might suddenly happen to the emperor. If there was no heir apparent, that would result in cataclysmic upheaval for the nation. This was why their first order of business was to recommend that Weichi Yan add to his imperial harem.
He did have some concubines and bedwarmers from when he was still crown prince, but none of them had borne any children.
This had to do with the foundations of a nation. Weichi Yan did indeed have some ideas and had made the relevant preparations. He nodded when he heard the proposal.
“Our beloved subjects share Our thoughts. As We have no son, We have decided to adopt a son from the imperial clan. We see that the Prince of Ning’s firstborn, Weichi Jie, is exceedingly intelligent and find great favor with him. We plan to adopt him as our eldest son. What say you all?”
The Weichi clan didn’t have an abundance of children. The emperor emeritus had once adopted the Prince of Ning’s official firstborn because he didn’t have a son either. This adopted son had later been returned when the former emperor sired his own son.
Weichi Yan was close with the Ning household, so it wasn’t surprising that this once imperial prince would become well, a prince once more.
The officials all bowed and loudly praised the emperor’s wisdom.
Now that the issue of crown prince was settled, that left the issue of the imperial harem.
Sweat made Weichi Yan’s palms slippery. There was even a faint sheen on his forehead. He subconsciously looked at Qin Huaiyuan standing at the front, but Qin Yining’s stunning beauty was what rose to mind instead.
“As for candidates for empress…” The emperor’s voice trembled slightly from emotion. “We hear that beloved subject Qin’s firstborn daughter has received a fortune from the Soothsayer, declaring of an exceedingly noble and auspicious birth chart? That her presence can protect the nation?”
Qin Huaiyuan’s heart skipped a beat, but nothing reflected on his face. He only bowed fearfully. “In response to Your Majesty, the Soothsayer did indeed express this.”
Joy filled Weichi Yan’s heart and he opened his mouth to pronounce Qin Yining the empress. But what the marquis said afterwards stopped him in his tracks.
“Your Majesty, this subject feels that the imperial harem does indeed need to be filled after your new ascension. Why not take advantage of the ceremony schedule to hold a selection and consider all of the well-bred, well-learned ladies of suitable age from the aristocracy? We can use the ten days before the ceremony to compare them all. This way, we’ll decrease the chances of overlooking someone worthy and also add to Your Majesty’s imperial harem. What do you think?”
Though Qin Huaiyuan’s words were tactful, they were in fact a warning. Don’t think you can covet any woman you want just because you’re the emperor. Wouldn’t that make you the same as the former emperor? Mind yourself!
However, as caught up in his joy as he was, Weichi Yan heard none of the undertones. Qin Huaiyuan probably can’t bear to let his daughter go and wants some more pomp and circumstance to raise her status.
“Alright, then things shall be as beloved subject Qin says. The selection will take place over ten days, with the empress and imperial concubine ceremony to take place after the crowning ceremony.”
* * *
Chapter 227: Empress Candidates for the New Emperor (II)
Chapter 227: Empress Candidates for the New Emperor (II)
To the subjects standing below the dial, they felt that the new emperor was a refined, genteel individual, modest enough to take counsel from anyone. Even more hope and anticipation for their new liege grew in their hearts.
This was only to be expected.
With a previous example of an incompetent, decrepit, opinionated, and obstinate emperor emeritus, Weichi Yan would be miles better than his father even if he just sat there and didn’t do anything.
Qin Huaiyuan on the other hand, was heaving a silent sigh of relief. Thankfully he was facing the new, and not old emperor. If this wasn’t the case, his daughter would be cemented into the slot of empress and wouldn’t have any choice at all.
The reinstated prime minister was summoned to the imperial study after court was dismissed. Subject and liege chatted for a long time, with Weichi Yan repeatedly probing Qin Huaiyuan’s thoughts regarding his daughter becoming empress and asking about things between Qin Yining and Pang Xiao.
With the marquis’ wits, he didn’t reveal anything tangible during the conversation. Even so, he was able to make Weichi Yan beam delightedly, brim with confidence, and put his liege in an exceedingly good mood.
When Qin Huaiyuan left the palace, he shook his head greatly after climbing into the carriage. Weichi Yan did indeed have a good character, but his talents weren’t worthy of his position. He would eat a tremendous loss sooner or later.
If he’d been the Qin Huaiyuan of old, full of loyalty and patriotism, the emperor’s words represented a holy decree. He wouldn’t have breathed a hint of protest even if the emperor demanded his daughter’s life.
But after repeated suppression and torment; after personally witnessing the imperial family’s attitude after his family was raided, his mentality had long since changed. He wasn’t a saint.
He just wanted to have a clear conscience when it came to the people of Great Yan.
He wouldn’t betray the original hopes and dreams he’d cherished when becoming an official, but he also wanted his daughter to find happiness. So what if she became the most noble of women beneath the heavens? Deep within the palace, how many women had ever found happy endings?
Setting aside the great turmoil facing Great Yan, it wasn’t a good thing at all to become a target of public scorn, one that the empress could easily turn into.
With his daughter’s personality, she would be wholeheartedly devoted to Weichi Yan if she really did become empress. With the emperor’s lack of strategic insight, she’d have to toil on behalf of the Weichi empire. If she put one step wrong, not only would her strenuous efforts be unappreciated, she would also be slapped with the severe label of a women meddling where she didn’t belong, much like a hen trying to take over a rooster’s duties.
It was one thing for the emperor to be incompetent, but it was a certain taboo for the imperial harem to interfere in politics. Weichi Yan might find it fresh and amusing at first, or tolerate things because Qin Yining was highly useful, but after that?
If Great Yan didn’t fall, an empress that interfered in politics would be detested and scorned sooner or later. If the nation did fall, his daughter would be dragged down with it.
After the large rises and falls of his career, he had a heartfelt perception now that all titles and positions were ephemeral. With a single word, the imperial family could erase his hard won efforts of a lifetime. He only had a single daughter. He wouldn’t let her lifelong happiness be sacrificed like this.
As for Pang Zhixi, the prince had his flaws, but he was a man with courage and intelligence. He was a dependable sort who could be relied on. In these troubled times, he had wit enough to protect Qin Yining. With his chauvinistic tendencies, he would never let his woman suffer. He would hoist up the skies for his own even if he had to do so through grit teeth. Just this point along put him heads and shoulders above the new emperor.
His only flaw was the antagonism between their two countries.
When Qin Huaiyuan thought of the war between the two nations and then of his daughter’s wedding, he felt the future bleaker than ever.
I’ll just keep her by my side all our lives if worst comes to worst! His daughter was the apple of his eye and he couldn’t dote on her enough. How would he let her endure misery in another household? The mere thought was enough to send him into a depressive funk.
He contemplated
the matter the entire way, his brow furrowed tightly in thought.
When he returned home, he sped for the inner residence after a few instructions to Qitai. The thought that more than Qin Yining lived at the Venerable Study Hall finally occurred to him when he stood at the doors to the residence. It wouldn’t be very polite to just barge on in when the eighth miss and Qin Huining were also present. Thus, he grabbed a serving girl at the door. “Have the fourth miss come here.”
The little girl was just eight years old and hadn’t even learned all of the rules after just one day at the manor. She was so unnerved by the sight of a stern Qin Huaiyuan dressed in formal court robes that she could barely breath. Whirling around, she darted in with the message.
Qin Yining descended the stairs before long, helped by Bingtang and Jiyun.
Deep in the throes of a stifling summer, Qin Huaiyuan was covered in sweat from his brisk walk. However, Qin Yining was wearing a pale-blue vest with another brocade, cotton-padded jacket flung around her shoulders. A coppery-green sheen shone off of the oft-worn garment. Her face was drained of color and her lips equally as pale, but an unnatural hue flushed her cheeks. It was obvious with a glance that she was sick.
“What’s wrong with daughter Yi?” The already-present frown on Qin Huaiyuan’s forehead furrowed even deeper.
Bingtang had her own answering frown. “The miss’ injury is infected and she’s running a fever because of it. She kept saying she was cold earlier, and is only feeling better after some medicine.” Since she was supporting the miss, the maid could naturally feel the stark contrast in temperature between her patient’s body and chilled hands.
Though the fourth miss was sick, her eyes shone bright. She smiled. “Don’t worry about it. This is how people get when they’re injured. It’s summer now, so injuries will naturally behave differently compared to winter. I’ll just rest some more, it’s no big deal.”
Qin Yining walked up to her father with a deepened smile. “Did you just come back from court, father? Why don’t we go to that pavilion for a bit of tea?”
Qin Huaiyuan followed the direction of her gaze and understood that she was referencing the white stone pavilion next to the lotus pond. It was a quiet, out-of-the way spot good for talking. He nodded. “Alright.”
Everyone knew that Qin Huaiyuan raised Qin Yining like he did a son. When he’d kept to home a while back, reading and fishing his days away, it’d mostly been Qin Yining who kept him company. Therefore, the two of them strolling along in conversation wasn’t a strange sight.
The two settled in at the pavilion while Jiyun went off in search of tea and a soft cushion for Qin Yining. She retreated outside with Bingtang when everything was set up properly.
“Father, did anything happen at court?”
Qin Huaiyuan gulped down two cups of warm green tea before the fire in his throat stopped burning so fiercely. “I’ve already had Qitai prepare the sedan carriage, some rations, and medicine for the trip ahead. Take Bingtang and Jiyun with you in a moment, ask Sir Mu to escort you, and be on your way.”
The sedan was used only for longer journeys as it was much more spacious and stable compared to the usual horse carriage.
Father wants me to leave? Qin Yining was immensely alarmed. “Why are you saying this, father? Has something happened to the family? Or is the new emperor decreeing punishment for you?”
Qin Huaiyuan shook his head. “I haven’t been punished. Instead, all of my positions have been restored.”
“Then what is it?” The girl’s brain whirred furiously and a sudden, ludicrous thought descended. “Does… the new emperor want me to join the imperial harem?”
Her father sighed. “Smart.”
Flustered panic and anger welled up in the girl. She clearly settled things with Weichi Yan a long time ago, so why was he still being like this?
Whether it’s Pang Zhixi or Weichi Yan, they’re both used to issuing commands from places of high authority. In our society, men are more important than women. With their positions, they can take whatever girl they’re interested in. How would these men at the very top care about the opinions of a little girl?
* * *
Chapter 228: Empress Candidates for the New Emperor (III)
Chapter 228: Empress Candidates for the New Emperor (III)
With Weichi Yan’s previous position as crown prince, though Qin Yining could express her own viewpoints, she had no right to argue or debate anything with him. And now that he was the emperor, what he said was law.
She had feelings for Pang Xiao now; even his domineering actions of yesteryear had turned into sweet memories for her. She’d never had any feelings for Weichi Yan, so his dominance was just a burden to her, triggering her dislike.
Qin Huaiyuan carefully went over the matters of the day with his daughter.
“The emperor wants me to be empress?” Qin Yining’s shoulders slumped weakly. Her shoulder wound felt even more painful. It was so uncomfortable that she couldn’t stop frowning.
“Go. With your wits, it won’t be hard to find a good opportunity to leave the city. Follow the coast of the southern sea if you want to head south, or go north to find him if you want.”
Qin Yining jerked her head up violently. “Father…”
She’d never thought that her father would risk defying an imperial decree and lying to his liege for the sake of her happiness. What court official wouldn’t want to be an imperial father-in-law? And yet, her father didn’t plan on pawning her in marriage for the sake of further benefits.
“Father, I can’t do that.” Her voice shook slightly, but a smile blossomed on her face. “It’s easy for me to leave, but what about you? What of the family?”
“Don’t worry about that. The emperor’s new to his throne and our situation is exceedingly tense. He needs me greatly, so he won’t do anything to me or the family. Just hurry and leave. I’ll think of a way to clean the mess up.”
Qin Yining shook her head with compressed lips. “I can’t leave.”
“If you don’t leave, you’ll have to enter the selection. With your looks, background, and the emperor’s feelings for you, you’ll be selected without a doubt! Then won’t you and little Prince Pang…” It was awkward for Qin Huaiyuan to finish the thought, so he changed the subject with a cough. “I know you don’t crave wealth and prosperity and don’t care about being an empress. Our family doesn’t need you to be the empress to bring glory to our name either. Just live out your days well and happily. I can take care of the rest.”
Qin Yining was moved to tears, but this only further solidified her resolution not to leave.
“Father, you’ve never given anyone a reason to criticize you throughout your entire career. I won’t mar that record. Defying an imperial decree and lying to the emperor are high crimes. The Weichi clan are utterly heartless when they turn on people. The new emperor might need you now, but he’ll bring out old grudges at a later date. What will happen to you and the family then?
“It might be a small thing for me to run off today, but do I run for the rest of my life because I don’t want to marry the emperor? I haven’t broken any laws and I’m not a fugitive, so why should I run for something that someone else did? He may have the pretty dream of making me his empress, but he should first see if I’m willing!”
“Daughter Yi.” Qin Huaiyuan was alarmed by a sudden thought. He warned sternly, “Don’t you think of agreeing to the selection first and then getting out of being selected by disfiguring yourself! Your body comes from your parents, so you’d be an unfilial child if you hurt yourself!”
“What? Father!” Qin Yining found this both touching and amusing. “It’d be another high crime if I disfigured myself, and won’t the emperor punish us even more harshly then? That doesn’t jibe with my original intent.”
The marquis agreed after some thought and shook his head at himself. “I got off on the wrong track.”
“Father’s intelligence has no match. You’re just panicking
because you care. Don’t express your feelings about this to others. Don’t support or oppose it, and just leave the rest to me.”
Qin Huaiyuan nodded. “Alright then, I’ll leave this for you to flounder through. But don’t worry, whether you want to be the empress or not, I’ll be able to hold things together for you. Just do whatever you want.”
“Understood. I’ll make sure I don’t poke a hole in the skies though, because even with father’s skills, I don’t want you to be too tired.”
The duo looked at each other and chuckled.
“If you have any ways to, father, then send news to Xiahua of the emperor wanting to make me empress.”
An arched brow greeted this request. “You trust Pang Zhixi that much?”
“Both parties have to be willing in a relationship. If he really does have feelings for me, he’ll think of something. I trust he has the ability to, and I’ll act accordingly to whatever develops.” Qin Yining rose. Though her face was still pale, a bright light shone fiercely from her eyes. “We can lead a cow to water, but can we force it to drink? No one will be able to force me to do anything if I’m not willing to!”
The sight of such a confident and smart daughter brought a smile to Qin Huaiyuan’s face. His highly taut nerves also relaxed greatly. With the conversation over, he urged Qin Yining to go rest. But a rushed patter of footsteps sounded at this time.
“Milord, Milord!” Qitai rushed up and bowed. “Grand Supervisor Lu’s here. He said he’s here to escort the fourth miss into the palace!”
Qin Yining raised a brow. “The palace servants are certainly diligent. The imperial harem ceremony is being held ten days from now, so they have to escort all possible selection candidates into the palace for training.”
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