The hall fell silent for a moment.
Did they mishear?
Did the Emperor just say he wanted to visit Concubine Yu?
Since the death of Concubine Jin, the Emperor had only favoured Concubine Ya. Even though Concubine Yu had given birth to the Sixth Imperial Prince, the Emperor rarely set foot in her palace.
Now, simply because she supported the Princess Consort by speaking a few words, the Emperor wanted to visit her!
After all, considering the Emperorâs temperament, his interest in concubines who had given birth would considerably diminish.
Concubine Shu and others couldnât help but feel envious and jealous.
The Empress was old and no longer could serve in bed, but they were still young and didnât want to end up like the Empress, living a widowâs life.
If they could not gain any real benefits from being aligned with the Empress, why should they continue siding with her?
Concubine Yu had openly sided with the Princess Consort. Had the Empress dared to do anything to her? She still lived a luxurious life, enjoying every day.
Concubine An couldnât help but chime in with a laugh, âJust yesterday I saw the Sixth Imperial Prince. As the emperorâs heir, the little guy is growing up healthy and lively. Heâs really a delight. The Princess Consortâs initial proposal for Concubine Yu to personally raise the Sixth Imperial Prince was truly a wise decision.â
With those words, she not only pleased Jiang Ning and Concubine Yu, but also flattered the Emperor.
It was a shot that hit three targets.
Only upsetting the Empress.
Concubine An had always been close to the Empress. For her to speak out now was tantamount to openly switching allegiance.
The Empress was angered, but could not show it in front of the Emperor. She just kept her face grim, planning to settle the scores later.
Concubine Yu understood Concubine Anâs motives and responded with a smile, âWhen the Sixth Imperial Prince was born, Concubine An claimed he had health issues and could not survive unless given to the Empress. It hasnât been that long, has Concubine An already forgotten? Your memory is really not very good.â
Concubine Yu showed no mercy, leaving Concubine Anâs face alternating between green and white.
The Emperor, growing impatient with their bickering, asked Jiang Ning, âWhat illness has Jin Liangyuan contracted?â
Jiang Ning was slightly taken aback.
Could it be that the Emperor was still concerned about Jin Man?
It couldnât be. Jin Man was now the Crown Princeâs concubine, it would be shameless of him to care about her.
Jiang Ning allowed the thought to pass, but promptly answered, âYour Majesty, Jin Liangyuan has a womenâs disease. Imperial Physician Dong said that she should recover with rest.â
The Emperor gave a slight nod, not asking more. He only said, âEven though war is imminent, we must not make life difficult for Jin Liangyuan. Women are, after all, innocent.â
Jiang Ning smiled and said, âYour Majesty is kind, I will certainly take good care of Jin Liangyuan.â
The Empress said meaningfully, âThe Crown Prince is in his prime, but he only has a son and a daughter, which is too few. As the Princess Consort, you need to urge the East Palace concubines to serve the Crown Prince well and produce more heirs.â
Jiang Ning smiled, âYour Highness, rest assured, I am not that kind of person.â
The Empress snorted softly, then asked, âWhy didnât the Crown Prince come for the selection?â
Jiang Ning responded calmly, âHis Highness said he was preoccupied with state affairs and couldnât make it, so he asked me to take care of everything.â
âYou are selecting concubines for the Crown Prince?â The Empress raised her eyebrows and smiled kindly, âI am curious to see what kind of concubines the Princess Consort would choose for the Crown Prince.â
âYour Highness, rest assured, I will not disappoint you.â
Jiang Ning glanced at Wenxi, âLetâs start, bring them in.â
Fifty young ladies, divided into groups of five, entered the hall in order. The Emperor and the imperial concubines scrutinized them with critical eyes.@@novelbin@@
Interestingly, the first group of five were all of average appearance.