Standing next to the Empress, Chen Gui lowered his head even further, not daring to breathe. The Empress considered him "one of her own" and did not dismiss him during discussions with the Crown Prince. Having been in the palace for many years, he naturally understood what this meant; if he spoke a single careless word, he would be silently dealt with.

Entering the palace gates is like entering the depths of the sea~

She angrily said, "You fail to judge people accurately; who wouldn’t know how to disguise themselves? You’ve been deceived by him. Your grandfather has been overtly and covertly suppressing and exerting pressure on the Secretary in court. Do you think Noble Princess Consort Xiao will swallow this insult? Your father is strong and healthy, and he won’t step down for many years. It’s uncertain who will prevail in the end; the outcome is not yet decided, and everything can change."

"If you don’t properly select a concubine today, then as your mother, I will make the decision for you. Liu Qingxi can only be a secondary wife; the position of concubine can never be hers."

Li Changnian heard this and felt even more uncomfortable. He calmed his emotions and firmly reaffirmed his stance: "Forgive me, mother, but I cannot comply with this command."

The Empress and the future Crown Prince did not see eye to eye; both exuded strong auras.

As a eunuch, Chen Gui envied Ning Yue and Ning Xue, the twin maidservants guarding outside the door, who didn’t have to face this oppressive atmosphere.

The Empress stood up, walked leisurely to the dark lacquered square table with carved edges, and glanced over the Lady Painting on the table.

She hesitated for a long time.

Finally, she extended her jade-like finger and pointed at Ye Zhi’s Lady Painting: "Let’s choose her as your concubine. The court is now divided into two factions. The fathers of these beauties have not yet sided with anyone. Drawing them in at this time is most appropriate. Her father is Ye Yuan, holding the rank of First Grade. Though not very smooth, he has the advantage of a high position and abundant family wealth. She is also thirteen, close to coming of age, and marrying her early will be more beneficial for you."

Among these candidates, Li Changnian was most opposed to Ye Zhi and naturally did not want to: "Mother, I do not wish to marry the youngest daughter of the Ye Family. She is spoiled and capricious, rude and unruly, completely lacking the demeanor of a lady from a noble family, and has even sparred with Ji San. Would a typical lady duel with an elite from the Imperial Palace?"

This was in reference to the time he ordered Ji San to beat Ye Zhi at Shuyu Pavilion.

The Empress listened, her expression unchanged, her jade-like finger moved aside: "Then let it be Li Changlan, Princess Linghua, the eldest daughter of the Dingyuan Prince Mansion."

The woman she indicated was slightly less attractive, with cheeks like peach blossoms and a serene and cold temperament. Her hair was elegantly styled in a Lingyun hair bun, with a delicate dangling ornament pinned at an angle.

Li Changnian was still unwilling and was about to speak~

"Are you intending to force your mother to cut off your thoughts?" A woman’s authoritative voice came, speaking before him.

He reluctantly considered nodding to agree, settling on Li Changlan.

Suddenly, he remembered that Ye Zhi often troubled Qingxi. If she entered his mansion and became a concubine, wouldn’t she be under his command? He wouldn’t touch her, but surely he could show her some disfavor from time to time.

Having thought it through, Li Changnian’s expression carried a hint of pleasure. He looked down at the painting, pointed with his slender finger, and said, "Mother, let it be her. I am willing to take Ye Zhi, the youngest daughter of the Ye Family, as a concubine."

"Very well, then. Leave this matter to your mother." The Empress gave a look to Chen Gui.

Receiving the look, Chen Gui stepped forward, gathered the Lady Paintings, and then respectfully stood aside.

"You can first take a girl from the Liu Family as a secondary wife. When you ascend the throne, you can then confer her as a concubine; you must think long-term." Leaving these words, the Empress, with a graceful figure, walked toward the door.

Li Changnian’s eyes brightened, and he cheerfully said, "Very well, I will escort you out of the mansion."

"No need." She opened the door and walked out without looking back.

Chen Gui, holding the paintings, quickly followed in the Empress’ footsteps.