Noble Princess Consort Xiao has been maneuvering in the harem for years, engaging in countless battles of wits with the Empress and concubines. Her son’s silent demeanor suggests he understands some of it.

She decided to launch one last strategic move and said with a smile: "Do you know that the Ye Family has been summoned by the Empress into the palace? And do you know what the Empress invited her for?"

Li Qian was taken by surprise, and naturally knew the Ye Family in his mother’s words referred to Ah Zhi’s mother, a woman with striking beauty similar to Ah Zhi.

What is the Empress summoning her for?

Noble Princess Consort Xiao withdrew her smile and glanced at her son: "You see, quick access to information is vital. The Crown Prince intends to take Ah Zhi as his concubine. Although I do not fully understand the relationships between you little companions, the Crown Prince dislikes the young daughter of the Chief of Staff; your mother has long heard about it. If she were to marry into the Crown Prince Mansion after coming of age, it would not bode well for her."

When two people find each other mutually distasteful and yet discuss marriage, only two possibilities exist.

First: Love born from hate.

Second: Vengeful retaliation.

No matter which it is, in an era of multiple wives and concubines, a woman follows her husband upon marriage, his honor is her honor, his downfall her downfall.

Given Li Changnian’s personality, the second possibility of vengeful retaliation is quite likely.

Li Qian found it hard to believe, slapping the small side table fiercely. The top-grade white-glazed porcelain teacup rattled with a crisp clinking noise.

"Second brother is not suitable for Ah Zhi, he even had Ji San hit her before."

In Li Qian’s eyes, his Sister Ah Zhi was elegant and extraordinary, akin to a painting; how could Li Changnian be worthy?

If second brother seeks imperial marriage command, it’s utterly hopeless.

His eyes reddened immediately, and he abruptly stood up to rush to Fengwu Palace to intervene; he absolutely could not let the beloved girl marry into the Eastern Palace.

Noble Princess Consort Xiao hurriedly said: "You haven’t listened to what mother has to say yet, with your rashness, even if it does happen, you are powerless and cannot stop anything."

The young man’s rushing steps halted, he turned back and sat on the meditation chair with sapphire cloud dragon and longevity cushions, his dignified face intense with anxiety: "Please, mother, tell me more about the situation. My relationship with Ah Zhi is very good, her matter is my matter."

"Now you know to be anxious. When I asked you to vie for favors with Li Changnian, you hesitated. It’s because of the lack of understanding that you find yourself in such circumstances now." Noble Princess Consort Xiao uttered helplessly, yet he’s her son, borne from her after ten months in the womb.

She slowly said: "Ye Family refused, the reason being that Ye Mansion has raised a child husband named Shen Chen, who is said to pursue an official career in the future, so this matter is kept more low-profile. You should be familiar with him; he’s still the State Preceptor’s closed-door disciple, who topped the child student exams, with a bright future ahead."

Li Qian’s heart was a mix of emotions, Ah Zhi finally did not have to marry the second brother, yet it was actually Xiao Chen.

Noble Princess Consort Xiao stared at her son, seeing a heartbroken expression greater than grief, she guessed and spoke: "You wouldn’t have improper thoughts about the young daughter of the Minister’s Mansion, would you?"

He swallowed a hint of bitterness; if so, then what? 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

If not, then what?

The situation was fixed, so let them be friends. "I do not."

"Better not. The Crown Prince’s decision was certainly guided by the Empress, ostensibly for the Crown Prince’s marriage, covertly to expand influence. Nanny Gui visited Dingyuan Prince Mansion that day. The eldest daughter of the Dingyuan Prince Mansion, Li Changlan, at the age of gold hairpins, unmarried, was now settled to become the Crown Prince’s concubine."