Chapter 472: Chapter 458: Empress’s Gift

Lin Yi, however, thought otherwise.

“Standards are set by people, and people can change them.”

The young Emperor pondered this. The criteria for selecting beauties for the Harem had been established by the previous Emperor. If there were no conditions, then conditions must be created. Even deceiving the world about one’s own daughter’s identity to include a few outstanding candidates within the selection was entirely feasible.

Among the three qualified candidates presented by Ying Yi, the young Emperor and Lin Yi seemingly coincidentally chose Murong Qingxue, the granddaughter of the Former Historian.

The reasons were twofold: firstly, the Murong Family had fallen on hard times, and besides the deceased grandfather who held a high position, her father was paralyzed and homebound, leaving only the granddaughter. Even if she were to bear a Prince in the future, her maternal family would not be able to stir up any significant trouble.

Secondly, Murong Qingxue enjoyed studying Buddhist Scriptures and was naturally non-contentious, lacking any desire for fame or gain, which made it highly unlikely for her to be swayed by the likes of the Eighth Prince.

Upon viewing the portrait of Murong Qingxue, a typical lady of a reputable family, the young Emperor noticed a hint of resentment between her brows.

“Ying Yi, is she willing to participate in the selection?”

Considering her unfortunate circumstances, the young Emperor felt a wave of compassion.

“It’s quite fortuitous; several well-known wealthy families have proposed marriage to the Murong Family and have been rejected by her. She said she would rather enter the Cold Palace of the Imperial Palace than marry into another household.”

The young Emperor nodded, thoughts weaving a vast net in his mind, quite satisfied with Murong Qingxue.

“Let it be her then, Little Lin, go arrange it quickly. I want her to pass the Empress’s selection smoothly and make it into the top 20.”

Lin Yi picked up the portrait and scrutinized it. This person looked somewhat familiar, almost like someone he knew before he time-traveled, but he couldn’t remember exactly who. However, he was certain that nothing remotely romantic could happen between them.

“No big deal, I’ll handle it right away, Ying Yi, keep a close watch on the kitchens, my dear is carrying my child, we absolutely can’t let her go hungry.”

Watching Lin Yi meticulously giving instructions, both the young Emperor and Ying Yi couldn’t help but laugh, realizing that even men can be fickle creatures.

Lin Yi moved towards Anning Palace, where the Empress was busy tending to her garden.

“This pot, this pot, and that one too, replace them all. The flowers have almost all fallen off, it’s an eyesore, replace them all.”

Who had angered the Empress, Lin Yi wondered with some sympathy, after all, she was also his woman.

“This official pays his respects to the Empress.”

Seeing Lin Yi arrive, the Empress immediately tempered her temper and greeted him politely.

“General Lin, coming over so late, could it be that His Majesty wishes to summon me tonight?”

Moonlight splattered, the Empress looked like a lotus blooming at night, majestic and dignified, causing Lin Yi’s heart to stir.

He was the only man in the entire Harem, and thinking about it, it had been a while since he last played poker with the Empress, he truly missed the essence of the Empress.

“Cough cough, His Majesty sent me to inquire about the progress of the selection of beauties?”

Hearing this response, a hint of disappointment flicked across the Empress’s eyes. The young Emperor did not intend for her to serve him tonight, yet he was anxious about the selection of beauties; perhaps she had done something to displease His Majesty.

Seeing that the Empress had not snapped out of it, Lin Yi guessed partially what was on her mind; those illustrations of poems of grievances by women in ancient poetry probably resembled the Empress’s current state.

Lin Yi casually glanced around and noticed the Empress’s bedchamber piled high with gift boxes.

Heh, the selection has just begun, and yet so many were already eagerly bringing gifts, it seems everyone is quite proactive.

“Empress, Empress,” a maid beside her gently reminded, finally bringing the Empress back from her thoughts.

“Oh, I have carried out the first round of selection according to Your Majesty’s instructions and have eliminated half of the ladies.”

Lin Yi worried that Murong Qingxue might be eliminated, so he requested to see the list. When he saw that Murong Qingxue was still on the list, he felt relieved.

“Empress truly lives up to being the Mother of the Country, completing the first round of selection in less than a day. I will definitely report the Empress’s dedication to Your Majesty.”

“Then I’m grateful for General Lin’s kind words.”

With the Great General’s praise, the Empress felt much brighter instantly, and to express her thanks, she ordered someone to fetch the Nine-Eyed Sky Bead, which she treasured like a jewel, from the study.

“General Lin has protected the country and alleviated the Emperor’s worries. I’m just a woman and can’t help much. This is the Nine-Eyed Sky Bead I obtained from the Great Buddha Temple years ago; it’s said to save people in dire times.”

“General shoulders the great responsibility of protecting our nation; I hope the Nine-Eyed Sky Bead can safeguard you and protect our great nation.”

“Thank you very much, Empress.”

The Nine-Eyed Sky Bead is a treasure passed down through generations even in modern times, priceless. Lin Yi didn’t refuse and accepted it, aware of the hidden intentions behind the Empress’s generous gift.

It seems I will have to devote more attention to the Empress in the future, considering she is the Mother of the Country and head of the Harem. Without the stability of An Palace, how can I stabilize my precious empire?

Having seen Lin Yi off, the Empress breathed a sigh of relief. Lin Yi’s acceptance of the gift suggested she still might have a chance, just as she couldn’t ignore the mountain of gifts accumulated in her palace.

These gifts, while superficially for her, were actually for the Imperial Family. Thus, she made a decision to document them in detail and contribute to the National Treasury for her beloved Emperor.

This would provide an opportunity to foster a closer relationship with the Emperor and also show her innocence.

After leaving Anning Palace, Lin Yi informed the young Emperor before leaving the Imperial Palace; he needed to delve into Murong Qingxue’s background.

The plaque at Murong Mansion had faded from exposure to wind and rain, and the stone lions on either side had also lost their luster, with closed doors that seemed very desolate.

As Lin Yi was about to sneak up to the corner to listen to the sounds inside the mansion, suddenly, he heard a conversation between a man and a woman.

“Senior brother, I am going to the Imperial Palace to become the Emperor’s concubine, do not worry.”

“Qingxue, can you not go? Wait for me to take over Tang Family’s business, and I will marry you openly and honorably.”

“I can’t wait, our fate in this life has ended.”

…

Lin Yi was stunned by this unexpected discovery. Never did he expect Murong Qingxue, who he highly regarded, to have a childhood sweetheart senior brother. This was going to be complicated.

Should he tell the young Emperor about this? He couldn’t wait until Murong Qingxue entered the palace and made the young Emperor wear a green hat, sullying the Imperial Family’s reputation.

But if the young Emperor in anger nipped Murong Qingxue’s chances in the bud, where would he find another Murong Qingxue at such a critical time?

Caught in a dilemma, Lin Yi decided to pretend ignorance for now, perhaps using this information to control Murong Qingxue in the future.

Hehe, everyone has their vulnerabilities, as long as Murong Qingxue behaves, he definitely won’t make things difficult for her. This trip wasn’t in vain after all.

When Lin Yi returned to the Imperial Palace, he found the young Emperor had already fallen asleep. He had wanted to discuss the next steps, but well, pregnant people needed proper rest, so he quietly withdrew.

It was hard to wait until dawn, and the young Emperor turned around and found Lin Yi absent, feeling inexplicably lost.

“Your Majesty, General Lin is outside.”

Hearing Ying Yi’s voice, the young Emperor finally felt at ease.

“Little Lin, come in here to me.”