What if he doesn't die? As long as he has no children, she will use the excuse of adopting a child from Xiao Jingyi's offspring.

When the new emperor ascends the throne, those prophetic events will not occur.

That evening, a pile of portraits was delivered to Shangyang Palace.

The Empress Dowager's intention was for Xiao Lanchuan to choose one person to serve him in bed each night.

Xiao Lanchuan had the palace maids unfold all the portraits, then looked at Nanzhi and said, "You help me choose one."

His gaze never fell on the portraits; he stared at Nanzhi the entire time.

Nanzhi pursed her lips, looking aggrieved but not daring to confide in the portrait as she walked up to it.

Xiao Lanchuan found it increasingly amusing to look at her, who was on the verge of tears.

Is she jealous?

That's so much fun.

Have you made your choice?

Nanzhi walked around and came back, pointing to the first one, her tone somewhat dry: "This one, anyway, the Emperor will favor her."

Xiao Lanchuan seemed oblivious to the dissatisfaction in her voice and laughed, "Alright, then this one will do."

The news that the Emperor was going to Zuihua Garden tonight spread like wildfire.

Jiang Cainu, the newly appointed eighth-rank official of Zuihuayuan, was overjoyed and began to burn incense and bathe early in the morning amidst the envious gazes of the other Cainu.

She had a curvaceous figure with round hips and a slender waist.

The maidservant who served her was a smooth talker, and she kept praising her, saying, "Your Highness looks like she's capable of carrying a prince. If she does, your future will be limitless."

Jiang Cainu became even more confident after hearing what she said.

She raised her hand proudly and said, "This is a bracelet bestowed upon me by the Empress Dowager. She also hopes that I will conceive an imperial heir. As long as I am pregnant, she will grant me the title of concubine. You should stay with me and enjoy endless glory in the future."

After Jiang Cainu finished burning incense and bathing, the Emperor arrived.

She hurried out to greet them.

The moment she saw Xiao Lanchuan, her eyes widened in surprise.