Chapter 401 Robust Imperial Husband 12 "I have recently heard some rumors circulating in the streets, and I am truly uneasy about them. I must speak out."

After finishing his pleasantries, Lin Tian abruptly changed the subject, his face showing a feigned worried expression.

The hall gradually quieted down, and many eyes turned to the unfamiliar man who had suddenly stood up.

"The rumors all concern the future imperial consort, Young Master Ling."

Lin Tian was secretly pleased, feeling that he had successfully attracted attention, and continued.

"Young Master Ling comes from a distinguished family, and his character... must be upright as well. However... alas, the primary responsibility of a man who marries into the imperial family is to produce heirs and continue the royal line. But it is rumored that Young Master Ling's fertility score on the day he came of age seems... seems to be only a mere three?"

He looked earnestly at Ling Siran, paused deliberately, and was pleased to see a suppressed gasp and whispers rise from inside the hall.

"This level of skill is far superior not only to that of young masters from aristocratic families, but even to men from ordinary families!"

"Your Majesty! I dare to speak frankly, if this is true, what benefit will it bring to the nation if Young Master Ling marries into the royal family? What benefit will it bring to His Highness's offspring? This... this will surely invite criticism from the people and bring shame to the royal family!"

Lin Tian wore a mask of compassion, but his tone was sharp.

After he finished speaking, the hall fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone held their breath, secretly glancing at the Empress and the Emperor Consort on the high throne, and then at Ling Siran, whose face had turned pale and whose fists were clenched tightly.

Finally, all eyes turned to Zi Xi, who was still toying with her wine cup.

The deepest scars, the root of the deepest inferiority complex, were thus torn open bloodily in front of everyone.

Ling Siran felt as if his blood had frozen.

He could almost feel those gazes like tangible needles, piercing him densely, leaving him nowhere to hide.

Ling Siran gritted his teeth to keep himself from losing his composure.

In the suffocating silence, Zi Xi, who had been silent all along, suddenly chuckled softly.

The laughter wasn't loud, but it clearly echoed throughout the entire hall, carrying a nonchalant mockery.

She put down her wine cup and slowly stood up.

Her crimson palace gown trailed gracefully on the ground as she walked calmly to Ling Siran's side.

Under everyone's astonished gaze, she reached out and put her arm around Ling Siran's taut and broad shoulders, shielding him to her side.

Ling Siran froze, turning his head to look at her in disbelief.

At such close range, he could smell her cool, refreshing fragrance and feel the firm yet warm strength emanating from her arm.

"So you're the maidservant my second princess just married? You're not much to look at. With such a face and a flat bottom, can you even do that? Can you give my princess a big, healthy baby girl?"

"And why are you, a grown man, paying so much attention to me? Are you trying to get close to me through the Second Princess?"

"I'm not attracted to your type."

Zi Xi raised her phoenix eyes and looked him up and down, her gaze like a sharp blade shooting straight at Lin Tian, ​​whose expression had changed slightly. A cold and arrogant smile curved her lips.

This ordinary man still dares to provoke her, so don't blame her for launching a personal attack, right to his weakest point.

"Moreover, when I marry, I am marrying Ling Siran as a person, not a breeding tool who only knows how to hide in the boudoir, apply makeup, and whose value is determined by the number of times she can conceive."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the surprised and disdainful faces in the room, her voice suddenly turning icy and sharp.

"Listen to me clearly!"

"Ling Siran is the future imperial consort personally chosen by this prince! His worth is not for anyone else to judge!"

She tightened her grip on Ling Siran's shoulder slightly, as if conveying some kind of power.