Zhang Cai is really cunning.

Gongchang Prefecture was also under the jurisdiction of the Shaanxi Provincial Administration Commission.

But Yang Yiqing is Su Wanwan's stepmother's older brother, a direct descendant of the Su family through marriage.

Zhang Cai, whom Yang Yiqing once trusted and valued, whom he believed could replace him in overseeing military affairs in the three border regions, has now defected to Liu Jin... He is a traitor.

He was still a shameless and utterly remorseful traitor.

He was not as good as the old and frail Han Ding beside him.

A hint of sarcasm flashed in Lu Xingjian's dark eyes. He ignored Zhang Cai and instead had Meng Yue help Han Ding up.

"Since Minister Han is already old, he should take good care of his health and enjoy his later years."

A glimmer of hope flashed in Han Ding's dim, moist old eyes.

When the emperor uttered the words "enjoy your old age in peace," they became an imperial edict.

It was both a concern and a command.

His mind cleared instantly, and he was moved to tears of gratitude.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty!"

When he wavered and hesitated, the young emperor saw through his inner pain and helped him hold on to his last line of defense.

Zhang Cai smiled and said calmly:

"I have heard that the late emperor did not have any concubines in his early years and did not establish an heir. Lord Han said that in ancient times, the emperor would marry twelve women at a time, so as to extend the ancestral rites."

"Today is the day of His Majesty's selection of consorts. I wonder if Lord Han still holds the same opinion as before?"

Han Ding's forehead was covered in cold sweat.

This picture is clearly a trap set for him.

If he doesn't stick to his own opinion, then he'll be inconsistent and become a target of gossip.

His current allegiance to eunuchs echoes his past actions of criticizing eunuchs and powerful figures in his youth.

But if he insists on his own opinion, wouldn't that only annoy the emperor?

The Emperor ignored the Empress and the twelve newly selected concubines, clearly indicating his dissatisfaction with the selection process.

Han Ding immediately expressed his opinion:

"What was said in the past still applies today. Since Your Majesty has no sons, you should have more concubines to extend the family line."

He paused, then turned to Su Wanwan, "Your Majesty should emulate the virtuous empresses of past dynasties, doing good deeds and accumulating merit, without being jealous or contentious, for this is the blessing of the nation."

Su Wanwan maintained a faint smile throughout, "What Lord Han said is quite right."

She then turned to Lu Xingjian: "Your Majesty, I have been ordered by the Empress Dowager to bring twelve young ladies here today. I request that Your Majesty review and select them, and bestow titles and ranks upon them."

Lu Xingjian acted as if he hadn't heard anything, ignoring him completely, and turned to go inside.

They left Su Wanwan standing there.