Chapter 285
After Xiao Xiazi moved a stool to Shen Zheng's place, she did not ask Song Xuan's opinion at all.
Shen Zheng kept his head down, his face twitched, and he bowed to the front, saying, "Thank you, Miss Liu."
No wonder this Miss Liu was able to enter the Imperial Study, and even the chief eunuch beside His Majesty could obey her orders. His Majesty must value her highly.
If they value her so much, why not give her a formal title? Is there some hidden reason...?
Shen Qingnian smiled and said, "Prime Minister Shen, there's no need for thanks."
Shen Zheng repeatedly agreed, looking like a grandson.
"What else do you want?" Song Xuan asked, his tone tinged with impatience.
Shen Zheng's expression turned cautious as he said, "Your Majesty..."
He had barely opened his mouth when Song Xuan immediately interrupted him: "As a court official, is this how you reply?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Zheng broke out in a cold sweat again. He had no choice but to kneel down once more and beg for mercy, saying, "Please forgive my rudeness."
He had witnessed His Majesty's capricious nature many times and had become somewhat accustomed to it; the gray hairs at his temples were also related to this.
Fortunately, Zheng'er has returned to the capital, and His Majesty's attitude towards him has improved a lot these days. However, for some reason, His Majesty's attitude is so unpredictable today. It is probably because he has been submitting memorials to the court in recent days, showing concern for the harem.
Shen Qingnian looked at Shen Zheng, her lips barely concealed beneath her veil. She was truly pleased to see him being tormented like this.
"Prime Minister Shen, tell me, what is it?" Song Xuan's tone finally softened, which also relieved Shen Zheng.
Shen Zheng said patiently, “Your Majesty, since ancient times, the harem and the court have been closely related. Your Majesty’s reluctance to allow people to enter the harem is truly worrying to the officials of the court. I am also worried that if only Miss Liu serves Your Majesty, you will not be able to manage.”
General Shen, upon returning to the capital this time, also expressed concern about the affairs of His Majesty's harem. Our Great Xuan needs concubines to bear children for His Majesty, and I imagine the late Empress's spirit in heaven would also be worried about the imperial heir.
"Oh? According to Prime Minister Shen, I should expand my harem?" Song Xuan said with a sneer.
Shen Zheng replied, "Your Majesty may first summon a few beautiful women to the palace."
At this moment, Shen Qingnian spoke up hurriedly, somewhat nervously: "What Prime Minister Shen said is somewhat inappropriate. His Majesty is busy with official duties every day. If there are too many beauties, it will inevitably disturb His Majesty's mind."
She looked no different from any other woman vying for favor.
Upon hearing this, Shen Zheng was secretly delighted. With Miss Liu present today, it saved him a lot of trouble. He echoed, "Miss Liu is indeed very thoughtful. I think we can settle for second best and invite a beautiful lady to the palace to serve His Majesty together with Miss Liu. What do you think?"
“Your Majesty, I think Prime Minister Shen is right. One person is enough,” Shen Qingnian said in a coquettish tone.
Song Xuan seemed to be persuaded by Shen Qingnian. He looked at Shen Zheng and said, "Then let's do as Liu'er wishes. Prime Minister Shen, do you have anyone in mind?"
Shen Zheng was thrilled. He kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have a legitimate daughter who was previously raised on the estate because of her frail health. I just brought her back a few days ago. I hope Your Majesty will approve."
He had been training that woman for two years, and now she was finally being put to good use.
Shen Qingnian sneered inwardly. It was the same old trick, the same familiar methods. After three years apart, Shen Zheng really hadn't changed at all.
Song Xuan scoffed, "I have never heard of Qing Nian having any sisters, but now one has suddenly appeared. Prime Minister Shen's family certainly has quite a few legitimate daughters."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
