Chapter 91 Selecting Concubines
Lu Zhaoxue realized what was happening and quickly stood up to decline:
"Your Majesty, I believe that Consort Xian is gentle, virtuous, and beautiful, and should be able to assume the position of Empress."
She never thought about becoming empress, nor did she want to be Chu Huaiyu's empress.
Given that she was already a second wife, her entry into the harem as a concubine already broke ethical norms. If she were to ascend to the position of empress, she would likely be drowned in the scorn of the world.
Chu Huaiyu frowned, staring at her with a dark look in his eyes, seemingly quite dissatisfied with her answer.
He tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of the dragon throne and said in a deep voice:
"I am truly moved by Consort Chen's understanding and kindness."
How could Lu Zhaoxue not hear the sarcastic tone in those words?
She could only pretend to lower her head and remain silent.
Liu Ruohua then covered her mouth and coughed softly, saying gently:
"Your Majesty is currently very busy with state affairs and does not need to focus all your energy on the harem. It would be better to put the matter of establishing an empress on hold for the time being."
"What Consort Xian said is very true, and I think so too."
Empress Dowager Rong had just recovered from her old illness, and her face was still pale, but the fierce aura around her had not diminished at all.
She gave Lu Zhaoxue a cold glance, then her gaze slowly fell on Liu Ruohua.
Empress Dowager Rong had no intention of letting Chu Huaiyu choose an empress from among the two.
What she wanted was an empress whom she could firmly control.
"The appointment of an empress can be delayed, but the selection of concubines should be put on the agenda sooner."
Empress Dowager Rong sighed softly, looking at Chu Huaiyu with loving eyes.
"To ensure the continuation of the nation's prosperity is a significant matter, Your Majesty, you must keep it in mind."
Chu Huaiyu pursed her lips, looked up at Lu Zhaoxue, and spoke with an unquestionable tone:
"I think that having two imperial concubines in the harem is enough."
"Emperor!" Empress Dowager Rong raised her voice, growing angrier as she spoke, and couldn't help coughing.
"Consort Chen and Consort Xian have been in the palace for so long, yet their bellies show no signs of pregnancy! If the two of them cannot bear children for the royal family, how will you face our ancestors in the future, Huaiyu?"
Chu Huaiyu looked at Empress Dowager Rong with worry in her eyes, unwilling to argue with her mother.
He really has no idea about having a concubine selected through a selection process.
He pressed his temples, presenting the difficult problem to Lu Zhaoxue and Liu Ruohua:
"Do my two beloved consorts think that I should summon more people into my harem?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Ruohua lowered her head slightly, covered her lips with a handkerchief, and remained silent.
Lu Zhaoxue smiled slightly and calmly said:
"Your Majesty, I think that the palace is too quiet. If we could summon some of Your Majesty's favorite sisters to come into the palace and serve Your Majesty, it would be a rare and good thing."
After hearing her words, Chu Huaiyu gave a cold snort with a half-smile.
He slowly closed his fingers, his body unconsciously leaning towards Lu Zhaoxue.
His eyes were like poison, staring straight at her.
Lu Zhaoxue avoided his gaze, pretending not to notice.
"Consort Chen is truly thinking of me; I am deeply moved."
Chu Huaiyu's voice was devoid of emotion.
"In that case, we will follow Consort Chen's wishes and choose a day to discuss the selection of concubines with the Ministry of Rites."
He paused, then said in a deep voice, "This matter will be entrusted to you, Consort Chen."
Lu Zhaoxue was slightly taken aback, opened her mouth, and said, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty is afraid that I am not capable of handling this matter."
"My beloved consort, do not be afraid. I believe you can do it."
After Chu Huaiyu finished speaking, he turned and strode away with a cold expression.
Lu Zhaoxue gazed at his resolute departing figure, pondering in her heart:
What's gotten into Chu Huaiyu this time?
She bit her lower lip, bowed to Empress Dowager Rong, and then hurriedly left the main hall.
Back at Chengqian Palace, she recalled the way Chu Huaiyu had left earlier that day, and Lu Zhaoxue couldn't help but laugh out loud, guessing that he was really angry.
Let him be angry, she's just afraid he'll be furious enough to kill her.
Lu Zhaoxue got up and went to Lu Zhaoxing's palace. Right now, the most important thing was Zhaoxing's mood, and she needed to comfort her.
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