Chen Qingwan took the letter and quickly glanced through it.
The smile on his face gradually froze, replaced by shock and confusion.
Lu Yan... actually won a great victory against a much larger force, defeating the 100,000-strong army of Bei Xiang Kingdom?
How did he manage to do that?
Lu Yan's face with a mocking smile appeared in my mind.
Just how many secrets is this man hiding?
She became increasingly curious about Lu Yan's talent and methods, and increasingly eager to bring him under her wing.
A bold idea gradually took shape in her mind:
He went on another incognito visit to Shannan Prefecture to meet Lu Yan in person!
Just as she was about to instruct Qiao'er to prepare for the journey, the door to the imperial study was suddenly flung open with a loud bang.
Prime Minister Liu An, along with a large group of officials, knelt on the ground in a grand procession.
"Your Majesty, a country cannot be without a ruler for a day, nor can the harem be without an empress for a day!"
Liu An was in tears, as if Chen Qingwan had committed some heinous crime.
Chen Qingwan rubbed her temples, inwardly cursing the old man for being so persistent.
"I am busy with countless affairs of state, how can I have time to consider such personal matters?"
"Your Majesty, while the stability of the nation is important, the imperial bloodline is of paramount importance!"
"Look at you, you're already twenty-five, and you still have no children. A hundred years from now, this great Tong empire..."
Liu An was heartbroken, speaking as if Chen Qingwan were about to die tomorrow.
"Prime Minister Liu," Chen Qingwan's tone turned cold.
"My health is excellent; what happens after I die is none of your concern."
"But...but the legacy of our ancestors..."
Liu An wanted to persuade her further, but Chen Qingwan interrupted him.
"My mind is made up. This matter need not be discussed further. Court adjourned!"
Chen Qingwan flicked her sleeves and turned back to the inner palace.
Liu An and the officials were left looking at each other, unsure of what to do.
However, Chen Qingwan knew that Liu An, that old fox, wouldn't give up easily.
Sure enough, not long after, Liu An returned, this time with an even stronger reason:
"Your Majesty, for the future of Datong, for the sake of the nation, you must give birth to a prince!"
Chen Qingwan sneered inwardly. This old bastard has finally shown his true colors.
She hesitated for a moment, then slowly said:
"Very well, I agree. However, my husband must be chosen by me personally!"
Liu An was overjoyed upon hearing this and immediately kowtowed:
"Your Majesty, we obey!"
He thought to himself, "As long as His Majesty agrees to the selection of concubines, then we'll be at his mercy."
"Issue the order: starting immediately, select men from across the country to enter the palace!"
Liu An announced triumphantly.
The news caused a nationwide uproar.
Every eligible man in every household, regardless of his social status, began to eagerly prepare for marriage.
They are preparing to stand out in this talent show and rise to prominence.
In an instant, the prices of cosmetics, face powder, and silk fabrics skyrocketed.
The major clothing stores in the capital were packed with people and bustling with activity.
This news naturally reached Lu Yan, who was far away in Shannan Prefecture.
Lu Fei rushed into Lu Yan's study, his face beaming with excitement, and shouted:
"My lord, it's fantastic news! His Majesty is going to select male candidates!"
Lu Yan was leisurely sipping his tea when he heard this and almost spat it out.
"A talent show contestant? What's that got to do with me!"
"My lord, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
"If you get selected, it'll be a meteoric rise to the top!"
Zhang Xun also joined in the fun.
"Ascend to heaven? Isn't it good enough for me to be a local tyrant in this southern prefecture?"
"I eat and drink well every day, and I have you guys to keep me company. I'm living a carefree life. Why would I want to go to that palace where people eat people without spitting out the bones?"
Lu Yan curled his lip, looking disdainful.
"Sir, you can't say that. You're not getting any younger, it's time you found a wife..."
Han Sheng also joined in the persuasion.
"That's right, sir! Look how wonderful Princess Mingyue is! She's gentle, virtuous, and well-educated..."
Zhang Xun grinned mischievously.
"Princess Mingyue? Forget it, I can't afford to be with her."
Lu Yan shuddered as he recalled Princess Mingyue's shy demeanor.
"Then...why don't you consider other people? Like...that one?"
Lu Fei winked and made a gesture, hinting at something.
Lu Yan naturally knew who he was referring to, and a ripple of emotion stirred within him.
However, he quickly suppressed this strange feeling.
"Alright, stop worrying about it. I don't want to be a gigolo."
Lu Yan waved his hand, looking impatient.
"Duck? What duck?"
Lu Fei was completely dumbfounded.
"Forehead……"
Lu Yan then realized he had let something slip and was immediately embarrassed.
"It's nothing, it's nothing, children shouldn't ask so many questions."
Zhang Xun and Han Sheng exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of doubt in each other's eyes.
What nonsense are you spouting, sir?
What duck? Could it be...?
The two dared not think any further and quickly changed the subject:
"Sir, do you intend to participate in the talent show or not?"
"Alright, alright, stop worrying. All I want to do right now is protect Shannan Prefecture. We'll talk about the rest later."
However, what Lu Yan didn't know was...
The gears of fate have begun to turn, and his peaceful life is about to be disrupted.
...
The capital city, the inner courtyard of the imperial palace.
Inside a side hall, incense burners emitted wisps of smoke, behind a light gauze curtain.
Chen Qingwan sat upright on the phoenix chair, her cold gaze sweeping over the ten men standing below.
These ten men were all dressed smartly and had handsome appearances.
They are all "outstanding individuals" selected from all over the country through rigorous selection processes.
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