Chapter 90 The Abandoned Eldest Daughter Makes a Comeback (14 chapters)
"Consort Xian has arrived. Please have a seat. Someone, bring some tea."
The Empress smiled warmly and gracefully raised her hand in greeting.
Consort Xu gave a slight bow and slowly sat down on the carved chair beside her.
"Sister, you're too kind. It's been quite a while since I've been able to come and have a heart-to-heart talk with you. I've been thinking of you. Since the weather is so nice today, I thought I'd come and have a chat with you. Please don't think I'm disturbing your peace."
The Empress smiled and said, "What are you saying, sister? I'm overjoyed that you've come to keep me company."
Consort Xu Xianfei's expression carried a hint of melancholy.
"That's good. His Majesty is busy with state affairs all day long and rarely enters the inner palace. Usually, the sisters can only keep each other company and talk to each other."
"Your Majesty cares deeply for the world and works tirelessly for the country. We, as his wives and concubines, should naturally be more understanding."
"Your Majesty is right. I was being too attached to appearances. His Majesty is truly a wise ruler who puts the people first. It's just that I find these days a bit boring. Now that Ze'er has grown up, I'm afraid my Roufu Palace will become even more desolate in the future."
The Empress nodded slightly: "I see. I will arrange for an opera troupe to come to the palace so that everyone can get together, have some fun, and relieve my sister's boredom."
Consort Xu quickly waved her hand, "Sister, please don't trouble yourself like this. I was just expressing my feelings on a whim. Why should you trouble yourself like this?"
She sighed softly, "Perhaps it's because I'm getting old and tend to overthink things. What I'm most concerned about now is Ze'er's marriage. He's reached the age where he should get married. Once he's married and we have a grandson, my life will be complete and happy."
The Empress suddenly realized what was going on and teased, "So that's how it is! I was wondering what was going on. Has Ze'er taken a fancy to any young lady?"
"This child has always been well-behaved. The selection of the Crown Prince's consort will naturally be entirely up to His Majesty and you, my sister," Consort Xu replied with a smile, then changed the subject, "When will the selection of the Crown Prince's consort be put on the agenda?"
Although the main purpose of this selection is to choose the Crown Princess, her son is only one year younger than the Crown Prince, so several people will also be selected this time.
Consort Xu had already selected several suitable candidates, and was just waiting to send them into the prince's harem during the imperial concubine selection.
The candidate for the principal wife also needs to be re-selected.
Originally, she and the Xu family had already discussed things with Shen Zhengde, but news came from the court that morning that Shen Zhengde had been suspended from his post by His Majesty. In addition, he was being targeted by the Crown Prince, so Consort Xu became dissatisfied and decided to choose a more capable in-law family for her son.
So even if her son doesn't urge her, she still wants to make this selection process happen as soon as possible.
Xiao Chengze had no idea that his mother was planning something like this. If she had known, she probably would have prevented her from mentioning the imperial concubine selection.
The empress looked troubled.
"This... His Majesty has not yet decided on the selection process. We'll discuss the specific procedures after I report back to His Majesty, is that alright?"
The selection of candidates was initially proposed by the Empress, who intended to choose a few close confidants for the Crown Prince. However, neither the Crown Prince nor the Emperor were particularly enthusiastic about it, but the matter did spread.
But in fact, it hadn't been officially decided yet.
My son just came to the palace again to express his opposition to the selection of concubines.
This son has always been decisive, and the Empress has always respected his opinions.
Although she wanted to have a grandchild, she agreed.
No sooner had she agreed than Consort Xian came to urge the selection of concubines.
Consort Xu Xianfei's brows furrowed in alarm.
“Sister, I know this matter is of great importance, and it is all up to His Majesty’s wise decision. But the thought that Ze’er’s life is still uncertain makes me, as his mother, extremely anxious.”
I hope my elder sister can put in a good word for me with His Majesty and finalize the selection of concubines as soon as possible, so that I may finally put my mind at ease.”
"Even if the imperial concubine selection fails, it won't stop us from choosing a princess consort for Ze'er. If you have a favorite young lady, just report it to His Majesty, and I will inform him and request that His Majesty grant the two of you a marriage."
The prince specifically instructed that the imperial concubine selection should be cancelled, but the selection of a consort for the third prince could proceed as usual. It would be best to decide on the principal consort as soon as possible, regardless of the candidate.
Although the Empress was puzzled, she assumed that the Crown Prince had made some arrangements, so she naturally followed his instructions.
Consort Xu's heart skipped a beat, "How can this be..."
Since the talent show is still undecided, why not take this opportunity to finalize her picks?
In his letter, Xiao Chengze was too embarrassed to admit that he had fallen for Shen Yunzhen. He pushed forward the selection of concubines only to eliminate his rivals. Consort Xu naturally misunderstood this and thought that he was using marriage to consolidate his power, which was why he was in such a hurry to hold the selection of concubines.
But now that she could get the person into her bowl ahead of time, Consort Xu was naturally tempted.
"Why not? As Ze'er's mother, I am also concerned about his marriage."
"This matter concerns Ze'er's entire life, and it's truly difficult to make a decision so hastily. I think I need to consider it carefully. I'll go back and think it over thoroughly before discussing it with you, sister. What do you think, sister?"
After much deliberation, Consort Xu suppressed her eagerness and decided to go back and discuss it with her son first.
Power is important, but so is the happiness of one's son.
The princess consort is ultimately the person who will accompany her son for life, and within certain limits, she still hopes to choose someone her son likes.
"Of course."
The Empress picked up her teacup and took a small sip.
Consort Xu rose to take her leave.
At that time, the streets and alleys of the capital were already abuzz with a bombshell piece of news.
Rumor has it that the Crown Prince and the Third Prince are both in love with the same woman, a woman of unparalleled beauty who has captivated both princes, causing them to fall head over heels for her.
Many people became curious about this woman, wondering just how beautiful she was that she could attract the affections of two princes of noble birth.
Those who were fortunate enough to meet her came forward to share their experiences, each speaking eloquently and praising her to the skies, describing her as an angel descended from heaven.
They used the most ornate language in the world, yet still lamented that they could not describe even a fraction of her beauty.
"To be able to meet her even once in this life, even if it's just a fleeting glimpse, would make the journey worthwhile."
Some people sighed sadly, their faces full of disappointment.
Even the affections of the Crown Prince and the Third Prince did not elicit any sense from the women that they were of high status; on the contrary, their words were tinged with a slight disdain for the two princes.
If it weren't for their respective identities, they would have been nothing more than ordinary admirers.
Unfortunately, their extraordinary status deprived many others of the right to chase the moon.
Those noble young men who were fortunate enough to see the fairy maiden were all captivated by her unparalleled beauty, their hearts fluttering uncontrollably.
However, they could only harbor their admiration for the beauty, hesitating and weighing their options before giving up.
Even though a few hot-blooded young men wanted to pursue their dreams boldly, they were stopped by their elders.
In this complex and chaotic capital city, to contend with the royal family, especially with one of the main protagonists being the crown prince, isn't that just courting death?
In their eyes, she was just a woman; even with her stunning beauty, what good was she?
How can anything compare to the stability, prosperity, and longevity of a family? How can one disregard the family's centuries-old foundation and future destiny because of a moment of infatuation?
They hadn't seen it with their own eyes, so they naturally didn't know how deep the obsession that arose from it was.
...
After Xiao Chengxu left, Shen Yunzhen dismissed Xiao Chengze and had someone take him down to settle in. After remaining silent for half a day, 001 finally couldn't help but ask cautiously.
Master, may I speak now?
Shen Yunzhen didn't stop it; she was still quite willing to communicate with 001 when no one was around.
She leaned lazily against the chaise lounge.
What are you trying to say?
【Master, actually, my system has a storage space installed. You can put your items in my space and take them away from the small world.】
Shen Yunzhen sat up straight with a 'whoosh'.
【What did you say? 】
The number 001 flashed through his mind, and his tone became increasingly cautious.
[I have a space. After the last Devouring Conquest System, the damaged space was gradually being repaired. When you left the Tree Spirit World, due to feedback from the world's consciousness, you were unable to immediately absorb all the energy, and a wisp of it escaped and was absorbed by me. As a result, the space was completely repaired.]
001 doesn't dare to intercept Shen Yunzhen's power now, but it can still absorb some scraps.
Shen Yunzhen's face darkened.
Why are you only telling me now that it's so important?
I just noticed that too...
Feeling ashamed and embarrassed, 001 began to explain in a low voice.
It had been dormant for too long. It had finally been mostly repaired, but it still had many minor problems. It was marked in red every day, and it didn't perform a daily self-check.
It was only when Xiao Chengze mentioned compensation that it remembered it had such a space.
After a subconscious self-check, I discovered that the space had been completely repaired and was now usable.
After Shen Yunzhen understood the reason, her anger subsided slightly.
[Remember to perform self-checks regularly in the future, and let me know immediately if any functions are restored.]
Yes, Master.
Are there any restrictions on using this space?
Time is frozen within this space; it can only hold inanimate objects, not living ones.
It seems that this space is just a simple storage space, but even so, Shen Yunzhen is satisfied.
In each world, she can pack some things to take with her. If she encounters a primitive world like the Tree Spirit again, she won't have to suffer so much.
but……
Can this space be removed separately?
Shen Yunzhen still wanted to keep such a valuable asset for her livelihood in her own hands, even though 001 had already recognized her as its master, she was not entirely at ease.
001 felt guilty.
"Master, no! This space and I are one."
This space was originally designed to be integrated with the system store, but it's now disconnected from the main system, so there's no system store anymore; it's just a lonely system space.
Fearing that Shen Yunzhen would be upset, 001 quickly followed up by comforting her.
[Actually, space isn't that precious. Our system almost always has one. In many small worlds, the chosen ones can easily obtain space, and there are many types of these spaces, such as spiritual spring spaces and planting spaces. Your chances of obtaining space in the future are quite high.]
Shen Yunzhen suddenly recalled some novels she had read before, where spatial abilities were indeed a standard feature for the protagonists.
In that case, if she comes across any useful spaces in the future, Shen Yunzhen wouldn't mind taking them over.
However, this world obviously doesn't have anything like space, so for now we can only share a space with 001.
Is this space only controllable by yourself?
001 was very savvy and didn't mince words.
I can transfer full control to you. After the transfer, you will be in control yourself, and even I will no longer be able to control you.
Shen Yunzhen was somewhat satisfied and naturally didn't stand on ceremony.
"Then give me control."
Yes, Master.
With 001's response, Shen Yunzhen quickly sensed a huge space, which was gray and empty.
Shen Yunzhen picked up a plate of snacks beside her, and with a thought, the plate instantly disappeared from her hand and reappeared in that gray space.
With another thought, the plate reappeared in my hand...
Shen Yunzhen tried this several times, and found it increasingly easy to do.
Shen Yunzhen finished the experiment, put the plate back in its original position, and called out, "Bihe."
Bihe, who was waiting outside the door, came in and bowed respectfully.
"Miss, did you call me?"
"Go and summon Xiao Chengze."
"Yes, Miss."
Bihe respectfully withdrew.
Xiao Chengze had just finished making the bed and was standing with his hands on his hips, admiring the fruits of his labor with a great sense of accomplishment.
He said he would stay here as a servant, but how could the servants really trust him to stay alone? In the end, they left two eunuchs to serve him personally.
Two eunuchs were supposed to make his bed, but he stopped them, insisting on doing it himself.
In the past, these things were always done by others. He had always been pampered and never realized that he should do them himself.
But now his identity is that of a servant, and he is responsible for taking care of Yunzhen, so he has to learn these skills of taking care of people.
He must take good care of Yunzhen!
Upon hearing Bihe's summons, Xiao Chengze became excited and forgot his earlier ambitions, rushing towards Shen Yunzhen's courtyard.
"Yun Zhen, you were looking for me?"
The servant's residence was a bit far from Shen Yunzhen's courtyard, but as a prince, he had practiced riding and archery since childhood, and his physical fitness was quite good. He ran all the way without even panting.
Shen Yunzhen looked at Xiao Chengze, who had already changed into servant's clothes.
The color was very plain, without any patterns, quite different from his exquisite clothes that morning, but it exuded a unique charm.
Her every move lacked some of her former aloofness, but gained a unique charm.
Handsome young servant...
As expected of the male protagonist of the small world?
However, Shen Yunzhen did not intend to touch him, even though she could feel the spreading power of love and desire.
In a society ruled by royalty, marrying anyone would be too restrictive, especially if the other party was a prince, in which case the restrictions she would face would only increase.
It would be better to stay single and keep a few male lovers.
As for reputation, she doesn't care about those things.
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