Lan Xiuyuan was already quite flustered because of Hu Qianyu's matter that morning, and had completely forgotten about the selection of concubines. When he heard Lan Shanyang say this, he remembered Qin Kou'er's matter, and his expression changed drastically.
When Lan Linxue saw his expression change, she smiled mischievously. "Little brat, you only find out about these things now? You're really doomed."
After Lan Shanyang finished speaking, she remembered something and turned to look at the panoramic view: "Have you brought over the list of candidates for the imperial concubines?"
"Your Majesty! The Prime Minister sent it over this morning!"
Lan Shanyang turned to look at Hu Tianyong on the ground: "You've carefully selected and meticulously confirmed all these people?"
Although Hu Tianyong still had some reservations about what had just happened, he quickly replied when Lan Shanyang asked, "Yes! Your Majesty, this old minister has already confirmed it; these are the people! There is absolutely no mistake!"
When Lan Xiuyuan heard Hu Tianyong say this, he became even more anxious. He wanted to say something, but he didn't know how to start. He felt as uncomfortable as an ant on a hot pan!
Lan Linxue was looking at Lan Xiuyuan with amusement, hoping to make him anxious to death before she would be satisfied.
Lan Shanyang seemed quite satisfied, and even had Jing Quan bring over the entire roster, then sat down at his desk and looked at each name one by one.
At this moment, Hu Tianyong had been helped up by Quan Jing and was sitting beside him.
In the quiet room, the incense wafted gently, as if the somber atmosphere from just moments before had never existed.
Lan Shanyang looked at each one, and finally saw Qin Kou'er's name on one of the name cards.
Lan Shanyang turned her head and exchanged a brief glance with Lan Linxue, then turned to Hu Tianyong and asked, "Prime Minister, is Qin Kou'er also one of this year's contestants? As far as I know, she doesn't seem to have any family issues, does she?"
Upon hearing this, Hu Tianyong was taken aback. "Your Majesty, what Qin Kou'er? How come Qin Kou'er's name is here?"
Lan Shanyang smiled slightly and raised his hand to let Jing Quan hand the booklet in his hand to Hu Tianyong.
Hu Tianyong glanced at it once, then immediately turned and glared angrily at Lan Xiuyuan.
Lan Xiuyuan shook his head slightly at Hu Tianyong.
Lan Xiuyuan now places all his hopes on Hu Tianyong, hoping that he can get the list back.
Hu Tianyong was truly filled with resentment. He never expected that Lan Xiuyuan would actually scheme against him in order to get Qin Kou'er.
He had clearly told Lan Xiuyuan that Qin Kou'er was not a good match for him, but Lan Xiuyuan obviously did not take his words seriously and actually changed the list in front of him in private. This was simply outrageous.
What terrified Hu Tianyong even more was that this was just the beginning and a harbinger, a sign that Lan Xiuyuan was about to break free from his control and begin to have his own schemes.
Hu Tianyong could not tolerate this at all.
The thought that Qin Kou'er had such a significant influence on Lan Xiuyuan filled Hu Tianyong with a chilling glint in his eyes: He absolutely could not allow Qin Kou'er to marry Lan Xiuyuan. Otherwise, Lan Xiuyuan would ultimately become Qin Kou'er's dog, no longer a pawn in his hands.
Composing himself, Hu Tianyong turned slightly and smiled at Lan Shanyang: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. This old minister is somewhat troubled by the death of my daughter, and there are some things I haven't thought of! Qin Kou'er is indeed a candidate for the imperial concubine selection. She was recommended by Jiang Ming from Jiangnan this year. Tracing back, Qin Kou'er has some connection with the Qin family of the Dowager Consort; she is the Qin family's niece. Therefore, this year, in order to give the princes more candidates, they were all recommended. Moreover, Miss Qin's virtue and wisdom are now renowned throughout the land, and she is in the prime of her youth. Therefore, after careful consideration, this old minister has still included Miss Qin's name in the list of imperial concubines."
After Hu Tianyong finished speaking, Lan Xiuyuan's heart sank into an ice cellar.
Oh no, Hu Tianyong is angry that he interfered behind the scenes and wants to completely hand Qin Kou'er over to someone else.
This year I am in deep mourning and cannot get married, which is tantamount to me pushing Qin Kou'er towards Lan Linxue.
Thinking about all this, Lan Xiuyuan stared blankly at Lan Linxue.
Lan Linxue was giving him a strange smile.
Lan Shanyang seemed to agree with Hu Tianyong's words: "Yes, I quite like Qin Kou'er! She is not only graceful and poised, but also beautiful, and she is a good match for all these children. Most importantly, she knows how to care for the people and share the burdens of the court and me. Such a child is a perfect match for our royal family! The Prime Minister is indeed thoughtful and has handled this matter well!"
Upon seeing Lan Shanyang nod in satisfaction, Lan Xiuyuan's nerves seemed to be stimulated, and he rushed over, snatching Qin Kou'er's roster away, saying directly, "No! Father, Qin Kou'er cannot participate in this selection of imperial concubines!"
Over the years, Lan Shanyang has never had anything taken from her. Of course, Lan Linxue is an exception.
At this moment, Lan Xiuyuan's action made him frown.
As soon as Lan Linxue saw it, she strode over, shoved Lan Xiuyuan hard, and snatched the roster from his hand.
"Lan Xiuyuan! You're courting death! You dare to snatch things from Father Emperor's hands? Are you plotting rebellion?"
Lan Linxue's roar immediately made Lan Xiuyuan realize what he had just done.
Without a second thought, Lan Xiuyuan immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed to Lan Shanyang, saying, "Father, please forgive my rudeness! I was just distracted and that's why I offended you. I beg you to have mercy! However, Qin Kou'er cannot be chosen as a concubine this year under any circumstances!"
Lan Shanyang seemed amused by Lan Xiuyuan's strange behavior, looking at him with a half-smile, and said softly, "Fifth Prince, tell Father why Qin Kou'er can't be a candidate for the imperial concubine this year?"
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