From a farmhouse on the outskirts of the capital, a staccato voice echoed: "Brother Huai'an... Huai'an... Brother." The two men embraced tightly, their lips and tongues intertwined, their breathing rapid, as if they were trying to merge the other into their bodies. Gu Xiangling's face flushed, and she panted softly, while Qin Huai'an used his hands and feet, appearing somewhat obscene.
Suddenly, Gu Xiangling pushed Qin Huaian away and said breathlessly: "Brother Huaian, don't... don't be like this. When you marry me in the future, we will have a long time to go together."
Qin Huaian's face showed a hint of disappointment when he heard this, but then he pretended to be helpless and sighed: "Xiang Ling, you are right, but when can I get the position of crown prince? I was hoping that the marriage with the Prime Minister's Mansion would be a good help, but now it has become a waste. What should I do? ... Alas..."
Gu Xiangling gently held Qin Huaian's hand and comforted him, "Brother Huaian, don't worry. Hasn't the prince already married the Duke of Wei?"
Qin Huaian nodded and said, "Yes, it is indeed an arranged marriage, but the affairs in the palace are complicated, how can we do it without a capable helper. Think about it, it is rumored that the emperor cannot give birth to an heir. Although this is just a rumor, the emperor is still young and may have one day. Moreover, Jiang Meiyu has been favored since entering the palace. There is no guarantee that she will not give birth to an heir for the emperor... I really can't feel at ease..."
"Brother Huai'an, I have an idea. The day when the Queen Mother selects concubines is coming soon. Why don't I participate in the selection? That way, I can help Brother Huai'an gather intelligence in the palace. However, there is one thing that worries me. If I accidentally gain the emperor's favor after entering the palace, will you, Brother Huai'an, dislike me for it?"
"How could it be... Xiang Ling, you are the only person I love deeply in this life! But doing this is really unfair to you... When I ascend the throne in the future, I will definitely enthrone you as queen and enjoy wealth and glory with you. This prince swears to the sky here..." After saying that, Qin Huaian pointed his finger to the sky.
Gu Xiangling quickly reached out and grabbed Qin Huaian's fingers and said, "Brother Huaian... I believe you."
"Sister..." Qin Huaian slowly lowered his head and kissed the swollen red lips again, his heart full of pride!
In the Cining Palace, the Empress Dowager had just finished worshiping Buddha when Nanny Dai came in to report that the Emperor had arrived. Nanny Dai helped the Empress Dowager out of the Buddhist hall and into the main hall of the Cining Palace.
"The Emperor is coming."
The emperor had been waiting for a long time. When he saw the empress dowager come out, he bowed and said, "Your son greets you, mother..." The empress dowager smiled slightly and raised her hand to signal, "Get up quickly."
After the emperor stood up straight, the empress dowager coughed lightly and slowly spoke, "The selection will be held in a few days. I haven't been involved in the affairs of the harem in these years, but now I am really worried. Emperor, you must give birth to an heir as soon as possible. We went through so much blood and gore to obtain this throne. How can we give it to others so easily?"
The emperor listened to the empress dowager's words and sighed inwardly. He wanted to tell her his thoughts, but the words on the tip of his tongue stopped. He thought to himself, "Never mind, let me do whatever I want! Anyway, I already have someone I love, and I definitely won't favor those beautiful women."
The emperor bowed his head and replied, "Your Highness, I will obey you."
The Queen Mother said with great satisfaction, "I heard that you dote on the Prime Minister's daughter. I hope she can give birth to a prince soon. Emperor, please do not favor only one person. Show your favor to everyone, just like rain nourishes the earth. Only in this way can the royal family flourish and prosper soon..."
The emperor replied respectfully, "Please rest assured, mother. I will keep this in mind. However, do you remember my last visit to Lingyin Temple? I personally listened to the abbot's words. He said that the virtuous concubine was blessed with many children. I believe she and I have a special connection. We are destined to be together!"
After hearing this, the Queen Mother nodded slightly in agreement and said, "Oh... that's very good. Since the abbot has said so, then we must dote on her and strive to have a grandson soon. This is a great joy for the royal family!"
The emperor quickly responded, "I will follow your mother's teachings and do my best." The emperor was secretly happy and in a particularly good mood to receive the empress dowager's approval and support.
"Mother, let me have dinner with you today! I haven't eaten with you for a long time." The young emperor said with a smile, his eyes full of filial piety.
Nanny Dai, watching this scene of loving mother and filial son, was moved. She knew that this new virtuous concubine was truly extraordinary. In the past, the emperor and the empress dowager had always disagreed, often even opposing them. But since the virtuous concubine entered the palace, everything seemed to have changed.
Nanny Dai secretly gave the virtuous concubine a thumbs-up, her heart filled with admiration. She knew that anyone who could change the emperor must have extraordinary wisdom and charm.
The Empress Dowager also sensed the Emperor's change. Looking at her filial son, she felt a surge of joy. At the same time, she developed a keen interest in Consort Xian. What was so special about this woman that she could bring about such a dramatic transformation in her son?
The Queen Mother thought to herself, "This virtuous concubine must have received excellent instruction from the Prime Minister, which is why she is so well-educated, gentle, and virtuous. It seems the Prime Minister truly has a unique way of educating his daughter."
The Queen Mother decided to find an opportunity to meet this virtuous concubine to see what kind of extraordinary woman she was who could make an iron tree bloom.
In Yongning Palace, Jiang Meiyu sat by the window, quietly gazing at the moonlight outside. She was struggling with an important decision: if the emperor continued to stay at Yongning Palace tonight, should she take the mysterious fertility pill?
She knew full well her purpose in coming to this palace—to bear the emperor a child and protect the original owner's family. However, life in the harem was filled with endless dangers and intrigue. Every step required careful consideration, as the slightest misstep could lead to irretrievable ruin.
The emperor's desire for an heir is extremely urgent, and this is an opportunity that Jiang Meiyu can exploit. However, she also understands that surviving in this complex palace on her own is not easy. Therefore, she needs to find a stronger backer.
The Queen Mother, the most powerful woman in the harem, became Jiang Meiyu's ideal support. Her protection would undoubtedly provide her with greater security and ease during her pregnancy. However, winning her favor was no easy task; it required considerable effort and wisdom.
Unbeknownst to her, the Emperor had already quietly made his way to the Empress Dowager's chambers. There, he displayed his extraordinary eloquence, doing his utmost to win her favor. He described her qualities and talents in detail, so well that the Empress Dowager developed a deep interest in her and a fondness for her before she even met her in person!
At this moment, she was still immersed in her own world, unaware of what the emperor had done. She was lost in her thoughts...
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