However, what made Jin Linlin even more angry was Jiang Zhixu's arrogant look. He seemed to be certain that Jin Linlin would agree to his request, which made Jin Linlin feel that her dignity was challenged.
She stared at Jiang Zhixu closely, her eyes as sharp as a torch:
"Lord Jiang, do you think I would so easily agree to your terms just for this mere Linhai Province?"
Jiang Zhixu remained calm and composed:
"Your Majesty, you are the ruler of the world, wise and intelligent. You will not engage in a business that will lose you money. I have already expressed my feelings and am willing to offer the entire country as a dowry. If Your Majesty does not agree, I am afraid that if the news gets out, people will say that you have missed out on a good son-in-law."
Jin Linlin was furious that Jiang Zhixu was using public opinion to pressure her. But Linhaizhou was too tempting. If she refused, she would probably regret it later.
The palace was completely silent, even the sound of breathing was distinct, as if time had stood still. Everyone knew the Empress was lost in her own thoughts, and no one dared to disturb her.
However, in this silence, the empress suddenly seemed to have figured something out. She sighed softly, then adjusted her throat and said in a firm and resonant voice:
"That's all, Haruyuki. Draft the decree."
Hearing this, Haruyuki quickly stepped forward and replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty."
The Empress paused briefly, then slowly said:
"Feng Jiangzhixu is the queen, living in Fengqi Palace, holding the queen's seal, and commanding the harem."
As soon as this decree was issued, a slight commotion erupted within the hall. Everyone looked at each other, clearly surprised by the decision, but calm soon returned.
The empress didn't seem to care about the crowd's reaction, she continued to confer titles on her concubines:
"Appoint Xie Yan of Yanzhou as the virtuous concubine and let her live in the Plum Saint Palace."
"Appoint Pei Xuan as Consort De and let her live in Changqiu Palace."
…
The empress's voice echoed in the hall as she read out titles and palace names one after another, each one accompanied by expressions of surprise, envy, or relief from the crowd.
Finally, the empress finally conferred titles on all the concubines, a total of more than a dozen in a piecemeal manner. She paused for a moment:
"The Empress and the Queen will hold their wedding in twenty days, and the others will enter the palace in a month."
With that, the empress waved her hand, signaling Haruyuki to pass on her decree. Haruyuki obeyed and left, and the crowd in the palace dispersed. The sensational Husband Selection Banquet ended with sighs from the crowd.
The biggest winner was undoubtedly the empress, who won both a state and a beauty, killing two birds with one stone.
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