Chapter 117 - The Unfeeling Emperor

Chapter 117: Chapter 113: The Unfeeling EmperorAfter two rounds of selection, there were still over a hundred Concubines left, the final round was supposed to be personally selected by Ye Qiu, but firstly, he was not in the mood, and secondly, he had been busy with the establishment of maritime shipping and official schools lately and could not spare the time. Ultimately, this matter fell onto Empress Dowager Xiao and the Empress, with Noble Consort Xiao unwilling to be left out, acting coquettishly towards the Empress Dowager and interfering as well.

This selection had completely slipped from Ye Qiu’s control. Even though he was reluctant, both the previous dynasty and the harem were vehemently pushing this matter forward, and the final struggle among all parties resulted in Ye Qiu’s harem gaining ten more Concubines.

Empress Dowager Xiao looked at the charming and beautiful group of girls with such loving smiles, as though she already saw adorable grandsons and granddaughters waving at her, the Empress, although uncomfortable, no longer needed this ethereal favoritism over the years, as the Emperor trusted her and the Crown Prince was progressing well. However, Noble Consort Xiao was biting her silver teeth, her gaze dangerous.

Xiao Zi and Xiao Ke, through Xiao Bairen’s arrangements, both successfully entered the harem. Xiao Zi, being the legitimate daughter of the Xiao Family and Ye Qiu’s cousin, could not be given too low of a status; she was eventually made a concubine, while Xiao Ke got a much lower rank compared to her, being made a Fifth-rank Beauty. Both were daughters of the Xiao Family, yet due to the difference between the main and branch families, there was such a great distinction, and Xiao Ke, deeply dissatisfied in her heart, had to put on a face of joy.

There were a total of ten women selected with relatively high ranks. Apart from Xiao Zi, the legitimate daughter of the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and the legitimate daughter of Zhang Family from Marquis Mansion were also made concubines. Among them, like Xiao Ke, Beauty Li, who was made a Fifth-rank Beauty, especially drew attention.

Beauty Li was just the legitimate daughter of a county official, her father merely a seventh-rank county official. Typically, even if selected, she would have to start from the lowest rank concubine, yet her exceptional persona compelled the Empress Dowager to break the rules for her.

Everyone said that the Xiao Family produced beautiful women, the Empress Dowager Xiao herself was chosen by the late Emperor for her outstanding beauty and became the Crown Princess Consort despite her modest family background, underscoring her exceptional beauty. In the next generation, Noble Consort Xiao earned the title of the capital’s number one beauty, entering the palace directly as a concubine. Her cousin, Xiao Zi, although not as stunningly beautiful as Noble Consort Xiao, had an ethereal charm that especially touched people’s hearts.

Yet, upon Beauty Li’s appearance, she directly overshadowed the two legitimate daughters of the Xiao Family. Dressed in light yellow today, her fair petite face radiant like jade against her outfit, her jet-black hair styled in a young girl’s bun adorned with a pink beaded flower hairpin with tassels that swayed as she spoke, her long elegant eyebrows and twinkling eyes, her high nose bridge with red, slightly upturned lips carrying a hint of a scholarly aura.

Even more captivating was the red beauty mark under her left eyebrow; when she looked at you with a smile, she radiated an enchanting charm, which immediately captured the Empress Dowager Xiao’s heart, especially since Beauty Li’s humble family background made even the Empress unconcerned.

Noble Consort Xiao instantly viewed Beauty Li as her primary enemy, and indeed, not only her, but other women in the harem also harbored subtle animosity towards Beauty Li.

Today was the third day after the grand selection, and the residences for the newly appointed concubines had also been arranged. The Empress Dowager specially invited them to appreciate flowers in the imperial garden, also as an opportunity for Ye Qiu to recognize them. Ye Qiu, unable to decline, planned to just take a look and leave, but was indeed astounded by Beauty Li.

This body inherently possessed a love for beauty, otherwise, he wouldn’t have been captivated by Noble Consort Xiao for many years in his previous life. This life he consciously restrained himself, and for several years, everything was peaceful. But at this moment, his heart was slightly stirred.

Following his heart’s desire, Ye Qiu flipped Beauty Li’s nameplate that night. Concubines below the rank of wife were carried to Yangxin Hall by the eunuchs for attendance. When Ye Qiu returned after approving memorials, Beauty Li had just finished her bath.

She wore a snow-white undergarment, yet it seemed less delicate and fair compared to her own skin, her hair loosely spread and still slightly damp at the ends dripped water droplets, her small face flushed with twin blushes, her bright eyes appeared shy yet curious, looking around, making her exceptionally inviting.

Ye Qiu found his breath becoming unsteady, his eyes intensely fixated on her. Sensing the ambiguous atmosphere in the room, the palace maids tactfully retreated.

"This servant pays respects to Your Majesty." Li Wan performed a startled and fragile curtsy, her crisp voice filled with panic and shyness.

Ye Qiu felt his heart stir and his feet involuntarily moved closer toward her. His strong hand reached out to lift her up and swiftly brought her into his embrace, an exotic fragrance entering his nostrils as they drew even closer.

Ye Qiu could not help but lift her clothes, and upon touching her smooth, fair skin, he could no longer restrain himself. The flickering lights, shifting shadows, and the sounds from the dragon bed of a man’s powerful roar and a woman’s soft moans filled the air.

Eunuch Shun was waiting outside the room, listening to the intense sounds within, and secretly thought to himself, "Beauty Li certainly has great skill; the harem is likely to see the rise of another Favored Concubine."

That night, Ye Qiu called for water three times. The palace attendants served Beauty Li even more attentively. By dawn, the entire harem already knew about Beauty Li’s promotion to Lady and her conferred title, Rong.

This stunned everyone; overnight, she had ascended from fifth-rank to fourth-rank. Moreover, the Emperor had granted her a title, Rong, which was a tremendous grace! Remember, even Noble Consort Xiao did not receive a title during her prime!

It seems the harem might have another "Noble Consort Xiao" soon, and likely even more favored!

Consequently, there were many in the harem who became jealous, and others who found amusement in this development.

"This slut." Xiao Rou smashed another vase, her beautiful face full of rage, yet upon closer inspection, it also bore signs of grievance and hurt. Could it be that her cousin, the Emperor, really no longer cared for her?

Weiyang Palace; Li Yanlan was feeding the fish absent-mindedly while her nanny carefully reported: "My Lady, His Majesty has summoned Lady Rong Jieyu again tonight."

Li Yanlan’s hand paused; she had always felt that Li Wan, aside from her beauty and low family status, posed no threat. But now, the Emperor had summoned Lady Rong Jieyu for three consecutive nights, causing her some heart palpitations and a sense that things were slipping out of her control.

If one day Lady Rong Jieyu bore a Prince, given the Emperor’s favoritism toward her, would her and the Crown Prince’s positions remain as secure as they are today? Li Yanlan was unsure.

In Yangxin Hall, Ye Qiu gazed at the beauty under the light, his mind involuntarily wandering again. He quickly stepped forward and embraced her tightly, his face deeply buried into the nape of her neck, the familiar scent stirring an impulse within him.