“The Empress Dowager welcomes Consort Li. What brings you here?” Leng Jiu, dressed in a vivid red phoenix robe with subtle embroidery, lounged in her elevated seat, nonchalantly tapping her vibrant red nails adorned with cinnabar. Her gaze swept diagonally across the people below. It had been quite some time since they last met, and Consort Li seemed to have gained some fullness. Although she was only three months pregnant, there was no visible sign. Clad in a light red peony palace dress, it fit her well. However, despite the dress’s vibrant charm, her expression appeared too mature, not quite in line with her attire.
“Consort Li naturally comes to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager! It has been a while, and Consort Li was afraid the Empress Dowager might hold it against her for not visiting,” Consort Li replied, her expression unchanged.
“Considering Consort Li’s current pregnancy, a precious condition indeed, there’s no need for such formalities. Let’s skip the courtesies. Moreover, if anything untoward happens in my palace, I cannot bear the responsibility,” Leng Jiu said, smiling and half-jokingly.
Consort Li glanced up at Leng Jiu, a momentary trace of confusion crossing her face before she suppressed it, offering a composed smile. “The Empress Dowager is jesting. Today, I have two matters to discuss: paying respects to the Empress Dowager and seeking the Empress Dowager’s guidance on an important issue.”
“Oh?” Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow.
“Now that His Majesty has been on the throne for three years, and the number of consorts in the imperial harem is limited, the Ministry of Rites has submitted a memorial requesting that His Majesty conduct a selection every three years based on the clan system. His Majesty has approved, and this matter has fallen into Consort Li’s hands. However, as a mere consort and with the added circumstance of being pregnant with an imperial heir, Consort Li feels inadequate to handle it alone. Therefore, she has come to request the Empress Dowager’s guidance and supervision,” Consort Li explained.
“A selection?” Leng Jiu smirked. “Why not let Consort Hui handle it?”
“The Empress Dowager is jesting. Although the Phoenix Seal remains in the hands of the Empress Dowager, you are still the mistress of the imperial harem. Naturally, the selection matters should be handled by you. We dare not overstep our bounds,” Consort Li replied, presenting a seemingly reasonable argument that, nevertheless, carried a subtle change in tone.
Leng Jiu toyed with a jade pendant, coincidentally hearing the eunuch’s announcement from outside: “The Emperor has arrived!”
After a moment of silence, Emperor Long Yi, dressed in a dragon robe, entered, accompanied by a white figure—Consort Hui, Zhao Yan.
“Consort Li pays respects to the Emperor!” Consort Li bowed gracefully, but before she could fully bend, Emperor Long Yi assisted her, saying, “You are pregnant; there is no need for formalities!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Zhao Yan glanced disdainfully at Consort Li, but quickly concealed it. She then performed a standard greeting to Leng Jiu, “Consort Zhao pays respects to the Empress Dowager!”
Leng Jiu waved her hand dismissively, “No need!” She turned to Emperor Long Yi, teasingly asking, “Is the Emperor worried that Consort Li might be eaten by the Empress Dowager? Consort Li arrives first, and the Emperor follows closely behind!”
“The Empress Dowager is jesting!” Consort Li, standing beside Emperor Long Yi, smiled, then turned to him, saying, “Your Majesty, Consort Li was entrusted with the task of organizing the selection of consorts. However, feeling inadequate for such an important responsibility, Consort Li sought the Empress Dowager’s counsel. She wishes to request the Empress Dowager to oversee this matter. As the mistress of the imperial harem holding the Phoenix Seal, the Empress Dowager is naturally the most suitable to preside over such affairs. Consort Li dares not overstep her bounds.”
Emperor Long Yi deeply observed Leng Jiu. There was no trace of gloom on her face; the excitement and resentment from before were nowhere to be seen. Her beautiful face only displayed amusement and interest, causing an indescribable discomfort in Emperor Long Yi’s heart.
“Very well, then. This matter shall be entrusted to the Empress Dowager!” Emperor Long Yi said.
“I assure you; I will select several beautiful women for you!” Leng Jiu, with her enchanting smile, assured Emperor Long Yi.