Chapter 601: Filthy Thoughts
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The new emperor officially ascended the throne, granted the right to maintain a harem of 3,000 beauties.
The initial batch of over ten beauties entered the palace, and after a thorough appraisal, he selected only two to lavish attention upon. However, the novelty wore off quickly, leaving him bored after a single night.
His mind fixated on the enchanting image of Qin Zhenzhen, her devilish allure lingering in his thoughts. The idea of her figure potentially changing due to childbirth sparked intense resentment toward Su Bin, the man who had allegedly stolen her away.
Determined to eliminate this perceived rival, the new emperor’s obsession with Qin Zhenzhen surpassed his satisfaction with the palace beauties. Desiring someone akin to her, he dispatched agents outside the palace to select new consorts based on Qin Zhenzhen’s portrait.
However, the selected beauties fell short of capturing the essence of Qin Zhenzhen. Despite trying several, he couldn’t find one that matched the intensity of his desire.
Frustration set in, and his thoughts took a dark turn. He resolved to find a way to possess Qin Zhenzhen, even if she had given birth. His fixation transcended the allure of harem beauties or noble ladies, recognizing the post-pregnancy transformations they undergo to regain their allure.
Undeterred by the challenges, the new emperor harbored a singular desire—Qin Zhenzhen. He believed that, post-childbirth, women, including Qin Zhenzhen, become even more enchanting, restoring their figures with a charm surpassing their pre-pregnancy allure.
How could he secure Qin Zhenzhen?
His plan unfolded with the first step—transferring Su Bin back to the capital, accompanied by his wife and child. The next move involved feigning illness, presenting a facade of medical helplessness, and ensnaring Qin Zhenzhen into the Imperial Palace. Once within the palace walls, he could execute his desires freely. For Su Bin, a death sentence would conveniently remove him from the equation, out of sight and mind.
In this scenario, Qin Zhenzhen would serve as his personal doctor, ensuring her perpetual presence by his side.
Resolute in his decision, the emperor, master of the realm, refused to accept any outcome that denied him the woman he desired.
However, the challenge lay in the Public House’s control over the royal court. Approval from the Public House was necessary to transfer Su Bin back to the capital, and the emperor anticipated objections once his true intentions surfaced. Undeterred, he resolved to act first and report later, refusing to believe that, as emperor, he lacked the authority to pursue the woman of his choosing.
Seizing the moment, the new emperor turned to his ministers, abruptly questioning, “Dear ministers, do you still recall Governor Su, who was transferred to Upper Lin Prefecture City?”
In unison, the ministers replied, “Your Majesty, we remember!”
Satisfied with their responsiveness, the emperor probed further, “Dear ministers, what are your thoughts on Governor Su as an official?”
The ministers faced a delicate quandary. Su Bin’s earlier demotion, while ostensibly a decree by the late emperor, had been a brainchild of the Public House. Now, the new emperor’s sudden mention of Su Bin hinted at a potential transfer back to the capital.
Aware of the intricacies, the ministers discreetly observed the old duke’s expression. His furrowed brow unveiled the mystery—this move aligned with the late emperor’s intention and had not been pre-discussed with the Public House.
A hushed silence fell among the ministers, each wary of taking any action that might incur the displeasure of either the new emperor or the influential Public House.
A minister, seemingly prearranged by the new emperor, stepped forward and reported, “Your Majesty, Governor Su was relocated to Shanglin Prefecture. In the initial month, he accomplished a significant feat. Without deploying a single soldier of the realm, he eradicated the stronghold of remnants from the previous dynasty concealed in the mountains..”