allonlinenovel Chapter 1315 Not Afraid
Chapter 1315 Not Afraid
"What about the talent show?" Ye Li asked cautiously, her eyes wide with a misty look.
Zhan Xuan chuckled lightly and said nonchalantly, "I never really wanted to choose anyone; it was just a show for those old ministers. In time, I will find a way to quell this matter."
Ye Li looked up and met Zhan Xuan's doting smile, her heart burning with warmth.
He knew that the road ahead might still be full of thorns, but as long as Zhan Xuan was by his side, he would have no fear.
Zhan Xuan gently wiped away the tears on his face, his tone tender: "Are you hungry? I've had the imperial kitchen prepare your favorite snacks."
Ye Li nodded, a long-lost smile finally appearing on his face.
The two walked hand in hand toward the inner palace, where they saw that a perceptive young eunuch had already laid out a table full of delicious food.
The next morning, the atmosphere at the court assembly was as tense as a bowstring.
The Minister of Revenue stepped forward and petitioned: "Your Majesty, the position of Empress in the harem cannot remain vacant. You must set a date for the selection of the Empress as soon as possible!"
As soon as he finished speaking, dozens of senior officials bowed in unison, their eyes all turning to Zhan Xuan on the throne, conveying an unspoken pressure.
Zhan Xuan lightly tapped the armrest of the dragon throne with his fingertips, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials with their varied expressions below, finally settling on Ye Li standing beside him.
Ye Li met his gaze, her eyes firm yet uncertain, and quietly straightened her back.
"I have entrusted the matter of the selection of a queen entirely to my mother and grandmother. They will choose a qualified queen for the Kingdom of Li!" Zhan Xuan's voice was calm but carried an undeniable authority.
The Minister of Revenue was clearly not expected Zhan Xuan to give such a reply. He was stunned for a moment before bowing and saying, "Your Majesty, the Queen is the mother of the nation, and her succession is a matter of national importance. She should be chosen by Your Majesty personally. How can the decision be left entirely to the Empress Dowager and the Grand Empress Dowager?"
The old ministers behind him echoed his sentiments, their words full of dissuasion, but their eyes frequently glanced at Ye Li, carrying a veiled accusation.
Zhan Xuan's tapping stopped abruptly, and when he looked up, his eyes were already dark: "What? Can't my mother and grandmother choose a dignified and virtuous queen?"
He slowly rose, his face cold and sharp: "You have repeatedly forced the emperor to hold a selection of concubines today. Is it for the sake of the country, or to cling to those baseless rumors?"
The final question struck like a thunderclap, silencing the assembled officials completely.
Standing beside Zhan Xuan, Ye Li could clearly feel the chilling aura emanating from the emperor. He quietly clenched his sleeves, his Adam's apple bobbing, but ultimately suppressed the urge to step forward and defend himself.
He knew that what Zhan Xuan needed at this moment was not his agreement, but absolute trust.
"Your Majesty, please calm down." The Minister of Personnel stepped forward, his tone softening slightly: "We are not questioning your mother and the Holy Maiden, but... but with Lord Ye present, we fear that the world may misunderstand Your Majesty's favoritism, which would damage the royal family's reputation."
Zhan Xuan sneered, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials before finally settling on Ye Li. His icy eyes softened slightly: "My dignity has never been built on the support of my harem, but on the peace and prosperity of the nation and the sincere treatment of those around me!"
He raised his hand and gently placed it on Ye Li's shoulder, his strength steady and firm. "Ye Qing has been by my side since childhood, fighting alongside me on the battlefield and dying for me. He has countless wounds on his body from saving me. You can't see his loyalty, but instead you keep harping on about his love affairs. Is this what you call 'for the country'?"
Ye Li shuddered, the warmth from the shoulder spreading from his skin to his heart, dispelling all his unease.
He looked up at Zhan Xuan, his eyes filled with a resolute determination that replaced his previous helplessness, and declared loudly, "Your Majesty, I swear on my own achievements that I have never done anything to mislead Your Majesty. If I ever err, I am willing to suffer the punishment of being slowly sliced to death to atone for my sins!"
"I forbid you to say such things!" Zhan Xuan suddenly stopped him, then turned to the assembled officials and said sternly, "Minister Ye is one of my most trusted ministers. Anyone who dares to touch him must first ask the imperial authority in my hands!"
He emphasized the word "imperial power" very heavily, displaying the emperor's might.
"My mind is made up regarding the selection of officials; there is no need for further discussion! Court is adjourned!"
Having said that, without waiting for the ministers to react, he turned around, took Ye Li's hand, and strode out of the main hall.
The dragon robe and the blue gown fluttered and overlapped, drawing a firm arc in the morning light, leaving the stunned officials far behind.
As they stepped out of the council hall, the warm morning light fell on their shoulders.
Ye Li remained silent for a moment before asking softly, "Your Majesty, did what you just did put Lady Hou and the Holy Maiden in a difficult position?"
Zhan Xuan stopped and turned to look at him. The coldness in his eyes faded away, leaving only tenderness: "It's alright. My mother and grandmother already know my feelings. They will definitely choose a qualified queen, a queen who is only concerned with etiquette and will not disturb our original intentions."
He raised his hand and gently wiped the thin layer of sweat from Ye Li's forehead. "From now on, with me here, no one will dare to force you."
Ye Li looked into his deep eyes, her nose tingled, and she nodded emphatically.
At this moment, the Holy Maiden and Lin Yiwan were sitting in the Min Prime Minister's residence, sizing up the noble ladies who had finally made it onto the list.
They were dressed in gorgeous clothes, their lowered eyes revealing a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.
The Holy Maiden sat upright in the main seat, holding a teacup, her gaze sweeping over the women indifferently, while Lin Yiwan leaned against the soft couch, her expression calm and undisturbed.
The Holy Maiden spoke first: "I know that you are all virtuous women recommended by various prefectures and states, each with your own unique talents and beauty. Today's selection of candidates does not seek stunning beauty, but only virtuous character, the ability to uphold the rules of the harem, and the responsibility of being the Empress."
As soon as he finished speaking, the eunuchs called out the names in turn, and the noble ladies stepped forward one by one to pay their respects and introduce themselves and their talents.
Some people played the zither, the music melodious but slightly restrained; some painted, the brushstrokes neat but lacking in spirit; and some recited poetry, the words elegant but unable to conceal the deliberate attempt to please.
The saintess remained silent until a woman dressed in a light blue dress stepped forward. It was none other than Pang Qiang, a young girl whom she had not seen for a long time.
She bowed with an upright posture and clear eyes, without a trace of obsequiousness. "This humble woman, Pang Qiang, greets the Holy Maiden and the Lady of the Marquis!"
Lin Yi-wan asked excitedly, "Ah-Qiang, why haven't I seen you for so long? Where have you been?"
Pang Qiang explained softly, "Something happened in my clan, so I bid farewell to the king at the border camp!"
The saintess asked curiously, "Do you know what responsibilities one has as a queen?"
Pang Qiang lowered her eyes and replied, "I believe that if the inner palace is peaceful, the court will be undisturbed. I have entered the palace and am willing to fulfill my duty, assisting Your Majesty in managing the inner palace. I will never be jealous or quarrelsome, nor will I interfere in the affairs of the court." Her voice was calm but firm, without the slightest hesitation.
The saintess looked on with admiration. She turned and exchanged a glance with Lin Yiwan, both of them understanding each other without saying a word.
With the selection process halfway through, the Holy Maiden finally made her decision: "All the women participating today are good girls. However, the position of Queen Mother depends on being well-behaved, so let's choose Pang Qiang as the Queen."
Upon hearing this, although the women were disappointed, none dared to object. Pang Qiang bowed and said, "This humble woman thanks the Holy Maiden and Lady Hou for their grace."