Pregnant Before the Royal Marriage

Chapter 836: Chapter 836: What’s Wrong with a Slap in the Face_1

The Emperor flicked his eyelids open to take a quick glance, then lowered them again, indifferently fiddling with the string of pearls in his hand.

Jiang Ning recognized the pearl string. It was a personal belonging of Concubine Jin.

After Concubine Jin’s passing, most of her belongings were buried with her. Only this string of pearls had become something the Emperor carried with him.

Regarding the first group of potential beauties presented, the Emperor gave no indication of interest.

His expression did not change in the slightest.

Yet, the Empress slightly furrowed her brows, seemingly dissatisfied. She complained, “What is the Ministry of Rites and Honglu Temple doing this year? The selected ladies are all of average appearance.”

Though she was reprimanding the officials from the Ministry of Rites and Honglu Temple, she was implicitly criticizing Jiang Ning for being incompetent.

As if she had purposefully chosen candidates of mediocre beauty.

Concubine Xian, Concubine Shu, and other concubines exchanged glances but remained silent.

Only Concubine Yu spoke up, “There’s a saying that one should marry a virtuous wife. For us women, beauty is not the only crucial trait. Being composed, humble, and of high moral character are equally important. Those who rely solely on their looks to enchant and confuse others should not be allowed in the palace.”

Empress chuckled coldly, “We’re selecting maids, not a wife. What do you mean by your words, Concubine Yu?”

Stunned, Concubine Yu quickly realized that her words could easily lead to misunderstandings.

Marrying a virtuous wife?

Could these ladies be thinking of replacing the Empress?

Jiang Ning had initially chosen to ignore the Empress. However, since Concubine Yu had defended her and consequently drew the Empress’s rebuke, Jiang Ning could not pretend she hadn’t heard.

“I believe Concubine Yu has a point,” Jiang Ning said with a smile. “If there is anything I, as the Princess Consort, am not doing well, I should step aside for someone more capable. Your Highness, please don’t misunderstand, I’m not speaking of you, but myself.”

The Empress’s back stiffened. She responded with an extremely graceful smile, “As the Princess Consort says such, it shows her wisdom and benevolence. Our Elegant Heir Palace will surely be blessed with more children soon.”

Her insinuation was clear: if no concubines were to become pregnant soon, it would hint at the Princess Consort’s lack of benevolence, thus Jiang Ning would have to swallow her own words.

But would Jiang Ning care?

Of course not.

Li Hongyuan once praised her for having a face thick as a city wall.

Where’s the harm in taking a few hits?

Right then, the Crown Prince, who was handling state affairs in the Military Affairs Office, suddenly sneezed.

Li Quan promptly brought over a cloak, presented a cup of hot tea, and served him carefully. “Your Highness worked hard on military affairs today, please take care of your health.”

Li Hongyuan took a sip of tea and asked casually, “Has the Emperor been to the Elegant Heir Palace?”

“Your Highness, not only did Emperor and Empress go, but Concubine Xian, Concubine Shu and many other concubines also went there. Princess Consort was the last to arrive.” As the eunuch serving closest to the Crown Prince, Li Quan knew exactly what the Crown Prince wanted to know. Without waiting for the Crown Prince to ask, he reported everything he had been carefully observing, “The selection process has just begun, but we don’t yet know how it will proceed.”

Li Hongyuan nodded.@@novelbin@@

Li Quan then asked, “Your Highness, don’t you want to go and see for yourself?”

“See what? See Princess Consort having an intense battle of wits against the imperial concubines in the Elegant Heir Palace?”

“…” Li Quan let out a forced laugh, but dared not reply.

Seeing the Crown Prince pick up the memorial to continue reading, he quietly withdrew.

A young eunuch waiting at the door asked in a whisper, “Master, should I go to the Elegant Heir Palace to find out what’s happening there?”