USWHC -Chapter 529 The Rivers and Mountains of Daliang (Part 9)

“Is that so?” The Empress still pretended to be dazed, gazing at the Emperor with a silly, lovestruck expression.

“So what? My talents, I haven’t even had the chance to use them, yet they are already scheming to keep them close. What exactly are they plotting?” the Emperor said, his voice filled with resentment.

The Empress immediately feigned surprise. “Your Majesty, are you speaking of… them?”

“Hmph! Don’t think I don’t understand. Each and every one of them has their own little schemes. Factions, selfish ambitions—none of them are good people!” the Emperor spat in anger.

At that moment, Xinrong’s hoarse voice shrieked in shock, “Really? But I heard that Elder Wang and Minister Qin were both considering taking him as a son-in-law. I thought these ministers and elders appreciated talent, but I didn’t expect they had other intentions!” Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she covered her mouth.

The Empress, clearly displeased, snapped, “Always sticking your nose in! Guards, drag her out!”

Was the Empress really angry? Just then, the Emperor waved his hand. “Wait. Speak slowly and tell me everything again.”

Xinrong, frightened by the Empress’s wrath, trembled as she replied, “Your Majesty, I only heard it from a few sisters in the palace. I don’t know if it’s true.”

“Hmph. It’s probably true!” the Emperor said with certainty. “Elder Wang has long been close to the Fifth Prince. Minister Qin is the Sixth Prince’s tutor. Do you think I don’t understand what they’re up to?”

Such a newly crowned top scholar had become a prize everyone wanted. Was he really that exceptional? The Empress inwardly sneered but maintained an outward expression of feigned annoyance. “What are they thinking? Your Majesty is in the prime of life. They should be considering how to serve you and Daliang, not plotting their own schemes. This must not be allowed!”

With a sharp bang, the Emperor slammed his chopsticks onto the table, his voice full of resentment. “They’re hoping I die early! Hmph! Such talents—if they’re to be used, it will be according to my command!”

“Exactly! Anyone trying to monopolize him will have to go through the Emperor first!” the Empress echoed, then chuckled lightly, teasing, “It’s just about taking a son-in-law! Your Majesty has daughters, doesn’t he? We can find someone too!”

Hearing this, the Emperor paused, hesitating. “A son-in-law? Is that appropriate?”

“Ah? Your Majesty, I was only joking!” the Empress quickly replied, a hint of fluster in her voice.

Yet the Emperor seemed to begin pondering seriously. “My three most beautiful daughters… Jinglan is already married, Jinghan is soon to be wed to Qi, and Jingqi is still too young. Hmm, this is rather troublesome.”

The Empress listened to him muttering, seemingly asking her but also speaking to himself. She didn’t respond, only pretending to sip her tea slowly.

“How is Ninth Princess now?” the Emperor asked softly.

At the mention of the Ninth Princess, the Empress showed a troubled expression. “She has reached a marriageable age, but she is the Fifth Prince’s full sister. Arranging it like this…” She deliberately swallowed the rest of her words.

“Not appropriate, indeed not appropriate!” the Emperor shook his head. That would only push Ji Yi further into the Fifth Prince’s camp.

“But by that logic, other princesses wouldn’t work either. Eleventh is the Sixth Prince’s sister, Twelfth is the Third Prince’s sister, Fifteenth is… yours, Your Majesty,” the Emperor muttered softly.

Hearing the Empress count up to the fifteenth, she screamed, “Your Majesty! Fifteenth is only eight years old!”

“Yes, she’s about the same age as the Sixteenth!” the Emperor laughed suddenly. “I was so confused, I even counted her!”

The Empress, pretending to be melodramatic, said, “If Your Majesty insists on arranging marriages, it’s not that Fifteenth cannot marry, but I fear the top scholar might not be willing.”

“Haha, indeed! By the time Fifteenth grows up, she’ll be ready to be someone’s mother!” The Emperor laughed at his own joke.

The Empress immediately put on a face of discontent. “I cannot agree to that!”

“Ah, considering his age, he would have been perfect for Jinghan… but alas, he came too late!” the Emperor sighed wistfully.

The Empress said nothing, but a subtle, triumphant smile appeared on her face. She kept her head lowered, feigning annoyance, unnoticed by the Emperor.