The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

With the Crown Prince yet to be established, several princes in the court have long been engaging in power struggles. As the Emperor ages, their competition will only intensify. Now, Prince Zhou, in an attempt to win over the Wen Family, has employed some unsavory tactics to tie them to his cause. Who knows if other princes might follow suit?

Guan Shuyan, who will soon turn fifteen, is of the perfect age, and her family background is outstanding. Her father and brothers are in the military, holding military power. Isn’t that a great advantage?

To go back, Madam Guan did not believe that Prince Zhou acted towards Miss Wen solely because of love. If Miss Wen’s surname wasn’t Wen, he wouldn’t have bothered with such futile efforts.

Indeed, ever since the incident at the Longevity Festival, the Emperor has not visited Consort Fan’s palace, and he shows little favor to Prince Zhou. Isn’t this a case of losing the emperor’s favor along with the beauty’s affection, a clear loss?

Therefore, what Prince Zhou did was aimed at Miss Wen, but if it were Guan Shuyan instead, he would likely be equally pleased.

Madam Guan did not believe in such deep affection; it was merely for the sake of benefits.

”There’s one more thing. I vaguely heard Madam Song mention that the Empress Dowager intends to hold a selection next year for a consort for the Emperor.”

If what had been said earlier did not catch Duke Dingguo’s attention, these words genuinely changed his expression.

”Even if there’s a selection, the Guan Family wouldn’t be on the list, right?” Duke Dingguo said dryly.

Madam Guan replied bitterly, ”It’s better to be safe than sorry, Shuyan is at the right age, alas.”

Duke Dingguo coughed lightly, ”Alright, alright, you don’t have to fret about every possibility. The Song Family does have intentions. They mentioned that when they have time, they would extend an invitation for you and Shuyan to enjoy the hot springs on their estate.”

Upon hearing this, Madam Guan was overjoyed, ”Is this true?”

”If they didn’t have this intention, would I make it up?” Duke Dingguo replied irritably.

Madam Guan blushed, ”Isn’t it delightful news?”

Duke Dingguo added, ”Even if there’s intent, don’t rush to announce it. As long as the formal engagement isn’t established, changes can happen. The most crucial matter is with the Emperor.”

Madam Guan immediately composed herself, saying, ”I understand.”

However, thinking again about what she discussed with Duke Dingguo, neither of their families had daughters become concubines in the palace. The Emperor shouldn’t be so wary, should he?

Prime Minister’s Mansion.

Song Zhiyuan was also discussing the recent visit to the Duke Mansion with Madam Song.

”...Though young, her character is quite steady; she’s indeed commendable.” Song Zhiyuan, holding a cup of hot tea, said to Madam Song, ”When you have free time, send an invitation to Madam Guan to enjoy the hot springs at Meizhuang. When Su’er returns from vacation, have him visit the Duke Dingguo Mansion, so the Duke can meet him.”

Madam Song did not expect that Song Zhiyuan held such a high opinion of Guan Shuyan, surprised, she asked, ”Has the Prime Minister already decided, without considering other families?”

Song Zhiyuan replied, ”Mother’s health isn’t great; it’s better to decide if possible. Picking and choosing excessively only leads to confusion, but the Duke Mansion’s legitimate daughter is a suitable match for Su’er.”

Madam Song remained silent.

”If there really is a selection next year, it will become even more challenging to choose.”

Madam Song’s eyes narrowed, ”Since the Prime Minister also feels it’s appropriate, I will arrange a meeting with Madam Guan to view the plum blossoms and enjoy the snow.”

Song Zhiyuan nodded and added, ”There’s another matter. During the ancestral worship, the Song Family’s ancestral rules will be amended to include a new rule from next year: only men without sons by the age of forty may take concubines. Keep this in mind.”

Madam Song was stunned.