The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

A new little Princess was born in the palace, bringing great joy to Emperor Chu. On the third day after her birth, seeing how the little Princess was as lovely as jade and snow, he not only bestowed upon her the title of Princess Ming Wan but also the name Xin Ling. Truly, she was cherished by the Emperor from birth.

Her mother, Imperial Noble Pure Lady, was promoted to Imperial Concubine Pure and her family was granted an official position of En Meng rank, indicating the deep favor they received.

The birth of a small Princess, yet Emperor Chu showered so much favor, demonstrated his imperial authority and heart to the court ministers and even the harem concubines with grown sons. Moreover, it showed that his virility was undiminished and he was in his prime.

Nevertheless, the calls to designate a Crown Prince did not fade; instead, they grew louder. Not having a Crown Prince was more of a detriment than a benefit to the nation. Although the Emperor was indeed in his prime, it had been twenty years since he ascended to the throne, and delaying the designation of a Crown Prince was harmful to the state.

For the peace of the nation and its people, a Crown Prince must be established.

Emperor Chu was displeased, and in this unpleasant mood, he decisively issued an imperial decree for a selection process. All legitimate daughters of fifth-rank officials or above, aged fourteen and unmarried, were to enter the palace for the selection.

With the issuance of this decree, the calls for the establishment of a Crown Prince quieted somewhat, while families with eligible daughters calculated their chances. If their daughter were chosen and produced an imperial heir, wouldn’t the family rise to prominence alongside the Crown Prince’s maternal clan through sheer luck?

Upon the announcement of the selection decree, several Princes were so infuriated that they jumped with frustration, secretly criticizing the old Emperor for his lack of decorum. At his age, still holding selections at forty-six or forty-seven, when he should be aware of his destiny, yet he continues to choose fourteen or fifteen-year-old candidates.

Though the Princes voiced their discontent internally, they also secretly sought beauties among the common people to add to the selection list. If one were chosen, it would provide them with support, and with a whisper from the pillow, wouldn’t it be delightful?

These little tricks were naturally not hidden from Emperor Chu. He merely observed coldly, watching others scheme below.

The topic of establishing a Crown Prince and Emperor Chu’s selection became widely known.

In the Heavenly Prison, Xia Houzhe snorted coldly. Being an Emperor meant doing as one pleased, holding a selection when he wished. Regardless of being aware of his destiny age, even at sixty years old, he would still hold one.

He was unafraid of sudden death.

Xia Houzhe cursed venomously in his heart as he glanced at the crystal stone screen inside the cell, his eyes narrowing, his face dark as ink.

They exiled him to this dreadful place, yet still sent this dreadful screen, a tooth for a tooth, perhaps?

The dog Emperor was truly sinister. Now that nothing could be gained from him here, were they planning to slowly let him wither and die?

Better to be executed swiftly with a single blow.

Xia Houzhe lowered his gaze to the porcelain bowl on the small table. The opportunity to end his life existed.

But he dared not, nor would he concede.

And trading?

If he were to make a trade, there was no certainty that the dog Emperor would keep his word. Would he not be playing into the other’s trap?

”Time to eat.” The prison guard brought new dishes, looking at him coldly: ”Willing to talk today? The Emperor said, as long as you reveal the whereabouts of your concealed treasure, you shall be transferred to a remote mansion.”

Xia Houzhe replied, ”I have nothing to say.”

Seeing this, the prison guard said no more, turning to leave, locking the door while sneering, ”Quite tight-lipped, but I wonder if those who once regarded you as master would appreciate it. After all, leaving behind such treasures is enough to expand their strength.”

Xia Houzhe’s eyes grew cold.