Xia Ruqing felt like rolling her eyes.
As a heavily pregnant woman, how could she possibly be likable!
Suddenly recalling the imperial selection set for this year, Xia Ruqing said playfully,
"This year is due for a grand selection, and I’ve heard that the Empress Dowager and the Noble Consort have already started making arrangements. New sisters will soon be in the palace!"
"When that time comes, perhaps the Emperor will forget which way the gates to Qingya Residence even open!"
After speaking, she looked at him with a mischievous gaze.
Zhao Junyao was taken aback.
It took a moment for him to come to his senses. How could I have forgotten such a matter? An imperial selection? Has Mother indeed begun to make arrangements?
He turned his head and gave Xia Ruqing a wicked smile.
"Oh, Qingqing, you didn’t mention such an important matter sooner. Let’s see how I’ll deal with you!"
Xia Ruqing shifted her heavy belly, trying to turn aside.
But Zhao Junyao caught her and pulled her back, pressing her firmly into his embrace.
"Are you still going to talk?"
Xia Ruqing, tightly ensnared in his grasp, found herself unable to move.
Her eyes darted around, and she said in an aggrieved tone, "I won’t say any more! I wouldn’t dare. Who am I to oppose the Emperor!"
Then she muttered under her breath, It’s not as if I have any say in the imperial selection! And here I am, feeling upset about it!
Seeing her wounded little expression, Zhao Junyao’s heart immediately softened.
He lifted her into his arms, held her close, and asked gently,
"You’re upset? Really?"
His warm breath fanned her ear, making Xia Ruqing’s cheeks flush.
"Of course it’s..."
"Fake!"
Zhao Junyao held her fast with one arm, while his other hand mercilessly tickled her armpit!
"AH!"
"HAHA, Your Majesty, I won’t dare again! I truly won’t! HAHA...!"
Xia Ruqing tried to squirm away, but Zhao Junyao’s arms were like powerful iron bands, holding her so tightly she couldn’t move at all.
Zhao Junyao didn’t let her go until she was breathless and begging for mercy.
"Still dare to talk nonsense?"
Xia Ruqing’s eyes were moist, her expression a little aggrieved.
"I wouldn’t dare!"
Only then was Zhao Junyao satisfied. He released Xia Ruqing, turned over, and lay flat on the bed.
Xia Ruqing followed suit, and the two lay side by side.
The room suddenly fell silent.
After an unknown while, Zhao Junyao suddenly spoke.
"Qingqing..."
"Mm?"
"Those women... it’s not my intention. I don’t like them. I only like you!"
Xia Ruqing was very pleased and thought to herself, Your Majesty, even though you’re just coaxing me, I’m still very happy!
Actually, Xia Ruqing understood.
To an emperor, women were merely tools for continuing the imperial lineage and satisfying physical needs.
If one served him particularly well, providing him with mental and physical relief from his demanding governmental duties, he would naturally favor her more. This "favor" was what all women in the palace yearned for.
But no one knew how long such liking and favor would last.
It certainly couldn’t be equated with romantic love between a man and a woman!
However, Xia Ruqing didn’t ask for much.
From the moment she arrived in this ancient era, she had already given up on that hope.
To gain the emperor’s liking and favor, and to live well, was enough for her.
It wouldn’t mean that the heavens had let her live this extra life in vain.
Xia Ruqing sighed inwardly: If I think this way, perhaps when I fall out of favor in the future, it won’t be so unbearable.
Pregnant women are prone to drowsiness, and Xia Ruqing soon fell asleep.
Zhao Junyao called for attendants to help them wash up, and then the two of them rested for the night.
Early the next morning, after court, Zhao Junyao didn’t return to the Imperial Study Room but went straight to Ningshou Palace.
When he arrived, he indeed saw the Empress Dowager and Noble Consort Shih selecting portraits.
After exchanging greetings, the Empress Dowager smiled and beckoned him over.
"Imperial Son, you’ve come at just the right time. Come, look! Do any of these young ladies catch your eye?"
Zhao Junyao remained standing where he was, his brow furrowed.
"Mother, the naval battle in Guangnan is imminent. As The King, if I cannot even save my people, how can I proceed with a grand selection? If word of this gets out, wouldn’t it dishearten the populace?"
The Empress Dowager, however, dismissed his concerns.
"Ah, Imperial Son, the Emperor conducting an imperial selection is a rule established by our ancestors!"
"A selection every three years is already infrequent. You only have two princes; how can that possibly be enough!"
"You must take more consorts!"
Zhao Junyao had heard the Empress Dowager’s old refrains so many times that he was growing impatient.
"My mind is made up. Mother, say no more!"
How can the Emperor be busy taking new wives while the common people are in dire straits?
In any case, he, Zhao Junyao, would never do such a thing.
The Empress Dowager grew even more anxious.
"Imperial Son!"
"Even if you don’t need any, at least consider your younger brothers!"
"That boy Junqi still doesn’t have a Main Wife. All he does is fool around outside all day!"
"And Little Fifth! He’ll be sixteen after the New Year and also needs to marry a consort! How can this be done without an imperial selection?"
Zhao Junyao remained unmoved.
"In that case, Mother can simply select consorts for them directly."
"As for the imperial selection, I haven’t said I won’t hold one. We must wait until the Guangnan situation is resolved and the people are living in peace and contentment. Only then will I have the mind for it!"
The Empress Dowager hesitated.
Glancing at Noble Consort Shih, who stood respectfully to the side, she thought, A melon plucked too early isn’t sweet. Perhaps it would be better if they entered the palace after this period passes!
She pondered for a moment, then nodded.
"Very well. We’ll postpone this imperial selection for now and only select consorts this time."
"The matters concerning Junqi and Little Fifth truly cannot be delayed!"
Noble Consort Shih, standing to the side, agreed deferentially.
She also felt an inexplicable sense of relief. Truthfully, she didn’t want her cousin to have so many women. It would be best if those Fine Ladies never entered the palace at all. If all the other women in the Harem dropped dead, leaving only her, that would be ideal!