“But…” Li Jie raised his head, assuming a more upright position. “Can’t you grasp that those within the harem are regarded as concubines?”
Although Huang Yiming had initially consented to this arrangement out of personal sentiment, Li Jie was, above all, his dear friend. He couldn’t bear to leave him to face it alone.
Shaking his head, Huang Yiming responded, “It’s different in the imperial harem.” He gestured toward himself, adding, “No one there will be relegated to mere concubinage.”
“Indeed, indeed,” Huang Baozhai chimed in promptly, rallying behind her brother. “He would hold the esteemed position of the crown prince’s consort, surpassing many court officials.”
Seizing a rare moment of candor in front of his sister, Huang Yiming continued, “And I can manage matters discreetly.” He smiled, delicately running his fingers through Li Jie’s hair. “Since this monkey is poised to inherit Father’s title, I would be relieved of household responsibilities. That way, objections would be silenced, for Father would be eyeing power through this alliance.”
Li Jie maintained a thoughtful silence.
Amidst the impending unfamiliarity of the imperial court, he yearned for a familiar presence, and there was no one he trusted more than Huang Yiming.
Yet, an undercurrent of distrust lingered. Not because Huang Yiming had transgressed, but because Li Jie harbored an unspoken lack of trust in himself.
The reality was, he couldn’t provide what they sought from him. Accepting his friends’ aid in such a manner—what sort of person would that make him?
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Li Jie pondered with a muted chuckle, revealing nothing on the surface. Could I become someone worse than I already am? Is that even possible?
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“Your Highness?” Li Jie discerned the voice of his personal maid, Han Yasheng. “Counselor Shi wishes to meet with you.”
Li Jie and Huang Baozhai swiftly composed themselves, adjusting their appearances with precision as they moved to take seats behind the table, creating the illusion of scholarly engagement.
In contrast, Huang Yiming maintained his previous posture, turning slightly to face Li Jie, his brows furrowed in contemplation.
Li Jie, aware that Huang Yiming’s frown wasn’t aimed at him but rather reflected a shared disdain for the ex-general Shi He, took a moment before responding, “Inform him that I will meet him in the garden shortly.”
“As you wish, Your Highness,” Han Yasheng’s voice emanated from behind the door, accompanied by the sound of footsteps.
“If you had no intention of admitting him, why go through the charade of propriety?” Huang Baozhai reclined on the floor once more, letting out a yawn. “Go and see what this moody little bitch wants to say. I’ll be enjoying a peaceful rest.”
Li Jie shook his head, recognizing that offering advice to his friend was futile at this point. Rising from his seat, Huang Yiming also stood, inquiring, “May I accompany you?”
Too weary to conjure any excuse, Li Jie simply nodded.
In the corridor leading directly to the garden from the crown prince’s chamber, Shi He awaited them beneath the door of the prince’s personal chamber.
“Counselor Shi He,” Li Jie acknowledged him with a respectful nod, a gesture not strictly obligatory but one he extended due to Shi He’s esteemed status, even earning the acknowledgment of the emperor himself.
Huang Yiming, though offering acknowledgment, refrained from the nod that Li Jie granted. His stance reflected the pride associated with his higher household, particularly when dealing with the moody Shi He.
A personal grudge between Huang Yiming and Shi He fueled their mutual lack of respect, a rivalry concealed even from Li Jie and Huang Baozhai, who remained unaware of the origins of their enmity.
“What brings you here, Counselor Shi He?” Li Jie smiled gently, employing his usual reserved courtly demeanor, a veneer that masked his discomfort whenever confronted by the ex-general’s intense gaze.
“This matter should be discussed with you alone, Your Highness,” Shi He declared, casting a pointed glare at Huang Yiming. “Can we find a more private place to talk?”
Li Jie swiftly grasped that Shi He’s suggestion was a deliberate affront to Huang Yiming. Weighing the options, he realized he couldn’t confidently address Shi He without the comfort of a familiar presence. Yet, asking Huang Yiming to remain might escalate tensions. Given the circumstances, Li Jie made a quick decision, choosing his words carefully to avoid direct offense.
“If this matter pertains to the court discussions today, Huang Yiming is already apprised of it, eliminating the need for secrecy,” Li Jie replied diplomatically.
Shi He gritted his teeth but withheld objection. Ensuring no maids were within sight, he proceeded to delve into the details of what he had previously discussed with the emperor.
“Your Highness, the emperor holds the belief that you agreed to establish the harem for the future of the kingdom,” Shi He got straight to the point. “Yet, I presume that’s not the complete truth, is it? It wasn’t your desire.”
“What…?” Li Jie stared at the ex-general in surprise, utterly unprepared for this line of conversation.
“Counselor Shi He, are you here to engage in conjecture about His Highness’s personal affairs?” Huang Yiming’s expression stayed resolute, but his words bore a sharp edge. “It doesn’t appear to align with your official duties.”
“Your Highness?” Shi He dismissed Huang Yiming, his demeanor less restrained, his temper more volatile.
“Since you evade an answer, I can only surmise the accuracy of my assumptions,” Shi He nodded to himself. “If Your Highness ends up truly seeking a companion among the chosen consorts in the harem, our options for trustworthiness might be limited, considering the presence of serpents and their progeny within the court.”
“I have considered that possibility,” Li Jie regained control of his expression. “But I believe I can manage.” He chose to omit the fact that Huang Yiming would stand as his protector. Shi He needn’t be privy to that information yet.
“Your Highness, I fear that self-assurance alone won’t suffice, a sentiment shared by the emperor,” Shi He’s tone grew colder, laced with a touch of anger, leaving Li Jie perplexed about his perceived transgression.
“And so, I conferred with the emperor, and I believe it’s prudent for you to have a trustworthy presence in the harem. Given my standing, I happen to meet the criteria. Therefore, I wish to inform you that I will be part of your harem, as agreed with the emperor.”
Give me a break…
Omgosh🙄 , they are all lining up to become concubines…🤣. Am gonna zip up now🤐 and keep watching..😏😆
Thanks for the update
You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy the new chapter! 💛💛
Oml I hate love triangles as much as I love them and considering that i was already shipping Shi He and our mc right from chapeter one I’m just gonna lay my cross here and wait until the real ship is established to prevent further heartbreaks 😂😂
I love this.. I wish these chapters were longer.
so glad you’re enjoying it ^.^