Li Jie grappled with a tumult of emotions, struggling to articulate his thoughts in the wake of unexpected developments. With a subtle motion, he signaled to Huang Yiming to maintain a poised silence, determined to confront the situation with a facade of tranquility.
“Counselor Shi He,” Li Jie addressed, his voice resolute despite the internal turmoil. “Have you pondered the potential repercussions on your standing and position in light of accepting such a role?”
Shi He’s countenance remained unyielding, his words delivered with a steadfast tone. “Your Highness, the emperor has assured me that he will manage any consequences. I am acting in the best interest of the kingdom’s future.”
“I comprehend your viewpoint,” Li Jie responded, holding onto his composure. “Yet, the shift from a highly esteemed counselor, once a general, to assuming the role of the crown prince’s male consort raises apprehensions about public perception.”
“Do not trouble yourself with these concerns, Your Highness,” Shi He’s gaze narrowed as he spoke. “The emperor has guaranteed me that he will address them.”
Li Jie hesitated, casting a glance at the impassive figure of Huang Yiming at his side. Contemplating the prospect of accepting Shi He and thereby resolving the predicament of navigating the harem without an ally, he wondered if it might persuade Huang Yiming to withdraw. “Can my imperial father truly bring a resolution to this matter?”
Shi He arched an eyebrow, a trace of suspicion in his gaze. “Undoubtedly, Your Highness. The emperor is more than capable of handling such a trivial matter.”
Concluding his statement, Shi He extended his hand, passing a note to Li Jie, who received it without a moment’s hesitation. Unfolding the missive, he perused the contents—a message from his father imbued with reassurances. With a wry smile, Li Jie folded the note and secured it in his pocket.
Crazy bastard.
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.
“Ktlr wlrrlnf ogbw ws lwqfglji ojatfg lwqilfr atja sbeg jlv wjs yf reqfgoieber,” Ol Alf jrrfgafv, tlr abcf fzevlcu mbcolvfcmf. “P njief sbeg mbcmfgc, sfa P jw mbcnlcmfv bo ws jylilas ab cjnlujaf atf mtjiifcufr atja ilf jtfjv.”
Ktlr vfmlrlbc wluta yf vffwfv bcf bo atf wbra rfio-mfcafgfv jmalbcr Ol Alf tjv fnfg ajxfc, yea atf wfgf qgbrqfma bo atf fz-ufcfgji’r mbcrajca qgbzlwlas lcvemfv j nlrmfgji gfqeirlbc lc atf vfqatr bo tlr yflcu.
Shi He’s brows knit together, suspicion tainting his voice. “Why would you decline my assistance, Your Highness? It is for your own benefit. The political intricacies are not something you can manage alone.”
Unable to endure the mounting tension, Huang Yiming intervened, extending a protective hand to rest on Li Jie’s waist. His voice maintained a calm yet resolute demeanor as he addressed Shi He.
“His Highness has communicated his intentions clearly. Your aid is unnecessary, Counselor Shi He,” Huang Yiming declared, his gaze unwavering.
“Ah, you are Huang Yiming from the Huang household, correct?” Shi He’s smirk bore a trace of irritation. “Given the recent court incidents, perhaps you should maintain a greater distance from his highness. Your actions might be misconstrued.”
Huang Yiming’s expression remained steadfast, his composure unshaken. He recognized the need to handle the situation with care, preventing any escalation that could distress Li Jie.
“I am serving as His Highness’s cover within the harem,” Huang Yiming disclosed, his tone still composed. “Your assistance is not needed.”
A flicker of anger ignited in Shi He’s eyes, though he restrained his words. Observing Li Jie’s unfocused gaze and clenched fists gripping his sleeve, Huang Yiming opted for transparency with the counselor.
Witnessing Shi He’s reaction, Li Jie became even more resolute that the ex-general couldn’t serve as a reliable confidant, especially not as a nightly informant on various matters, given that the emperor would be Shi He’s primary allegiance.
“Counselor Shi He, I appreciate your concern, but I’ve chosen to lean on the support of my trusted companion,” Li Jie declared, offering a slight nod as a formal gesture of gratitude.
“Your Highness,” Shi He’s frown mirrored the disdain he had exhibited in the court earlier. “I strongly advise against such a decision. It may not be prudent.”
Unexpectedly, Huang Baozhai interjected into their exchange, materializing seemingly out of thin air, as was her habit, going unnoticed until she chose to make her presence known. “And why should he not be considered, Counselor Shi?”
Li Jie winced internally, noting Shi He’s palpable aversion to both himself and Huang Yiming. Now, with Huang Baozhai stepping into her brother’s shoes, she had joined their unofficial deliberation.
“General Huang,” Shi He directed his animosity toward the woman, “may I inquire as to why you were eavesdropping?”
“I wasn’t,” Huang Baozhai retorted, flashing an innocent smile. “I happened to be passing by and caught a snippet of your conversation.”
Though it was evident she wasn’t being entirely truthful, Shi He had no way to substantiate his suspicions. He also acknowledged the close ties the Huang siblings shared with the crown prince, a connection that should have commanded some respect from the ex-general. However, it only seemed to fuel his hostility.
“To address your inquiry,” Shi He dismissed her presence, attempting to resume the conversation. Yet, Huang Baozhai took delight in observing him, well aware of his burning desire to cast a disapproving gaze.
“The matter of the crown prince’s harem concerns the court and the kingdom,” Shi He redirected his gaze to Li Jie. “If Your Highness wishes to include your companion in the harem for protection, that decision lies solely with the emperor. I have no say in Your Highness’s personal matters.”
“However, regarding the purpose of my visit,” Shi He continued, his tone devoid of unnecessary emotions. “The matter has been settled and will be announced soon.”
Li Jie’s initial shock abated briefly as the reality dawned on him. “Announced? When?”
“The court moves with a swifter pace than you might anticipate, Your Highness,” Shi He answered, his demeanor unwavering. “Fifteen high-ranking men from various kingdoms and some from prominent official households in our own kingdom, myself included, have already been chosen and contacted. Now, Your Highness must simply await the unfolding events.”
“Your Highness, the harem building rightfully belonging to His Majesty has long stood vacant, and Her Majesty the Empress prefers to reside in her own palace,” Shi He elucidated. “The harem’s construction, the selection of consorts, and all necessary arrangements have been completed. It’s merely a matter of time before the news disseminates.”
Shi He cast a smirking glance at Huang Yiming, projecting an air of authority, his eyes glinting with a perceived superiority. “I’ve advocated that my presence alone suffices for Your Highness’s needs. Nonetheless, time is of the essence, Your Highness.”
“The emperor has already sought the wording for the imminent announcement, and in our kingdom, tradition dictates a one-year waiting period before adding new consorts,” Shi He disclosed.
Li Jie endeavored to steady his voice, though Huang Yiming noted the subtle tremor in his hands. “Counselor Shi He, could you please be more direct in delivering your message?”
“Your Highness,” Shi He bowed slightly, a clear indication of his inclination to depart. “What I mean to convey is that should your companion’s name not promptly grace the harem list, it will be excluded for an entire year. If his sole purpose is to protect you, he should harbor no reservations. However, should he entertain any ulterior motives, I fear it may be too late…”
