As an emperor, Liang Ye held his first imperial concubine selection, which was very lively.
Various beauties floated past his eyes, and the entire palace was filled with the scent of cosmetics. Liang Ye lazily leaned back on the dragon throne, strongly resisting the urge to yawn, and waved his hand to dismiss the fluttering beauties below.
Even though she knew Liang Ye had no interest, Tan Yishuang, sitting beside him, couldn’t help but advise, “Your Majesty, did you really not fancy anyone? Even one or two would be fine.”
“Too ugly,” Liang Ye frowned with disgust, carelessly saying, “To do those intimate things with them, Zhen would rather drink white jade soup.”
Even the usually calm Tan Yishuang couldn’t help but want to slap him, then sighed with relief that he wasn’t her own son. If he were her son, she would rather have gone with the late emperor early on, to avoid being angered to death by this troublesome creature.
Liang Ye drooped his eyelids and suddenly had an idea, “Why don’t the Concubine select some young and handsome men for Zhen instead? Zhen thinks the second son of Minister Feng, the third legitimate son of Assistant Minister Zhou, and the only son of Inspector Li… these are not bad.”
Tan Yishuang was shocked, “Your Majesty!”
The small eunuchs and palace maids serving water and tea nearby trembled and knelt down, and the guards outside followed suit.
The news spread quickly throughout the capital as if it had grown wings. The families Liang Ye had named immediately wailed and cried as if mourning their dead – who the hell would want to send their sons with bright futures and inheritance into the palace? Not only would their official careers and reputations be ruined, but they also couldn’t produce heirs, bearing the infamy of confusing the ruler, and having to serve such an unpredictable lunatic. It would be the worst luck in eight lifetimes to be fancied by Liang Ye.
Moreover, those who were named were the ones who had “advised” Liang Ye most strongly to take concubines before. Under this bolt from the blue, the officials belatedly realized that Liang Ye was blatantly warning them – after all, if Liang Ye was determined to make their sons enter the palace, under imperial power, they had no room for resistance.
So the next day at court, the discussion hall was filled with wailing.
The learned and erudite officials painfully and sincerely advised His Majesty not to take male concubines. They spoke of natural laws and human ethics, traced ancient history and looked to the future, gave examples from trivial matters to the rise and fall of dynasties, and greatly praised His Majesty’s foresight and love for his people like his own children… They elaborated on the harm of taking male concubines to Great Liang, to Liang Ye, and to future generations from all perspectives and angles. When emotions ran high, they wept and wailed.
At this moment, everyone had become loyal ministers who loved their country and were full of righteousness.
Wang Dian listened to this grand “lecture report” where the officials took turns to speak, eloquent and articulate, each with excellent oratory skills.
Liang Ye sat on the dragon throne and sighed deeply. Everyone’s hearts suddenly rose to their throats. Then they heard Liang Ye speak leisurely, “Previously, when Zhen considered Wang Dian as a kindred spirit, you all tried hard to label us. Zhen didn’t feel anything was wrong, after all, Zhen had a clear conscience. Now that Zhen truly finds men appealing, why are you all so eager to advise against it?”
The officials below wished they could just send Wang Dian directly to his dragon bed, to prevent him from causing trouble for their precious sons. Unfortunately, at this moment, they absolutely couldn’t follow his words.
“Your Majesty,” someone stood up and said, “Your relationship with Wang Daren is like the clear wind and bright moon, without any hint of impropriety. It was us ministers who were foolish and blind!”
“Wang Daren is wholeheartedly devoted to Your Majesty, his loyalty is evident to heaven and earth! It was this minister who was narrow-minded…”
So the tone changed to everyone lavishly praising Wang Dian. Even if they had to hold their noses, they had to elevate Wang Dian, strongly proving that they had been blind and misunderstood His Majesty and Wang Dian before. They began to apologize profusely – ultimately circuitously coming back to the point that His Majesty actually didn’t like men at all, they would stake their lives on His Majesty’s innocence, begging him not to go mad.
Liang Ye listened carelessly, smiling as he looked towards Wang Dian.
Wang Dian was utterly amazed.
It was their misfortune to encounter such a crazy and shameless emperor as Liang Ye.
Estimating that the time was about right, Wang Dian finally stood up to play along with him, and spoke up. “Your Majesty, selecting male consorts is a major matter that needs long-term consideration, but the normal selection of consorts should still proceed.”
For a moment, the looks directed at Wang Dian were full of gratitude and awe – regardless of how they had previously hated Wang Dian to the bone, at this moment, Wang Dian’s advice was like a beacon of light in the entire discussion hall.
“Hmm.” Liang Ye looked completely disinterested, “We’ll discuss this matter later.”
How could the court officials be willing to let it go? Yet they feared triggering Liang Ye’s temper again, worrying he might set his sights on their sons if he went mad. They all fell silent, not daring to advise too strongly – after all, those who had advised most strongly before, their sons were all named by Liang Ye to enter the palace.
Only an inconspicuous Wen Yu, when others were discussing the issue of His Majesty selecting consorts and establishing an empress, “inadvertently” mentioned that the Tan family had a daughter, a distant niece of the current Imperial Concubine Tan, who was among the candidates. However, this was quickly drowned out in the clamor.
Soon, before the storm of His Majesty’s decision to select male consorts had settled, “extraordinary tales” about this Tan family daughter spread throughout the capital. There were countless rumors, such as her being prophesied to have a “phoenix destiny” as a child, her excellent medical skills saving numerous lives, her talent and knowledge of military strategy, her patriotism, and how she risked her life to deliver medicine and save Liang Ye when he was assassinated… The people of the capital fully exercised their “subjective initiative,” enriching and perfecting the entire story with great detail, even asserting with certainty such specifics as Miss Tan Jiu having a red mole behind her ear, and a swallow-shaped scar on her hand from being bullied by her sisters and pushed into a pond as a child.
It was as if there really was such a Miss Tan Jiu who had a tragic and tortuous childhood experience, but with strong will and perseverance, and a deep understanding of righteousness.
Wang Dian even heard from the maids in his household that “Tan Jiu” had a tall, masculine build, was good at archery and enjoyed farming, yet was also meticulous, dexterous, and extremely skilled in needlework and music.
“What nonsense is this,” Wang Dian was greatly puzzled, “These are clearly all rumors.”
“That can’t be, everyone is saying so,” the maid said with a dreamy look. “I heard Miss Tan Jiu has a resilient character. Even when she was a maid, she never forgot to study and practice archery. She was pursued relentlessly by young masters from noble families but remained unmoved, only wishing to join the army and serve the country like the former Empress. She must be an exceptionally good person.”
At first, Wang Dian wondered who would believe such ridiculous rumors. Then he heard a storyteller in a teahouse narrate the first half of Tan Jiu’s tumultuous life – disguising herself as a man to work as a servant and guard, accidentally meeting the emperor, being pursued by noble sons but remaining unmoved… He also heard about Tan Jiu sneaking into the palace at night just to deliver medicine, and the part where the emperor, on the brink of death, coldly rebuked her. Wang Dian even wanted to slap Liang Ye, that insensitive bastard…
Within a few days, memorials requesting the establishment of an empress increased in the court.
Liang Ye flew into a rage during the morning court, sneering with disdain. “Tan Jiu has a tall, masculine build, neither considerate nor gentle. She merely saved Zhen’s life once, why should Zhen make her the empress?”
Listen, was this even human speech?
The more he refused, the more enthusiastic the officials became. The threat of Liang Ye wanting to take their sons into the palace still hung over their heads, and Tan Jiu’s appearance was so timely. Apart from her appearance not being entirely satisfactory, in all other aspects, whether family background or character, she was worthy of being empress. Most importantly, no matter how unreasonable His Majesty was, he still had to repay the favor of saving his life, right?
The common people were equally excited. Although Tan Jiu was a young lady from a noble family, she had suffered more hardships than them, faced as much injustice as they had, yet dared to fight back, fearless of the powerful, bravely pursuing her ideals and love. Tan Jiu was no longer just Tan Jiu, but the hope and embodiment of countless “Tan Jius” who couldn’t resist or struggle. Only if the story ended with Tan Jiu becoming the empress would it be the outcome they ultimately wanted to see.
For a time, the entire capital seemed bewitched, all discussing Tan Jiu becoming empress. As for the emperor’s own wishes – sometimes, when public opinion and the general trend were overwhelming, under the pressure of public opinion, they seemed so insignificant.
Wang Dian looked at the mountain of memorials requesting the establishment of an empress, and glanced at Liang Ye with great admiration, “Your Majesty’s move is truly formidable.”
Although it was just creating stories and spreading rumors, it played with people’s hearts and public opinion brilliantly – between taking consorts and not taking consorts, the court officials not only wanted the emperor to take consorts but also strived for the position of empress. But once the emperor wanted to take their sons, at this point, the court officials would be thankful as long as His Majesty was willing to take women as consorts. As for who became empress, it was no longer important at this point. As long as it was a woman, if she was virtuous and talented, being a bit ugly was acceptable – after all, they weren’t marrying her themselves.
Liang Ye lifted his eyelids and glanced at him, “Zhen has arranged everything. On the wedding day, you only need to enter the palace in a sedan chair from the Tan family. The procession through the streets will be skipped to avoid accidents. At that time, Zhen can use the excuse of not being pleased. As for the empress coronation ceremony, the phoenix crown and embroidered robe, Zhen won’t shortchange you on anything.”
Wang Dian was just reaching up to take the go basket from the top of the curio shelf. After taking it down and opening it, he grabbed the cool go pieces and walked forward two steps before suddenly pausing, “Phoenix crown and embroidered robe?”
“Mm.” Liang Ye set up the go board on the small table and reached for the go basket in his other hand, placing it beside his leg. “Zhen has seen them, they’re very beautiful.”
Wang Dian finally belatedly reacted, his eyelids twitching violently twice. His voice was dry as he asked, “On the wedding day, what I’ll be wearing is—”
“Women’s clothing.” Liang Ye picked up a go piece and happily placed it on the board. “The fabric for the dress and veil were personally selected by Zhen. The eyebrow powder, rouge, and lip color for your makeup have also been chosen by Zhen.”
“…….” Wang Dian remained silent for a long time, then sat down across from him, holding the go basket.
Liang Ye lazily propped up his head with one hand. With the other hand raised, he held a translucent white jade go piece between his fingers, slowly and methodically tracing Wang Dian’s eyebrows, eyes, nose, and lips through the air. His gaze, suppressing excitement and desire, was scorching and undeniable.
“Wang Dian, you will certainly be the most beautiful bride in the entire capital.”
