Wei Yan watched his own wife looking so angry, and he felt quite troubled. He didn’t want more people to know about this matter, but if he didn’t talk, there would probably be no peaceful days anymore.

Well, this Duke does seem to fear his wife...

Left with no choice, he could only speak the truth: "Madam, do you not know what sort of temperament the Eldest Young Master has? Do you think serving by his side is such an easy task?"

Mrs. Gao was slightly stunned, not understanding: "Husband, what do you mean by this?"

"What do I mean? What else could it mean? This Eldest Young Master is definitely not someone easy to serve. You probably don’t know about the incident at Changming Palace where he beat and killed a group of palace attendants, right?"

"That incident, I actually heard about it," Mrs. Gao furrowed her brows slightly, "Those palace attendants were disrespectful to the Eldest Young Master. Isn’t it appropriate to beat and kill them? How is it improper?"

Wei Yan: "It’s rumored that it was merely because a certain woman got slightly closer to the Eldest Young Master, suspected of attempting seduction, that he had her beaten and killed. At the time, someone pleaded for her, but the person pleading was killed as well."

"This..."

Mrs. Gao was stunned.

She really didn’t know this news, after all, she was just a woman confined to the inner chambers. How could they discuss such matters, let alone have the qualifications to discuss them?

These matters can be talked about superficially, but it’s very difficult to delve deeper. The Imperial Palace wouldn’t leak specific news; those in the know have been silenced.

"So, do you understand now? That Eldest Young Master’s ascension as Emperor necessitates a wide gathering of a harem, but what kind of woman would he like? That’s a mystery. I sent Wei Yunyan to probe things out and pave the way for Dai’er. Was my approach wrong?"

It really wasn’t wrong, it was even quite correct.

Before knowing the Eldest Young Master’s preferences and character, indeed, it was better to send a stepping stone to test the waters.

And Wei Yunyan (Long Yue) is that stepping stone.

"Then..." Mrs. Gao hesitated, "Husband, I’m saying what if — what if the Eldest Young Master really takes a liking to her?"

Wei Yan’s face twitched slightly, showing his dilemma, "This... this should be unlikely, right? Ah, Madam, gentle, Madam, you’re pinching me painfully..."

"Pain, pain, it pains like you’re dead already, you rascal, always doing such uncertain things. That wench Wei Yunyan hates us, you know? Since childhood, being thrown outside and ignored by you, probably wants to eat our hearts!"

This Mrs. Wei was really furious, exasperated by Wei Yan’s stupidity and self-confidence.

"Ah, Madam do not get angry, everything carries a risk, doesn’t it? Besides, even if Wei Yunyan has a chance of catching the Eldest Young Master’s eye, it’s only a chance! If the Eldest Young Master doesn’t like her, her entering the palace is like jumping into a pit of fire, isn’t it?"

Mrs. Gao still had a lot of dissatisfaction, but hearing Wei Yan’s words eased her mind a bit.

It’s true, after all. Eldest Young Master isn’t someone easy to serve; many people in Changming Palace who tried approaching him have failed, she, a wild girl from the countryside, can she have that ability?

"Fine, just according to your plan!"

Mrs. Gao gave a light snort, thus agreeing.

Because Wei Yan and Mrs. Gao had reached a consensus, the survival resistance of Long Yue in this mansion was greatly reduced. Although still, some people occasionally bothered her, tried to disgust her, Long Yue could calmly handle, even turning the tables.

Thus, lazily passing several days, on April 15th, it was sunny, all auspicious, and the enthronement ceremony was held at the Imperial Palace.

Li Qingmu officially ascended the throne as a member of the Rong Imperial Family and married Princess Nianxi as Empress!

Immediately the next day, it was announced to go hunting at Beifeng Forest.

For an Emperor who likes to expand territories, advocating military strength is indispensable, so hunting is something many Emperors are passionate about.

Of course, Li Qingmu wasn’t particularly keen on hunting; it was just about playing around casually, and this idea was proposed by Rong Si.

As soon as Rong Si ascended the throne, she insisted that he broaden the harem, but Li Qingmu said, they are all mediocre, vulgar women, and he’s uninterested.

Rong Si thought since there’s no interest, then under the guise of hunting, why not scout out if there are any pleasing girls on the field?

Li Qingmu knew Rong Si was determined for him to gather a multitude of women, unable to be stopped, he could only agree.

Just like that, the matter of the Imperial Family hunting was spread around, scheduled for three days later.

...

At night, it had rained, drizzling, persistent. Fortunately, by the next morning, the small rain had ceased, the warm sun rose high, spilling golden hues.

On the ground, numerous small puddles gathered, glinting spots of light under the sunlight’s refraction.

On the verdant leaves, droplets of crystal dew hung, and upon closer inspection, there were rainbow glows above.

"Ah—"

Long Yue stood silently on the railing of the courtyard, gazing at the post-rain scene, watching a cluster of flowers blooming in the morning mist.

You’er watched from the side, worried because Long Yue remained silent, tugging her sleeve with a concerned expression.

"Ah, ah..."

You’er, seeing Long Yue ignoring her, called out again.

Long Yue finally turned her face, looking at the anxious You’er, suddenly smiled softly, "I’m fine, don’t worry for me."

Li Qingmu ascended the throne and unexpectedly installed an Empress, actually the Princess Nianxi?

Long Yue, upon hearing this news, was like struck by a bolt from the blue, not reacting for quite a while, even suspecting someone intentionally probing her or playing with her.

Princess Nianxi...

The name was so familiar, yet now appeared so strange!

The Princess Nianxi she had saved back then was long gone, or perhaps, this is her true face?

Perhaps, she might have fancied Li Qingmu since back then?

As soon as this thought emerged, Long Yue was startled by her own mind.

This is absurd! Yet now it seemed so reasonable!

Nianxi, well played, you even dared to steal love boldly!

Long Yue gradually squinted, resting her hand on the railing, gripping tightly, with such force it seemed she was about to break it!

Anyone can marry him as Empress, but you cannot!

"Sister Yan’er!"

While Long Yue pondered about Li Qingmu and Nianxi’s affairs, Wei Yundai leisurely came over.

She paid respects to Long Yue with a friendly attitude.

Because she had already heard from Mrs. Gao about her father Wei Yan’s plan, letting Yun Yan enter the palace first to explore, understanding the new Emperor’s temperament before going herself, avoiding many conflicts and risks.

That’s a good idea!

She, Wei Yundai, also has a deep admiration for the new Emperor!

"Sister, do you need something?"

Long Yue didn’t favor her much; seeing her approach, she just put on a cold face.

"Nothing much, heard tomorrow we’ll be going hunting at Beifeng Forest, is sister going?"

Going to the forest, many ministers can bring female companions. This time, though it’s called hunting, it’s actually for the new Emperor to select concubines, so many ministers’ daughters are keen to go.

Wei Yundai is no exception.

She agreed with her father’s approach, but what if... what if the new Emperor falls in love at first sight with her?