However, this was not a positive turn of events for the four influential families that wielded immense control over the country.
Originally, the four influential families and the Elder Compound depended on each other.
The four influential families were given that label because of their formidable military power and the vast amount of land they owned. As they possessed far-reaching connections, each of them was a founding General of the nation.
Now that they were this powerful, they would naturally crave for more...
As they trailed behind the Retired Emperor closely with smiling faces, they pondered about how to mention the consort selection.
They had similar ideas in the past.
However, at that time, Helian Wei Wei was so outstanding that she was the best in the appearance and the martial Qi aspects.
It was impossible to send anyone else but her to the Third Prince.
However, it was different now.
It had been a long time but Helian Wei Wei was not pregnant yet.
Being a new Emperor was different from being a mere crown prince. Once he was throned, he had to spread his seeds and produce many offspring. Thus, he had to be fair to every consort so and treat them all equally.
Now, it would be easier to send other women into the imperial palace than before.
They merely need to paint their appearances and sent the paintings to the Retired Emperor for him to look over. By merely doing so, the young ladies from the remaining two influential families could be easily selected.
After all, the Hei family would not be participating while Helian Wei Wei was the head of the Helian family.
Before the two remaining families had returned to the Capital, they had already instructed their people to prepare the portraits of their young ladies.
They were determined to succeed now.
Helian Wei Wei was from the four influential families as well. Thus, she was clearly aware of what the other influential families were scheming about.
The mercenaries had relayed the news to Helian Wei Wei the moment the Retired Emperor arrived at Capital.
When Helian Wei Wei looked at the portraits, her long, narrow eyes twitched as she asked, "These are the candidates for the Third Prince to choose?"
The mercenary thought that it would be better for him to remain silent at this moment.
However, Helian Wei Wei merely smiled and mockingly said, "There are women of all kinds of looks here indeed. Go and return the scroll paintings. I suppose somebody would need them during the afternoon feast."
The mercenary lowered his eyesight and spoke in a low voice, "Eldest Young Lady, for you, these paintings..."
"Return them." Helian Wei Wei's smile did not falter as she fiddled with the strawberries in her palm, muttering to herself, "I wonder what these officials would say in the Great Hall later.'
The mercenary simply answered, "Yes." Then, in a blink of an eye, he disappeared from the Jiuchong Hall.
When he had left, Helian Wei Wei felt a surging excitement coursing through her veins. She only realized what was happening when she stroked her abdomen.
Did the fetus move?
Isn't it too soon?
Shouldn't it only move after later during the pregnancy?
Why is mine so...?
Helian Wei Wei sensed another movement in her palm while she was drowned in her thoughts. The baby seems to be very active and… happy?
Before this, she was plotting about messing with others.
"Little rascal," Helian Wei Wei said with a smile and stroked her abdomen.
The little fetus inside her tummy moved a little, as if in response to her words.
Seems like it really likes to pull pranks as well.
Helian Wei Wei could not help but imagine her little baby running around the imperial palace and pulling pranks on everyone. They would simply cower with fear as the baby grinned mischievously at them.
Although it was morally wrong to do that to others, Helian Wei Wei still felt that her baby was wickedly adorable.
However, she was anxious about His Highness' parenting methods, wondering if he would directly throw the baby out if he found out about its mischief.
As if reading Helian Wei Wei's mind, it moved a little in her belly again.
Helian Wei Wei smiled again and put down the strawberries in her hand languidly, saying, "Fine, let's go and meet your father now. They should've entered the side hall at this moment..."
As Helian Wei Wei was saying that, she walked out of her room. The palace maids were already waiting outside, some with hand-held censers while some were holding her cloak.
Little Seven was still biting a meat bun in his mouth. He dressed smartly today, in a bright black riding armor with jades at the cuffs. His handsome little face seemed cool and was full of vigor. As he was holding Helian Wei Wei's hand, he appeared increasingly impressive.
As the offering of obeisances from all the officials would take some time, the harem's people waited in the Great Hall for the Retired Emperor and the others to walk here from the Xuanwu Gate
Baili Jia Jue was standing to the left of the Retired Emperor, showing no signs of fatigue from the journey. Instead, he looked refined as a jade. A mere raise of his eyes would unveil his elegant and imposing aura.
As soon as Helian Wei Wei arrived, she unexpectedly caught His Highness' eyes and immediately flashed a smile at him.
Little Seven also swelled up his cheeks and called out, "Third Brother, Imperial Grandfather."
Baili Jia Jue answered coldly. Ignoring the ministers surrounding him, he nonchalantly took Helian Wei Wei's hand and scrunched his handsome eyebrows, asking, "Why are your hands so cold?"
"Are they?" Helian Wei Wei did not feel the frost. Instead, she pulled at His Highness' sleeves and said amusingly, "I have something to tell you."
Chapter 714 - The Silly Officials
"Wait a minute." Baili Jia Jue's voice was unrushed as he commanded Shadow behind him, "Go and get a hand warmer."
Shadow nodded respectfully, returning almost instantly after he left to acquire one.
Helian Wei Wei felt very warm, as a warm object was tucked into her left hand while her right hand was held by Baili Jia Jue.
However, the stares from the surrounding onlookers were too glaring. It seemed that everyone was staring at them.
Baili Jia Jue's seemed expressionless, but the covert smile on his face made him look even more handsome than before.
Eunuch Sun beside them let out a sigh of relief. The others might not understand, but he knew it very clearly.
Even though His Highness was indifferent throughout the journey...
Due to recent events, both the Retired Emperor and him were worried that His Highness would deviate into the demonic path. However, it seemed that the Third Prince was still the same. Other than his indifferent temperament and his unwillingness to speak, he was still quite gentle with the Third Princess Consort.
The Retired Emperor understood his grandson's meaning as well. He cursed secretly in his heart. Brat! Then, he beckoned Little Seven over and they sat on the upper seat together.
In front of every minister, there would be a small wooden table that had been set up early in the morning, while the palace maids and eunuchs were standing ready at the side to pour the wine and served the food. The entire vicinity was bustling with noise and excitement.
However, the more lively it was, some people's minds would become busier.
They were the patriarchs of their families, who went to pray together with the Retired Emperor. Everyone was absolutely brimming with joy.
"Although I'm not in the Capital, I highly revere Your Highness' valiant for seizing control of the Xuanyuan Kingdom capital effortlessly. Within a day, their King sent his appeal letter to the Retired Emperor and gave up the southern area of the Xuanyuan Kingdom in front of the messenger. This has never happened before! Your Highness' brilliant astuteness was simply unparalleled."
>
"Yes, Old Li and I were stunned when we heard it. As the saying goes, most of the heroes are the youths. Just look at the Third Prince, our War Dragon Dynasty's status in the Divine Mainland won't be the same anymore!"
"An old saying goes, a nation could not be governed by nobody. The late Emperor is dead now. Since Old Wu and I are ministers to three generations of emperors, we want to recommend the Third Prince as the Emperor in front of the ministers! I think no one would oppose if we hand the War Dragon Dynasty to a prince with great mind and ability. "
Of course, nobody would oppose after experiencing such a series of incidents.
Even the Fifth Prince's people had sworn loyalty to Baili Jia Jue, let alone the ministers who were on Baili Jia Jue's side since the beginning.
Furthermore, Baili Jia Jue was the crown prince. Now that the Emperor was gone, it was legal and natural for him to succeed to the throne.
All the ministers stood up and offered obeisance in the Great Hall. Resounding support echoed from them.
The Retired Emperor was happy when he heard that. Since he did not have much time left, inheriting the throne to his grandson would fulfill his last wish.
However, he thought that they would discuss it again a few days later.
Unexpectedly, they voiced out their support today.
"My beloved subjects, please rise." The Retired Emperor grinned happily. Although he was slightly doubtful, the joy had dispelled all suspicions. He turned around and said to Eunuch Sun, "The enthronement has always been an extremely important event in the nation's foundation. You and Lord Li should carefully pick an auspicious day for it."
"Yes," Eunuch Sun lowered his head and answered, his face beaming with ecstasy.
The ministers realized that the enthronement was set in stone upon hearing this, so they laughed even more gleefully. Except for the ministers from the two families, everyone had returned to their seats and started giving a toast to each other.
Especially, those ministers who were on Baili Jia Jue's side from the beginning.
They were different from the people under the other princes.
They obviously knew that who was the wise emperor, Baili Jia Jue had a calm mind and was simply concealing his strength.
Essentially, he was worlds apart from those princes who were only interested in pursuing their personal gains.
They were worried that the Emperor would be jealous of His Highness and refuse to give him any opportunities.
Ever since young, both the Emperor and the Empress had been treating the Third Prince extremely unfairly.
Although a minister should not comment on the imperial family, the Emperor's methods were too obvious.
If the Retired Emperor did not shield him, the Third Prince might not survive into a.d.u.l.thood.
Since the day when they tested the Third Prince's martial Qi, the Emperor's jealousy toward him was hidden within every movement that he made daily.
In any family, the one who had gained this kind of honor would be praised and flattered.
However, it was different in the Royal Family.
Although the War Dragon Dynasty focussed on martial arts and the Third Prince obtained the title of the crown prince as the apparent heir to the throne, people in the imperial palace had always been envious of genius individuals.
They were almost driven to despair when the huge fire occurred. As they could only helplessly watch a wise emperor fall into ruin, they were very sorry and regretful.
Not only did he not weaken his presence, but he also became the most mysterious prince of the War Dragon Dynasty.
In no time at all, all the six ministries gradually fell into his grasp. Even the officials, soldiers, and kings of the neighboring countries feared his existence.
Now, his effort had ultimately paid off. His Highness was finally going to ascend the throne, how could they be unhappy?
However, the two other ministers did not share this mentality.
They suggested Baili Jia Jue to quickly inherit the throne, so that their daughters could marry him to help maintain their families' influences.
The current situation was clear as day. Even if they did not support the Third Prince as the emperor, he would inevitably inherit the throne.
Hence, they mentioned it first so that the Third Prince would believe that he owed them a favor. Therefore, it would be easier for them to talk about the selection of consorts.
The two ministers had planned these perfectly. They exchanged a glance, before one of them said, "The palace has not been peaceful all this time. I think that there should be some joyous events to usher in some good luck."
"It's reasonable." Another minister spoke while looking at Helian Wei Wei, "In my opinion, the palace lacks a lively atmosphere. After all, the Princess Consort has been married to Your Highness for quite some time. Since Your Highness is busy every day, I think it's time to look for a considerate lady to ease your burden."
Heh, they're really, really silly.
Chapter 715 - Trying To Frame Wei Wei But Received A Slap From His Highness Instead
The two ministers echoed and supported each other's opinions. The hidden meaning behind their words was crystal-clear, hinting at the lack of news of pregnancy from Helian Wei Wei.
The others were stunned when they heard it. After all, many of the ministers had become loyal worshippers of Helian Wei Wei.
With the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Official Personnel Affairs as the leader, they had specially allowed some people to enter the palace occasionally and listen to Helian Wei Wei's advice on their cases.
Now that they heard some people hurling disguised mockery at Helian Wei Wei, they too become secretly anxious.
After all, the matter of having sons and heirs in royal families was a very important issue since ancient times...
Lord Li noticed that the atmosphere had quietened, so he asked Helian Wei Wei smilingly on purpose, "Princess Consort, what do you think?" This suggestion would surely be rejected if they had asked the Third Prince directly. If they asked indirectly like this, she definitely could not refuse them in front of the ministers. Otherwise, she would seem a narrow-minded woman. Thus, it would provide them with even more excuses to request His Highness to marry imperial concubines.
Helian Wei Wei looked at him and was about to talk.
Suddenly, she was stopped by a wooden chopstick flying toward him in the air.
The martial Qi imbued in the chopstick pierced through the Lord Li's hat on his head. The resulting impact made Lord Li fumble two steps backward at once.
As if Lord Li was stunned by the sudden attack, the smile at the corner of his mouth remained hanging, as his lips instantly turned ashen pale. When he stroked his long, straggled hair, he realized that he was inches away from immediate death.
If it were not for his official hat protecting him, the wooden chopstick would have penetrated his brain.
When Lord Li had recovered, every fiber of muscle in his body trembled violently.
Everyone looked at the attacker, Baili Jia Jue. However, he merely smiled indifferently while playing with another chopstick in his hand, asking, "Lord Li, you know that I've sent troops to attack the capital of Xuanyuan Kingdom, right? Then, do you know why am I doing this?"
Whoosh!
Another swishing noise was heard!
Lord Li's left leg was instantly punctured!
"Ahhh!"
His painful yell reverberated through the entire palace hall.
Lord Li had lost his tongue. He collapsed on the ground of the Great Hall, hugging his left leg that was in intense pain while rolling frantically around.
Bright red blood gushed from Lord Li's knee, causing the other minister's face to blanch in terror. He swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue and gulped terrifyingly.
Baili Jia Jue simply took a white handkerchief next to him and wiped his hands, before continuing, "It's because they kept forcing me to marry concubines."
; "Your, Your Highness! The ministers are merely thinking for the greater good of the War Dragon Dynasty," the officials explained desperately and glanced at the Retired Emperor. As if he had gained some courage, he added, "Moreover, even if Your Highness doesn't agree with it, you don't need to hurt people? After all, we are ministers who had supported the Retired Emperor through thick and thin. Haven't Your Highness thought how bitterly disappointed the others would be if they see you treating Lao Li and me like this?"
The minister seized the opportunity and continued, "If it weren't the lack of good news from Third Princess Consort, Lao Li and I would not mention the concubine selection. However, this imperial palace is really inhumane. Is it wrong for us to be concerned about Your Highness?"
"Concerned about me?" Baili Jia Jie sneered menacingly, his face was dripping with sarcasm.
Upon hearing that, the official stopped crying out his grievance at Baili Jia and talked to the Retired Emperor instead, saying, "Retired Emperor, please save us. His Highness' personality is dreadful, killing anyone as his wish. If we've known this, we'd rather go back and farm at home!" As he spoke, he let out a sigh of relief, uttering, "Dangerous beauty, she's really a dangerous beauty!"
He mentioned the words 'dangerous beauty' to allude to Helian Wei Wei as he wanted to shift the blame to Helian Wei Wei.
The minister clearly understood that it would be impossible for the Retired Emperor to punish the Third Prince. However, Helian Wei Wei was different. They had been married for so long but she was still not pregnant. It was considered a sin in ancient times. As Baili Jia Jue did not intend to marry any concubine, her sin was even greater.
If the Third Prince was strongly opposed to this, the ordinary civilians and his peers would claim that His Highness was doing this for Helian Wei Wei.
The minister believed that the Retired Emperor surely understood this. The greatest taboo for a ruler was to show favor on one woman.
The Anarchic Consort c1-1376 Page 307
