Emperor Mingkang noticed Jiang Yuanchao’s momentary confusion, and his eyes bore into him with depth.

Jiang Yuanchao quickly recovered: “Your subject has not paid attention to this matter. Marquis Guanjun’s fiancée is, after all, a young lady in her boudoir…”

Emperor Mingkang glanced at Jiang Yuanchao and said coolly, “It seems Commander Jiang is still young.”

As the emperor’s eyes and ears, how could he use worldly perspectives to distinguish surveillance targets?

What did it matter if she was a young lady in her boudoir? She was Marquis Guanjun’s fiancée!

Jiang Yuanchao’s heart trembled as he lowered his head: “Your subject has failed in his duties. Please punish me, Your Majesty.”

Emperor Mingkang stared at Jiang Yuanchao for a moment, then looked toward Wei Wuxie: “Go bring the item.”

A moment later, Wei Wuxie approached Jiang Yuanchao carrying a tray. Jiang Yuanchao looked puzzled.

“In seven or eight days, Marquis Guanjun should return to the capital, shouldn’t he?”

Jiang Yuanchao dared not hesitate further and hurriedly said: “According to messages from the Jinlin Guards your subject sent, this is indeed the case. The army is now on its way back to the capital, but their speed has been delayed because common people have been seeing them off all along the route.”

Emperor Mingkang nodded: “Commander Jiang, before Marquis Guanjun enters the capital, I hope you can deliver this to Third Miss Li.”

“This is—” Jiang Yuanchao stared at the porcelain bottle in the tray before him, his eyes contracting, his hands hidden in his wide sleeves trembling slightly.

Emperor Mingkang said leisurely, “Since the world says Third Miss Li is unwell, why not comply with public opinion?”

He had been troubled for a long time about Marquis Guanjun’s background, and Third Miss Li’s illness finally provided a solution: if Marquis Guanjun’s fiancée were gone, he could recruit Marquis Guanjun as a prince consort. Once Marquis Guanjun became part of the imperial family, surely he would extinguish any inappropriate thoughts?

Hmm, the Eighth and Ninth Princesses both had flawless appearances now. Either would be fine. When the time came, he would ask Marquis Guanjun’s opinion—it could be considered giving him a choice.

Jiang Yuanchao showed no emotion on his face, but fury burned in his heart.

Damn your “complying with public opinion”—His Majesty harbored such intentions!

“Commander Jiang, go ahead. I await your good news.”

“Your Majesty, there are many of Marquis Guanjun’s guards protecting the Li residence. If your subject sends people to the Li residence, it might alarm them. If something happens to Third Miss Li, then Marquis Guanjun will become suspicious.”

Emperor Mingkang was silent for a moment, then sighed lightly: “Marquis Guanjun is indeed devoted to his fiancée.”

That little rascal was indeed quite cunning. If he became suspicious about his fiancée’s death, it would be counterproductive.

In this case, the Jinlin Guards couldn’t be used.

“You may withdraw.”

“Your subject takes leave.”

The hall quieted down. Emperor Mingkang stretched out his thin, long hand, occasionally tapping the dragon throne’s armrest. After a long while, he suddenly looked toward Wei Wuxie: “Wei Wuxie, go summon Consort Li.”

When Consort Li received the summons, she was completely bewildered.

His Majesty was summoning her, and in broad daylight—it was simply like a dream.

Honestly, she could barely remember what His Majesty looked like anymore.

“Consort Li, please come. His Majesty is still waiting.”

Consort Li followed the young eunuch to Qianqing Palace, where Wei Wuxie led her inside.

Consort Li dared not breathe heavily, much less look around. She walked forward carefully with lowered brows and downcast eyes. When her gaze touched a corner of bright yellow robes, she hurriedly knelt and paid her respects to Emperor Mingkang.

“Beloved consort, please rise.” Emperor Mingkang commanded Consort Li to stand, and seeing her face clearly, he was slightly stunned.

Eh, he had such a beautiful consort? How had he not remembered her before?

Right, this Consort Li came from his imperial sister’s residence. Later, when he was busy practicing the Way and refining pills, he had forgotten about her. Hmm, it seemed he should stroll through the harem later—he might discover many beauties.

“Beloved consort, come sit.”

Consort Li walked over tremulously and sat down, feeling particularly uncomfortable under Emperor Mingkang’s gaze.

“Beloved consort, need not be so nervous. I summoned you here to ask about the Ninth Princess.”

Consort Li’s whole body trembled, and she couldn’t help but glance at Emperor Mingkang before quickly lowering her eyes again.

“The Ninth Princess has come of age, hasn’t she?”

Consort Li lowered her head: “She came of age two years ago.”

Emperor Mingkang: “…” Could she speak properly?

“Seventeen is indeed not young. It’s time to find her a prince consort.”

“Your Majesty wants to find a prince consort for the Ninth Princess?” Hearing about her daughter’s marriage prospects, Consort Li’s fear of imperial authority immediately diminished considerably, and she asked with hidden joy.

“What does beloved consort think of Marquis Guanjun?”

Consort Li was stunned.

“Beloved consort, speak boldly.”

“A prince consort like Marquis Guanjun… would indeed be beyond reproach.”

Emperor Mingkang smiled: “So beloved consort is very satisfied with Marquis Guanjun?”

Consort Li felt something was amiss and hesitated before saying: “Your subject heard that Marquis Guanjun is already engaged.”

Emperor Mingkang chuckled: “Marquis Guanjun is indeed engaged, but I heard his fiancée has contracted a serious illness and probably doesn’t have much time left.”

Consort Li’s whole body trembled. Meeting Emperor Mingkang’s calm, unruffled eyes, she suddenly understood something.

“Wei Wuxie, give the item to Consort Li.”

Seeing the white porcelain bottle placed before her, Consort Li’s expression changed slightly, and she hesitated to move.

“I haven’t seen beloved consort for a long time and have truly neglected you. This is a gift I’m bestowing upon my beloved consort.” Seeing Consort Li’s lack of response, Emperor Mingkang’s face darkened: “What, does beloved consort not like this gift?”

“Your subject likes it, likes it.” Consort Li hurriedly took the white porcelain bottle.

Emperor Mingkang leaned back, settling comfortably against the dragon throne’s back, and smiled faintly: “After I finish my evening lessons, I’ll visit my beloved consort. You may withdraw first.”

“Your subject takes leave.”

Emperor Mingkang nodded to Wei Wuxie, who understood and personally escorted Consort Li out.

“This slave congratulates Your Ladyship.”

Consort Li’s lips turned pale: “Lord Wei jests.”

“How is it jesting? With His Majesty’s gift, how could Your Ladyship worry about the Ninth Princess not having a good prince consort?”

Consort Li’s face paled. The porcelain bottle hidden in her sleeve felt like a hot potato, but she couldn’t throw it away.

Seeing Consort Li like this, Wei Wuxie chuckled softly: “What is Your Ladyship afraid of? How many ideal sons-in-law like Marquis Guanjun exist in the world? His Majesty will handle everything for you.”

At this point, Wei Wuxie stepped closer and whispered in Consort Li’s ear: “Your Ladyship can rest assured—it’s not something that takes effect immediately. Ordinary people can hold on for three to five days before dying of illness. Who would know?”

Meeting Wei Wuxie’s smiling eyes, Consort Li’s rapidly beating heart suddenly calmed down.

Yes, what was she afraid of? As long as Third Miss Li died of illness, Marquis Guanjun would become her daughter’s prince consort, and then Zhenzhen’s future would be settled.

His Majesty’s willingness to betroth a princess to Marquis Guanjun showed how much he valued him. Zhenzhen wouldn’t suffer in the future.

Consort Li returned to her chambers and summoned Princess Zhenzhen, dismissing everyone else before quietly explaining Emperor Mingkang’s intentions.

Princess Zhenzhen’s face turned white as paper: “Mother, I cannot do such a thing!”

Consort Li immediately began crying upon hearing this: “Zhenzhen, this is your father emperor’s wish. Do you know the consequences of refusing? Your father emperor, has entrusted this matter to me. If I take no action, your father emperor, definitely won’t forgive me lightly!”