Lin Zili’s eyes flickered, but he forced a smile and shook his head. “It is nothing. Do not worry; I am back now.”
“Never mind me. Please, hurry and dress His Majesty. We cannot be late for the morning court.”
Seeing that he did not wish to elaborate, Ye Ping did not press further. He efficiently helped the young Emperor dress and meticulously groomed him. Once everything was in order, the Emperor, flanked by Lin Zili and Ye Ping, proceeded toward the Great Hall.
Lin Zili followed behind the Emperor into the hall. The officials performed their usual kowtows and greetings, though Yan Jingxuan merely cupped his fists and bowed slightly.
As they stood, the two locked eyes for a fleeting second. Lin Zili’s expression was flat and emotionless, as if he were looking at a complete stranger and the events of the past few days had never occurred. He quickly looked away.
Yan Jingxuan frowned. He found this indifferent expression even more infuriating than the blatant resistance Lin Zili had shown earlier.
The officials also noticed Lin Zili and were inwardly shocked. They had not expected him to return to the palace unscathed. When Yan Jingxuan had taken him away, everyone assumed his fate was sealed, given the Regent’s notoriously ruthless and overbearing nature. Seeing him standing perfectly fine by the Emperor’s side, the officials exchanged secret glances, each busy with their own calculations.
Yan Jingxuan observed their reactions. He understood exactly what they were thinking. They wanted to use him as a weapon, but they clearly lacked the wisdom to realize the risks involved.
Suddenly, an official stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I have a matter to report.”
“Now that the Regent has returned to the capital, he should consider his personal life. Establishing a family is a significant matter since ancient times. Given the heavy responsibilities the Regent shoulders, having a spouse to provide support would be a blessing for both the Imperial Court and the Prince himself.”
Once this was said, many other officials chimed in, each harboring their own selfish motives. Many of their families had unmarried daughters. Since they could not betroth them to the young Emperor, marrying the Regent was an excellent alternative. If they could not secure the title of Princess Consort, a secondary consort position would suffice.
All eyes turned to Yan Jingxuan.
Yan Jingxuan frowned. “I am currently focused solely on state affairs and have no interest in considering such personal matters.”
The official persisted. “Your Highness is twenty-six this year. Men of our dynasty are usually fathers by this age. It is inappropriate for you to be without a consort to manage the household or even a concubine to attend to your needs.”
Yan Jingxuan’s expression grew dark, a flicker of impatience crossing his eyes. He said coldly, “I will handle my own affairs. There is no need for you to concern yourself with them. You would do better to worry about how to manage your own official duties.”
Seeing that Yan Jingxuan was angered, the official hurried to silence himself. The atmosphere in the hall became stifling and awkward.
Lin Zili kept his head low, secretly thinking that if Yan Jingxuan truly took a wife, he would surely be concerned with his public image and stop pestering him.
With that thought, he spoke up. “The officials speak truly. The Regent is no longer young, and his campaigns have already delayed him for many years. It is indeed time to consider his future.”
“I recall that some of your families have daughters of marriageable age. Perhaps, after the morning court, you could send their portraits for the Regent to choose from.”
The officials below were stunned. They had not expected Lin Zili to side with them. Did he not realize that if their families formed a marriage alliance with the Regent, Yan Jingxuan’s monopoly on power would only grow stronger? Regardless, since Lin Zili had opened the door, they were happy to push the momentum forward.
They quickly echoed, “The Eunuch is correct. The Regent’s military achievements and noble status make it our honor if our kin could marry into his household.”
Yan Jingxuan looked at Lin Zili. The expression in his eyes made Lin Zili feel cold, as if he were being hunted by a giant beast that would not rest until it had him.
Yan Jingxuan let the officials chatter for a while, listening to their nonsensical moralizing before a malicious gleam flickered in his eyes.
“Are you finished? If so, listen to me for a moment.”
“It is not impossible for me to marry. However, I have little interest in women. I have heard that many of you have outstanding legitimate sons. I am actually quite interested in them.”
“How about this? I will take one woman as my legal wife, but you must send your legitimate sons to serve me as attendants. What say you, gentlemen?”
The moment Yan Jingxuan said this, the hall fell into a deathly silence. The officials who had been so enthusiastic moments ago turned deathly pale. They had never imagined he would suggest such a thing. Sending their own sons, their carefully cultivated heirs, to serve as attendants was absolutely unacceptable.
“This, how is this proper? It violates the natural order!”
Yan Jingxuan replied, “What is wrong with that? I am not refusing to take a wife. Marrying a woman to produce heirs is sufficient. Taking your sons as concubines is the best of both worlds, is it not?”
“I recall that Minister Zhang of the Ministry of Revenue has a legitimate son known for being a gentle scholar. I am quite fond of that type. I will do you a favor. How about promising Young Master Zhang the title of secondary consort?”
The official who had first made the proposal was so terrified his legs gave out. He stammered, “Your Highness, this must not be! We only thought you needed a woman to provide warmth and care. We meant nothing else. Please forgive us and do not bring this up again.”
The other officials scrambled to plead for mercy. “Your Highness, please calm your anger! It was our poor judgment and loose tongues. Please show mercy and pretend we never spoke.”
Yan Jingxuan’s expression darkened further. “Why are you all so resistant? If I choose a woman, it is acceptable, but if I choose a man, it is not? Am I not worthy of your legitimate sons?”
The officials knelt in terror. “No, no! It is not that we are unworthy; it is just that our sons are already betrothed and cannot marry the Regent.”
The others quickly seized this lifeline. “Yes, exactly! Our sons are already betrothed and will be married soon.”
Yan Jingxuan wore a look of regret. “That is truly a pity. Are there any other officials here who have unmarried legitimate sons for me to choose from?”
Seeing the attention turned toward them, the remaining officials lowered their heads in panic, making excuses and fearing they would be the next ones targeted.
Yan Jingxuan swept his gaze across the hall, and no one dared to meet it. “Very well, we shall let it rest for now. If any of you wish to sell your sons for glory, be sure to let me know. I am happy to provide you with that opportunity.”