Chapter 131 Various Thoughts

It has only been a few days since the Crown Prince became the emperor and ascended the throne.

The court officials began to propose the expansion of the harem.

Although the emperor refused on the grounds of saving harem expenses for the people, the court officials, especially those with daughters, persisted in their remonstrances.

…….

In the Duke Wei’s residence.

Wei Wushuang felt extremely uncomfortable.

Although Mrs. Luo had been trying to hide it from Wei Wushuang, such matters could not be concealed forever. Despite feeling better, she eventually found out that the emperor had bestowed upon her the title of Princess Pingkang!

Now that the crown prince has ascended the throne as the emperor, even if there were selections, she would not be included!

She became increasingly despondent day by day.

Mrs. Luo, who had initially shifted her attention to her other daughter Lianzhi, now focused entirely on Wei Wushuang.

Despite feeling guilty towards Lianzhi, Wei Wushuang was the daughter she had raised single-handedly, a bond that Lianzhi could not compare to.

Mrs. Luo advised, “Wushuang, at this point, it’s essential to take care of yourself and not dwell on this.”

No matter how Mrs. Luo advised her, she could not let go of her feelings.

After days of depression, Wei Wushuang approached Mrs. Luo and said, “Mother, I want to reside permanently at the templd praying for the emperor and for peace.”

Mrs. Luo did not understand Wei Wushuang’s intentions and worriedly said, “Wushuang, at your age now, you cannot delay matters.”

Wei Wushuang, with a dim expression, replied, “Mother, I do not wish to marry. In the future, I will stay by the side of the Buddha.”

Unable to hold back her tears, Mrs. Luo asked, “Are you trying to break your mother’s heart?”

Wei Wushuang held Mrs. Luo’s hand and reassured her, “Mother, rest assured, I will not stay at the Temple forever.”

It was only at this moment that Mrs. Luo sensed something amiss.

Wei Wushuang nodded gently at Mrs. Luo and said, “Mother, since I was young, everyone told me that I would marry the crown prince in the future. I have worked hard for this for over a decade, and I will not give up easily.”

Mrs. Luo worriedly remarked, “But even if the emperor has now established his heir, with your current status as a princess, it is impossible for you to enter the emperor’s harem!”

Wei Wushuang, with a determined look, said, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”

Mrs. Luo was about to offer more advice but refrained upon seeing her daughter’s expression.

Knowing her daughter well, Mrs. Luo regretted telling her daughter at such a young age that she would marry the crown prince in the future.

Even she believed that with the deep bond between the late emperor, the current emperor, and the Empress Dowager Xiaoxian, there would be no major issues with a Wei family daughter entering the harem.

Now that her daughter had developed such determination, there was no turning back.

Bitterness filled Mrs. Luo’s words as she told Wei Wushuang, “Alright, if you want to go to the Temple to calm your mind, then go. If you come to terms with everything, send word back, and I will come to bring you back.”

Wei Wushuang nodded.

After seeing Wei Wushuang off, Wei Guogong said to Mrs. Luo, “The emperor’s harem is vacant, and now the court officials are proposing the selection of consorts for the emperor. It may not be long before the selections begin.”

“Bring Wuyou back to the residence and teach her some manners.”

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Luo’s expression soured, and she objected, “My lord, Wuyou is simple-minded. How could she be suitable for the harem?”

Wei Guogong frowned, “What’s unsuitable about it? Wuyou is of the right age, has a good relationship with the empress, and will surely thrive in the palace.”

Mrs. Luo sarcastically smiled, “What are you saying? my Wuyou’s current good relationship with the empress is because there are no conflicting interests. Once she enters the palace, things will not be as smooth as they are now.”

Wei Guogong grew impatient, “Then what do you suggest? Wushuang has already been conferred the title of princess by the late emperor. If we don’t send Wuyou, should we send a daughter from a collateral branch? How can a collateral branch daughter be as loyal to our main family as Wuyou?”

Mrs. Luo usually went along with her husband’s decisions, but this time, she refused.

Without asking, she knew that Wuyou would not want to enter the harem. With her eldest daughter Wushuang determined to enter the palace, sending her younger daughter would only cause more heartache.

In a rare display of firmness, Mrs. Luo stated, “Regardless, I do not agree to send  Wuyou to the palace.”

“Daughters from collateral branches are also acceptable. When entering the palace, they always rely on their main family. Moreover, you are the emperor’s close relative, so it’s better to rely on your own family.”

For the first time, Wei Guogong was somewhat surprised by his wife’s firm attitude and said, “Think about it carefully.”

The couple then parted ways arguing.

The next day, Mrs. Luo summoned Lianzhi to the mansion.

After Lianzhi paid her respects to Mrs. Luo, she was seated by her side, and Mrs. Luo asked, “Wuyou, you have completed your mourning period. In a few days, I will host a banquet to formally introduce you to everyone.”

Lianzhi was not keen on such attention and replied, “Mother, haven’t I been introduced before? There’s no need for another special banquet.”

Seeing her daughter’s confusion, Mrs. Luo explained more clearly, “You are of age now. This banquet is an opportunity to meet young men of similar age from the capital.”

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Lianzhi thought of Chen Gongzi face.

That guy had been different lately, no longer teasing her as before but instead giving her gifts, apologizing for past incidents.

Mrs. Luo, being experienced, immediately became alert upon seeing Lianzhi’s expression and asked, “Do you already have someone in mind?”

“Huh?”

“No, no.”

Lianzhi’s face blushed slightly.

Seeing through her daughter, Mrs. Luo held Lianzhi’s hand and said sincerely, “You can’t tell me.”

Lianzhi herself was unsure. She didn’t dislike Chen Gongzi as much as before, but she couldn’t consider him an ideal husband. He just kept appearing in her thoughts, so she said, “Mother, there really isn’t anyone.”

Mrs. Luo didn’t press further and said, “Then at the banquet, observe carefully.”

“I don’t expect you to marry into a high-ranking family. You are simple-minded and used to freedom since childhood. As long as the person is of good character, suits your taste, and the family background is not too high, it’s fine.”

Lianzhi nodded in agreement. She didn’t want to marry into a prestigious family; it didn’t suit her.

After some thought, Lianzhi asked, “Mother, didn’t you say before that I’m still young and should stay with you for a few more years? Why the sudden rush now?”

Initially, Mrs. Luo thought of giving a casual excuse, but then decided to be honest with her daughter. Firstly, to keep her informed, and secondly, to understand Lianzhi’s thoughts.

She explained, “With the emperor’s ascension, the court officials are advising him to expand the harem, and your father wants you to go.”

Upon hearing this, Lianzhi’s face turned pale, and she quickly shook her head, “Mother, I won’t go!”

Mrs. Luo responded, “I knew you would say that, which is why I wanted you to settle down early.”