Pregnant Before the Royal Marriage

Chapter 693: Chapter 693: Your Show Is Over

That single sentence settled it all.

Of course, the Emperor wouldn’t say it explicitly.

Even if he felt tempted to say, ‘Princess Zhenming, you’re so attractive. I wish to take you as one of my concubines’, he would absolutely refrain from saying it in front of the imperial concubines and courtiers.

Among those in attendance, most were veterans of the political game. They made their living by discerning the Emperor’s intentions. Given a mere look or gesture from the Emperor, they could decipher his wishes.

Moreover, not only did the Emperor praise Princess Zhenming, he also rewarded her and begged her to stay.

Anyone unable to grasp this hidden meaning should quit their political career early.

Not only did the ministers understand, but also the Empress and a few high-ranking concubines. They were all perfectly aware that they were to have a new “sister”.

And this sister was a princess from a neighboring country.

Though the palace was no stranger to women of different ethnicities, it was rare for a princess to willingly become a concubine to an aging Emperor.

Princess Zhenming, like a ripe peach, seemed ready to burst with sweetness.

Any man who saw her would lust after her.

The Emperor craved her, but could he really handle her?

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A few daring concubines thought this to themselves with ill will.

Jiang Ning also thought the Emperor was shameless.

He was so old, why did he need to be bothered with this?

His harem was already filled with women, but when he saw someone new, he wanted her too. He wasn’t afraid of dying beneath a woman, it seemed.

Although it was widely known that Princess Zhenming’s visit was for a marriage alliance, it didn’t necessarily have to be to the Emperor. The Crown Prince was quite young and didn’t have many sons. If it wasn’t possible with him, there were other princes or royals in court.

Li You, the recently returned Prince of Zhao, hadn’t even taken a main consort yet.

Why not give her to him?

No, he insisted on keeping her for himself.

Jiang Ning disdainfully remarked in her mind, giving a cynical curve to the corner of her lips.

Li Hongyuan took in everything, casting a warning glance Jiang Ning’s way.

Jiang Ning got the message, and reciprocated with one of her own.

You’re out of the game.

Your old man beat you to the punch.

Li Hongyuan snorted quietly.

However, Jiang Ning was still curious. Among the siblings from the Silla Kingdom, it was clear that Prince Xinhai was the dominant figure.

How could he stand it when his sister offered herself to the Emperor in public, especially after he’d mentioned several times that he wanted her to marry the Crown Prince?

Jiang Ning glanced towards where Prince Xinhai was seated.

Prince Xinhai looked calm, even smiling slightly. He held a glass of wine, accepting toasts from the officials nearby.

The Emperor, having got a new beauty as he wished, made a few remarks to the courtiers, drank half a cup of wine, and then, leaving the Crown Prince in charge of the rest of the feast, used the chamberlain’s hand to make his exit.

With the departure of the Emperor, the Imperial concubines began to withdraw one after another.

Princess Zhenming returned to Jiang Ning’s side and sat down, silent and composed.

As the Emperor and his concubines left, musicians and dancers began to come on stage, pushing the atmosphere of the hall to a climax.

Jiang Ning poured a glass of wine for Princess Zhenming, “Cold? Have a sip to warm up.”

Princess Zhenming gracefully thanked her, “I appreciate your concern, Princess Consort.”

“You can’t go home here for the time being.”

“I understand,” Princess Zhenming murmured, “From the moment I left the palace of the Monarch of Silla, I knew I couldn’t go back, and I’d never see my family again.”

As Jiang Ning listened to her somewhat low and calm voice, she felt a pang of sympathetic empathy.

Jiang Ning, too, was in a world to which she could never go back.

“I have a question for you, Princess.”

“Please ask, Princess Consort.”

“If you’re with the Emperor, then who will be with the Crown Prince?” Jiang Ning asked straight to the point, not believing that Prince Xinhai didn’t have a backup plan.