Chapter Fourteen: The Selection of Consorts

“I only think that Your Majesty’s intention to restore the inner palace is in accordance with custom. If Your Majesty wishes it, so be it; if not, that too is Your Majesty’s prerogative.”

Feng Yewu’s brows creased at the vague reply, surprised that Lu Jue would answer so evasively. Testing further, he asked, “Then, in your opinion, who would be suitable?”

Lu Jue’s heart ached at the question, his mind instantly recalling his own origins. His gaze wavered before he replied, “Your Majesty, did not Prince Changwu and the Minister of the Treasury already submit a list of names to you in court today?”

“Oh?” Feng Yewu arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement curling his lips as if he’d already discerned the reason for Lu Jue’s reticence. Rising with a sweep of his sleeve, the candlelight nearby flickered in the draft.

“I glanced at that list today, but alas, none on it caught my fancy.”

As he spoke, Feng Yewu gradually paced toward Lu Jue, his gaze sharp and unyielding, though his voice softened to a whisper.

The final words were uttered so quietly that only the two of them could hear. “Do you know whom I favor?”

Once again, Lu Jue was enveloped by the familiar scent of sandalwood, this time tinged with a subtle warmth. Never had Feng Yewu stood so close before.

“I do not know,” Lu Jue replied warily, breathing in the fragrance without daring to lift his eyes, his clenched fists slick with sweat.

“And what if I were to take you into the inner palace as well?” Feng Yewu asked suddenly, watching Lu Jue’s evasive gaze, his words abrupt and direct.

“Your Majesty!”

Startled by the question, Lu Jue dropped to his knees in panic, starlight swirling chaotically in his eyes, still unable to meet Feng Yewu’s gaze.

“I am a man with a criminal past—there has never been an exception. I am unworthy. The fact that Your Majesty allows me to serve at your side day and night is already the greatest kindness.”

Lu Jue understood well that if he were to enter the inner palace, the court officials would only have more reason to wag their tongues.

Never been an exception?

Feng Yewu scoffed inwardly at these words. Never in history had a woman claimed the throne, yet here he stood. Never in history had time turned back, yet he had returned to the past.

Looking at Lu Jue, who dodged and hedged, Feng Yewu finally understood his true feelings. He chose not to expose him, however, instead smiling slyly and pretending not to catch the meaning in Lu Jue’s words, replying in turn, “True, your status is too different—difficult to silence the world’s tongues.”

Feng Yewu’s remark was insincere, but Lu Jue took it to heart, his sorrow deepening.

Within two days, as if by tacit agreement, the noble ladies of the court began arriving at the palace one after another, as though the restoration of the inner palace was already a foregone conclusion. Families with power sent their sons in person, mimicking some grand selection of beauties.

Lu Jue watched Feng Yewu in the study, calmly engrossed in memorials, while the parade of noble ladies and young masters bustled in and out. Anger welled up in his chest. Clearly, even if Feng Yewu intended to choose consorts, it would not be so hurriedly decided—these people seemed all too eager.

Some of them, more audacious still, had begun prying about Lu Jue through Hanyue. After all, anyone who saw such a handsome man would be curious to inquire after him.

“Master Lu?”

Just as Lu Jue seethed inwardly, a cautious voice sounded behind him.

He turned to see a richly dressed lady, her face alight with delight as she sized him up.

“I am the wife of the Deputy Minister of Revenue. Greetings, Master Lu.”

Lu Jue nodded in acknowledgment, though uncertain of her purpose.

“I heard from Miss Hanyue that you are still unmarried?”

At these words, Lu Jue realized her intention. Hanyue had mentioned a few days prior that someone had inquired about his background; he’d thought she was merely teasing, but now someone had truly come.

“In answer to your question, Madam, I am a man with a criminal past. Because of my status, I am indeed unmarried.”

Though he found the lady tiresome, Lu Jue kept a polite smile.

“Oh, but why so humble, Master Lu? My husband says that since you serve so closely beside His Majesty, your future prospects are boundless. What does it matter, your status or past misdeeds?”

Having confirmed he was unmarried, the lady was visibly thrilled.

“Thank you for your regard, Madam. But my status is what it is—my current position is only due to His Majesty’s magnanimity and kindness. How could I dare to ask for more?”

With these words, Lu Jue meant to use Feng Yewu as a shield, but the lady persisted, undeterred.

“What you say is true, Master Lu. However, have you thought that, once His Majesty establishes the inner palace, it may not be quite proper for you to remain so close at hand?”