The harem is too complicated; the empress, a lazy bum, wins by doing nothing.

Chapter 298 Sinister
He also tried to get closer to the Empress, and even recently, when he went to Kunning Palace for meals, he deliberately chose to have them in the evening.

Shen Qingwan's consistently respectful demeanor towards him always gave him a feeling of keeping him at arm's length. It was as if dining together was fine, but staying overnight was not so welcome.

Could it be that he, an emperor, with three thousand beauties in his harem, and countless women trying every means to climb into his bed every day, couldn't bring himself to fawn over Shen Qingwan, or even force her? He kept thinking that if the empress could just say a word to persuade him to stay, then everything would fall into place naturally.

Once it happens the first time, then the second, the third, right...?

He now truly regrets not consummating their marriage on their wedding day.

However, thinking of this, Emperor Yuanwu couldn't help but raise his eyes and glance at Prince Rui. Seeing Prince Rui holding a chess piece in one hand and playing chess seriously with himself, not caring about him at all, Emperor Yuanwu couldn't help but swallow.

He used to suspect Prince Rui and Shen Qingwan...

But now it seems that when he was in the Prince's mansion, there were fewer concubines, and he could actually pick one he liked or disliked.

Now that there are more and more concubines in the harem, when he was choosing a consort, he was impressed by Consort Rou's gentle and considerate nature, her good manners, and her pretty and charming appearance. However, after spending more time with her, he suddenly realized that she was just like that, nothing special. Every woman would compete for his favor and be jealous. Occasionally, she would say a few sour things, which sounded quite charming. But after hearing it so often, every day, especially from each of the concubines around him, who would say a few words, he suddenly found these women utterly boring.

After a busy day in the imperial court, he finally got to rest in the evening. However, his concubines were like wolves and tigers, trying every means to have sex with him. When he was in a bad mood, he found it particularly annoying.

"When the Fourth Prince was born, Zhongcui Palace was struck by lightning. Although the Empress has investigated the matter and found out that it was the work of Hu Zhouze, the former head of the Imperial Observatory, I still have a lingering doubt in my heart." Emperor Yuanwu said, patting Prince Rui heavily on the shoulder. "I am really a little wary of this. I originally wanted to promote Consort Rou to the rank of Consort when she gave birth to the Fourth Prince, but this lightning strike delayed the matter."

Prince Rui's eyes trembled slightly. "Fortunately, Consort Ying and Noble Lady Xi are both pregnant. Consort Ying's brother is also a rare talent. If Your Majesty wants to make good use of the Rong family, you must also put some effort into Consort Ying."

"I am actually hoping that Consort Ying's next pregnancy will result in a princess."

Prince Rui was taken aback.

He naturally understood why Emperor Yuanwu did not want Consort Ying's child to be a prince, because he did not want the Rong family to become a second Pang family.

The saying goes, "See through things but don't say them out loud."

Prince Rui asked knowingly, "Does Your Majesty feel that there are more and more princes in the harem now, so you want a princess? Actually, whether you have a son or a daughter is determined by fate, so Your Majesty shouldn't worry too much. Since the Empress took over the management of the harem, the number of offspring in the harem has gradually increased. Whether it is a prince or a princess, there will be more and more in the future."

"Empress," Emperor Yuanwu said, toying with the ring on his finger, "the Empress has changed quite a bit these days."

Prince Rui remained silent, his eyes lowered as he continued playing chess with himself.

"The Empress's birthday is approaching. She's been married to me for so long, and it seems I've never properly celebrated her birthday. The Empress Dowager has also declared that this year's celebration should be grand." Emperor Yuanwu said, glancing at Prince Rui. "You often wander outside the palace and have seen many novelties. Do you have any thoughts? What do you think we should do to make this birthday celebration truly pleasing to the Empress?" "This..." Prince Rui looked troubled and gave an awkward smile. "Your Majesty should be trying to please Your Majesty's wife. How can I, as a subject, interfere?"

"It's alright." Emperor Yuanwu frowned slightly. "Speak your mind if you have any ideas. If I hear them and think they are good, I will hand them over to the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department to handle."

Prince Rui laughed heartily upon hearing his words, "Your Majesty, you want me to come up with ideas for you, and then secretly take credit for them. Your Majesty's plan is too clever for its own good."

Emperor Yuanwu laughed along, "I will never let your idea go to waste. Just name whatever reward you want. As long as you can make your sister-in-law happy, just name whatever reward you want. Even if you want to take a few beautiful concubines, I will grant it to you."

“Your Majesty, it’s up to Your Majesty to figure out how to appease her. I really can’t help you.” Prince Rui shook his head with a chuckle. “So that’s what Your Majesty was thinking when you invited me to play chess. I feel like I’ve been tricked by Your Majesty. I’ll just play chess with my left and right hands. Your Majesty should think carefully about what kind of birthday banquet you can prepare for Your Majesty to make her happy.”

Emperor Yuanwu pointed at him and said, "You."

Prince Rui remained silent, only smiling with his eyes lowered, as he continued playing chess.

"Alright, since you're so engrossed in playing chess, I won't watch you anymore," Emperor Yuanwu said, standing up.

"Where is Your Majesty going to abandon your subject?" Prince Rui asked, taken aback.

"The Empress Dowager issued an imperial decree today, ordering me to spend the night in your sister-in-law's palace. Rather than watching you play chess with your left and right hands here, I'd rather go to Kunning Palace and see what delicious food your sister-in-law has prepared for me tonight."

Prince Rui smiled wryly and said jokingly, "Your Majesty, I would also like to try Your Majesty's cooking. Would Your Majesty be willing to take me to Your Majesty's palace for dinner? I promise to eat quietly and not see anything. I will absolutely not disturb Your Majesty and Your Majesty's sweet moments."

Emperor Yuanwu chuckled awkwardly, took the black piece from Prince Rui's hand, placed it on the chessboard, and said, "I'll capture it."

Prince Rui smiled with relief, "Your Majesty is still a step ahead. I can't beat Your Majesty with either my left or right hands."

As Emperor Yuanwu walked away, his hearty laughter echoed throughout the palace.

"Brother Huang, are you really not taking your humble servant with you?" Prince Rui slowly stood up, gazing into the distance in the direction Emperor Yuanwu had departed.

Until his figure completely disappeared from sight, Prince Rui's smile suddenly froze, the curve of his lips gradually flattened, all the tenderness on his face vanished, and a chilling sinister look appeared on his lips.

When Emperor Yuanwu arrived at Kunning Palace, Shen Qingwan was reading a book. She seemed surprised that he would come so early, and her eyes flickered.

However, she quickly regained her composure and had another idea...