The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

The next morning, Shen Wangxi went to court early.

In the Jiaofang Palace, Wulan Yun had already composed herself and sat at her desk, with dozens of scrolls laid out before her as she carefully selected a husband for her daughter.

Shen Jingyan sat next to her, both excited and critical.

"Mother, did you carefully select all of these?" Shen Jingyan casually picked up a scroll and unfolded it. The painting depicted a handsome young man with clear features, and the family background, official position, and character were marked in small regular script next to it.

"Of course." Wulan Yun picked up her teacup and gently blew on the steam.

"These are portraits of eligible young men from prominent families in the capital, who are of good character, have respectable social standing, and are quite talented."

"The Empress Dowager has sent people to inquire and verify repeatedly; it is definitely not like what happened at the last spring banquet..."

She paused slightly and didn't continue, but both mother and daughter knew perfectly well that this was completely different from the perfunctory attitude she had shown when she casually tried to send Shen Qingruo out of the palace and almost betrothed to a playboy like Sun Hongwen.

Choosing a consort for Shen Jingyan is a major event concerning the foundation of the nation and her future power, and cannot be taken lightly.

Shen Jingyan looked at each one, sometimes nodding, sometimes pouting.

The eldest grandson of the Minister of War, he was brave and skilled in battle;

The eldest son of the Minister of Personnel, he was exceptionally talented in literature;

The heir of the Duke of Zhenguo's family is of noble status.

Each and every one of them is an outstanding individual.

Dazzled by the sights, she giggled sweetly, "Mother, these few all look quite good—heroic, handsome, and composed. I like them all; what should I do?"

Upon hearing this, Wulan Yun couldn't help but glare at her reproachfully, put down her teacup, and gently tapped her forehead:

"Nonsense! A young lady like you has no shame. How can one choose all the princes? In the end, one must choose the one who is most pleasing to the eye, so that they can live in harmony in the future."

Shen Jingyan, however, didn't seem to care at all. She grabbed Wu Lanyun's arm and shook it playfully, her tone superior:

"Mother, you know perfectly well that Father only has eyes for you. This harem is just a formality, and he only has my brother and me as his children."

"But my elder brother's heart was set on nature, and he had no interest in the throne."

She lowered her voice, a hint of smugness in it: "There are already voices in the court calling for the establishment of a crown princess."

"Although my father did not say it explicitly, his intentions are self-evident, judging from the fact that he has now assigned me all the tasks that can build up my reputation and demonstrate my abilities, and has his capable ministers and generals assist me."

"If I were to truly ascend to my father's throne in the future, wouldn't I be able to choose any man in the world I desire, not just these few, but countless others?"

Hearing her daughter's rebellious words, Wulan Yun first chuckled, and then the unease she felt due to His Majesty's aloofness last night did indeed dissipate considerably.

Yes, His Majesty may no longer be as enthusiastic about marital relations as he was in his youth, but his favoritism and support for himself and his two children are genuine and unmatched.

He had been paving the way for Ayan and consolidating the position of the mother and her two children.

This sentiment is far more important than a moment of sexual pleasure.

Wu Lanyun took her daughter's hand in return, patted it gently, and said with relief in her eyes, "It's good that you know what's going on."

"Take these portraits home and look at them carefully. Don't rush. You should choose the one that will be most helpful to you and to your future."

Shen Jingyan smiled sweetly and embraced the paintings, as if the supreme power of the future was already within her grasp.

-

A few days later, incense wafted through the side hall of the Taiji Hall.

Shen Wangxi sat upright on one side of the chessboard, holding a black jade chess piece between his fingertips, his gaze calm as he looked at the crisscrossing chessboard.

Sitting opposite him was a young man in an indigo brocade robe, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, and a calm demeanor. He was none other than Xiao Yu, the heir of the Duke of Zhenguo.

Shen Wangxi knew that Ayan was getting older and was a year older than Aruo, so it was indeed time to put her marriage on the agenda.

While the Empress was carefully selecting items in the Jiaofang Palace, he was secretly observing from the Taiji Palace.

After careful consideration, Shen Wangxi's most preferred candidate was the heir of the Duke of Zhenguo standing before her.

He comes from a distinguished family, has considerable abilities, and seems to have a stable temperament.

More importantly, the Zhenguo Duke's lineage is extremely loyal and has a strong foundation in both the military and the court. If he could marry Ayan, it would be a great help to Ayan's future.

At this moment, Shen Wangxi invited Xiao Yu to play chess, ostensibly for a casual chat, but in reality, he intended to test him.

The game has reached the middle stage. Shen Wangxi, playing black, has made a brilliant opening move and has already gained a clear advantage.

Xiao Yu frowned slightly, staring intently at the chessboard. He showed no intention of yielding to the emperor despite being facing him, and instead focused on responding.

Shen Wangxi looked at his all-out effort and a hint of approval flashed in her eyes.

The Duke of Zhenguo was skilled at educating his son.

This crown prince did not fawn over the king like ordinary ministers do; instead, he displayed his true abilities and genuine character, which is excellent.

Just like...

Shen Wangxi's thoughts drifted for a moment.

Just like the person curled up on the soft couch in Qingyi Palace, she seemed to have no pretense in front of him.

Her fear was real, her grievances were real, her dependence was real, and her admiration for him was real.

It was this sincerity that made him soften his heart time and time again, break the rules again and again, and even lose control.

He had not set foot in Qingyi Palace for several days.

Rather than saying he was too busy with official duties, it would be more accurate to say he was deliberately avoiding her.

After all, looking at the women he had slept with and looking at his youngest daughter are completely different feelings, and he can no longer go back to the second feeling.

"Your Majesty, it's your turn." Xiao Yu's voice pulled Shen Wangxi back from her reverie.

Shen Wangxi composed himself, refocused his gaze on the chessboard, and placed a black piece on the board, cutting off the white piece's path with a decisive and ruthless move.

Xiao Yu looked at the move, pondered for a long time, and finally smiled bitterly and conceded defeat: "Your Majesty's chess skills are superb, and I am completely convinced of my defeat."

Shen Wangxi nodded lightly. Looking at Xiao Yu's open and honest eyes despite his admission of defeat, he felt even more certain about this future consort.

"Chess is like life; winning and losing are common occurrences. What's important is to have no regrets after making a move and not to be discouraged by defeat." Shen Wangxi stood up, his tone calm yet profound.

Xiao Yu quickly stood up, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered by this humble subject."