Ding Huang waited for several days, but there was no news of any concubines being promoted in the palace. He found an opportunity to ask a familiar eunuch to deliver a note to his daughter, asking just one question: How is the emperor's favor?

Ding Zhaorong sat quietly by the window, looking at her father's handwriting on the note. After a long while, she let out a cold laugh and wrote in reply: "The emperor has not visited the harem for a long time."

She thought for a moment, put down the brush, and laughed coldly for a long time at the beautiful face in the bronze mirror.

The current emperor and the crown prince both have a strange attitude towards the harem. It has long been rumored among the people of the Imperial Physicians Academy that the emperor has a beloved beauty by his side, who does not have an official title.

Those serving in Qingzhen Palace all refer to her as "Precious One", and it is said that she is loved like a pearl and treasure. However, despite such favor, the emperor has not officially bestowed her a rank like consort or concubine, and even now she does not have a palace of her own to reside in.

The beauties and concubines of several palaces have secretly heightened their vigilance, not knowing which female official or palace maid has gained the emperor's favor. Judging by the situation, it seems there is even a favored one occupying the emperor's bedchamber. Only Ding Zhaorong knows that the so-called "Little Precious One" probably refers to that boy who looks like the empress from that night.

A boy cannot give birth to a dragon's offspring. When beauty fades and love dwindles, there should be no threat. But if he resembles the empress... that's another matter...

Not only on the emperor's side, but the crown prince as well. In the days since his grand wedding, he has not even approached the crown princess, but it didn't take long for news to spread that Princess Qinghe was pregnant. Princess Qinghe is just the empress' adopted daughter, and if you really consider her background, she is merely the daughter of an external official.

Who would have thought that her pregnancy would startle the three palaces, with blood swallow's nests and pearls being sent like flowing water every day, as if she were carrying the future imperial grandson in her belly.

It's also very strange that the newly minted crown princess doesn't seem to mind at all. Every day she is only concerned with amassing silver, clothes, pearls and precious stones, as long as she can live the life of an immortal princess. She doesn't even take the news of the crown prince's favored consort being pregnant with her first child to heart, as if besides food and clothing, she doesn't even have the crown prince in her heart.

Ding Zhaorong gritted her silver teeth, thinking if I can't gain favor, can I let others enjoy good days? Since no one is content, then Empress, don't think you can have peaceful days either!

She picked up the brush and quickly wrote a line of words on the paper, then tightly rolled it up and handed it to the little eunuch, glancing back with a smile: "-- If it's done well, there will be plenty of rewards for you."

In mid-February, Minister Ding memorialized that now the country is peaceful and prosperous, but the dragon offspring in the palace are not abundant. He advised the emperor to greatly select palace ladies to fill the harem, in order to expand the imperial family and continue the bloodline.

The Qianwan Emperor, who had not selected palace ladies or bestowed concubines to give birth to children for two years, actually relented this time.

The next day, after the emperor read it, he approved: "Granted."

Mingde was on duty in the outer study, looking down at the flood relief memorial submitted the day before. Just as he was about to pick up the brush to write, he felt the two phoenix beads on his wrist hit the desk and dig into his wrist. Mingde frowned, feeling a surge of anger, and grabbed them, wanting to take them off and throw them away.

Who knew at this moment, he heard Zhang Kuo behind him cough heavily, then bow and say with a smile: "Sir, the emperor has decreed that in recent cold days, a bowl of snow lotus porridge will be sent to each official on duty in the outer study."

Mingde raised an eyebrow and stared coldly at Zhang Kuo. Zhang Kuo's smile did not change at all, and he respectfully placed a bowl of snow lotus porridge on the table.

Mingde let out a cold laugh: "...This official thanks the emperor for his great grace."

Zhang Kuo smiled and said softly: "I dare not, I dare not." Then he retreated with his eyes lowered submissively. His every move clearly reminded him: under the eyes of the Son of Heaven, it's best not to cause trouble lightly.

That day in the imperial study, he himself couldn't remember if he had cried out, if he had begged for mercy, or even if he had taken the initiative to seek pleasure. When he gradually regained consciousness, he only felt his wrists aching from being squeezed.

The Qianwan Emperor tightly grasped his wrists, forcefully pressing the phoenix beads into his flesh, panting and laughing softly: "...If you dare to take them off again, I will stuff two lily aphrodisiac pills into you... I mean what I say..."

Mingde took a deep breath, closed his eyes for a moment, then slowly moved the phoenix beads up his arm, and leisurely picked up the brush.

What's the point of talking sense with a beast, it's useless even if you say it.

Leaving court early to return, there was already a small green sedan chair waiting at the palace gate. Mingde had just lifted his foot to get in when Participant Censor Wang Chongjun, who had come out with him, rushed a few steps ahead and patted him on the shoulder, laughing: "Sir, please wait!"

Mingde turned around: "Lord Wang..."

"Lord Shangguan, you and I have been officials in the same court for a long time. A few of our colleagues have discussed chipping in to host, I wonder if you would grace us with your presence?"

Mingde followed his gaze and saw that it was several disciples of the Ding family from the Ministry of Revenue, standing there with welcoming smiles. Among them was Zhao Mengshan, the brother of Ding Huang's newly married concubine, with a sincere and amicable look of deep collegiality.

Mingde pursed his lips, coughed lightly a few times, and smiled slightly.

"...Since you lords are so gracious, I cannot refuse..."

Wang Chongjun laughed loudly and patted Mingde on the shoulder: "Not at all! Not at all! You are young and promising, and deeply favored by the emperor. Your future will surely be much greater than ours. Perhaps in the future we will have to rely on you a lot, haha!"

Mingde bowed deeply, utterly humble: "Since that is the case, please lead the way, my lords."

It was still early, and Mingde sat in the small sedan chair, swaying along with them. When the chair stopped and he lifted the curtain to look, it was a brothel called Tianxiang Tower in the outer city.

Mingde was a bit stunned. He had heard of the reputation of this brothel, but unfortunately he had only passed by hastily before. This was the first time he would be going inside.

Wang Chongjun looked at him in surprise, then leaned over and chuckled, "Your Excellency, don't be shy. You'll know the fun of it once you try. Although the court has rules forbidding officials from visiting brothels, if you don't say it and I don't say it, who will know?"

Mingde coughed a few times, "This... how could I..."

He seemed extremely shy, coughing up a thin layer of blood on his pale skin, blooming like a lush spring flower. Wang Chongjun hurriedly reached out to support him, only to feel that the wrist he grabbed was thin and delicate, easily grasped tightly with one hand. Mingde glanced at him, casually withdrew his hand, and said lightly, "Thank you, Your Excellency."

His voice was slightly hoarse, but gentle enough to rival a fair lady. Wang Chongjun was stunned for a moment, but Mingde had already coughed and walked straight into the entrance of Tianxiang Tower with proper bearing.

It was noon, the busiest time at Tianxiang Tower. When the old madam saw several noble-looking gentlemen walking in, she immediately waved her handkerchief and hurriedly called the girls to come out and serve, while ordering someone to set up a table of wine and instructing the musicians to play nice tunes to entertain them.

Wang Chongjun was quite generous, rewarding each girl with some loose silver. Pointing at Mingde, he said, "If you serve this gentleman well today, you may be able to enter a high official's manor as a concubine tomorrow!"

The girls were already excited, but hearing this, they couldn't contain themselves and flocked around in a circle. Mingde coughed a few times and smiled, "Your Excellency Wang is joking. Whoever pays is the patron."

Zhao Mengshan, the brother of Ding Huang's concubine, heard this and asked with a smile, "Then who is paying for Official Shangguan?"

Mingde's smile deepened, "Who has ever paid for this humble official?"

Zhao Mengshan leaned over and whispered, "Since no one is instructing you, why make things difficult for our patron?"

But Mingde acted as if he didn't hear and said with a smile, "Lord Zhao, let's drink, drink."

Zhao Mengshan had hit a soft nail. He thought this young man looked weak and frail, but was quite shrewd. Ding Huang's instructions were "if you can't win him over, then surround and annihilate."

Zhao Mengshan figured if this person surrendered to the Ding family, it would be a threat to other disciples. So he gave a fierce look to Wang Chongjun.

Wang Chongjun nodded slightly, picked up his wine cup, and said with a smile, "Come, come, let's not talk about state affairs at the wine table. Everyone, enjoy yourselves!"

Mingde was hazily forced to drink a lot. The wine was aged and fine, and Wang Chongjun and the others intentionally made him drink. Before long, he passed out on the table, motionless. Zhao Mengshan went over and patted him. Seeing no response, he nodded to the others, "What are you waiting for!"

Mingde was in a daze, his hands and feet lacking strength, but his mind was very clear. He felt himself being carried upstairs and into a room, surrounded by fragrant softness, then placed on a soft couch. At first there were still many people moving around, then it became quiet. The door was closed, but there were still breathing sounds in the room. It was probably some brothel girl staying behind.

Mingde closed his eyes and smiled slightly.

Court officials were forbidden to consort with prostitutes. Violators would be demoted three ranks and fined half a year's salary. Not only would it ruin one's official career, but also greatly lose face.

That old thing Ding Huang was really immoral.

The girl, seeing him lying motionless on the bed, grew bolder. She tiptoed over and removed his top garment. Mingde's appearance was probably the most favored by women these days - fair, gentle, with delicate features, much better than the average patron.

The girl looked at him for a while, and although it was an act, she couldn't help reaching out to touch him, sighing in her heart: If only I had a good husband like this, why would I have to suffer in this place of flowers!

Mingde's brows furrowed slightly. The girl sighed and said, "Don't blame me, sir. Blame Lord Zhao and Lord Wang!"

With that, she took off her own undergarments and nestled up against him.

Just at this moment, there was a loud bang as the door was broken down. A squad of imperial guards rushed in, waving their swords and shouting, "Don't move! Inspection!"

Everything happened as smoothly as water.

The imperial guards received a notice that there were traitors selling tribute goods at Tianxiang Tower, so they rushed over. To their surprise, they found an official seal in a patron's clothing. Upon verification, this patron turned out to be Shangguan Mingde, a current favorite of the emperor in the Ministry of Revenue. As for the several officials who went drinking with Shangguan Mingde, they had already disappeared without a trace.

Zhang Kuo carefully observed the expression on the emperor's face, but from beginning to end, the Qianwan Emperor showed no special reaction.

It was very dangerous when the ruler had no expression. You didn't know if he was very angry or didn't care at all, and you didn't know how to speak in line with the emperor's thoughts. Zhang Kuo coughed and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, this servant believes that although the young noble's actions were inappropriate, he has a weak constitution. If he gets bruised, bumped, or frightened..."

The Qianwan Emperor put down his brush and stood up, asking, "Where is he now?"

"In response to Your Majesty, he has been sent to the imperial guards' prison."

"What about that brothel?"

"This servant took the initiative to have it sealed."

The Qianwan Emperor strode out of the imperial study. Zhang Kuo hurriedly trotted to keep up. The young eunuch, not knowing where they were heading, rushed over and secretly kowtowed to Zhang Kuo, "Eunuch, where is the emperor going?"

"You blockhead!" Zhang Kuo scolded anxiously, "Of course to the imperial guards' prison!"

The imperial guards' prison was less than an incense stick's time away from the palace by carriage. The Qianwan Emperor didn't even want to take a carriage. He rode swiftly on horseback and arrived at the entrance, abruptly pulling the reins, "Where are the guards?"

The commander hurriedly led a large group of subordinates to kneel on the steps in front of the gate, performing the ritual of three bows and nine kowtows, "Greetings to our emperor! Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live..."

The Qianwan Emperor dismounted from his horse and strode into the prison. The prison warden stumbled and crawled to keep up with him, carefully asking, "Your Majesty, where are you going? Please be careful, the path is slippery..."

The Qianwan Emperor suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Where is Shangguan Mingde?" he asked.

The prison warden was stunned for a moment, thinking to himself that his bet had indeed paid off. When Shangguan Mingde was sent here earlier, someone had secretly tipped him off that Shangguan Mingde was highly favored and could not be treated like an ordinary official who had committed a crime.

Therefore, he had specially ordered people to prepare a good single room and treat him with good food and drink. He didn't expect that as soon as the news got out, the emperor himself would come and directly ask to see Shangguan Mingde!

The prison warden wiped his sweat and said with a smile, "Lord Shangguan is doing very well. He's in the east room. This humble official did not dare to convict him without authorization, so I ordered people to treat him well. He hasn't suffered any grievances at all..."

...I was almost going crazy running here...

...Treating him well, not suffering any grievances at all... Maybe he even enjoyed the warmth and softness of a beauty in his arms...

The Qianwan Emperor's hands were tightly clenched into fists under his robe sleeves, his veins bulging, almost ferocious.

The prison warden carefully looked at the emperor's expression, only to find that it showed neither joy nor sorrow. He couldn't help but hesitate in his heart and could only ask tremblingly, "Your Majesty, what do you think..."

The Qianwan Emperor suddenly laughed. This smile was almost very pleasant, even giving people the illusion of a refreshing spring breeze.

The prison warden's heart was still hanging in suspense when he heard the noble and dignified emperor say with a smile, "You have done well."

The prison warden's legs went soft and he almost knelt down. "I... I am overwhelmed!"

"Bring him up," The Qianwan Emperor said lightly, "I want to... personally interrogate him!"