Hearing this, Concubine Chen understood everything. However, she still felt a bit regretful in her heart. "Han'er, will Shen Li be wooed by those on the other side?"
Concubine Chen thought her concern was well - founded. In her opinion, Prince Yu, Xiao Yujin, was always a master of the amorous world. A young girl like Shen Li was easily deceived by men. If that happened, Shen Li would side with the queen, and the situation would be even more unfavorable for them.
Xiao Hanzhi shook his head and denied, "The Night Phantom Division has always been Father Emperor's trump card. What this card is for and how powerful it is are beyond our speculation and we mustn't try to test it. Otherwise, we'll cross Father Emperor's bottom line. The consequences will be unimaginable!"
"Of course, to protect this trump card, Father Emperor surely won't allow any side to covet it. So, for the time being, Father Emperor won't let Shen Li marry any of the princes, unless... Father Emperor already has a candidate in mind to inherit the throne!"
Saying this, Xiao Hanzhi and Concubine Chen exchanged a look, and both saw ambition in each other's eyes.
Xiao Hanzhi then picked out a portrait of a young lady from the pile and placed it in front of Concubine Chen. "Mother, what do you think of this woman as my concubine consort?"
Concubine Chen frowned and looked at the portrait Xiao Hanzhi was pointing at. The woman in the portrait had a bright smile. Her peach - blossom eyes were especially alluring, and her figure was curvy. She was indeed a charming beauty.
"Han'er, Wu Qihuan has a too aggressive personality and is overly calculating. She'll surely be a troublemaker in your inner courtyard!"
As a woman who had spent many years in the harem, Concubine Chen had a sharp eye for women. She could tell at a glance that Wu Qihuan was a woman with ideas and schemes.
Moreover, what happened at the horse - racing field today showed that Wu Qihuan was a woman who refused to admit defeat, was competitive, and intolerant.
With such a woman around, Concubine Chen was very worried that there would be chaos in Xiao Hanzhi's inner courtyard.
"Mother, I also met Wu Qihuan today. Although she doesn't seem to be a peaceful person, I'm marrying her for the power behind her. I need the support of General Huaihua. Whether she's beautiful or not doesn't matter much to me."
"Besides, if she doesn't behave herself, I'll just ignore her. If she's smart, she'll stay obediently in the inner courtyard."
Hearing this, Concubine Chen still shook her head. "Han'er, that's just what you men think. I'm a woman, so I understand women best. A woman like her clearly won't be content to be in a secondary position. I'm afraid the position of a concubine consort won't satisfy her, nor will it win over General Huaihua."
"Han'er, you should think clearly. If Wu Qihuan becomes your concubine consort, can she get along peacefully with Duan Chuchu? If Duan Chuchu can't control her, or if they start to fight, how will you handle it? After all, if you handle it poorly, you'll offend either Minister Duan or General Wu."
Hearing this, Xiao Hanzhi said without hesitation, "Mother, I've already thought about all the things you've considered. You don't need to worry. I also know something about Duan Chuchu. The last time I saw her, she had an argument with He Yuan. You know He Yuan's arrogant, willful, and unreasonable personality. But Duan Chuchu knew how to handle the situation properly and didn't suffer any losses. I think she can manage my inner courtyard and control Wu Qihuan."
"Although Wu Qihuan is the legitimate daughter of General Huaihua, she hasn't lived in the capital since childhood and doesn't have much father - daughter affection with General Huaihua. Moreover, the Wu family has other women. Even without Wu Qihuan, I can marry another woman from the Wu family to maintain our alliance."
"If she's smart, she'll know what to do. Otherwise, I can just marry another woman from the Wu family as my concubine."
After hearing this, Concubine Chen didn't object anymore. She had known for a long time that her son was extremely intelligent and should be a dragon among men. She didn't want him to be just a prince.
"That's good. With Wu Qihuan, you'll get the support of General Huaihua and other military officials. Now, the Ministry of War is full of Prince Yu's forces, and Minister Guo of the Ministry of Revenue is also on Prince Yu's side. By forming an alliance with Minister Duan and General Huaihua this time, you'll have the strength to compete with them."
"Moreover, recently, Father Emperor has been angry with Prince Yu's people many times. Anyway, the situation is favorable for us."
Concubine Chen had spent many years in the harem, deeply favored by Emperor Dongling and still standing firmly. Her vision was not limited to the harem. She always knew well about the affairs of the previous court.
"Han'er, if that's really the case, it will be too unfair to you! Then, choose another woman you like as your concubine consort!"
"Do you have any other candidates for your concubine consort?"
"Mother, I'll follow Father Emperor's and your arrangements in everything!"
Concubine Chen was satisfied with Xiao Hanzhi's answer, but she still felt a bit sorry for her son in her heart. He had to marry a bunch of women he had no feelings for just to consolidate his power.
"Han'er, the concubines in your inner courtyard are your pillow - mates. They should not only assist you in your great cause but also take good care of you. How can you do without someone who cares about you meticulously by your side?"
"Think carefully. Do you have any candidates you like? If there's someone who can take good care of you, I'll be at ease. By the way, I heard someone mention a woman named Shen Miao twice. I heard she's Shen Li's younger cousin and has a gentle personality. Would she be suitable to be your concubine consort?"
This time, Xiao Hanzhi didn't object. He just lowered his head and said, "I'll leave this matter entirely to your decision, Mother."
Concubine Chen nodded in satisfaction. She knew her own son well. She knew that if he didn't want to do something, no one could force him. And this time, when she proposed to take Shen Miao as his concubine consort, Xiao Hanzhi directly agreed, which meant he also approved of it in his heart.
As for why he didn't mention Shen Miao at first but waited for her to bring it up, it was probably to protect Shen Miao's reputation. After all, if Xiao Hanzhi had mentioned it himself, she might have thought less of Shen Miao, thinking that she had an improper relationship with a man.
"Good. Since you have no objections, I'll go and discuss this matter with Father Emperor another day! So that you can prepare for your wedding earlier. I'm still waiting to hold my grandson!"