stonecrandall Chapter 966 The final choice is still Lu Zhi!
Chapter 966 The final choice is still Lu Zhi!
While Gaoyao possesses a system that allows for a bird's-eye view of the map, it lacks direct access to detailed information such as population distribution, general details, and local customs. Shen Yang has been operating in Henan for several years, and this information is exactly what Gaoyao needs for its future northward advance, particularly against Wei Bao. Furthermore, as the former King of Henan, Shen Yang still holds considerable influence among his former subordinates, potentially offering assistance in recruiting defectors and reducing resistance at a crucial moment.
Based on these realistic strategic considerations, Gao Yao readily accepted Shen Yang, settled him in Nanjun, and treated him with preferential treatment. To further consolidate this relationship, express his completeness of surrender, and provide a more stable support for his family, Shen Yang offered to give his daughter, Shen Ling, to Gao Yao as a concubine.
At the time of this incident, Gao Yao was leading his army on a campaign. Empress Lü, who remained behind, consulted with important officials including Xiao He and, based on political considerations, agreed to the marriage on Gao Yao's behalf, citing the need to stabilize the newly annexed forces and win over the hearts of the existing feudal lords. By the time Gao Yao returned triumphantly, Shen Ling had already moved into the mansion, the matter was settled. Gao Yao, assessing the situation, understood that this move would outweigh the risks: it would appease Shen Yang while demonstrating his openness to other potential defectors. So, he went along with it and accepted Shen Ling.
And so, in this study, a symbol of supreme power, the wives of Gao Yao gathered. Each one possessed a unique beauty and temperament, representing a diverse range of power, regions, and political aspirations. From the ancient land of Chu to the mountains and rivers of the Baiyue, from the foreign lands of the Western Regions to the heartland of the Central Plains, these women, collectively, wove together a projection of Gao Yao's vast harem.
The palace study, shrouded in dusk, was brightly lit by candlelight, illuminating the room as bright as day. Yet, even that couldn't illuminate the heavy thoughts swirling within the chambers. Gao Yao sat upright in the main seat, his gaze calmly scanning the dozen or so women kneeling below. Compared to many princes of the era, who boasted numerous wives and concubines, with harems numbering dozens or even hundreds, Gao Yao's harem was indeed minimalist.
These women, like Lü Zhi, Lü Su, and Yu Shu, accompanied each other during their humble beginnings, their emotions and interests already inextricably intertwined. Some, like Natasha, Tu Erna, and Nazha, carried the burden of political marriages, symbols of territorial expansion and frontier pacification. Still others, like the Dong sisters and Shen Ling, passively integrated into this backyard of power through fateful encounters. Their existence, to varying degrees, bears the mark of "need" or "passive acceptance," rather than pure lust.
At this moment, the study was completely silent, one could hear a pin drop. The curl of smoke rising from the incense burner seemed to be stagnant, waiting for the ruler to speak.
Gao Yao didn't let the silence last too long. He cleared his throat, his voice steady and clear echoing throughout the palace: "I called you here today for no other reason than to formally decide on the selection of the princess."
As soon as these words were spoken, it was like a stone dropped into a calm lake, instantly stirring ripples in the hearts of the women. Almost simultaneously, dozens of gazes, some open and some hidden, some curious and some anxious, as if drawn by invisible threads, were cast towards Lü Su, who was kneeling behind Lü Zhi!
After the grand court meeting yesterday, the king went alone to Lü Su's courtyard and, making an exception, stayed there all night! This signal was as clear as a beacon fire in the palace. Then, today, all the female relatives were summoned to announce the selection of the princess... The connection was self-evident. Even Lü Zhi and Yu Su, kneeling at the front and holding the most distinguished positions, had almost confirmed this answer.
Lu Zhi lowered her eyelids, her long lashes masking the complex emotions that flashed through her eyes—a touch of loss, but more of a sense of relief, a sense of "as expected," and even a hint of comfort for her sister. In her mind, after the events of her father, Lu Gong, the turmoil in the Chamber of Commerce, and her own repeated defiance, the position of princess had long been out of her reach.
If Susu could ascend to the throne, her sisterly love would at least ensure she and Lin'er a worry-free future. This was the best outcome for now. Yu Shu, on the other hand, had a serene expression. Her nature was not contentious, and given her special status, she was quite at peace with the outcome.
However, just when everyone thought the dust had settled, Gao Yao made a move that left everyone dumbfounded.
He slowly stood up, the hem of his dark royal robe brushing against the polished floor with a gentle scraping sound. He didn't approach Lü Su, as everyone expected, but instead walked steadily to Lü Zhi, who was kneeling in the foreground. Before Lü Zhi could fully react, looking up in bewilderment, Gao Yao extended his hand—the hand that held the power of life and death—and it hovered steadily before her eyes.
At this moment, time seemed to freeze.
Lü Zhi was completely stunned! Her mind went blank, completely unable to comprehend what was happening before her. Why was the king's hand... reaching out to her? Was he signaling her to stand up? Or... an absurd thought flashed through her mind like lightning, but she instantly rejected it. Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
She stared blankly at the hand before her, its distinct joints imbued with supreme authority, and for a moment, she forgot to react. It wasn't until Gao Yao's gaze, still calm and unquestionable, fell upon her that Lu Zhi felt as if she had been burned. Almost instinctively, with a hint of panic and disbelief, she gently raised her hand and placed it in the broad palm.
Gao Yao's palms were warm and powerful. With a slight effort, he pulled up Lu Zhi, who was still in shock and a little stiff, from the ground and made her stand beside him, facing everyone.
Then, Gao Yao's unquestionable voice rang out again, and every word was like a hammer, hammering at everyone's heart: "From now on, Lu Zhi will be the master of this harem, with the same status as the princess. You have the right to handle all matters within the harem on my behalf. Do you understand?"
"Here!"
After a brief, almost suffocating silence, a uniform, hesitant "yes" echoed. The women lowered their heads, hiding the uncontrollable shock and complex expressions on their faces. This turn of events was so swift and sudden, it completely exceeded everyone's expectations. However, within this deep palace, the king's orders were the will of heaven; no one dared to question them, let alone oppose them. Even the most perplexing, jealous, and frustrated feelings were now reduced to a single, respectful "yes."
The person who reacted the slowest and was the most unbelievable was precisely the person who had just been given supreme glory - Lu Zhi.
She stood there, feeling the ground beneath her feet grow ethereal and unreal. Gao Yao's words reverberated like thunder in her mind, yet she could not comprehend or accept them. Her eyes widened, their pupils constricting in shock, her vision blurring. Had she misheard? Or was the king speaking in a sarcastic tone? Was he testing her?