Chapter 1019 - 3: I Can See All the Cheats

"That’s only right. But, what kind of person does the Emperor like? Tell me, so I can select properly," Tianmiao asked with a smile.

"Oh, Mother, please don’t keep calling me ’Emperor’; call me ’my child’ or ’my son.’ I like it when Mother calls me that," the Emperor protested. He truly enjoyed hearing Tianmiao call him ’my son’ and ’my child.’ It gave him a warm feeling.

"Alright, what does my son like?" Tianmiao agreed and asked with a smile.

"Hmm... Some have to be chosen. The court and the harem are always closely related; there’s no way around it. I’ll have someone give Mother a copy of the list at that time. For some of the other spots, you can choose anyone you find pleasing to the eye." The Emperor was not at all interested in the selection process; to him, it was merely completing a task.

"Alright. So, will my son have lunch here?" Tianmiao asked.

"Yes, yes, oh, Mother, let me tell you — when I was a Prince, I came up with many dishes myself, and some of them taste fantastic. I’ve brought the chefs into the palace; they’ll cook for you in the future." Of course, good things must be shared with one’s dear mother, the Emperor said enthusiastically. This was entirely different from his feelings when sharing with the late Emperor. Back then, the late Emperor had many sons and didn’t care much about him, leaving him to idly pass his days. So he wasn’t really concerned about the late Emperor, only sending him some of the food he was tired of.

"All right, my son is so thoughtful." Tianmiao kindly patted the Emperor’s hand, feeling very gratified.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor was filled with joy.

After lunch, the Emperor returned to the Imperial Study Room for a quick nap. After resting, he needed to review the memorials. Before leaving, the Emperor reminded Tianmiao to also take care of herself and suggested that if she felt bored in the afternoon, she could take a stroll in the Imperial Garden or call the theater troupe for a performance.

Tianmiao nodded with a smile in agreement.

This child is truly adorable. She wouldn’t let any strange things harm him.

The selection proceeded quickly and vigorously across the country.

After rounds of screening, most of the candidates were eliminated, leaving the final decision to the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

The day Tianmiao had been anticipating finally arrived.

Looking at the numerous beautiful candidates, Tianmiao found them delightful and pleasing to the eye.

The predetermined candidates naturally made it through; regardless of their skills, even if their embroidery turned mandarin ducks into geese, they were accepted. Tianmiao picked two or three other candidates, and the Emperor also chose a few at random. Thus, the selection process ended.

The harem became quite lively with many new additions.

After bestowing titles upon the candidates and assigning them to their residences, the Emperor finally felt he could relax.

But not entirely, as the ministers continued to urge him to expand the royal family soon.

"Mother, these ministers are so annoying," the Emperor complained while eating watermelon in the Empress Dowager’s palace, "They’re always pushing, pushing, pushing."

"Maybe they’re still too idle, with too few tasks. My son could find more things for them to do," Tianmiao suggested while eating sliced watermelon.

"Ah, right! How did I not think of that?" The Emperor was suddenly enlightened, nodding repeatedly. "Yes, I’ll assign them tasks tomorrow. By the way, Mother, did the Empress bring people to greet you this morning?"

"They did. Everyone came." Tianmiao recalled the scene of a group of beauties coming to greet her in the morning, smiling with a hint of amusement, then told the Emperor, "Oh, my son, Mother has a gift to give you."

"What gift?" The Emperor was a bit happy and somewhat expectant. A gift from Mother!