“This official has something to talk to Your Majesty about,” Prince Duan said with feign hesitance, his eyes fixed on the emperor.

The emperor looked at him, then at Qi Yun. Qi Yun put aside his report and rose to leave, but Prince Duan stopped him. “Please stay. What I’m going to say has something to do with Your Highness.”

Qi Yun stilled. He wondered what Prince Duan wanted. He went back to his seat and waited for him to continue.

Prince Duan chuckled. “I happened to run into Wan’er on my way here. It’s a surprise that she’s gotten pregnant. Motherhood suits her. That reminded me that Nan Xun and Qi Yun don’t have any women in their manors yet. I’d like to ask Your Majesty to gift them with a few beautiful women to pass down their bloodline.”

The emperor frowned. “It won’t do. Nan Xun and Feng Baiyu have feelings for each other. Neither are interested in women.”

“This official has heard about their relationship, but following their desires is one...