Other Meaning

"Three thousand beauties? I've mentioned before that it's a conservative estimate. The emperor selects a group of beauties to enter the palace every three years. Moreover, the palace maids chosen to serve in the palace also become the emperor's consorts. In total, there are far more than three thousand!"

Su Ning found herself momentarily stunned, then leaned closer to whisper into Qin Zhenzhen's ear, "With so many women, can His Majesty… fulfill his responsibilities towards all of them?"

Qin Zhenzhen replied softly, "Certainly not! Some of the beauties never even lay eyes on the Emperor before they pass away, yet the Emperor never bears any guilt for them."

A hint of sadness crept into Su Ning's expression. "If he can't fulfill his duties, why did he marry so many women?"

Qin Zhenzhen explained, "Possession!"

"In fact, it's not just the emperor. Besides the main and secondary consorts, there are numerous other beauties and concubines in the palace."