I shall not take a concubine.

Lan Yixuan leaned against the dragon throne, remaining silent, his gentle visage revealing no trace of joy or anger. Below him, the ministers were hesitant to speak, fully aware that although they were the esteemed aides of the Lan Kingdom, their bond could not compare to the deep connection shared between Lei Yun, Lei An, and Lan Yixuan. While the ministers indulged in their own speculations, it was clear that Lei Yun and Lei An understood Lan Yixuan's intentions far better. 

The ministers were not oblivious to Lan Yixuan's reluctance to take a concubine; they simply found it difficult to resist such a tempting opportunity. They were all men of flesh and blood, having experienced youth themselves. In this world, which man is not prone to infidelity? Moreover, as a sovereign, it is entirely reasonable to have a harem of beautiful women. If Xian Yue were present, they might hesitate to part with the precious jewels they had cherished since childhood. Yet, with Xian Yue gone and the threat of Xuanyuan looming, this was no ordinary small nation. The duration of the impending war was uncertain. Should their daughters enter the palace and gain favor, and if one were to bear the legitimate heir, then in time, even if Xian Yue returned, what could she possibly do to them? 

"Firstly, Her Majesty the Queen holds a prestigious status; she is not a subject of the Lan Kingdom but rather the Queen of the Feng Kingdom. Although the Feng Kingdom is not as powerful as our Lan Kingdom, losing an ally of such caliber would leave us unable to stand against Xuanyuan." 

"Is it truly the case that because she is the Queen of Feng, His Majesty cannot take a concubine? Since ancient times, it has been natural for men to have multiple wives. Moreover, even if the King were to take concubines, she would still be our Queen and should naturally share in our burdens." 

Zou Kai spoke with an air of certainty, asserting that a wife serves her husband, implying that even ordinary men could not have only one legitimate wife, let alone the King. 

"She is an extraordinary woman of this world; how could we, mere mortals, fathom her heart's desires? Since you, Lord Zou, understand that the Queen is the Queen of Lan, such a significant matter as taking a concubine must naturally receive her approval. She is currently far away in Bai Chu Ye City. Are you suggesting that the ministers should dispatch someone to consult her on this matter?" 

In contrast to Lei An's inner fury, Lei Yun's words were structured and far more convincing. 

"The Queen, for the sake of the Lan Kingdom, has donned armor and led troops; is that not for our nation's sake? The ministers, debating the matter of taking a concubine within this golden hall, do so precisely because of her. With Xuanyuan advancing aggressively, if not for the Queen's intervention, who among you could withstand such a force?" 

Lei Yun's normally calm voice rose slightly, tinged with irritation. His anger did not stem from their mention of taking concubines—after all, the Prince was a ruler, and it was not unusual for ministers to make such requests. They might believe this to be the perfect moment, but he could not abide by it. 

"Whether it be the Feng Kingdom, the Lan Kingdom, or even Yan Chu and others, the Queen enjoys the people's affection. She has led troops into battle for the sake of the Lan Kingdom. If the King were to take a concubine at this moment, what would the world think of him?" To suggest such a thing as fickleness and lack of loyalty was beyond what Lei Yun would say of Lan Yixuan. He had remained by the Prince's side, understanding his struggles. He wished to march alongside Xian Yue and had grown weary of the ministers' repetitive arguments about taking concubines. 

"Moreover, the Crown Prince of Feng has always held the Queen in great esteem, and she listens to him above all others. Should he be incensed by the King's decision to take a concubine and become discordant with His Highness, which minister would bear the responsibility then?" 

Upon hearing the mention of responsibility, the ministers quickly fell silent. This matter could indeed escalate significantly. If the Crown Prince of Feng were to sever ties with the King over such a decision, considering the relationship between the Queen and the Crown Prince, it was entirely possible that he might leave the Lan Kingdom, leaving it isolated and vulnerable. 

"Lord Hu, since you were able to ascertain that the Queen resides at the Bai Mansion, then you should also be aware that Xuanyuan's army is approaching the Biluo River, correct?" Lei An approached Lei Yun, glancing at the kneeling ministers, and smiled lightly. He observed the astonishment fleeting across their faces, laced with disdain. These men were constantly scheming, preoccupied with how to secure wealth and power, yet they were short-sighted. What good would it do if the Prince took a concubine and fathered a child, if the day came when Xuanyuan's army breached the walls of the Lan Kingdom? They would soon be gripped by terror. The fact that such important military news had escaped the notice of these ministers was astonishing; their wealth should be seized to let them taste the bitterness of homelessness. 

"General Cheng's army should also be nearing; if the matter of taking a concubine were to be made public in Ye City at this moment, it would coincide perfectly with the Queen's departure to Biluo River." 

Lei An observed the anxious and conflicted faces of the ministers, coldly snorting inwardly. He had seen through them; they were all too comfortable seeking pleasure, desiring power and riches while fearing for their lives. If they truly had any ability, they would fight on the battlefield like General Cheng, rather than engaging in idle chatter within this golden hall. 

"In the past, when our Lan Kingdom had no Queen, we stood equally with Xuanyuan. Now, is it impossible to do so without her? As the mother of the nation, her actions and demeanor should serve as a model for all women of the kingdom; she ought to speak and act with prudence and exhibit the dignity befitting her status. Yet what of the Queen? She resides in the Bai Mansion, despite the rumors surrounding her past with the young master Bai circulating widely in the Jianghu. This is a matter of our Lan Kingdom's household; what right does the Crown Prince of Feng have to meddle in our King's domestic affairs?" 

Zhang Tao spoke with fervor, showing no hint of fear. 

"I believe Lord Zhang's words carry weight. Initially, the Queen willingly took her place in battle on behalf of the King; is there any reason to abandon the endeavor midway? In the eyes of the world, the Feng and Lan Kingdoms have already forged an alliance. The bond between the Queen and the King is renowned among the people. Even if she now wishes to sever ties with our Lan Kingdom, the populace will not believe it." 

"I contend that the matter of taking a concubine should be postponed until the Queen's return, as it is said that those who win the hearts of the people will rule the world. The Queen enjoys the people's favor, and the King and Queen are celebrated in folk tales. The Queen has only been away from the Lan Kingdom for a little over a month; should the King take a concubine now, he will surely face public censure, which would negatively impact the morale of the troops." 

... 

Below, the ministers exchanged words, quickly dividing into two factions. 

Lan Yixuan sat quietly upon the dragon throne, observing the ministers arguing passionately below, his gentle gaze calm. "Do you wish to hear my decision?" 

His voice was mild and tranquil, devoid of any discernible emotion, and the entire Yu Xuan Hall fell silent at once. 

"I shall not take a concubine." Each word was steady and resonant, leaving the ministers exchanging glances, momentarily at a loss for words. 

They cautiously regarded Lan Yixuan seated upon the dragon throne, uncertain of how to respond. He was not the lecherous Second Prince, whose eyes sparkled at the mention of beautiful women. Nor was he one of the other princes, whose habits and preferences they had discerned. Their eldest prince sat with an expression of indifference, yet his thoughts remained inscrutable. The Jianghu spoke of his generosity and benevolence, heralding him as a revered young hero. Since his ascension, they had never dared to slack off; his warm, smiling eyes resembled a mirror that revealed the world's filth, sharp enough to pierce through to the depths of the human heart. 

"Your Majesty."

Zhang Tao lifted his head and called out, his gaze meeting those smiling eyes. Yet, he could distinctly sense the chill emanating from them; the faint smile was like shattered ice flowers, leaving him with an involuntary shiver.

"The impending war between the Lan Kingdom and Xuanyuan demands your utmost diligence, esteemed ministers. It is essential that you focus on your respective duties. Since you are all aware that matters of the harem are my private affairs, I ask that you refrain from unwarranted interference. Ever since the queen's departure, I have often found myself in a state of agitation and unrest."

Lan Yi Xuan chose not to elaborate further, and the ministers below him needed no additional prompting. The warning was evident; Zhou Tao furrowed his brow—this was clearly a caution from the emperor.

"As for the prince of Feng, who is the queen's brother, he is also my kin—"

They were merely ministers; what right did they have to meddle in the affairs of their sovereign? While Lan Yi Xuan would never voice such pointed remarks, his insinuations were sufficiently clear for the ministers to grasp. How could they forget that the emperor had once risked everything for the queen? Having not experienced such emotions themselves, they could not possibly comprehend.

"The matter of taking a concubine is of great significance." Lan Yi Xuan emphasized those four words intentionally, and the ministers understood the gravity, refraining from further discussion.

What Lei Yun and Lei An suggested had crossed their minds previously. Though the odds seemed slim, they were still inclined to take a chance for the sake of their futures and opulence. Yet now, with Lan Yi Xuan's disapproval, they found themselves utterly helpless.

"Until the queen returns, no one is permitted to mention the matter of taking a concubine."

With that, Lan Yi Xuan rose from his seat, a surge of inexplicable irritation bubbling within him. After the war, would Xuan Yue ever return? He wasn't sure; a woman of her resolve would not waver once she had made up her mind. Perhaps this time, for Feng Jiu Lan, she would not come back. If so, he would be left alone forever. Did her concern for Feng Jiu Lan justify abandoning him in the Lan Kingdom?

"Do any of you have further matters to discuss?"

He assumed a demeanor suggesting he would depart, leaving the others hesitant to voice their thoughts.

Taking a concubine? Producing heirs? What need had he for numerous princes? The incessant strife within the Lan Kingdom stemmed precisely from the abundance of royal offspring. In this lifetime, he required only Xuan Yue; as for children, a bittersweet ache tugged at his heart— 

Regardless of the war, regardless of the opinions of these ministers, as long as he remained the emperor of the Lan Kingdom, one queen sufficed. Without her, no matter how vibrant the harem, devoid of her voice and laughter, it would merely become an opulent yet desolate prison.