Only after the rebellion succeeded did they realize that this place was...

(Chapter 27 has been revised)

"That's all. Your Majesty, there really isn't any more."

Rulan turned pale with fright, her eyes instantly reddened, and she looked like she was about to cry. She waved her hands repeatedly and tried to explain in a low voice, her voice trembling with sobs.

Liu Hong's words had really frightened her.

How could she not know?

When an emperor is enraged, millions will die.

How could she, a mere fifth daughter of the Sheng family, possibly afford to offend someone?

If His Majesty were truly angry, even her father, mother, uncle, and second brother could not protect her. At this moment, she was filled with fear and worry, and could not even speak coherently.

The other women in the hall—Hua Lan, Mo Lan, Ming Lan, and Rong Fei Yan—were all shocked, lowered their heads, and dared not utter a sound, not even daring to breathe.

Hua Lan secretly broke out in a cold sweat, fearing that Ru Lan's recklessness would anger His Majesty and implicate the Sheng family.

A hint of schadenfreude flashed in Mo Lan's eyes, but she dared not show it, only keeping her eyes and brows closed.

Minglan's heart tightened, her fingers curled slightly, and her gaze fell on Rulan with a hint of worry. She knew that only His Majesty's words could resolve the situation.

Liu Hong was always kind and gentle to women, but he also knew the power of an emperor and would not be easily swayed by a woman's tears.

Looking at Rulan, who was almost a little crybaby in front of him, he did not explain or scold her immediately. He waited until she finished speaking in her sobs before slowly raising his eyebrows and smiling gently. His gaze was fixed on Rulan, and his tone was playful: "Am I really that scary?"

Tell me the truth, what are people outside saying about me? If you dare to lie, that's the crime of deceiving the emperor!

As soon as he finished speaking, the Hall of Mental Cultivation fell silent.

Rulan's heart skipped a beat, and she thought to herself, "I'm doomed." She hurriedly glanced to her left and right.

But the eldest sister, Hua Lan, stood quietly with her head bowed, and the sixth sister, Ming Lan, also lowered her eyes. The emperor's majesty was overwhelming in the hall, and no one dared to make the slightest movement. Dozens of eyes in the Hall of Mental Cultivation were watching.

If even the slightest impropriety is met with accusations of disrespect, that would be a truly terrible disaster.

"If you don't tell, I'm going to spank you."

Liu Hong smiled enigmatically and continued to tease her.

Upon hearing this, Hua Lan quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Minglan, Molan, and Rong Feiyan all breathed a sigh of relief.

Only Rulan was so frightened that her heart trembled and her mind went blank. She had lost all her previous cleverness and, relying only on instinct, blurted out whatever came to mind: "Your Majesty, people outside say that Your Majesty is a restorer of the dynasty, a wise and virtuous ruler who brings peace and stability to the country. He is wise and prosperous, accomplished in both literature and martial arts, and is a first-rate man in the world, a true hero."

Furthermore, some say that His Majesty's unparalleled military prowess on the battlefield, leading the elite troops of the New Han Dynasty, is perhaps the reincarnation of the Purple Star in the heavens, which explains his invincibility. They even claim that during every major battle, the Thunder God and Lightning Goddess lend their assistance, allowing him to capture cities and counties even with ordinary people, thus bringing about the current prosperity of the New Han Dynasty…

She opened her small mouth and poured out all the praises she could think of in her little head. At first, Liu Hong thought they sounded nice, but the more he listened, the more he felt like laughing and crying at the same time.

Too many compliments can come across as deliberate and even carry a hint of veiled criticism.

When Rulan's throat was dry and she could no longer utter a single word, she timidly raised her eyes, blinked her watery eyes at Liu Hong, and asked softly, "Your Majesty, shall I... shall I continue?"

"You're quite clever."

Liu Hong rolled his eyes at her, but a smile was hidden in his eyes.

"Not as quick-witted as His Majesty..."

Rulan replied subconsciously.

As soon as he finished speaking, the Hall of Mental Cultivation fell into an eerie silence once more, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Ru Lan's pupils suddenly contracted, and she felt as if the sky had collapsed and the earth had caved in.

It's over, completely over.

That foul mouth of hers dares to be disrespectful to the emperor.

Rulan, Rulan, you have brought a terrible disaster upon the Sheng family. If Father finds out, he will surely beat you to death.

Her mind was in turmoil, and she imagined Liu Hong as a petty and tyrannical ruler who would confiscate property and exterminate clans at the slightest disagreement. Her body trembled like a leaf in the autumn wind.

But Liu Hong was not like that.

Looking at Rulan's terrified yet forced composure, he suddenly chuckled loudly, "Fifth Miss Sheng, with you here, the palace is sure to be lively from now on."

The head eunuch bowed and smiled at the opportune moment, saying, "Congratulations, Miss Rulan."

Liu Hong stopped teasing her and continued walking forward.

Rulan, bewildered, retreated back to the line, blinking innocently, her mind racing: So, did I pass?

For a moment, she could hardly believe this stroke of good fortune.

As Liu Hong approached Hua Lan, his gaze softened instantly, and a sense of guilt welled up in his heart.

The woman before him had waited for him for several years. Although war had been a barrier, the torment of waiting was real.

He never makes assumptions.

If there is no war, and the Sheng family betroths Hua Lan to someone else, will she fight to the death?

For him, cherishing what he has in the present moment is the most genuine thing.

"I'm sorry you've suffered these past few years."

Liu Hong's voice was gentle, filled with deep affection, "Now, the little girl has grown into a young woman, but I like her more and more. Her appearance and temperament are just what I like."

"My daughter is the same."

Hua Lan looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with starlight, her lips slightly pursed, and her clear, bright eyes seemed to be covered with a thin layer of light, in which Liu Hong's figure was reflected.

Her beautiful face, free of makeup, radiated a unique brightness at this moment, the radiant glow that only a young girl would have when she saw her beloved, clean and passionate.

Liu Hong raised his hand, his fingertips gently landing on Hua Lan's pretty profile, touching her soft and delicate skin, sliding down slightly until they landed on her delicate chin, lingering for a moment before slowly withdrawing.

"When you enter the palace in the future, do not restrain your mind. You will be free and unrestrained in this palace. Your husband, as the emperor, has no elders to restrain him and will not impose so many complicated rules."

Although there are clans, they never enter the palace to bother you. They only need to be busy during the year-end, the Lantern Festival, and major sacrificial ceremonies. Otherwise, you can move around freely in this vast palace.

With her sisters by her side, she wasn't lonely at all.

If you miss your family, summon them to the palace from time to time; I will not mind.

His tone was calm, but anyone could hear that his words contained a genuine affection that Hua Lan held for him, an affection that could not be hidden, unlike his words to others.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Hua Lan lowered her head shyly, her voice barely audible, but her ears were bright red.

Seeing this, Liu Hong smiled again, raised his hand and gently patted her forehead before reluctantly looking away. The lingering smile on his face showed his excellent mood at the moment.

Then, his gaze fell on Mo Lan and Ming Lan.

These are the two illegitimate daughters of the Sheng family.

Since he entered the palace, he has kept his eyes and brows lowered, never overstepping the bounds of propriety.

"Do you know why you two were selected among these ten people?"

Compared to his teasing of Rulan and his gentleness towards Hualan, Liu Hong's voice now carried a noticeable coldness, with the scrutiny of an emperor.

Mo Lan's heart tightened, and she was still hesitating about how to phrase her words. Ming Lan, who was always aloof from conflict and low-key and reserved, had already taken the lead in bowing and stepping forward, her voice calm and unwavering: "Your Majesty, it is because of my elder sister."

"If it weren't for Your Majesty's compassion for my eldest sister and your affection for her, my fourth sister and I, both daughters born out of wedlock, would have been utterly unqualified for selection. We sisters are well aware of Your Majesty's good intentions."

Upon hearing this, Mo Lan quickly followed suit, bowing and echoing, "This humble woman also holds the same view."

Liu Hong raised an eyebrow, glanced at the two of them, and said calmly, "Yes, and not entirely. You two also have your own unique strengths."

These were not casual remarks, but rather his personal understanding of the two individuals.

His gaze first fell on Mo Lan, and her past flashed through his mind: Hua Lan married into the Earl's family, which was a legitimate marriage for the eldest daughter, while she was determined to marry into a high-ranking family, but was criticized for being vain.

Ultimately, it's just a matter of the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children.

The prevailing trends of the times were suffocating her.

But she has a stubborn streak. For what she wants, she dares to do daring things, even though every step is fraught with danger and a slight mistake could bring disaster to her family. But this stubbornness of daring to think and act is really admirable.

Liu Hong also had a certain degree of confidence.

With this woman in his hands, he could hardly cause any trouble; on the contrary, she could become an asset to his harem.

Because he was the emperor, the most special person in the world, with imperial power in his hands, he could suppress all other thoughts.

Liu Hong beckoned to the chief eunuch, who quickly presented the list of candidates for the imperial concubine selection.

He held the list between his fingers, but his gaze remained fixed on Mo Lan, and he said in a deep voice, "It's a pity, she was born out of wedlock."

Otherwise, with your foundation from your private schooling in your youth, your clever mind from childhood, and your insightful calculations, you could probably have established yourself on your own merits, just like Hua Lan.

With such talent, I wonder how many scions of noble families in Bianliang will come seeking to acquire it.

"It's a pity that your mother was a concubine in the Sheng family, and you have also learned the mannerisms of a concubine."

Liu Hong's words struck at Mo Lan's sore spot, but there was not a trace of mockery in them. "It is only natural for people to look out for themselves. I don't blame you."

But once you enter the palace, no one will dare to criticize you for being born a concubine's daughter. In the harem, there is no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, nor between superiors and inferiors.

"If you bear children, they will be princes or princesses, of noble birth, born of the highest order. The mother will be honored, but the son will be even more so!"

"Did you write it down?"

Using the emperor's power, Liu Hong forcibly corrected the concubine mentality that Mo Lan had been taught by Lin Qinshuang over the years.

In this feudal era, the emperor's power far surpassed the filial piety of parents.

Mo Lan trembled, looked up at Liu Hong, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

She never imagined that she, as a concubine's daughter, could receive such a promise from the emperor, especially the phrase "There is no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children; a son is more honorable," which was like a ray of light that pierced through the gloom that had been weighing on her for many years because of her birth.

She quickly bowed her head and kowtowed, her voice choked with emotion: "This humble woman has remembered. Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty, I understand and will keep your words in mind."

Mo Lan's voice choked with sobs, her eyes were already red-rimmed, and her fingertips were slightly gripping the hem of her skirt. Her emotional state made it hard to tell whether it was deliberate or genuine.

Even Liu Hong couldn't tell the truth from the falsehood for a moment.

Women are naturally endowed with a gentle and delicate mind; once they start acting, they can fool not only others but also themselves.

Liu Hong sighed softly and said no more.

If Mo Lan can change her ways as a concubine, the harem may be more peaceful in the future; if she remains stubborn and causes trouble, then the Cold Palace and the Hall of Peace will be her final destination.

Everything will depend on her own future actions, nothing more.

Finally, it was Sheng Minglan's turn.

Liu Hong's gaze fell on her, showing neither the tenderness he showed to Hua Lan nor the advice he offered to Mo Lan; he simply looked her up and down quietly.

The girl before me still looked like a timid little rabbit, with gentle eyes and a somewhat naive appearance. But who would have thought that beneath this seemingly delicate exterior lay a clever and insightful mind?

She lived life with clarity, able to understand principles that most people in the world cannot. She was also a woman who dared to take risks and had great courage, a boldness that most men in the world could not match.

Liu Hong stared at her for a long time, a slight smile spreading across his lips.

This smile was different from the teasing he had shown towards Rulan and the tenderness he had shown towards Hualan; it was full of genuine appreciation.

He sighed softly, "She is truly an extraordinary woman!"

This simple comment stunned everyone in the hall, who looked at each other, unable to discern the merits or demerits of the assessment.

Only Minglan, with her lowered eyes trembling slightly and her fingertips curling slightly, remained composed and did not overstep the bounds in the slightest.

After their conversation, Liu Hong returned to his throne and waved his hand gently.

The Sheng family daughters and Rong Feiyan bowed in unison, took their leave of the hall, and left the Hall of Mental Cultivation, where their lives of honor and favor had been decided, with light and slow steps.

Even though Liu Hong had just uttered the words "Consort Rong," the imperial decree for her investiture had not yet been officially issued. Only when the Grand Eunuch publicly announced the decree within the Imperial Concubine Chamber would it be in accordance with palace regulations and be considered legitimate.

Therefore, Hua Lan and the others could only return to the Xiu Nu Yuan and wait for a few more days.

Having already spent several months in the Imperial Concubine's quarters, they could indulge in the anticipation of these last day or two even longer.

This waiting may be agonizing for those whose outcome is unknown, but for the woman whose wish is about to be fulfilled, it is the best time in the world.

When are you happiest?

It is not the moment of attaining happiness, but the moment when one is closest to happiness, that is the precious moment that one will remember for a lifetime.

……

Meanwhile, inside the Wende Hall on the other side, the scene was completely different.

Many court officials and high-ranking ministers had been waiting for a long time. Even before Liu Hong appeared, they had already been arguing heatedly about the matter of establishing an empress, each expressing their own opinions and refusing to give in.

"As the empress, she should set an example for the world. Only the daughter of the Left Chancellor, Gongsun Yanran, possesses both talent and beauty, and is of excellent character. Making her empress would be a fitting tribute to the relationship between the emperor and his subjects."

"Absolutely not! The Empress must not be involved in politics by her relatives. Grand Chancellor Gongsun is now the Left Chancellor, and after the Lantern Festival, he will likely seize all the power of the prime minister. His Majesty has repeatedly emphasized that the affair of relatives of the empress must not be repeated in our founding of the Han Dynasty, otherwise, wouldn't we be betraying the foundation of this nation?"

"So, according to you, even the Grand Commander's daughter can't be made Empress, but only a concubine? Then tell me, who should be made Empress?"

Arguments rose and fell in the hall, heated words flying everywhere. Even the eunuchs and maids serving nearby held their breath, afraid to make a sound, lest they inadvertently bring trouble upon themselves.

This noisy situation continued until Liu Hong stepped into the Wende Hall, and the overwhelming imperial pressure swept over them. Only then did the court officials barely quiet down and bow in greeting.

"Your Majesty, this humble subject greets you!"

Liu Hong strode forward, sat steadily behind the imperial desk, and glanced at the crowd below.

Left Chancellor Gongsun Bai, Geng Ming, a senior minister of the Geng family, Right Chancellor Han Zhang, Minister of Rites Xu Lang, Minister of Personnel Zhuang Xuejiu, and clan representative Liu Ran were all key ministers of the new Han dynasty.

"After such a long discussion, has a conclusion been reached, my esteemed ministers?"

As Liu Hong asked questions, he casually flipped through the memorials submitted on the table concerning the matter of establishing an empress.

The memorial stated that among the remaining ten candidates for the imperial selection, many had already been excluded by the court officials: Mo Lan and Ru Lan from the Sheng family, Yu Yanran, the daughter of Grand Tutor Yu, Rong Feiyan from the Shunming Marquis's residence, and Mao Qingmiao, the daughter of Minister of Justice Mao Tianxun—half of them had been eliminated.

However, in Liu Hong's eyes, such a conclusion was unsatisfactory, because the remaining five people were the true core of the empress's appointment.

Silence fell on the steps; no one answered.

Liu Hong's gaze sharpened. He closed the memorial and slammed it heavily on the jade table. His voice was cold and carried an undeniable imperial authority: "The matter of establishing an empress must be settled today. My beloved ministers, do not make excuses or delays any longer!"

Before Liu Hong could name names, Right Chancellor Han Zhang, who was already prepared, slowly stepped forward.

Anyway, he will retire and return to his hometown after the Lantern Festival. He will be free from official duties and will be at ease. Today is the most suitable person to step forward, without having to worry about the disputes in the court.

"Reporting to Your Majesty."

Han Zhang bowed, his voice steady, "In my humble opinion, the Empress, who is the mother of the nation, should be of the highest caliber in terms of temperament, family background, character, talent, and appearance."

She should set an example for all women, so as not to disgrace her position as empress.

As the saying goes, a country cannot be without a ruler for a single day. Only when the ruler and empress are one, and the dragon and phoenix bring good fortune, can their power extend to both the world and beyond, ensuring peace and prosperity throughout the land, and achieving harmony among the people and a truly glorious era.

Although our new Han dynasty has only been established for a few years, its prosperous era is already known to all. Your Majesty is wise and sagacious, as Heaven and Earth can attest, and as the people's hope.

Therefore, in my humble opinion, only the young lady Gongsun Yanran is the most suitable.

This is merely my humble opinion; I urge Your Majesty to consider it carefully.

As soon as Han Zhang finished speaking, he withdrew from the argument and stood aside, making it clear that he would not get involved in any further disputes.

With him setting the precedent, Liu Hong's gaze swept over again, and the Imperial Clan Minister Liu Ran had no choice but to step forward, cup his hands, and say, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, the matter of the Empress Dowager's relatives should be planned for in advance, otherwise, a thousand-mile dike may be breached by an ant hole in the future."

"Today's events have offended Grand Chancellor Gongsun."

Liu Ran bowed slightly, and Gongsun Bai immediately returned the bow. His demeanor was upright and dignified, showing no sign of anger. He was very magnanimous and said in a loud voice, "You flatter me, Your Excellency."

These wise words are all for Your Majesty and for our new Han Dynasty.

I wholeheartedly agree with Zongzheng's words.

My youngest daughter must not be made empress, otherwise the disasters will be endless. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider.

The current Left Chancellor, the future prime minister, surprisingly took the opportunity to express his opinion, stating bluntly that his daughter should not be made empress.

Such frankness surprised everyone in the hall.

Since he had already said this, Geng Ming, a relative of Grand Commander Geng Jie, could no longer recommend the beautiful Geng Fang. Otherwise, wouldn't he be slapping Gongsun Bai, the future prime minister, in the face and gaining a reputation for favoritism and bending the law?

Geng Ming could only bow and decline, humbly saying that his daughter was not worthy of the position of empress.

Thus, only Zhuang Xuejiu, the Minister of Personnel, and Xu Lang, the Minister of Rites, remained silent in the hall. The only women considered by the court officials as candidates for the empress's position were Zhang Guifen, daughter of the Duke of Ying, and two daughters from the Sheng family.

Sheng Hualan, Sheng Minglan!

The atmosphere inside the Wende Hall became heavy once again.

All eyes were on Liu Hong behind the imperial desk, waiting for the founding emperor to decide on the successor, a matter of vital importance to the nation.