HLnovel Chapter 304 Giving You a Concubine?
Chapter 304 Giving You a Concubine?
Shen Li really wanted to do something for her husband, but she stopped because she was a little sleepy. Moreover, the arrival of Princess Huji made her feel uneasy.
The couple discussed their future strategy in bed and ultimately decided to keep a low profile. Since they didn't know what the other wanted, they decided to protect themselves first.
So the next day, Gu Chang'an resigned again, saying that he was busy with the Ministry of Revenue at the end of the year and had important cases to be investigated by the Court of Judicial Review, so he had no time to attend to both. Moreover, the Crown Prince case could be a good opportunity to train newcomers.
Emperor Cheng was very satisfied with Gu Chang'an's performance. Last night, he even summoned Zhao Jing to the palace to inquire about Gu Chang'an's relationship with Prince Yi. Zhao Jing said that the two had no private relationship.
Even so, Emperor Cheng was wary of Gu Chang'an's excessive power. Even if he didn't help Prince Yi, helping any of the princes would be a huge threat to him, so he still believed that power should be shared.
He had only thought about it for one night, or even a few hours, when Gu Chang'an came to resign in person.
"Since that's the case, I'll promote Yang Ling ahead of schedule, so that Minister Gu can focus on the Ministry of Revenue and share my burdens." Emperor Cheng's words had a double meaning.
It was both an instruction and a warning, telling him to focus on his own work and not to think about anything else.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to implement the tax reform so that Your Majesty will not have to worry about money in the future," Gu Chang'an said neither humbly nor arrogantly.
These words sounded respectful, but in reality, they emphasized his own role. Without him, no one could have implemented this reform, and no one else could have saved the treasury of the Great Zhao.
"I trust you." Emperor Cheng gestured for him to rise, and after a brief discussion about the tax system, he casually asked, "What are your thoughts on the matter of choosing an heir?"
“Your Majesty, the selection of an heir is a matter of state, but it is also a matter of your family. As your subjects, we should not interfere.” Gu Chang’an cupped his hands again and said, “Besides, Your Majesty is in the prime of life. Why should the matter of selecting an heir be rushed?”
Emperor Cheng nodded slightly, looking satisfied, and his smile became even more benevolent: "Don't be so serious. There are no outsiders here. I'm just having a casual chat with you."
"Yes." Gu Chang'an knew that the crisis was almost resolved.
Emperor Cheng found Gu Chang'an more pleasing to the eye and began to chat casually: "You and Li'er have been married for over two years, why is there still no sign of a child?"
"..." Gu Chang'an was stunned for a moment.
He could defuse the emperor's fear without batting an eye, and he could calmly answer questions about death, but he never expected the emperor to bring up this matter again.
“Your Majesty, this… there’s no rush…” he replied reluctantly.
They had never had sexual relations before, but although they had recently started having sex, he was very careful to avoid Ah Li getting pregnant.
In his opinion, Ah Li is still young, and having a child always carries risks, so he is reluctant to let her go.
"Is it because Li'er doesn't want to?" Emperor Cheng asked with a smile. "How about I bestow upon you a concubine? Even if she doesn't want to, she can't disobey the imperial decree."
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty." Gu Chang'an knelt down with a solemn expression, lifting his robe. "However, I am devoted to serving the country and have no time for family matters since the tax reform has failed. I can only fail to live up to Your Majesty's good intentions."
Emperor Cheng raised his hand and said, "Get up, get up. The way you look so serious makes it seem like I'm sending you a tigress. If you don't want her, then I won't send her."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Gu Chang'an breathed a sigh of relief as he stood up.
He wasn't sensitive to the matter itself, but he sensed the emperor's probing. He said he was sending a concubine to carry on the family line, but it seemed the purpose of her arrival was to monitor the couple.