Time Travel: Pampered by the Aloof Prince
Chapter 216: Just Say the Prince is Impotent

Chapter 216: Chapter 216: Just Say the Prince is Impotent

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Ever since the day she received the letter from General Song, Qi Yu couldn’t stop thinking about it.

She had never met the highly respected General, nor did she know what kind of person he really was, but from what Li Mingjue had shared, he seemed to be a stern elder.

General Song was already over sixty this year, still fighting bravely on the frontline, defending the country. Just for this, Qi Yu couldn’t help but admire the General who had spent most of his life in battle, earning distinguished military achievements.

But she truly lacked the confidence to earn the old General’s approval.

After all, with her bad reputation, if General Song really had preconceived notions and believed those rumors, then she would have to put in ten times the effort just to barely clear her name.

"Sigh," she exhaled, losing interest in the Biluochun Tea she was about to drink.

Observing her listless appearance, Li Mingjue found it somewhat novel.

She was usually fearless, yet now she seemed distressed over such a minor matter.

Seeing her lose her appetite, Li Mingjue barely suppressed a laugh as he tried to comfort her, "Princess, relax for now. Your maternal grandfather is a man of integrity and will not make things difficult for you."

Qi Yu gave him a sidelong glance, showing no pleasant expression to someone who seemed to be taking pleasure in her misfortune.

After all, it wasn’t him who would be scolded in the end.

Seeing that she was genuinely worried, Li Mingjue decided to distract her with something else.

Just then, Shiqi presented a secret letter that had come from the capital city.

After handing over the letter, he caught the pigeon that had been flying around aimlessly and took it away.

Li Mingjue unfolded the secret letter, skimmed the contents, curled his lips with a teasing look in his eyes.

Curious after seeing his expression change, Qi Yu snatched the letter and read through the traditional characters carefully.

After reading, she was somewhat speechless.

A few days ago, it was time for the annual selection of consorts. All the eligible ladies from noble families in the capital city were to enter the palace for the selection. Normally, the Empress would handle this affair, but she was pregnant, and Li Tianze did not want her to overwork herself, so he assigned Noble Consort Wan to manage it.

Now, aside from the Empress, the person with the most esteemed status in the harem was Lingya, the princess from a foreign land.

The other concubines were naturally not pleased with this arrangement, especially An Ruoya. After her confinement was lifted, she had regained the emperor’s favor through some schemes, and now, she strutted around the harem looking down on everyone.

But now, her biggest reliance was gone, and she had no child of her own. In a few more years, when age and beauty faded, she wouldn’t be able to strut anymore.

Qi Yu burned the secret letter, saying indifferently, "An Ruoya will not willingly submit to Noble Consort Wan. She will definitely meddle in this matter. It’s only a question of whether Noble Consort Wan can withstand it."

Although she wasn’t particularly interested in all the scheming in the harem, those people would inevitably plot against her, which was why she chose to make a deal with Jiutu, preferring to have another ally than an enemy.

Seeing the profound smile tugging at the corners of her lips, Li Mingjue was reassured. His Princess was indeed meant to be calm and strategic, masterminding behind the scenes.

After pondering deeply for a while, Qi Yu suddenly turned to Li Mingjue and said, "I think this consort selection is more likely targeted at you."

"What makes you think so?" Li Mingjue raised an eyebrow slightly, without agreeing or disagreeing.

Even though he was far away in Gusu, he was more aware of the happenings in the capital city than anyone else.

Those old fools who wanted to plot behind his back had to weigh their own strength.

With a cold snort, Qi Yu said gravely, "According to the letter, it’s been two years since new members were added to the harem; the past two years were just for show. The emperor didn’t invest much interest in it, so why such a big fuss this year? Why go through such great lengths to gather all the eligible women in the city to the palace, can the harem accommodate so many?"

As she spoke, she became somewhat angry.

"""

She pointed out coldly, "It seems that Father Emperor is thinking of Grandfather’s return to the court and wishes to give the General Residence more honor. First raising Mother to Noble Consort, and now intending to add a few concubines to the Prince Residence, his considerations are quite thorough."

Was this a plan to act first and report later?

Taking advantage of my absence from the capital, unable to stir up any trouble, they plan to settle the matter first.

Next month, when we return to court after the campaign, they will just squeeze these people into the Prince Residence. Truly a cunning move.

By then, once the Imperial Decree is issued, I, as Princess Qi, will have no say, and any objections will be seen as defiant. I might even be labeled jealous and intolerant.

Li Mingjue saw that she was quite upset and quickly pulled her into his embrace, gently stroking her back as he comforted her softly, "This is all the idea of a few old foxes. I will never let them succeed."

Qi Yu closed her eyes and suppressed the anger in her heart.

She clutched at the front of Li Mingjue’s robe, warning him with a stern face, "In any case, there must absolutely be no concubines in the Prince Residence!"

Li Mingjue readily agreed, "Alright, only the Princess."

Qi Yu was somewhat satisfied with this response. She let go of his collar and, feeling restless, poked at his chest while muttering, "So, what do you plan to do?"

Li Mingjue grabbed her mischievous hand and slowly began, "I’ve already thought of a countermeasure."

At this point, he paused, intentionally keeping her in suspense.

This caused Qi Yu to glare at him discontentedly, pressing for an answer, "What is it?"

Such an adult and still playing these games.

Childish!

Li Mingjue accepted her complaint with a smile and instead of answering, he asked, "Do you remember how the Princess first married into the Prince Residence?"

Qi Yu frowned, unsure of what he was getting at.

But Li Mingjue was determined not to reveal the answer easily, so she had no choice but to patiently think back on it.

After a moment, an idea surfaced in her mind and she tentatively asked, "You’re not thinking of pretending to be ill, are you?"

After all, the original fool had exploited a loophole to marry into the Prince Residence.

Once the news of Prince Qi’s illness spread back to the capital, those highborn ladies would naturally retreat at hearing it.

Who would want to marry a dying man unless they had no other choice?

Li Mingjue reached out and teased her nose, praising her, "My Princess is indeed clever."

Qi Yu swatted his hand away unhappily, reminding him, "Pretending to be sick is risky. If we are found out, it’s not just you; I’ll be in trouble too, okay?"

Li Tianze is not a fool; such petty tricks could only fool inexperienced young ladies, never a deep and calculating emperor.

However, Qi Yu thought of something, and a light flashed in her eyes.

A smile slowly curled up the corners of her mouth as she looked up at Li Mingjue, "I know of a way to openly turn those people away."

Seeing her smile with hidden intentions, Li Mingjue suddenly felt a sense of crisis.

Indeed, the next second, he heard Qi Yu whisper in his ear, a few soft words, "Just say, the Prince is impotent."