Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

Du He was a seasoned warrior, but seeing this scene, his inner defenses were still breached by the flood.

I can’t stand it!

Which official could withstand such a test?

Every noblewoman was tall and slender with a curvaceous figure. The floral scent they wore made Du He stare with wide eyes.

After watching for a while, Du He couldn't help but recite a poem.

"As the sun rises high, a neighbor girl laughs as they meet, her silk skirt loosely tied, revealing half of her breasts."

"Do not gaze upon the green waters of the autumn pond, for their unevenness will shame the white lotus."

As Du He recited Zhou Fen's poem "Meeting a Neighboring Woman" from the Tang Dynasty, a gentle voice of praise suddenly came from behind her.

"What a poem!"

"King Han truly deserves to be called the Great Poet Immortal of the Tang Dynasty!"

Upon hearing Empress Su Wan's voice, Du He's infatuated expression immediately returned to a serious one, completely devoid of any infatuation.

The speed at which his expression changed startled Su Wan and her maids.

Truly worthy of being called the King of Han!

The way he controls his expressions is so natural!

Du He quickly turned around, cupped his hands in greeting to Su Wan, and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress."

Su Wan smiled and said, "Your Highness, there's no need for such formalities."

When Du He walked in just now, she called Du He a few times. She never expected that this seemingly serious King Han would be so captivated by these noble ladies.

Considering that even the King of Han couldn't resist these young beauties, and that the Crown Prince's mind is a bit weaker, would he also become infatuated?

Did the emperor cease holding morning court from then on?

Considering this outcome, Su Wan also felt somewhat resistant to the selection of a concubine.

There was a pause.

Su Wan said softly, "Your Highness, if you are ready, let's begin selecting consorts for His Majesty now."

"There are quite a few people, and we may not be able to finish the selection today."

It's impossible to select all three thousand beauties for the harem; only 121 of the most outstanding women can be chosen to fill the vacant concubine positions.

If there is anyone His Majesty disapproves of, they will not even have the chance to enter the inner palace.

Seeing Su Wan's jealous expression, Du He's expression shifted slightly.

Good guy!

The Empress was actually jealous!

It seems that Su Wan, who comes from the martial arts Su family, is also afraid that these women, who come from noble families with five surnames and seven prominent clans, may pose a threat to her position as empress.

After thinking about it for a while.

Du He smiled and replied softly, "Your Majesty, I am ready and can assist you in selecting consorts for His Majesty at any time!"

"Ah."

Su Wan smiled and nodded.

I never expected Du He to be so perceptive, able to see right through my thoughts.

Led by a group of palace maids, Su Wan and Du He entered the main hall in front of the Yeting Palace and then sat down on the imperial platform at the very front.

Empress Su Wan sat in the main seat, while Du He sat in the secondary seat, and two female officials serving Li Chengqian sat on either side of the hall.

On the left side of the main hall.

The tall female official stood up and said, "Your Majesty, Prince Han, before the three thousand women who had returned home came to Chang'an, the local governors and commanders had already selected them based on their backgrounds."

"These women are all from noble families, and their brothers and sisters are all virtuous people."

There was a pause.

The female official continued, "When they arrived in Chang'an, the female physician examined their bodies. They were all virgins with good skin and no hidden ailments."

"Today's assessment mainly focused on appearance, demeanor, character, moral conduct, and academic qualifications, and 121 people were selected."

"His Majesty will subsequently bestow titles upon the Four Consorts, the Nine Concubines, the Jieyu, and the Meiren. As for the Cairen, Baolin, Yunu, and Cainu, they will be bestowed titles by the Empress and the Prince of Han."

The process of the new emperor selecting his concubines was very simple, consisting of four steps.

The first step was for local governors and commanders to select young, beautiful, and truly talented noblewomen, and also to screen out families with criminal members.

The second step was for the female officials to examine their bodies and health to ensure they were virgins and free from any hidden ailments.

The third step involves the selection of officials appointed by the Empress and His Majesty, and a comprehensive evaluation.

The fourth step is the emperor's final review and investiture.

After these four processes, countless noble ladies were eliminated, and only the most outstanding could enter the harem.

On the imperial platform.

Su Wan waved her hand: "Let's begin."

"promise!"

After receiving the order, the female official then instructed a palace maid to go out into the main hall and call someone in.

The first group of 30 noble ladies walked in, and under the direction of the female official, they displayed their figures in unison.

Her delicate body was partially visible beneath the thin veil, making Du He's nose feel hot.

Du He, who was originally sitting upright, leaned slightly forward and her buttocks also sticked out slightly.

"Good guy!"

"Is this a selection of imperial concubines?"

"Is it still those brothels where the champion is chosen?"

Su Wan, sitting in the main seat, noticed Du He's unusual behavior. A slight smile appeared on her lips, and then her gaze returned to the noble ladies.

After observing their appearance and demeanor, the female officials then asked them questions to determine whether they were docile.

Next, they were asked to demonstrate their skills in calligraphy, playing musical instruments, painting, calligraphy, and needlework.

Half an hour had passed by the time the first group of noble ladies finished their presentation.

Su Wan asked with a smile, "King Han, of the first batch of 30 noble ladies, which ones would you like to keep?"

Du He quickly cupped his hands and said, "It is entirely up to Your Majesty the Empress to decide."

He was very clear about his role today: to feast his eyes and, incidentally, weed out any unsuitable people.

As for the right person, Su Wan can decide for herself.

"it is good."

Su Wan nodded, then said softly, "Number 5, Zhu from Wu County, and number 8, He from Kuaiji, have advanced. Please wait in the side hall for the second round of selection."

The two selected women spoke with great excitement.

"Thank you, Queen!"

The other noble ladies who were not chosen bowed respectfully and then left the hall dejectedly.

During the subsequent selection of concubines, apart from Su Wan taking the initiative to ask for their opinions, Du He remained mostly silent, instead quietly admiring their beauty.

After the sixth round of wealthy women's presentations, Su Wan did not choose any of them to advance to the second round.

Du He was the first to speak up: "Your Majesty, Cui Zhiyao, number 175, from the Cui clan of Qinghe, is tall and lively. I suggest that she be promoted directly."

What?

Should Choi Ji-yao advance directly?

Su Wan looked at Cui Zhiyao, who was tall and beautiful but not voluptuous, and her face was full of hesitation.

A moment of silence.

Su Wan whispered, "King Han, this woman is so slender, would His Majesty like her?"

Du He smiled and said, "Your Majesty, don't worry, His Majesty will definitely like it."

Unlike other men, Li Chengqian did not prefer plump and voluptuous women, but rather tall and slender beauties.

Moreover, Choi Ji-yo's fair skin and wide shoulders and hips also added to her appeal.

"it is good!"

Su Wan nodded, then smiled and said, "Cui Zhiyao, number 175, go directly to the third hall to wait. You will then be selected for the position of Consort."

Cui Zhiyao was overjoyed and bowed deeply with excitement.

"Thank you, Queen."

"Thank you, King Han!"

After performing the rites, Cui Zhiyao skipped and hopped along with the palace maid towards the main hall in front.