Lover Number 3.3

Huang Yiming sighed and gently pushed his sister's grinning face aside, rising from the bed. "Don't bother me anymore. I have work to attend to."

"How come you didn't have any work when you were talking to Li Jie?" Huang Baozhai teased, a secret smirk dancing on her lips.

Huang Yiming fell silent, unable to find a suitable response to his sister's remark. Without another word, he left the room, leaving Huang Baozhai to her own thoughts. A mischievous glimmer lit up her eyes as she too got up from the bed.

"If only I can come up with a plan..." she murmured to herself, a playful determination in her voice.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the palace, Li Jie maintained a respectful smile as he bowed before his father, Emperor Li Xuan Ji. "Long live the emperor," he greeted, seemingly unaffected by recent events.

"Son," the emperor acknowledged with a smile, gesturing for Li Jie to join him. "Come, sit with me. How was your day?"

As Li Jie took his seat, a flicker of doubt passed through the emperor's mind. Perhaps his previous actions had crossed boundaries and invaded his son's personal life more than he intended.

However, upon seeing Li Jie now, the emperor realized that Yang Mei's words had been a result of misunderstanding, driven by her limited time spent with their son. Li Jie, guided by the emperor's teachings, intertwined his personal matters with the affairs of the nation.

Yet, despite his apparent composure, the emperor couldn't shake the unease that settled in his heart when he met his son's emotionless gaze.

"What did you wish to discuss with me, imperial father?" Li Jie inquired calmly, his polite smile never wavering.

The emperor patted the seat beside him, inviting Li Jie to join him. "Won't you sit with your father for a while? I have some news to share with you."

Li Jie, though inwardly surprised, concealed his reaction and maintained his affectionate smile towards his father. Deep inside, his body tensed, but he masked it well.

"Your majesty's words hold great weight," Li Jie replied, complying and taking his seat.

"Your mother has returned," the emperor announced, catching Li Jie off guard.

Expecting discussions about the harem's finalization, Li Jie was startled by the unexpected news of his mother's return. His initial plan of meeting her in a month's time had been disrupted.

"Surprised, aren't you?" the emperor chuckled, playfully shaking his son's built. "I was too. She intended to visit you today, but I took you away."

The words slipped out as an unintended favor, causing Li Jie's smile to turn slightly bitter. It wasn't that he didn't want to meet his mother or that he was still hurt by his father's previous remarks. He had simply yearned for his mother's presence after their prolonged separation, and now, with his mood already shattered, this news added fuel to the fire of his frustration.

And the emperor noticed.

Unaccustomed to his son's open display of emotions, the emperor wondered if something had transpired between their previous meeting and now.

"After our discussion, you may go and see your mother," Li Xuan Ji offered, unintentionally making it seem like a favor granted.

"Thank you, your majesty," Li Jie expressed gratitude, aware of his father's power to punish disobedience. Although he had anticipated this moment, the confirmation of the harem's readiness sent a surge of fear and anxiety rippling through him, overpowering his attempt to conceal it.

"I understand that the circumstances are not ideal, but the men selected for your harem are prepared and will soon be entering the palace," the emperor explained, oblivious to the slight trembling in Li Jie's hands.

"For your benefit, I have reached an agreement with the council to grant you and the men some time to familiarize yourselves with one another."

"Thank you, your majesty," Li Jie responded, his tone devoid of the usual familial warmth as he refrained from using the term "imperial father."

"And Li Jie," the emperor's expression grew more serious, capturing his son's attention. "Listen carefully to what I am about to say and never forget it, understood?"

Li Jie nodded, sitting up straighter, recognizing the significance of his father's tone.

The emperor signaled for their escorts to leave, ensuring privacy between them before continuing.

"I know you understand the reason for the rushed proceedings thus far, and I know you comprehend the importance of the kingdom. However, above all, you are my son."

Li Jie's mind raced, contemplating if his father's unusual demeanor was linked to his mother's return.

"You are well aware that the men chosen for the harem were not selected based on their personal feelings for you," the emperor stated, and Li Jie nodded in agreement.

"Good," the emperor acknowledged. "It is crucial that you understand this. Each recommendation made by the council was accompanied by personal connections to the recommenders."

"I had already suspected as much," Li Jie affirmed. "If your majesty's intention is to urge me to be cautious, rest assured that I am well aware of the situation."

The emperor felt a sense of unease for his son, but he struggled to express it openly. Empress Yang Mei's voice echoed in his mind, reminding him of his desire to protect his son. Yet, time and time again, he found himself acting against his own heartfelt wishes.

"If you encounter any concerns or suspicions, confide in Shi He and the son of the Huang residence. This would minimize any potential conflicts within the council, considering their involvement in the harem as well."

Once again, Li Jie nodded, understanding his father's suggestion.

"You may now go and see your mother," Li Xuan Ji sighed, watching as his son bowed and left with eagerness, his own worries weighing heavily on his heart.