Lover Number 5.7

"My dear son!" The Emperor rose from his seat, signaling the beginning of the feast. This was his way of showcasing Li Jie's prominent position. However, the boy wasn't content with that alone. "Now that you're here, we can officially commence the celebration!"

"Thank you, imperial father." Li Jie smiled politely, though his hands trembled slightly at the thought of being surrounded by unfamiliar faces despite everything he had accomplished.

Li Jie's seat, unlike those of previous princes, was positioned next to the Emperor. It had been the Empress's directive before she departed for one of her vacations, ensuring her son's status against the court's treachery.

"Please take your seats," Li Jie announced after settling down himself, and soon everyone was seated, and the feast began.

A breakfast feast seemed unusual to Li Jie. What is father plotting now? he wondered silently.

While eating, Li Jie surveyed the room, careful not to let his gaze linger on anyone for too long.

It wasn't difficult to identify the seats reserved for his concubines. He couldn't discern his own feelings anymore. There were a total of fifteen individuals, including Huang Yiming and Shi He.

Huang Yiming was present to protect him, and Li Jie had already addressed any unresolved issues between them, understanding how he felt about being there.

Shi He, on the other hand, was the former general whom Li Jie had never been able to meet eye-to-eye with. He had an uncanny intuition and seemed capable of unraveling Li Jie's schemes with just a single glance.

And now I'm supposed to... sleep with him.

And Yiming-ge too, Li Jie thought, feeling overwhelmed by the complicated situation. It has become messier than I anticipated. Unless... I don't have to sleep with both of them, right? They wouldn't reveal anything about me. At least not Yiming-ge...

"Li Jie," the Emperor's voice interrupted his thoughts. "After the feast concludes, choose one of your concubines and spend the day with them. You know the rest, my son, don't you?"

"Of course, father." Li Jie smiled, lowering his head. You want me to sleep with them.

"Li Jie," the Emperor called again, lowering his voice. "Unfold your fan and listen."

Li Jie retrieved his white fan and opened it, moving closer to the Emperor, their faces concealed beneath it. "Yes, father?"

Even without the fan and this gesture, Li Jie was confident that the Emperor could speak without being overheard.

What are you planning, old man? Li Jie sighed inwardly. I have no idea what goes on in your mind.

"You are not allowed to choose the Huang boy or Counselor Shi," the Emperor locked eyes with his son, seemingly pleased that he had anticipated Li Jie's intentions. "Select anyone else you desire."

"As you wish, father." Li Jie nodded slightly, having a contingency plan even for that scenario.

"Wait," the Emperor added before Li Jie could lower his fan. "And not that western boy, Lance, either."

Unable to control it, Li Jie's face turned paler than usual. If he couldn't start with the three individuals he knew, then his first night would genuinely be his first night, and there was nothing he could do to change it.

"Enjoy the remainder of the feast." Observing Li Jie's expression, the Emperor smiled, relieved that his son would fulfill his duties without employing any tricks. "I will announce this matter directly, so simply approach the one you choose and extend your hand."

Li Jie remained silent, setting aside his fan and continuing to partake in his breakfast.

As the emperor's voice broke through his thoughts once more, Li Jie snapped back to attention. The smile on his father's face only amplified his unease. The words "beloved son" rang hollow, reminding him of the role he was expected to play.

"Today, my son will spend his first day with his harem," the emperor announced, his tone carrying an air of finality. Li Jie struggled to suppress a cringe, feeling an acute sense of embarrassment wash over him.

Meng Xu, one of the emperor's trusted counselors, stepped forward, his expression warm and understanding. The banquet hall fell into silence, all eyes fixed on the prince, awaiting his decision.

Li Jie's heart clenched as Meng Xu addressed him, emphasizing the admiration and allure he had unknowingly evoked in others. The pain of being treated as a future Empress, rather than an Emperor, surged within him.

"Thank you, imperial father," Li Jie murmured, his voice laced with a mix of gratitude and resignation. He bowed his head respectfully once again before seeking permission to proceed.

With a nod from his father, Li Jie slowly rose from his seat. A sense of vulnerability washed over him, his complexion growing paler with each passing moment. He silently thanked Han Yasheng for her skillful application of dark powder, concealing the turmoil etched on his face.

The weight of responsibility settled upon his shoulders as he considered his choice. He understood the potential ramifications of selecting someone from the court's families. It could ignite conflicts between the native courtiers and the foreign guests.

Resolute in his decision, Li Jie silently vowed not to deepen the divide. He would forge his path without further exacerbating tensions.

Li Jie stood at the center of the grand palace, his gaze sweeping across the assembled courtiers. The weight of his father's words lingered in the air, as the emperor declared that Li Jie would spend the day with one of the fifteen chosen men.

His mind raced, trying to comprehend the situation. Who should he invite? Li Jie's thoughts were in turmoil, and he failed to notice the concerned glances exchanged between the Huang siblings.

The emperor's voice interrupted his inner turmoil, and Li Jie shifted his attention back to his father. A forced smile graced his face, concealing his discomfort.

"As the feast comes to an end, it is time for my beloved son to choose his companion for the day," the emperor announced, his voice booming through the hall. All eyes were on Li Jie, waiting for his decision.

Li Jie bowed respectfully to his father, acknowledging the command. He struggled to mask his unease, unsure of the dynamics at play. The weight of tradition and duty pressed heavily upon him.

Meng Xu, one of the emperor's counselors, stepped forward, and Li Jie met his gaze with a mixture of apprehension and masked curiosity. The court held its breath, eager to witness the prince's choice.

"Mighty Crown Prince, you have been blessed with admirers from all walks of life. Among them, fifteen men have been selected for their unique qualities," Meng Xu explained, his voice carrying a tinge of formality. "Now, it is your choice as to who shall accompany you."

Li Jie's mind raced through the possibilities, the expectations of the court weighing heavily upon his shoulders. He glanced around the room, scanning the faces before him.

And then he saw him—a young man with kind eyes and a gentle smile. There was a warmth in his gaze that drew Li Jie in, as if offering solace amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces.

Without hesitation, Li Jie took a step toward him, his hand outstretched. The court watched in anticipation as the prince made his selection.

"I choose you," Li Jie spoke, his voice filled with a mix of determination and curiosity. The young man's eyes widened in surprise, but a soft glow of happiness lit up his features.