His Highness Chooses a Concubine

And from Sun Gongzheng's perspective, standing next to Baili Jiajue, he observed the scene unfolding before him. He quickly raised his voice, trying to salvage the situation. "Before our family left the palace, Emperor Taishang specifically instructed that he wanted to witness the talents of all the young ladies. While fighting and killing is not desirable, our family also discussed with Master Jing about the tradition in Taibai Academy where newly enrolled students enter the Spirit Realm Forest to contract their own divine beasts. Perhaps we could conduct this event earlier this year. Once we have seen the results, we can report back to Emperor Taishang."

Everyone in the Battle Dragon Empire knew that Emperor Taishang favored the Third Prince the most and had been urging him to choose a concubine for years. If it weren't for the Third Prince's lack of interest in women, he would have taken a concubine by now. Now that the Third Prince had finally agreed to choose a concubine, the person most pleased by this decision was Emperor Taishang. Naturally, there were many requirements for the selection process.

However, when the participants heard about contracting divine beasts, they hesitated. Although they were all students of Youyuan, there was still a disparity among them. Some of them were unable to contract divine beasts unless their divine consciousness reached a certain level.

"It seems Emperor Taishang has long been aware of the talented Jiao'er in Taibai Academy, hence this deliberate test. He may already favor Sister Jiao'er," said Helian Jiao'er, playfully pinching the man's face.

The man chuckled. "I'm not teasing you. Since the Third Highness entered, he hasn't looked at anyone else but our side. He doesn't even glance at you. Could it be that he's interested in that dark-haired girl over there?" He mockingly gestured toward Helian Weiwei, who was sleeping on the wooden table. "She can sleep all day. Look at how she devoured everything on her table. I've never seen anything like it. Sister Jiao'er, how did you tolerate living with such a person in the protector mansion?"

Helian Jiao'er let out a sigh and responded timidly, "Don't mention it. Eldest sister's qualifications are lacking, so she naturally feels inferior and acts this way."

"Sister Jiao'er, you're too kind and beautiful. It's no wonder the Third Highness only has eyes for you," the man complimented.

Helian Jiao'er blushed slightly but retorted, "Nonsense." However, deep down, she felt a surge of pride and looked at the man with even more affection. When their eyes met, her cheeks grew hotter.

Meanwhile, Baili Jia Jue never took his eyes off the woman sleeping on the ground, and the coldness in his gaze became more enchanting with each passing moment. He believed that a pet needed to be disciplined continuously. If they were too comfortable, they wouldn't respect their owner. A skilled hunter knew how to train and tame a disobedient pet, removing their thorns one by one until they behaved.

The little boy, still holding the meat bun, glanced at Helian Weiwei, who was sleeping peacefully, and then shifted his gaze to Baili Jia Jue. With a cold yet handsome face, he commented, "It's okay."

Sun Gongzheng, holding the meat bun for the little prince, couldn't help but twitch his lips. He hoped the little prince's thoughts wouldn't go in the direction he feared.

"I've seen Helian Weiwei at the Commercial Courtyard," the little boy continued while munching on the meat bun. "She knows how to make money and can support the Third Brother. She has him wrapped around her finger."

Sun Gongzheng swallowed nervously. What did he mean by "wrapped around her finger"?

The little prince's words seemed to imply something!

Sun Gongzheng snorted twice. This was about choosing a concubine, not a cook!

But no, that wasn't the main issue. The main concern was that his master, Baili Jia Jue, didn't show any reaction at all.

Duke Sun glanced at Baili Jia Jue, managing to catch a glimpse of a slight curve at the corner of his mouth. It reminded him of an interesting toy, seductive and captivating enough to ensnare any girl. He recalled the last time he saw that expression. Baili Jia Jue was merely seven years old back then, capturing a fire unicorn with his bare hands in Phoenix Mountain. He even tamed the fire unicorn, turning it into a herbivorous divine beast.

The fire unicorn, a fierce creature capable of destroying entire cities with a single stomp, had been reduced to a vegetarian diet. It was a drastic change for the mythical beast known for its ferocity.

Sun Gongzheng still remembered the rumors circulating in the city. Ever since that incident, the fire unicorn seemed to have disappeared. He couldn't help but shiver, realizing that Baili Jia Jue's smile resembled the one from that time. It sent chills down his spine.

Unknowingly, Sun Gongzheng made up his mind. He had to keep a close eye on his master and prevent him from doing anything outrageous. These were distinguished ladies participating in the selection process, not mere kittens or puppies!

Wait a minute! Where did his master intend to go?

As Baili Jia Jue stood up, the entire dinner party fell silent. The ladies, who were delicately nibbling on pastries, stopped their movements and held their breath. They watched as Baili Jia Jue, with his handsome and austere figure, passed in front of them as if they were invisible. The scent of the dragon sandalwood filled the air, warning anyone against any sacrilegious thoughts.

Helian Jiao'er, observing the man approaching her, felt her heart nearly leap out of her chest. She cautiously glanced around and bit her lower lip. With a pair of beautiful eyes filled with longing, she looked at Baili Jia Jue, hoping to invoke his desire to protect her.

She knew exactly how to position herself to capture a man's attention. In the past, she had used this tactic to make Murong Changfeng misunderstand Helian Weiwei's reputation. Now, she was confident she could make the Third Prince care deeply for her.

As Helian Jiao'er entertained these thoughts, a shy smile formed on her lips...