69novels Chapter 954: Trouble in the Harem!
Chapter 954: Trouble in the Harem!
"Here!"
Qinglong's response was brief and powerful, without any unnecessary questions or nonsense. He respectfully took the scroll of silk, weighing a thousand pounds, as if he had received a sacred mission. Then, maintaining a bow, he slowly retreated, his figure once again blending into the shadows of the hall, as if he had never appeared.
For all core members of the Qingyi Society, Gao Yao's words are absolute law, the ultimate goal to be achieved at all costs. These individuals, personally selected by Gao Yao from humble beginnings or secretly transferred through the system, undergo long, rigorous, and even brainwashing-like training in loyalty and skills development. They enjoy treatment far superior to that of ordinary officials, enjoying hidden powers and the heaviest burdens of responsibility and the most rigorous discipline. Their loyalty to Gao Yao, tested countless times, both overtly and covertly, is deeply ingrained and unquestionable.
Having dealt with this crucial matter, one that would determine the foundation of his future rule, Gao Yao finally breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a wave of mental fatigue wash over him. He stood up and stretched vigorously, his bones crackling softly. Outside the window, the moonlight was already setting in the west, signaling the deepening of the night.
He strolled out of the study, guarded by a group of silent and vigilant eunuchs, and headed towards the harem. However, his brows did not relax because he had temporarily finished handling government affairs. Instead, they were slightly furrowed because of another difficult problem he was about to face.
"Now that I've officially been crowned king and established my country, the harem... has yet to have a legitimate mistress. This is indeed a problem," he sighed inwardly. The harem may seem like a family matter, but it's actually closely linked to the foundation of the nation. A virtuous, prestigious queen capable of commanding the six harems not only brings peace to the harem, but also serves as a model for the nation and reassures the people.
But it was the choice of this "mistress" that made him feel very embarrassed.
Lü Zhi was undoubtedly the oldest, most capable, and most competitive candidate. One of the first women to follow him, she came from a prominent family, was shrewd and capable, and demonstrated exceptional skill in managing domestic affairs and coordinating relationships. She even offered insightful advice on certain political matters. Making her queen seemed perfectly reasonable, both morally and logically.
However, Gao Yao's biggest concern stemmed from Lü Zhi's extraordinary ability and the ambition that followed. This ambition didn't mean that Lü Zhi would betray him—at least for now, all her power depended on him, and she had no reason or ability to betray him.
Gao Yao worried that once Lü Zhi ascended the throne and bore a legitimate son, her powerful political instincts and desire for control would likely lead her to naturally extend her hand to the court. To consolidate her own and her son's positions, she would begin to befriend foreign ministers, cultivate confidants, influence the appointment and dismissal of officials, and even interfere with the implementation of government policies. He had heard too many lessons from history about the monopoly of power by relatives of the emperor and the meddling of the imperial harem. He would never allow the dynasty he had painstakingly built to descend into such internal friction in the future.
"But if I don't let Lu Zhi take the position... no one else can meet my satisfaction." He continued to ponder.
Concubine Qi was truly a stunning beauty, charming and tender, and extremely adept at judging the situation. She was always docile and agreeable in his presence, greatly satisfying a man's vanity and protective desires. Having her by his side was undoubtedly a delight to the eyes and a source of pleasure to the body and soul.
But her problems were equally obvious. First, she had served him for a relatively short time and was too inexperienced. If he had rashly made her empress, Lü Zhi would have been the first to resent it. Other women who had followed him earlier, such as Su Su, would have inevitably harbored resentment, inevitably leading to discord in the harem and unrest.
Secondly, and more crucially, Concubine Qi's abilities were truly weak. She excelled at pleasing the emperor and engaging in romantic pleasures, but she lacked the courage, wisdom, and prestige necessary to manage the complex affairs of the harem, balance relationships between various parties, and serve as a role model for the nation. She could be a favored concubine, carefully protected under her wing, but she could never shoulder the heavy burden of being the head of the harem.
Amidst his swirling thoughts, Gao Yao had unknowingly entered the harem. Pavilions, towers, winding paths, and courtyards ablaze with warm lights. He paused at a fork in the road, his gaze sweeping across the directions leading to the various courtyards of Lü Zhi, Concubine Qi, and others, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face.
Finally, after a brief weighing of the pros and cons, he sighed softly and decided to go directly to Lu Su's courtyard.
Gao Yao's decision to enter Lü Su's courtyard may seem ordinary, but it was actually the result of careful consideration and weighing of numerous factors, both within the harem and within the previous dynasty. This was more than just a simple visit; it was a symbolic political and familial gesture.
Gao Yao's mind was as clear as a mirror. With his current power and influence, the Lu family's affairs had been forcibly suppressed, and they wouldn't cause much trouble. However, Lu Zhi had both strengths and weaknesses. She was shrewd, capable, and decisive, making her a valuable assistant in handling certain matters. This was her strength.
But Gao Yao's ambition, her need for control, her sometimes unintentional thirst for power, and her sometimes overly ruthless tactics were all lingering concerns. While placing her in a central position of power within the harem for a long time would certainly leverage her abilities, he also needed to be constantly wary of the internal strife and instability she might bring.
As for the other concubines, Yu Shu, Xiao Yue, and others, they might have possessed gentle personalities, perhaps sharing unforgettable moments with Gao Yao and providing him with comfort. However, they clearly lacked management skills. Gao Yao didn't need a woman of exceptional intelligence, someone who could discuss world affairs with him, to manage his harem. The harem, at its core, was an internal service and coordination organization, not a central decision-making center. He needed a manager who could manage internal affairs in an orderly manner and foster a relatively harmonious and stable environment.
However, Gao Yao was well versed in the inherent logic of governing the family, the state, and the world. If even within the family, there were constant strife and chaos, how could one expect the dynasty to be stable and the people to be united? Compared to the great national affairs of expanding territory, reforming the tax system, and balancing the court, these trivial matters of the harem were indeed insignificant, even women's affairs.
But to completely ignore these issues and let them go is truly foolish and short-sighted. These "little things" are like underwater reefs, which are usually invisible but can cause fatal damage to the ship if hit.