Volume Three, Chapter 17

"Lord Pan certainly seems to be thriving in the Inner Palace even more than I am."

The remark was laced with sarcasm, leaving Lord Pan unable to keep his composure. He gave an awkward laugh and said, "My daughter, my daughter has only been able to attain the position of Noble Consort today thanks to the Prime Minister's protection. Now that the Young Master has been detained in the palace by the Holy Emperor, as her father, I naturally have to have her keep a closer eye on the situation in the Inner Palace."

"Lord Pan, you must remember: the ruler is the guiding principle for his subjects, and the Inner Palace belongs to the Holy Emperor. The Holy Emperor was selected by the Late Emperor as a sagacious ruler. As subjects, we may offer reminders and remonstrances, but we must remember to revere our sovereign as Heaven itself. We must not overstep our bounds."

"Yes, yes, of course. Everything the Prime Minister thinks and does is for the Holy Emperor's sake, but unfortunately, the Holy Emperor has been deceived by that girl's methods and has distanced himself from us loyal ministers."

"The Holy Emperor intends to protect her. Can't you see that? Otherwise, why do you think Consort Qi was confined to her quarters? Apart from Chen Jing, is there anyone else who can enter His Majesty's bedchamber and attend him overnight?" The Holy Emperor had never summoned a consort to attend him overnight in his bedchamber. This was common knowledge. He had once asked the Holy Emperor what he intended, and the Holy Emperor had laughingly replied, "When I establish the empress in the future, there will be a woman on my dragon bed. She alone."

"You mean... the Holy Emperor intends to make the Eldest Daughter of