The jade comb in Liu Yuran's hand paused, and a flicker of sadness crossed her eyes.
How could she not want Li Chen to come every day? Whenever she recalled that bone-melting, soul-stealing pleasure, her legs went weak.
But she knew perfectly well that beauties clustered around Li Chen like clouds. She was merely a passing wisp of smoke.
In the end, only Tang Hongxiu, still unmarried, could enter the palace and remain by the sovereign's side.
While she was lost in thought, Tang Yue suddenly slapped his thigh. "I've got it! Did you notice the wives and concubines those merchants brought to today's banquet?"
Liu Yuran froze. "You mean..."
A shrewd gleam flashed in Tang Yue's eyes. "Squire Zhang's wife, Madam Liu, Boss Liu's Cui Yuniang, and that new concubine Shopkeeper Qian just took. Every one of them is a beauty chosen from thousands. If we..."
Liu Yuran's rosy lips parted slightly. "Ah? Would they... agree?"
Tang Yue gave a mysterious smile. "Don't worry, my dear. Those people are itching to climb onto a higher branch!"
He leaned close to his wife's ear. "We'll host a banquet and invite them to bring their wives and concubines. Then we won't let anyone leave sober..."
Liu Yuran stared at her husband in surprise, as though seeing him for the first time.
Could her once rigid, old-fashioned husband really have come up with such an idea?
She suddenly recalled Li Chen joking, "Once a man's eyes are opened..." It seemed he had been right...
Liu Yuran said hesitantly, "But if it works, won't they get all the credit?"
Tang Yue waved a hand, brimming with confidence. "You're worrying too much, my dear. We're the ones making the introductions. Young Master Li will know that."
A calculating glint crossed his eyes. "Besides, Hongxiu