Li Chen watched appreciatively outside the side hall for a while. When he felt the time was right, he summoned a trusted palace maid, gave her a few quiet instructions, and handed her a piece of silk covered in names.
The maid accepted her orders and quietly approached Empress Dowager Yulia, who was chatting and laughing with several noblewomen. She whispered in her ear and discreetly slipped the list into her sleeve.
Empress Dowager Yulia's expression remained unchanged. Still wearing her graceful, dignified smile, she exchanged a few more pleasantries with the noblewomen before excusing herself to attend to other matters.
She went somewhere secluded and unfolded the list. Even she could not help feeling a slight jolt of surprise.
Originally, Li Chen had selected only the wives and daughters of fifteen target ministers, some thirty women in all. Yet this list now contained a full forty additional names!
The Witch Ancestor certainly had quite an appetite.
Still, Li Chen had already brought her completely under his sway. Though her heart stirred a little, she immediately began considering how to carry out his instructions.
Soon, invoking the words "May the Witch God enjoy heaven's longevity, and may his blessings endure," Empress Dowager Yulia announced that several "Prayer Halls" would be opened within the palace. She declared that those who sincerely bathed, fasted, and prayed with tranquil hearts could receive the Witch God's protection and bring good fortune to their lineages.
With the highly respected Empress Dowager making the announcement herself, and with such blessings on offer, the noblewomen and young ladies present naturally believed every word. They even scrambled to sign up.
Thus, the women Li Chen had taken a fancy to were led to different halls under various pretexts, some in twos and threes, others alone.
These halls had