On the contrary, the Emperor, seeing her somewhat worried face, found the Crown Prince somewhat displeasing at the moment.

However, at the venue for selecting concubines, some consideration must be given to the Crown Prince’s dignity.

So, he didn’t say much.

A perfectly good selection turned into a dull affair in the hands of the Crown Prince.

In the end, he didn’t even know which people were selected.

Not until everyone was ready to leave did he come to his senses and stood up reluctantly.

Seeing the concerned look from his mother, Lin Wanyi, he returned with a reassuring expression that her son was fine.

Seeing this, Lin Wanyi did not know how to console him.

She could only say to the Han King and Prince Pei.

"You stay here and chat with the Crown Prince, Little Four can come back with me."

Prince Pei followed Lin Wanyi back to settle the matter of his Princess Consort.

After all, Lin Wanyi had also noticed Prince Pei’s expression at that time.

The young lady from Duke Li Mansion was indeed quite remarkable.

If she were to be bestowed as Princess Pei, it would be a good match.

But before this, Lin Wanyi needed to be very certain about Prince Pei’s feelings and Li Shu Wan’er’s feelings.

She didn’t want her son and daughter-in-law to be together just for the prestige of the Heavenly Family.

Such a life wouldn’t be comfortable.

The Crown Prince has his irrevocable responsibilities, so many things are beyond his control.

But they are only Princes; they don’t need to be so troubled.

Therefore, it’s best to confirm both parties’ wishes and thoughts in advance before making any decisions.

As for the other selected concubines, she already had plans in mind.

However, the same principle applies.

Even bestowing marriage should be a matter of mutual consent.

Before leaving, the Emperor gave the Crown Prince a special look, and although he said nothing, the meaning was clear.

Obviously, he was dissatisfied with the Crown Prince’s emotional display today.

The Crown Prince also understood that as a ruler, one must not reveal their thoughts.

Therefore, he clasped his hands and said.

"I’m sorry to have worried you, Father and Mother. It’s my fault, and it won’t happen again. The matter of the Crown Princess Consort is entirely up to Father and Mother to decide. I am fine with any decision."

Hearing his response, the Emperor just nodded.

Then he left with Lin Wanyi and Prince Pei.

After they all left, the Han King began to comfort him.

"A forced melon is not sweet. Didn’t you mention the Zeng Family’s daughter before? Now that she refuses to enter the Eastern Palace, why are you unhappy?"

The Crown Prince pouted and said somewhat playfully with mock anger.

"Second Brother, your younger brother, the Crown Prince of Da Wei, got openly rejected by Zeng Lingshuang. Can’t I be sad for a moment?"

As he spoke, he sighed and groaned.

The Han King was amused by his demeanor.

"Alright, alright, if you do like her, put effort into pursuing her. If it’s just for pride, then forget it. After all, it’s the girl’s lifelong matter; don’t delay it."

"Hmph, her brother bullies me daily, and she’s adding to the trouble, splashing another basin of cold water on the reputation of my Eastern Palace. It might not be so easily settled."

"So, what do you want? Storm their house to seek justice for yourself?"

The Han King teased him.

Who knew the Crown Prince would immediately squint and say to the Han King.

"Not entirely unreasonable. In this world, how can a minister’s daughter humiliate the Crown Prince? Right, Second Brother, if the Zeng father and son knew their female relative treated me this way, would they discipline Zeng Lingshuang?"

He was still contemplating possibilities when the Han King poured cold water on him.

"No, stop dreaming. The Zeng Family never relied on their daughter to climb up, so this matter might not be negative for them."

Moreover, based on his understanding of the Zeng father and son, their daughter’s actions might even earn them a reputation for integrity and impartiality, not swayed by power.

The Crown Prince shook his head and couldn’t help but sigh.

Because based on his understanding of the Zeng father and son, he also felt that what his Second Brother said was right.

So, with a bitter smile, he said.

"Since Second Brother is here at my Eastern Palace, let’s drink some Peach Blossom Brew with me. The wine has been prepared since spring, just right for drinking now."

"Alright, I’ll accompany you in drinking away the sorrow."

While saying this, he playfully punched the Crown Prince on the shoulder.

The Crown Prince pretendously cried out, which amused the Han King.

Thus, this little episode of the selection was over.

While the Crown Prince and Han King were enjoying a drink in the Eastern Palace, things weren’t idle in the Yihua Palace either.

There were a total of eight selected concubines.

Each was excellent in character, looks, talent, and virtue.

However, the one Lin Wanyi was most satisfied with was Li Wan’er.

Thus, the first thing she did after returning to the palace was to bring out her portrait and place it in front of Prince Pei.

Prince Pei, at eighteen, should have married a Princess Consort long ago.

Delaying it until today was partly because he hadn’t met someone he liked, and partly because he was somewhat concerned about his hearing impairment.

He feared meeting a girl he liked only for her to mind his hearing issue.

He disliked using authority to pressure someone into marrying beneath her status.

What he hoped for was mutual affection and a harmonious relationship.

"What do you think? Mother wants to know your thoughts."

Lin Wanyi didn’t immediately propose a marriage, which gave Prince Pei some time to breathe.

He looked at the person in the portrait and then recalled the scene when they first met.

Saying he didn’t like her would be false.

However, saying he was deeply infatuated wouldn’t be accurate either.

After thinking for a moment, he said.

"Mother, I have a good impression of Miss Li. If she can become Princess Pei, I will naturally treat her well, never parting for life. But I don’t want to compel anyone. Regarding the hearing issue, I still hope to be honest about it, and whatever Miss Li’s reaction is, I can accept it."

After speaking, Lin Wanyi nodded in satisfaction.

"Good. In that case, Mother will summon her to the palace to discuss the matter. If it works out, your bond will be fulfilled. If not, don’t blame yourself, alright?"

Prince Pei smiled and nodded, then said.

"Rest assured, Mother, I’m at ease and won’t let this affect me."

His hearing impairment had been with him since he could remember.

Thus, he didn’t find it particularly inconvenient.

Anyway, over the years, he trained his right ear to hear well unless it was a particularly soft sound. Otherwise, he could hear clearly and respond.

It didn’t affect his daily life.

However, for a couple’s life, things needed to be discussed openly.

Since the mother and son had already figured this out, they soon summoned Li Wan’er to the palace.

Once she stepped into Yihua Palace, all the rules were thoroughly ingrained in her heart.