It turned out that Wu Mei Niang and Li Zhi were already well acquainted so early on. Perhaps Li Zhi, disregarding societal condemnation, insisted on making his father's woman his empress not just for her beauty.
Playmates in childhood, stirrings of emotion in adolescence, infatuations in their youth, combined with Wu Mei Niang's schemes, how could Li Zhi possibly resist?
Amidst the noisy hubbub, Ran Yan listened to their conversation, as if she could already glimpse the vague outline of that future Empress.
The music and dance paused for a moment, and only then did Empress Wei command that Ran Yan bring the triplets closer. The palace was never short of children; it was only that the concubines had never seen triplets before, viewing them as a novelty. If the children were likable, they might get a bit closer, but if not, a mere look was enough.
Empress Wei gazed warmly at the three children, parted her vermillion lips slightly, and said, "Reward."
