The concubines were trained with care, and the harem was settled without delay.
One afternoon, the meal had already been laid when Wèi Zhèn entered.
The familiar scent of warm rice and steamed dishes filled the hall—but something was different.
He stopped.
Queen Yǐn Lìhuá stood at the head of the table as always, composed and dignified. But this time, three young women stood behind her, hands folded neatly, heads lowered in practiced obedience.
New faces.
For a brief moment, his gaze flickered—nothing more.
Then he stepped forward.
Yǐn Lìhuá turned and inclined her head. "Your Majesty," she said calmly, "these are the three selected concubines."
One by one, the women stepped forward to bow, introducing themselves in soft, careful voices.
He acknowledged them with a nod.
Nothing more.
They took their places. He sat down at the table, posture straight, expression unreadable. A servant placed the chopsticks into his hands.
He lifted them—
Then paused.
The steam rose between them.
Slowly, deliberately, he set the chopsticks back down.
"I'm not hungry," he said.
The room stilled.
"Have a bowl of soup sent to my chamber later."
He stood before anyone could respond.
"Continue your meal."
Without looking at the concubines again, Wèi Zhèn turned and left the hall.
Queen Yǐn Lìhuá remained standing for a breath longer than necessary.
Only after the doors closed did she sit.
Her hands, folded neatly in her lap, did not move—but her fingers curled inward ever so slightly.
Later that evening, a familiar presence entered the palace.
Wèi Lán arrived with effortless charm, his smile easy, his steps unhurried. Unlike the King, he wore his ease openly, greeting servants by name as he walked.
"Brother," he said brightly when he saw Wèi Zhèn, bowing with exaggerated respect. "You seem thinner."
Wèi Zhèn regarded him coolly. "You've returned early."
"I missed home," Wèi Lán replied, eyes flicking briefly toward the inner palace. "And I heard congratulations are in order. The inner court grows lively."
Wèi Zhèn's gaze sharpened. "Mind your words."
Wèi Lán laughed softly. "As always."
He leaned closer, voice lowering just slightly. "You're too serious, Brother. Even the throne needs warmth."
Wèi Zhèn said nothing.
Behind his calm expression, something cold settled.
From a distance, Queen Yǐn Lìhuá watched the brothers speak.
She did not trust the smile on Wèi Lán's lips.
And for the first time since entering the palace, she quietly instructed her unseen eyes to watch more closely.