"Alina, from now on, you belong to His Majesty. Serve him wholeheartedly, understand?"
"Yes, Princess Consort."
Zong Zhengxi watched as the matter was settled between the two of them, utterly confused.
"Lu Ai Qing."
He nodded at Lu Yuan.
Lu Yuan sighed longingly. This child, why can't he ever make decisions for himself?
He stood up, the corners of his mouth curved, and said, "Your Majesty, since the Loulan Queen insists, why not accept the beauty?"
Ayimulan respectfully said, "Then please grant Alina a title, Your Majesty."
Her deference carried no flattery, instead exuding a sense of balanced humility that wasn't overwhelming.
A truly skilled master doesn't overpower with presence but influences decisions invisibly.
Ayimulan achieved this.
Sure enough, Zong Zhengxi said hesitantly, "I already have an Empress and an Imperial Concubine. Her rank must not surpass theirs."
