Situ Yan was already annoyed by the extravagance of the palace staff and immediately grew displeased. "Grand Scholar Qu, do you know how many people are currently in the imperial palace?"
Grand Scholar Qu had done his homework. "Your Majesty, there are a total of 1,672 staff members on the payroll, comprising 1,208 eunuchs and 464 palace maids. Since our ancestors, the number of palace maids in the palace has never been less than three thousand. At its peak, the empress count exceeded four thousand five hundred. Now, with only over four hundred, it is truly an injustice to Your Majesty. Furthermore, according to my investigation, these palace maids are all rather old."
Even if they weren't stunningly beautiful, they should at least be pleasing to the eye.
What interest could one possibly have, facing a horde of old nannies every day?
Since Emperor Changwu did not hold selection ceremonies for imperial consorts, there were no new palace maids to replenish the ranks. And after the age of twenty-five, these palace maids were to be released. Although some, with nowhere else to go, chose to stay, their numbers dwindled each year. Grand Scholar Qu worried that by the time new consorts entered the palace, there might not even be any maids to serve them.
A whole court full of senior nannies – what a disgrace.
Most importantly, an Emperor with only one Empress truly ought to hold a selection ceremony.
Situ Yan felt a pang of disbelief. It was said that the imperial harem boasted three thousand beauties, and he had always assumed it was merely a figure of speech.
He had never imagined that number was actually literal.
With so many women, which emperor could possibly manage them all? Wouldn't he fear kidney deficiency? Clearly, his father was the most intelligent, having sent all those women away early on.
Grand Scholar Qu continued his discourse, while the surrounding court officials nodded in agreement. Situ Yan's heart grew heavier with each passing moment. He quickly interrupted, "My esteemed ministers, I have only just ascended the throne. Let us postpone the matter of selecting consorts for now. We must not give the common people the impression that I am so lustful that I begin thinking of women as soon as I take the throne."
His words were so direct they bordered on vulgar, causing Grand Scholar Qu to frown.
Ah well, what could be done? The Emperor had not been properly tutored by the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince. Thinking thus, he couldn't help but glance at Gu Li. The water in the Hanlin Academy's Grand Scholar's qualifications seemed rather diluted. Otherwise, why would the Emperor, who had studied under him for over half a year, still employ such crude phrasing?
"Your Majesty, you bear the heavy responsibility of procreation for the royal lineage. Selecting consorts is imperative."
"The Yellow River is flooded, and the displaced populace has yet to be settled. Grand Scholar Qu, you ask me to select consorts. Where do you place me, and where do you place the common people?" Situ Yan remained seated on the dragon throne, but his demeanor had completely transformed. His gaze swept across the hall, causing Grand Scholar Qu to stiffen and hastily kneel. "Your Majesty, forgive my transgression. This minister is in dread."
Soon, a few others who had seconded the proposal also knelt before the hall.
Situ Yan suppressed his rising anger and ultimately decided against further reprimand. They were all seasoned ministers, each holding significant power. Punishing them for such a matter would be unreasonable. He huffed and rose, flicking his sleeves as he departed.
If this were the barracks, he would have kicked someone by now.
Li Wang quickly announced, "Court is adjourned."
The morning court ended unhappily. Although Situ Yan had achieved a victory in his first confrontation, he couldn't find joy in it.
The powerful aristocratic families sent their daughters to the palace seeking wealth and status, and the Emperor's position also required a balance of power in the court through his harem. He had never taken this matter to heart before, believing that as long as he was strong enough, he wouldn't be constrained by his harem. But today, he realized his thinking was far too naive.
Perhaps he should find Chang Dong to brainstorm a solution?
He raised his hand to signal Li Wang, but Li Wang spoke first, "Your Majesty, the Young Marquis requests an audience."
"Announce him."
Ouyang Wen entered and performed a full series of obeisances. Situ Yan quickly said, "How many times have I told you, we don't need these formalities in private. Pull up a chair and sit. Li Wang, have some tea served."
Ouyang Wen stood up. "Alas, rituals cannot be abandoned."
Seeing his nonchalant demeanor, Situ Yan irritably opened a memorial. "Why are you here?"
"To offer you advice."
"Do you have a way to avoid selecting consorts?"
"Uh... how is that possible? The Retired Emperor hasn't held a selection ceremony for many years, and the officials have no way to send their daughters into the palace. Now that you have ascended the throne, with only one Empress in the harem, those people have undoubtedly put in a great deal of effort, waiting to fill your harem!"
Situ Yan glared at him. "Did you come here specifically to mock me?"
"Your Majesty, you must refer to yourself as '朕' (zhen)."
"I am too lazy to bother with you. Feel free to leave through the left or right door."
Ouyang Wen grinned and leaned in. "Actually, there is a method that isn't really a method. Do you want to hear it, Your Majesty?"
"Speak."
"If you ask me, Your Majesty, you might as well comply with their wishes. Select one or two concubines, and then confer titles of 'beauty' upon a few others. Alas, don't glare at me. I know you and the Empress are deeply in love and disdain other women, but you can give them titles. Whether you sleep with them or not is up to you!"
Situ Yan said, "That's not the only reason."
Ouyang Wen was very surprised. "Then what else is there?"
"What did I say? Money, of course."
Ouyang Wen nearly dropped his jaw in astonishment.