TPITWOHEF

Chapter 91

Early one morning, Xiao Chuchu was cradled in the arms of Xiao Yunzhou.

Xiao Yunzhou was perusing the 'note' handed to him by Concubine Liu the previous night - a preliminary proposal for a charity sale.

In the study room sat not only Jiang Li from the Ministry of Revenue, but also the chief minister Lord Fucha.

Lord Fucha's eyes darted between the Emperor holding the Third Princess in his arms, and Concubine Liu as the Emperor rose from his seat.

The fifty-year-old man's face, typically composed, was now creased with wrinkles.

How could there be such a vast disparity?

His own daughter, the former Imperial Noble Fu Cha, had once held a far more prestigious rank than Concubine Liu.

Even today, Concubine Liu's position was lower than his daughter's, and Liu Wenchang's official post was beneath his own.

But - how could the contrast be so stark?

The daughter of the Liu family, a mere concubine in the harem, could sit in the Emperor's study and participate in discussions with the ministers!

His own daughter, meanwhile, remained embroiled in petty squabbles within the harem, doing nothing but weeping...

Alas.

Lord Fucha's eyes twitched.

"Today is a special occasion, as the charity sale involves the harem, the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and the ladies. I must also heed the opinions of the harem," said Emperor Xiao Yunzhou, addressing Lord Fucha and Jiang Li from the Ministry of Revenue.

"Therefore, I have summoned Concubine Liu to participate in the discussion regarding this New Year's charity sale initiative."

Jiang Li from the Ministry of Revenue dared not voice any objection. "Your Majesty is wise. This was Concubine Liu's idea in the first place. It is only natural that we listen to her thoughts on how to proceed."

Lord Fucha remained silent, clearly unable to protest a concubine's involvement in governing matters on this occasion.

After all, the charity sale was her idea, and she had even drafted a proposal detailing her plans.

[Ding, congratulations host.]

[Side quest - Female Status Significantly Increased to 2.3%!]

Cradled in Xiao Yunzhou's arms, Xiao Chuchu heard the system prompt and beamed at her mother, grinning from ear to ear.

This system prompt was inaudible to everyone except Xiao Chuchu.

Seeing her daughter's smile, Concubine Liu assumed it was a gesture of encouragement. She turned her gaze towards Emperor Xiao Yunzhou after a moment's reflection.

"What does Your Majesty think of my preliminary charity sale plan?"

"I propose having a palace maid provide a brief introduction before displaying each item for sale."

"An introduction?" Jiang Li from the Ministry of Revenue leaned forward, furrowing his brow. "Does Concubine Liu mean to provide background information on the items?"

In the Emperor's presence, he dared not speak too harshly about the concubines.

Yet his expression betrayed his disapproval.

"That would be inappropriate," Lord Fucha disagreed. "As we discussed last night, the items to be sold are all second-hand."

How could one introduce second-hand goods?