C54 Part1

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The Qingyuan Hall.

As a result of the assassination, the Emperor's dragon body was in a bad condition again.

It took two days for him to calm down before his complexion improved.

As soon as Murong Ci stepped into the main Hall, he heard the laughter and tender voices of the Emperor Father and Concubine Xiao coming from the Sleeping Hall, so she stopped in front of the Hall.

"Your Majesty, rests assured.

The assassin has already been caught and killed.

This Consort has ordered Manager Liu to clean up all the Palace personnel and guards.

All suspicious people will be dealt with. Nothing like this will happen again."

Concubine Xiao glanced at him with bright eyes, putting her slender hands on his chest, which made him laugh loudly and happily.

"I am very relieved that there is a resourceful Concubine like you in charge of the Harem and Manager Liu An in charge of the court internal affairs."

Her beautiful eyes waved and gleamed,

"Speaking of which, Princess Zhaohua and the Royal King have done most of the job in this matter:

If Princess Zhaohua didn't happen to be here at that time with her maidservant Yuan Xiu, the assassin wouldn't have been stopped in time;

and if the Royal King hadn't arrived in time and waited outside the Hall, we wouldn't have been able to catch the assassin!

Your Majesty should reward them to show that you're grateful and full of praise for them, making it clear to everyone."

"Of course I have to reward them, but I haven't decided yet what I should reward them with."

His Majesty, Murong Cheng frowned slightly.

"In my opinion, the Royal King just did his duty of protecting Your Majesty, which is his duty as minister and Prince Regent in charge of government affairs.

Thus the best reward from Your majesty should be the precious herbs and tonics such as bird's-nest, ginseng and other tonics to replenish his body.

As for Princess Zhaohua, she risked her life to desperately protect Your Majesty with courage.

Her actions are precious, and should be highly rewarded."

Concubine Xiao smiled beautifully, with her skin shining as brightly as an elegant gleaming goose,

"This Consort thinks that the best reward for her should be that Your Majesty personally selects a proper Husband Candidate that is both skillful in martial arts and civil affairs."

"Oh? You seem to have already something in mind.

What's your idea?"

"This Consort took inspiration from the example of various other countries.

How about we hold a competition to recruit the best candidates from the sons and Princes of prestigious and influential Royal Families, Noble Families and Officials in the country, and select the best candidates for your Majesty to choose as Princess Zhaohua's husband?"

She smiled and became more and more excited as she said it.

"For those with both civil and military integrity and a valuable character, there will be two competitions, a Literary Test and a Martial Arts Test."

Murong Cheng was very interested, and his eyes lit up,

"It's a good idea!

The children and grandchildren of Officials of rank 4 or above, regardless if sons of Concubines, can sign up to participate in the competition.

We can select the three best candidates to be the future husband of the Princess, and then let Princess Zhaohua and me personally pick up one in the end."

Concubine Xiao smiled and said:

"Yes. The Literary Test can be held in one session.

As for the Martial Arts Test, it depends on how many people sign up to participate, and once the number is known, then we can decide whether it should be divided into two parts, as a Preliminary Round and a Final Round."

Murong Cheng smiled from ear to ear,

"I have always had a headache, worrying about how to pick the best husband that would satisfy Princess Zhaohua, and from which family that would be.

My dear Consort, your idea has solved my troubles, and you deserve a reward for it!"

She squinted at him softly,

"It is the mere duty of this Consort to share worries and problems for Your Majesty, and I only hopes that Your Majesty will get better soon."

This spontaneous flattery made Murong Cheng's spirit sway.

He reached out with his hand and touched her chin, then slid down, and rubbed her fragrant shoulders, causing her to turn her head shyly and whisper charmingly.

However, with his current severe condition he can't afford to hold this delicate and feminine beauty: can only see but can't enjoy it...

Murong Ci gave a light cough, bowed her head, and said in a loud voice:

"This Son pays his homages to the Emperor Father."

Murong Cheng put down his hands in a sorrowful manner and looked outside the Sleeping Hall with a cold face.

"It turns out that the Crown Prince came to the perfect timing..."

Concubine Xiao stood up and raised her eyebrows with a sneer.

"Emperor Father, are you better today?"

Murong Ci walked into the Sleeping Hall and saw the Imperial Concubine and her Father's cheeks, which were red because of the rising blood.

'If I hadn't come in at the right time,

if the Emperor Father hadn't controlled himself,

I'm afraid the consequences would have been disastrous...'

Murong Cheng said calmly:

"I am much better today."

She wanted to say something and stopped, and finally plucked up the courage to persuade:

"Emperor Father, the Genius Doctor Xue said that you must rest for a while before you can hope of recovering.

The Emperor Father must not destroy his dragon body for a mere moment of joy.

Please remember Doctor Xue's words at all the times.

The Genius Doctor ordered it.

If I learn that someone tempts the Emperor Father to merely win his favor and causes the Emperor Father's dragon body to be worn down again, I will never forgive them."

The last sentence was straightforward and loud.

Then Murong Ci glanced at Concubine Xiao, with her eyes cold.

....

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END of CHAPTER 54 PART 1

.....................to be continued