Beast Taming Mad Concubine: The Useless Young Lady is Back!

Chapter 538: There are plenty of opportunities

"I...I don't know what I should do."

Ye Qing'an lowered her eyes. The night wind was a bit strong, ruffling the stray hairs at her temples, making it difficult to discern her expression. "I always felt that although the Emperor said he wouldn't favor me, and even though he brought me into the palace and gave me the rank of concubine, it was just to give me corresponding wealth and honor so that I would wholeheartedly serve him. But..."

Ye Qing'an raised her hand and brushed the hair in front of her eyes: "I always feel something is strange, after all, my reputation is so bad, and I have a child. If I enter the palace, I'm afraid it will cause a lot of controversy."

"And my personality may not be well suited to court intrigue."

Ye Qing'an gently bit her lip: "But the Emperor made such a request, and with the Gu family's matter, all the witnesses and evidence seem to be pointing to me now. I really don't dare to, and I don't know how to refuse."

"Fortunately..." Ye Qing'an breathed a sigh of relief, "Fortunately, the Emperor suggested that I go on the expedition with the army, which gave me some time to buy time. I don't want to think too much about it now. Let's leave it at that for now. Maybe the situation will change after we quell the rebellion and return to Wangjing City, and the Emperor will change his mind."

The Crown Prince's gaze fell on Ye Qing'an, pondering whether Ye Qing'an's words were true or false.

He had heard a lot about Ye Qing'an from Ye Zirui before, and knew that after she returned to the manor from the estate, her personality had changed a lot. She was no longer as timid and incompetent as the rumors suggested.

but……

The crown prince secretly rubbed his fingers together, making plans in his mind.

He hadn't had much contact with Ye Qing'an; this was only their second conversation, and two conversations weren't enough to reveal much.

Although Ye Qing'an may be smarter and more cunning than before, she is still just a woman after all, and her life experiences have destined her to experience some things that she could never have experienced, and understand some things that she could never have understood.

Therefore, this is a place they can take advantage of.

The crown prince pondered, a slight smile playing on his lips: "I just asked you if there was anything you wanted, and you haven't answered me yet. Is there anything you desire? Like wealth and glory, with inexhaustible riches? Or power and status, becoming second only to the emperor?"

A moment of blankness flashed in Ye Qing'an's eyes before she said after a long while, "Actually, I haven't thought about any of this. After all, I've always felt that these are things that I could never have. If I really have to say what I want, it's probably the ability and skill to protect my family and the people I care about."

The Crown Prince's lips curled up slightly; what Ye Qing'an said was exactly what he had expected.

"That's simple. You are now a Supreme Being with extremely high Xuanling power. On this continent, it's probably difficult for anyone to rival you in Xuanling techniques. However, protecting those you care about isn't just about brute force; you also need power and status. Only then will those people be wary and dare not act rashly."

The Crown Prince coaxed her gently, and Ye Qing'an feigned interest: "But I am just a woman. How easy is it for me to gain power and status? The method the Emperor mentioned before is feasible, but it would make my and my child's identities extremely awkward. I don't want that..."

Ye Qing'an hesitated for a moment, took a deep breath, and then continued, "I have also thought carefully about what His Highness the Crown Prince said before. I think that what His Highness the Crown Prince proposed is actually based on the same principle as what the Emperor proposed..."

"How can these be the same principle? The concubines in the harem and the mother of the nation are worlds apart. However..."

The Crown Prince drawled, "However, if you have any reservations, I can try a different approach."

“It is indeed not easy for women to obtain status and position, but it is not entirely impossible.” The Crown Prince’s lips curled up: “It’s just that I cannot make that decision now. If one day I can ascend the throne, I can issue a decree to allow women to enter the court as officials and serve the country loyally.”

Ye Qing'an turned to look at the Crown Prince, his eyes suddenly lighting up: "Let women also be allowed to serve as officials in the court?"

"Yes."

The Crown Prince smiled and said, "In this way, you will not have to worry about your reputation, and you can stand openly with those men, serve in the same court as them, and gain power and status through your own abilities."

"That sounds good."

The Crown Prince smiled and nodded: "That is certainly a good idea, but it is just a suggestion. There is no need to rush. As you said, the rebellion has not yet been quelled, so you have plenty of time to consider it carefully."

"Okay." Ye Qing'an nodded. "I'll think about it carefully."

Ye Qing'an laughed as she spoke: "I know that my father and my younger brother are on the same side as His Highness the Crown Prince. If I need to rely on someone in the future, I will naturally consider His Highness the Crown Prince first."

The Crown Prince was satisfied when he heard Ye Qing'an say this: "With your words, I am relieved. Rest assured, just as you said, Prime Minister Ye and Young Master Ye are both on the same boat as me, so I will naturally not treat you unfairly."

"Alright, it's getting late. We have to set off early tomorrow morning, Miss Ye, please go back and get some rest."

"Yes, Your Highness, I shall take my leave." Ye Qing'an lowered her head and turned around. Just as she lifted her foot, she glanced at the lantern in her hand: "If Your Highness is not going back, I will leave the lantern here."

As Ye Qing'an spoke, she placed the lantern in her hand on the grass and then turned and left.

The crown prince lowered his head and glanced at the lantern on the ground, raising his eyebrows slightly.

A moment later, someone came over: "Your Highness the Crown Prince."

The Crown Prince responded softly, his voice tinged with smugness: "Ye Qing'an is already somewhat tempted. Although he hasn't given a clear answer yet, there's plenty of time. From here to the border, and then to quell the rebellion, there are still several months to go. I have plenty of opportunities. There's no need to rush to gain someone's trust."

The prince's voice gradually lowered, as if he were talking to himself: "When we get to the border, the emperor will be far away, and she is a woman. It's almost inevitable that something will happen to her or she will encounter some difficulties. Even if nothing does happen, I can create some. Then I will help her, and she will definitely be grateful to me."

"Women are most vulnerable and easily moved at times like this... And I've heard that this Miss Ye isn't exactly a chaste and virtuous woman; she has a lover in the household. If I could get into her bed, everything would be much simpler..."