Chapter 1018: Chapter 1016: Uncle Zhuo Junli

Leng Shuqing and Leng Muling met him and paid their respects in a decorous fashion, “Greetings, Uncle.”

“No need to be so formal, your uncle here is only a few years older than you, and when outsiders aren’t around, I still prefer to hear you call me ‘brother’.”

When the corners of Zhuo Junli’s mouth lifted in a smile, he blinked, and the tear mole at the corner of his eye created a charming vista, inadvertently exuding enchantment.

Both Leng Shuqing and Leng Muling had their eyes light up before they bashfully lowered their heads.

This little uncle of theirs was indeed handsome, and with his silver tongue, if they were not related by blood, it would be hard for anyone to resist being moved by him.

However, Leng Yi could not stand his frivolous behavior and snapped coldly, “Stop fooling around! In front of me, you had better reign it in! They are both your nieces, you should take on the role of an elder and guide them properly, how could you muddle up the seniority!”

At Leng Yi’s rebuke, Leng Shuqing and Leng Muling immediately stood upright and prim, their heads bowed as they listened to their scolding.

Zhuo Junli, however, was unfazed by the serious atmosphere, his demeanor leisurely; he sat down, lifting his robe, “Why have you summoned me, Father? Is there something you need my advice on? Speak quickly, as I must return to the Imperial Academy to attend to official business.”

Although he wore a smile on his face, his beautiful eyes concealed his emotions well, impenetrable to those trying to glimpse into his heart.

Leng Yi said indifferently, “I summoned you today to seek advice on their behalf. The emperor has ascended the throne, yet the harem remains vacant. Both of your nieces are of a marriageable age, and I was thinking, if one of them could enter the palace…”

“You want them to become the empress, don’t you?” Zhuo Junli bluntly pierced through Leng Yi’s thoughts, leaving him no room to maneuver.

As this was a family conversation, Leng Yi was caught off guard but had nothing to refrain from acknowledging, “Indeed, it would be good if one could ascend to the position of empress.”

“Father, you might as well dispel that notion sooner rather than later. If you truly consider their happiness, then do not send them into the palace. As for the position of empress, don’t even think about it—it is the most practical advice.”

Zhuo Junli spoke frankly, sitting upright, his manner open.

Even though he was the Prime Minister’s son, he held only a seventh-rank compiler position at the Imperial Academy, dealing with books and relics daily and not burdened with substantial official duties.

Yet the old Prime Minister always knew of his cleverness and depth of insight, and often sought his counsel on matters.

Hearing him speak thus, Leng Yi frowned, “Do you mean to say there’s not the slightest chance of them vying for the empress’ position?”

The old Prime Minister was somewhat unreconciled and even less willing to give up.

Leng Muling also found him too decisive and asked, “Uncle, do you have no confidence in us at all?”

Zhuo Junli glanced at the tea beside the old Prime Minister’s hand; Leng Shuqing immediately understood and brought him a cup of hot tea as well.

With a faint smile, Zhuo Junli finally spoke, “Where do you get the confidence to compete with Su Yingxue for the position of empress? Uncle doesn’t mean to look down on you, but within Jiang Du City, any nobleman would be fortunate to marry you, except for our new emperor—not within your reach.”

“Why can’t we be within his reach?” Leng Muling’s curiosity was increasingly piqued.

“Let me ask you, does the emperor remember your faces? What exceptional talents do you possess, such as medical skills that can bring the dead back to life or bones back to flesh, or the ability to collaborate with Xiao Yu in business? Or perhaps, matchless beauty? If you had any of these qualities, your uncle would support you in taking the gamble.”

After posing the question, Zhuo Junli focused on sipping his tea.

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