After the ceremony, Chu Heng gently raised his hand and signaled all the ministers to stand up. His voice was steady and powerful, penetrating every corner: "Now that I have ascended the throne, I must work hard to govern the country and bring peace to the world. However, the great plan of the country also requires the peace of the family. All the ministers know that the abdication of the empress left behind a country to be rebuilt and some unfulfilled wishes. I believe that enriching the harem is not only related to the continuation of the royal bloodline, but also a move to stabilize the government and demonstrate the emperor's great grace."

As soon as these words came out, a subtle ripple suddenly appeared in the hall. The ministers looked at each other, thinking about it in their hearts. Some secretly speculated on the deep meaning behind the new emperor's move, while others began to plan how to win a seat for their family at this palace banquet.

Seeing this, Chu Heng raised a barely perceptible smile. He knew that this was not just a simple selection of concubines, but also a reshuffle of power and interests. He stood up slowly and glanced at each minister. His eyes were filled with unquestionable majesty and infinite longing for the future.

As Chu Heng's voice fell, the voices of the ministers responded again in the hall, but this time, everyone had a heavy sense of responsibility and expectation in their hearts.

In the magnificent Zichen Palace, the sun shines through the carved window lattices, casting mottled shadows on the ground, reflecting the lonely and determined figure of an emperor - Chu Heng. He is wearing a dragon robe, and his clothes flutter in the wind. His brows are condensed with unquestionable majesty, but also with deep affection and tenderness. Facing the civil and military officials in the court, Chu Heng's voice is steady and powerful, like a clear spring in a mountain stream, penetrating every corner of the palace.

"I have made up my mind. In this life, in the harem, only Xie Chaochao is enough." Chu Heng's words were loud and clear, and every word was like a heavy hammer, hitting the hearts of everyone present. The ministers looked at each other, some were shocked, some were puzzled, and some even showed obvious resistance on their faces.

"Your Majesty, this is the law of our ancestors and it cannot be abolished. Enriching the harem and continuing the royal lineage are the foundation of the country and a major event for the nation!" An old minister with white hair and beard stood up tremblingly, speaking earnestly, his eyes full of worry about the future.

However, Chu Heng's eyes never wavered. He slowly walked to the front of the palace, his eyes swept across the ministers, and his deep eyes seemed to hide endless stories and determination. "My dear ministers, I know that you are loyal to the country, but only Chao Chao can understand my heart. She assisted me in governing the world with wisdom, and warmed my lonely heart with tenderness. In my heart, she has long surpassed the title of queen and become my only partner in this life."

At this point, Chu Heng's voice trembled slightly, which was a sign of his deep love and longing for Xie Chaochao. He continued, "It's not that I don't know the importance of the harem, but I know that one person who treats me sincerely is enough. I am willing to use this vast country as a betrothal gift, and I only wish to spend the rest of my life with Chaochao, and enjoy this prosperous world hand in hand."

There was a moment of silence in the hall. The ministers were shocked by Chu Heng's deep affection. Some bowed their heads in thought, while others exchanged glances quietly, as if weighing the weight of the emperor's decision. Finally, a young and promising minister stood up, bowed and saluted, with admiration in his voice: "Your Majesty's affection is deep and sincere, and I admire you. If Your Majesty can really use one person's heart to care about the well-being of the people of the world, I am willing to assist you with all my strength to create a peaceful and prosperous world together."

As soon as these words came out, a chorus of echoes rang out in the hall. Chu Heng smiled slightly, and that smile showed both relief and expectation. He knew that although his decision was not understood by everyone, it won the respect and support of more people. In the hall, the candlelight flickered, reflecting the firmness and subtle tenderness on Emperor Chu Heng's face. He sat upright on the dragon throne, wearing a dragon robe and a dazzling golden crown, exuding an unquestionable kingly aura. The ministers stood in a line, some bowed their heads in thought, some with flickering eyes, trying to peek into the mind of the young emperor.

One of the old ministers had a white beard and his eyes were full of worry and loyalty to the country. He slowly stepped forward a few steps and said in a soft but firm voice: "Your Majesty, I dare to make a suggestion. The most important thing for the country is the continuation of the bloodline and the prosperity of the descendants. I hope Your Majesty can sympathize with the people, attach importance to the inheritance of the royal family, and ensure the peace of mind of the country. Expand the harem and have more descendants."

Chu Heng heard this and smiled faintly. In that smile, he recognized the old minister's loyalty, but also hid some unspeakable secrets. He raised his hand gently, signaling the old minister to stay calm, and then slowly spoke in a steady and magnetic voice: "My dear minister, what you said is very true. How could I not know the importance of my offspring? However, I have my own considerations in my mind. The country is not only dependent on blood, but also on the hearts and wisdom of the people. I am willing to set an example by myself, first to stabilize the world, and then to settle my family. You don't need to worry too much."

After saying this, Chu Heng's eyes penetrated the heavy curtains in the hall, as if he had seen through the changes in the future. He knew very well that as an emperor, he was not only responsible for the continuation of the royal bloodline, but also for the rise and fall of the entire country. On this chessboard where power and responsibility are intertwined, every step must be taken cautiously and decisively.

At this time, the hall was silent, and the ministers looked at each other, with both admiration for the emperor's determination and speculation about the unknown future. Chu Heng's words were not only a response to the old minister, but also a vow to his heart. He wanted to write a different emperor legend in his own way. Xie Chaochao was busy and gentle in the dim light. She lightly tied her hair, and her simple and elegant palace dress swayed in the wind. In her hands, she was carefully fiddling with various exquisite porcelain plates, on which were placed the dishes that were about to be finished. The aroma was lingering, and it seemed that even the air was filled with endless thoughts and expectations for the return of the people.

Today, she specially prepared several of Chu Heng's favorite dishes, each of which contained her delicate thoughts and deep love. The flames of the stove jumped, reflecting her focused and determined face. She had a faint smile on her lips, but her heart was like a surging tide, difficult to calm down.

Finally, the palace gate opened slightly, and a gust of cold wind quietly rushed in with the hustle and bustle outside, bringing with it the familiar footsteps of Chu Heng. He was dressed in court clothes, and although he looked a little tired, his brows were still full of heroic spirit. When he stepped into this warm palace, he saw the steaming food on the table and the figure that made him feel at ease.

"Chao Chao, thank you for your hard work." Chu Heng said softly, his tone full of tenderness and gratitude. He sat down slowly, preparing to enjoy this late dinner, but he seemed to remember something, his expression changed slightly, and after hesitating for a moment, he still spoke: "At the court meeting today, several old ministers mentioned the matter of enriching the harem again, saying that it was for the sake of the continuation of the royal heir and the country."

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