Rebirth: So what if my husband is a little crazy? He loves me.

Chapter 315: Taking a Concubine for Him?

"Master, please sit down. I'll practice a little longer." Li Che said, picking up the bow again and tucking his robe into his belt.

Shen Li wanted to practice, but wearing official robes and a hairpin made it inconvenient to move around, so she sat aside and read a book.

The two did not interfere with each other, and their harmonious relationship was more like that of friends than master and apprentice.

After sitting there all morning, she took her leave. In the afternoon, when she returned to the Hanlin Academy, she overheard gossip at the next table. They said that the Eighth Prince, Li Xuan, was currently trying to win over Princess Hu Ji, and that he would visit the imperial palace once a day.

"I heard that Princess Hu Ji is most skilled at horseback riding and hunting. Yesterday she sent me a fine steed, and today she sent me freshly picked plum blossoms. She is so attentive."

Shen Li moved closer.

"What's most noteworthy is the attitude of that Hu princess. She clearly admires Prince Rui, yet she doesn't reject the Eighth Prince. This Hu woman is truly extraordinary." The scholar finished speaking with a meaningful smile.

"Indeed, I've long heard that the women of the Hu region are bold and unrestrained, and now it seems that it is indeed true."

Shen Li listened calmly, knowing that this beauty was no pushover and that getting too close to her might lead to trouble.

Fortunately, Li Rui was relatively clear-headed. As for the Eighth Prince Li Xuan, he was a chubby boy when he was young and only liked to peek at the palace maids and empresses bathing and steal women's personal clothing. He had no interaction with her in either of her lifetimes.

She should just observe and see how things unfold.

While waiting for the battle report, Shen Li's days were quite fulfilling. Besides copying and teaching at the palace, she also had quite a few interactions with Cheng Ruojin.

Cheng Ruojin often came to the Gu residence in the afternoon to tell Shen Li about the latest news that the women of the capital had learned.

Lin Wan'er and Xiao Qi had been on their expedition for more than half a month, and according to the distance, they should not have reached the front line yet. When Shen Li returned from the Hanlin Academy, she saw the Cheng family's carriage parked in front of the gate.

Cheng Ruojin was already chatting with Yudie and Caiyun in the room. Because she came often, she was very familiar with the family.

As soon as Shen Li entered, she saw the three of them chatting enthusiastically. Judging from their increasingly excited expressions, they must be talking about someone's gossip and interesting stories.

"Sister Shen, you're finally back." Cheng Ruojin stood up when she saw Shen Li return. "I have something to tell you."

"Oh?" Shen Li asked, noticing her slightly serious expression, "Is it convenient to talk about it now?"

Cheng Ruojin shook her head: "It would be best if only my sister listened."

So without Shen Li giving the order, the sisters left and closed the door behind them.

"What is it? Sit down and tell me slowly, sister." Shen Li helped Cheng Ruojin sit down. Although she acted calmly, her heart sank because she had no idea what it was about.

What unexpected thing happened again?

Cheng Ruojin took Shen Li's hand and said, "Sister Shen, Father sent me to find you. He said he heard about some things in the palace today concerning you and Lord Gu."

Shen Li waited for her to continue.

"His Majesty intends to select a concubine for Lord Gu." Cheng Ruojin lowered her voice.

Shen Li raised an eyebrow slightly, her gaze unchanged, and her voice remained calm: "How did you find out about this?"

"His Majesty has ordered the eunuchs to search for palace maids and daughters of princes and ministers. Yesterday, my father went to the palace and heard about it from a familiar eunuch."

"The reason is that after more than two years of marriage, your belly still hasn't shown any signs of pregnancy. Lord Gu is busy with state affairs, and His Majesty wants to bestow a favor upon him," Cheng Ruojin added.

Shen Li narrowed her eyes, said nothing, but her expression visibly deepened.

“Sister, Father said His Majesty is probably serious. Rather than sending down someone whose background we don’t know, it would be better if you chose one for Lord Gu yourself.” Cheng Ruojin continued to offer suggestions: “My mother said it would be best to promote a servant from the household. With the indenture in your hands, he can’t cause any trouble.”