He has some news.

With Empress Regent Yi at your side, you both make your way down the stairs into the sections of the Inner Palace reserved for a number of women that will serve you as you please. Or your wives, so to speak. Needless to say, you were excited when there was a bustling about of Palace Servants moving furniture and cleaning rooms for your would be harem. Chen was there to great you, he bowed respectfully and did not rise until you asked him, “How many girls so far?”

Chen, who was initially not too pleased given Yi’s proximity to you, smiled, along with Yi. It was clear that you did not really understand the process. It was not as simple as selecting whores on the street and promoting them to titles like Royal consort and concubine.

“I appreciate that you give my talents such regard, Emperor Yun. But I have interviewed over a hundred women from renown houses and foreign houses alike today. I will likely do so again tomorrow. There are no girls so far.” Replied Chen.

“You see, Emperor Yun, while you can theoretically have as many concubines as you desire, the house…your house, breaks down quickly without any structure.” Says Yi, who is right beside you dressed in her regal hanfu, “As ladies of the Celestial Emperor, there is a chain-of-command, of sorts.”

The three of you started touring the concubine suites around some of the busy servants as Chen explained further, “That is a crude analogy, but if military structure helps you understand, then the Empress would be in charge of a battalion of ladies. Your royal consorts, of which there are typically four, are like the captains of a company of ladies. Naturally, there are a number of lead concubines that will make up the equivalent of platoon or squad commanders as well.”

“Like the Zhuyao?” You ask. This Palace had been your world for a decade now, but it had been a world without women, except for Yi, and she was hence the fantasy in your dreams.

“The Zhuyao, while considered the favorite, does not necessarily have to be a Leading Lady, but normally is.” Chen informed you, as the three of you continued your tour of the rapidly changing suites. “Needless to say, part of my duties during these interviews, is to determine which Ladies are worth your time, Emperor Yun, and to help you decide which will be best suited for what role.”

“Emperor Dai had about a hundred women at his disposal, yet could not please a single one.” Snickered Yi, notably leaving out your mother, Xaionu, “Time will tell if you can rebuild your line.”

“I am eager to start. There was not a single woman in your interviews that could start tonight?” You ask Chen.

Chen sighed, “There is maybe two that would be ready to meet you should you desire it. They excelled in their interviews, and their ancestry proved adequate for a Celestial Emperor.”

“Then why wait?”

“While I am collecting ladies who pass the first phase of coming into your Inner Palace, I do conduct a second round to apply your preferences on the ones left. Your idea of beauty, your preferences in behavior, and how you would like them to present themselves. Then, the phase you’re so eager for, first impressions, and bedding. This is a process set up by my predecessor to ensure a pleasurable experience for the Celestial Emperor, and less stress leads to better fertility.” Explains Chen.

“And you’ll need all the help you can get in that department, Emperor Yun.” Adds Yi.

“You see, Emperor Yun.” Continues Chen, ignoring her comment just like you, “You are like a prized horse. Strong, fast, and virile. While you can claim any mare as yours, it is important to cull out the mare’s with poor compatibility so that you can keep your dynasty strong. More importantly, it is vital you have strong mares to keep the others in check. This is why it is my recommendation that you prioritize your Empress and consorts first before your Inner Palace Ladies.”

As Chen finishes up his long-winded recommendation, the three of you happen to stop outside some of the grander suites of the inner palace. It was quiet here, and not as bustling as some of the other areas you passed. There were six rooms in total, all about as equally grand. One for the Zhuyao, one for an Empress, and four for Royal Consorts of higher status than the other concubines.

“I have already been informed that you mean to move Empress Regent Yi to the Emperor’s Tower in the eastern district.” Said Chen, in a tone that caught the irritation of Yi, “I will have Palace Servants make that move tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Chen.” You say, “And if I insisted on meeting those two women you mentioned today? Perhaps making an exemption, given we’re rebuilding from the ground up?”

Chen takes a deep breath, “While I still insist on following my recommendation, Emperor Yun; If it is that urgent to you, all I need to know about your preferences regarding them is if you’d rather be the teacher or the student? Given the two ladies’ contrasting experiences.” A palace servant approaches Chen silently, indicating Chen is needed for something, “Come find me with your answer when you’re ready, Emperor Yun.”

With that, Chen bows then walks away, leaving you and Yi alone in what could be called a lobby for the six grand suites. When you turn toward her, Yi is giving you a look like she wants something. “Yes, Yi?”

Yi takes a step toward you, her perfume invading your nostrils, “You know…my son… I did as I was told and apologized today, and that was after considering your offer of becoming your measly concubine,” She places a hand on your chest, “I have a counteroffer. If you need an Empress right away to keep your bitches in check, I am overqualified for the role.” Her hand sinks down your abdomen until it’s just hovering over your crotch. Her eyes, never straying from yours, “Unlike those daughters from the Great Houses, I can offer myself tonight…”

Your member grew erect under Yi’s touch. She did not even make a jab at your size this time. Suddenly, you are left with a myriad of choices. You can have a fresh girl from outside the palace that you’ve never seen before due to Chen’s hard work. Or you can give into the temptation of your step-mother, Yi.