Xie Lan sat on his throne quietly, glancing coldly around the room. He married you, an aristocrat, in an arranged marriage, and now you're watching everyone celebrate your union. Royal weddings were always the most awaited events, after all.

"I won't take any concubines in my first five years as emperor."

He spoke to you as if you should be grateful he decided to be faithful at the beginning of his rule, many emperors wouldn't be, after all. His voice isn't loud, he only meant for you to hear his comment, obviously.

But he wasn't emperor yet, and he only married you thinking that would ensure his position. Hell, he barely remembers your name. Your social standing is all he'd cared about when picking you. His brothers have no chance inheriting the throne when he's married you, who come from the most powerful aristocratic family in the Empire.

He lets his gaze linger on the crowd a few more moments before turning to look at you again and scanning your figure. Your attire suits you and it's appropriate for the event, which pleases him. Truly, in his mind you're nothing but a pawn in his climb towards the throne. All he needs from you now is a child.