Selling wife for fame? Kick out the scumbag and marry the new emperor to enjoy the harem of favors

Chapter 174

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the Empress allowed everyone to move around freely.

The plum garden in the palace was very large, with several pavilions, rockeries and stone benches, and even a small koi pond. The women were scattered around, chatting intimately, and seemed quite at ease.

The Empress was naturally surrounded by many people, with Princess Heng leading the way, making it quite a lively scene.

Xie Jiu, the newly promoted Consort Jin, is a favorite of the Emperor, so naturally, many people try to talk to her, which makes it a little difficult for her to get things done.

To make things easier, I had to pretend to be uninterested and downcast, saying that my late mother loved plum blossoms and that seeing them today reminded me of her.

Seeing this, the clever ones naturally knew better, greeted each other and dispersed, no longer standing around chattering.

Princess Wenxi saw that Xie Jiu was not in a good mood and wanted to keep her company, but Xie Jiu comforted her and then the little girl went to play with the other children.

Lady Liu looked on and sighed, "The Second Prince is truly sensible."

“Without their birth mother by their side to take care of them, they will inevitably suffer some grievances. Under such circumstances, it’s no wonder that children are more sensitive,” Xie Jiu said, her tone filled with heartache.

Sensible isn't exactly a good word.

Children who are too sensible are more likely to suffer losses.

Liu Cairen nodded in agreement.

"Alright, let's wander around a bit. We're already here, let's get some fresh air." Xie Jiu forced a smile.

"Yes, the flowers are beautiful today, and the people are even more beautiful. I think the girls in the royal family are all very pretty."

Liu Cairen smiled and replied, then went for a walk with Xie Jiu.

Of course, the walk was just a pretext; the real purpose was to observe the people being chosen.

Early in the morning, Chunrong and Qingfang had been keeping track of the whereabouts of several potential targets. They were seemingly strolling around, but in reality, they were heading to meet them.

The first person they encountered was Zhao Ruoheng, the daughter of Marquis Wuxin.

In terms of kinship, Marquis Wuxin was the closest cousin to Zhao Xingjin among the imperial clan, besides his own brother, Prince Heng.

Marquis Wuxin's father and Zhao Xingjin's father were brothers born of the same mother, and both fathers contributed significantly to Zhao Xingjin's empire.

He is the only member of the imperial clan with military power. However, Marquis Wuxin is honest and loyal and has never had any disloyal intentions. Therefore, he is trusted by Zhao Xingjin. He is currently not in the capital and is leading troops to guard the northwest of Dajing, which is the place bordering Xichi.

Zhao Ruoheng, the fourth daughter of the Marquis of Wuxin, was not the legitimate daughter, but a concubine's daughter raised by her stepmother. However, the Marquis of Wuxin had only two sons, and she doted on this adopted daughter, teaching her with great care. As a result, this fourth daughter grew up to be exceptionally beautiful.

At this moment, Zhao Ruoheng was talking with two girls of similar age by a rockery.

Wearing a pomegranate red, belted, narrow-sleeved long dress, resembling riding attire, with simple hairpins and jewelry, she exuded a heroic and capable aura.

"If you ask me, those Xichi people were too spoiled in the past. Now this world belongs to the Great Jing Dynasty, and it's very different from before. How can we allow them to be so presumptuous? If they are not well-behaved and plot something, we will send troops to wipe them out. At that time, I will definitely ask my father for the Ferghana horse and go into battle to kill a few of their enemy soldiers!"

As she spoke, the girl stood up, her pointed chin held high, her eyes blazing with passion. She looked more like a young general than a young lady from a noble family.

Liu Cairen's eyes lit up as she watched, envying her carefree and unrestrained nature.

"I've heard that the daughters of the Marquis of Wuxin are skilled in martial arts. Judging from this girl's imposing appearance, she must be from the Marquis of Wuxin's family."

Nowadays, the Great Jing Dynasty still leans towards valuing literature over martial arts, and it's rare for women to practice martial arts. No wonder Consort Liu easily guessed Zhao Ruoheng's identity.

Xie Jiu also appreciated Zhao Ruoheng's enthusiasm, but from the perspective of selecting people, it was a little inappropriate.

She was too impulsive and hot-tempered, and she might not be able to stand being sidelined. But it wasn't good to make a judgment right away, so Xie Jiu continued walking in that direction.

"As expected, like father, like daughter. You must be the fourth daughter of Marquis Wuxin."

Upon hearing Xie Jiu's voice, the girls quickly bowed.

"Your humble servant Zhao Ruoheng greets Consort Jin. My father is indeed Marquis Wuxin."

"Get up, everyone. Today's plum blossom viewing banquet is like a family feast, so don't be shy." Xie Jiu waved his hand amiably.

Despite this, the girls were still nervous in front of the emperor's favorite concubine, especially Xie Jiu, whose background was unusual.

Xie Jiu smiled faintly and spoke as if making a casual remark, "I overheard you mentioning Xi Chi earlier. Is there a lot of attention outside the palace regarding this meeting between the two countries?"

The other girls were about to answer when Zhao Ruoheng spoke first.

"This is the first time since the founding of the Great Jing Kingdom that Xi Chi has sent an envoy to visit. From officials to commoners in the capital, everyone is very concerned and hopes that the Great Jing Kingdom can properly curb the arrogance of Xi Chi Kingdom. The matter of the Xi Chi Kingdom envoy's rude words at the welcoming banquet has spread throughout the capital. However, it is fortunate that Consort Jin questioned Shangguan Yi and left him speechless. It is truly gratifying!"

"Is that so? I really dislike the arrogant attitude of the Xichi people. They don't understand the meaning of 'things have changed,' and they still treat the current Dajing with the attitude of the past. They deserve to be taught a lesson."

Xie Jiu continued Zhao Ruoheng's words, and then deliberately added...

"The Fourth Sister just said that she would lead her troops to wipe them out. That was truly a heroic spirit, and it deserves our admiration."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ruoheng's expression immediately changed, and she respectfully lowered her head.

"Your Majesty flatters me. I have always been impulsive and have been scolded by my parents for it. What I just said was just nonsense. Please don't take it seriously."

Although she concealed it well, Xie Jiu could still see the tension and frustration in her expression.

However, this actually made Xie Jiu more satisfied.

This shows that Zhao Ruoheng is not a mindless and impulsive person.

She was worried about the situation at home and was afraid that her words would be relayed to Zhao Xingjin by Xie Jiu, causing Zhao Xingjin to misunderstand that Marquis Wuxin was arrogant and conceited because he held military power.

"Don't worry, it's just a few idle words at the banquet, it's nothing serious, I'll just listen and forget about it." Xie Jiu smiled and gently reassured her.

He then made an excuse to go somewhere else and left the scene.

After she left, Zhao Ruoheng breathed a sigh of relief, patted her chest in lingering fear, and quickly pulled her companions away as well.

Xie Jiu, on the other hand, remained calm and chatted with Consort Liu while continuing to stroll in the plum garden. However, she did not expect that someone would find her directly in front of her after she had not gone far.

"Zhao Zhiyu, the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Qing'an, pays her respects to Consort Jin and Lady Liu."

The young girl wore a pale yellow dress, her eyes were calm and her demeanor was dignified.

Xie Jiu hadn't expected to run into her like this, and couldn't help but look her up and down first.

Judging from her appearance, she is just as described in the information: pretty, with bright eyes and a gentle and quiet temperament.

"No need for formalities, young lady, why are you alone?" Xie Jiu asked with a smile.

Zhao Zhiyu looked up at her, her face thoughtful, then her gaze swept over Liu Cairen, as if she had made up her mind, and she spoke in a deep voice.

"This humble woman has come to see Consort Jin. There are some things I would like to say to Your Highness. I wonder if Your Highness would be so kind as to take a walk with me alone?"