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

Chapter 186

outside the palace.

Just as Xie Jiu had predicted, Xie Mingshen couldn't sit still once the news of the possible marriage alliance between the two countries spread.

"The problem with the plum blossom appreciation banquet must still lie here," Xie Mingshen said with a displeased expression.

Why would they suddenly decide to arrange a marriage between the two countries? There must be a reason, and this is the most important matter in the palace recently.

"In the end, His Majesty is still cautious and not willing to tell Consort Jin everything."

Xie Mingshen said in a deep voice, clearly somewhat dissatisfied.

"Perhaps the Emperor's original intention was not to arrange a marriage, but he just thought of it for a moment and did it anyway," Xie Wei said.

This is not surprising, as Zhao Xingjin is the kind of person who doesn't play by the rules.

"Father, you said that the Emperor suddenly wanted to form a marriage alliance with Xichi, and even chose Prince Yi. What does that mean?" Xie Wei asked proactively, also wanting to find out Xie Mingshen's thoughts. "What's wrong with marrying a woman from our Great Jing to the King of Xichi? After all, the Imperial Concubine is of a higher status than the Princess Consort."

As soon as he asked that question, a dark glint flashed in Xie Mingshen's eyes, both sinister and sharp.

“Prince Yi may seem young and unstable, but he is actually quite capable. The fact that the current ruler of Xichi was able to ascend the throne smoothly is due to his help. He is ruthless and cunning at such a young age. Given time, he will surely become a great man. Your Majesty is trying to incite internal strife in Xichi.”

"Internal strife?!"

Xie Wei seemed somewhat surprised by this answer.

Compared to him, Xie Mingshen was much calmer.

He calmly sat down around the desk before speaking again, “Two tigers cannot share one mountain. Prince Yi is quite intelligent. If he were really a spoiled brat, he would only be laughing and joking. He would only be sightseeing in Dajing. How could he have seemingly casually uttered a few words during these days of negotiations, guiding the envoys from Xichi to quickly come up with countermeasures and change the situation?”

Xie Wei certainly saw it. Over the years, he had experienced a lot in Lizhou and had a good grasp of the intricacies of officialdom, if not all of them. He could tell that Gao Sui was pretending to be weak while actually being strong.

But he didn't show it, only responding with the same straightforward tone he used when he was in the capital.

"He's just a greenhorn, much younger than me. If it weren't for his royal status, who would pay him any attention? Father, you're overestimating him."

"You, you're still the same as ever, your judgment of people is terrible." Xie Mingshen scolded him seriously, "This Prince Yi is no ordinary person. The Emperor married the daughter of the Earl of Qing'an to him, perhaps to help him seize the throne."

Xie Wei frowned slightly after being reprimanded, but maintained his inquiring manner and continued to ask questions.

"Couldn't the King of Xichi and those other envoys have thought of this?"

"Perhaps we can think about it in that direction, but the fact that Prince Yi was allowed to go on a mission to Dajing shows that he is highly trusted by the Emperor of Xichi. Whether this matter can be accomplished depends on two things: first, what our Emperor will do, and second, whether Prince Yi has the ability to dispel the suspicions of his own people," Xie Mingshen said.

Xie Wei nodded slightly, looking like he understood.

Seeing this, Xie Mingshen said, "Alright, you must be tired after a long morning. Go back and have some food and rest."

"Isn't it necessary to come to the study to discuss matters this afternoon?" Xie Wei asked.

Xie Mingshen shook his head, "No need. With the marriage alliance as a temporary obstacle, I'm afraid there won't be any major progress in the next few days before the New Year."

Upon hearing this, Xie Wei lowered his eyes, cupped his hands in response, said "Yes," and withdrew.

However, he hadn't truly let go of the matter. Instead, he was thinking that Xie Mingshen would probably leave the manor to meet the Xichi people, and this time, he needed to prepare in advance.

As Xie Wei had predicted, soon after, Xie Mingshen's men left the mansion first. The wonton vendor in the alley diagonally opposite the gate met him, then packed up and left. This was to deliver the message.

Xie Wei continued to keep watch, and in the afternoon Xie Mingshen quietly changed his clothes and left the mansion through the back door.

This time, Xie Wei had made plans in advance. He had ordered people to book all the private rooms in the restaurant where they had met last time, leaving only one room for them. So, Xie Wei sat down in the private room next to theirs without any problems.

Before long, Xie Wei could faintly hear voices coming from next door. He quickly pressed his ear against the wall and listened carefully.

"The Grand Secretary has summoned me. I wonder what brings you here?"

It was Zhao Zaiyan's voice.

"Why ask a question you already know the answer to?" Xie Mingshen said calmly. "What exactly are your thoughts on this marriage alliance?"

No beating around the bush.

Seeing his directness, Zhao Zaiyan sat down and said, "If your country's daughter could marry our emperor, that would naturally be the best. But as you saw today, it is your emperor who is determined to form a marriage alliance with Prince Yi. What can we do? We can only urgently write a letter and ask for the emperor's opinion."

"Aren't you worried that Prince Yi, after marrying a woman from our royal family, might develop rebellious intentions?" Xie Mingshen asked, seemingly jokingly.

In fact, it was also a reminder.

But Zhao Zaiyan laughed, “Prince Yi is indeed somewhat clever, but he holds no official position or real power in Xichi. He is merely an idle person who often entertains the emperor and has only a title. Moreover, he works for our emperor and has something on him that our emperor can use against him. If he is released, he will be disgraced and die a thousand deaths. He will not accomplish anything.”

Upon hearing these words, a dark glint flashed in Xie Mingshen's eyes, and a look of understanding appeared on his face.

Since he was a member of the Great Jing Dynasty, he wouldn't analyze things too much with the other party. Since the other party was so confident, he didn't bother to ask any further questions.

After all, he came here today not entirely for the marriage alliance between the two countries. What he cared more about was whether he could still obtain the benefits he wanted now that the situation had changed.

So he picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said with a smile, "In that case, I was just being overly cautious."

“My lord is only thinking of my Xichi, how could it be that you are overthinking it?” Zhao Zaiyan smiled and continued, “I suppose my lord would also like to ask about the agreement we made before.”

Since he brought it up, Xie Mingshen naturally stopped pretending, put down his teacup, and looked at him seriously.

"You're a smart person, so just say it."

"Thank you for your magnanimity, Prime Minister. As you know, the situation has changed. If this marriage goes through, your emperor will naturally lower the tariffs. Perhaps, you won't need to waste your breath, Prime Minister." Zhao Zaiyan's words were somewhat impolite.

But Xie Mingshen, that old fox, could see through his thoughts. He sneered, "If that were really what you were thinking, you wouldn't have come today. Since you're here, it means you still have other ideas."

“Since the Grand Secretary already knows, I’ll be frank. The amount I promised you will be reduced by 20%. If you agree, we can still do business,” Zhao Zaiyan said calmly. “Iron ore has always been a valuable commodity.”

Clearly, Xie Mingshen was not satisfied with this answer. After a long silence, he said, "Since you are not sincere and are going back on your word, then let's not do business. If the Emperor is willing to form a marriage alliance, I can also persuade the Emperor to give up this idea. I think Consort Jin in the palace can speak for the Emperor."

Then came the sound of a chair being moved, which meant Xie Mingshen had gotten up.

"Please wait, Lord Xie!" Zhao Zaiyan immediately called out. "Everything can be discussed. The dust hasn't settled yet, so everything can still be negotiated, right? You should go back first. I also need to go back and discuss things with them some more."

"I hate being made a fool of in my life. You had better give me a satisfactory answer."

After saying this, Xie Mingshen turned and left.