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

Chapter 224 Newcomers
"A year has passed in the blink of an eye," Xie Jiu murmured, gazing at her reflection in the bronze mirror.

Chunrong happened to be bringing over some clothes when she asked, "What is Your Highness saying?"

"It's nothing, I just suddenly remembered that the seventh day of the seventh lunar month is a day that I remember very well." Xie Jiu smiled.

It should be profound, shouldn't it? This time last year, she was still in dire straits, betrayed by both her father and husband, forcing her onto the path she is on today.

Now that Xie Mingshen is dead, Wu Jue is suffering greatly in Jinming Tower, while she has truly become a favored concubine in the palace.

In the past six months, Zhao Xingjin has never neglected her.

Speaking of the relationship between the two, Xie Jiu could already sense that Zhao Xingjin's attitude towards her had changed. He was much less guarded and truly treated her as his concubine.

It's a good thing.

"Your Majesty will surely get better year by year. Let's not think about the past." Chunrong looked at Xie Jiu with a smile through the mirror, her eyes filled with comfort.

Qingfang tilted her head and smiled at Xie Jiu in the mirror, "That's right, we've really been reborn now."

Xie Jiu snapped out of her thoughts, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"What a complete transformation! Well, one should look forward."

As they spoke, Xie Jiu finished dressing and tidying up, had breakfast, and then got up and headed to Lanfang Palace, where the selection of candidates would take place.

As she was the lowest-ranking person present today, she naturally couldn't be late, so she was the first to arrive. Just as she sat down, Consort Zhuang arrived right after her.

In contrast to Xie Jiu's simple and elegant attire, Consort Zhuang continued her usual gorgeous and glamorous style, wearing a crimson brocade pomegranate patterned wide-sleeved square-necked long dress, and the red gold seven-tailed phoenix hairpin on her head shone brightly in the sun, highlighting her status.

It must be said that Consort Zhuang's features were exquisite and striking, and this rich red makeup suited her very well.

In comparison, Xie Jiu is actually more delicate and charming, with less aggressive facial features. When she wears plain colors, she looks charming and gentle, like a clear spring. When she wears bright colors, she looks like a blooming red rose, both delicate and charming. Colors like light blue and pale yellow can bring out her lively and pretty nature.

To put it bluntly, Xie Jiu's face is more versatile and adaptable.

But if we really compare, Consort Zhuang would be more suited to wearing bright red, which would be more vibrant and flamboyant, with her proud and arrogant spirit very outward. Xie Jiu's personality, on the other hand, makes her less able to convey that feeling; she would be more charming and languid.

"Greetings, Consort Zhuang." Xie Jiu rose and bowed.

"Humph."

Consort Zhuang ignored her, rolled her eyes, walked past her, and sat down in her own seat.

Xie Jiu didn't care about these things, her expression remained unchanged, and she sat down again.

We're used to it. Consort Zhuang doesn't have any real offensive capabilities; that's about it.

Before long, the Empress Dowager and the Empress arrived together.

As soon as the Empress Dowager arrived, her gaze was drawn to Consort Zhuang. Seeing Consort Zhuang dressed so extravagantly, she couldn't help but frown slightly.

Today is for selecting new concubines for the Emperor, not for the Emperor to see her.

But considering Consort Zhuang's past behavior, the Empress Dowager didn't bother to say anything. After all, she knew that Consort Zhuang was just that kind of person. Although her clothes were gorgeous, they were still within the rules and didn't go too far.

The Empress, however, couldn't help but speak up, "Consort Zhuang, today is a selection of concubines, not a beauty pageant. Why are you dressed so conspicuously?"

"This dress is newly made. I thought it was for this joyous occasion," Consort Zhuang said directly. "His Majesty didn't say that I couldn't dress formally for the imperial concubine selection. Besides, I dressed up carefully because I value today."

Because she had given birth to Zhao Xingjin's first son, she was never very polite to the Empress.

The Empress wanted to say something more, but when she caught a glimpse of the Empress Dowager's displeasure, she stopped speaking. Consort Zhuang felt she had won another victory and sat down triumphantly.

Before long, Zhao Xingjin also arrived.

He had just finished the morning court session and changed into casual clothes before arriving. As soon as he arrived, Consort Zhuang was the first to get up and greet him.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects!" Consort Zhuang said with a smile. Zhao Xingjin's gaze fell on her. Although he also felt that her attire was too eye-catching, he didn't say anything, just nodded slightly, and then went to the Empress Dowager.

Consort Zhuang was somewhat displeased by his neglect.

After all, Consort Zhuang's goal today is to outshine all the other beauties. If she shines brightly, the other candidates will naturally pale in comparison. In that case, will the Emperor choose fewer new women?
Clearly, this idea did not seem to work.

After exchanging a few words with the Empress Dowager and the Empress, Zhao Xingjin sat down and looked at Xie Jiu.

In the sweltering summer, refreshing colors are more soothing to look at.

Xie Jiu remained silent, only smiling slightly and nodding in response.

Although the interaction between the two was simple, it still stood out in the eyes of everyone. However, Zhao Xingjin did not speak to Xie Jiu specifically. After their eyes met, he gave Yang Zhian a deep order.

"let's start."

"Yes," Yang Zhian replied, then strode out of the hall and loudly proclaimed, "The talent show begins!"

Soon, the people in charge arranged for the young ladies to take the stage.

There were a total of 54 candidates, divided into eleven groups. The first group consisted of four people, and the next ten groups each consisted of five people.

To be honest, when the first batch of candidates for the imperial concubines arrived at the palace, Xie Jiu thought they were all quite good, with outstanding looks and demeanor, but none of them were particularly outstanding. They were not as eye-catching as Consort Zhuang.

As expected, neither Zhao Xingjin nor the Empress Dowager uttered a word.

This means they didn't think much of it.

Next, the second and third groups came up, and they were all good, just like the first group, none of them were particularly outstanding.

When the fourth group of candidates entered the palace, one of them, who was taller, immediately gave people a different feeling.

Her clothes alone revealed the finest material, shimmering in the sunlight as she entered the palace, like a rainbow swirling around her. While her appearance wasn't particularly outstanding among the other women in the palace, her exceptional temperament, composed and dignified, possessed a striking and heroic beauty.

"Guo Rongning, daughter of the Commander of Chuzhou Garrison, is seventeen years old!"

Upon hearing the eunuch's chanting, Xie Jiu immediately understood.

The daughter of a high-ranking official of the second rank, and the commander of the guards of various prefectures and counties, all of whom held military power. In fact, the Empress's father was the commander of the guards of Anlu Prefecture.

Although the Empress married Zhao Xingjin, who was then the heir of a prince, she was chosen according to the standards of a princess. Now that she is the Empress, she is no less than him.

This family background is no worse than Xie Jiu's or Wei Jieyu's.

Strictly speaking, Guo Rongning's background is much stronger than Xie Jiu's now. After all, Xie Jiu no longer has Xie Mingshen, the Grand Secretary, as her father, and her brother Xie Wei can't be too assertive in supporting her.

"Come forward."

Zhao Xingjin's voice rang out at the right time.

Guo Rongning stepped forward in response, "This humble woman greets Your Majesty and Empress Dowager!"

"How has your father been lately? Has his leg injury fully healed?" Zhao Xingjin asked.

He had fought a battle with Guo Rongning's father, who refused to surrender even at the cost of his life. However, the city was running out of food and supplies, and the people were facing starvation. For the sake of the people, his father finally surrendered. This act made Zhao Xingjin appreciate his talent, and he later recruited him into his ranks and continued to entrust him with important responsibilities.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My father is much better now and can ride horses and shoot arrows with ease. When I came here, my father asked me to convey his greetings to Your Majesty. He said he still remembers Your Majesty's heroic figure when hunting deer. He wonders if he will ever have the honor of eating deer meat hunted by Your Majesty yourself."

Guo Rongning replied with a smile and a cheerful tone, appearing very composed.

Sure enough, Zhao Xingjin then laughed.

"Very well, then I will keep you by my side today. During the royal autumn hunt this year, I will summon your father to the capital to reminisce!"