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

Chapter 233

"According to the envoys sent there, those foreigners, both men and women, love to use incense," Zhao Xingjin said. "Actually, I also think it's a bit too strong, not as elegant as the incense we make in our country."

Xie Jiu turned back, "However, the gems on this necklace are of excellent quality and come in a variety of colors. If they are really willing to offer up gold and silver mines, that would be a good thing. But why did they agree so easily?"

This group of people had previously sneaked off to Dingzhou and incited the pirates to come ashore to burn, kill, and plunder. They were definitely not to be underestimated and must have had ambitions.

"Of course, they were beaten into submission."

Zhao Xingjin took a sip of tea and spoke casually.

“Those foreigners who colluded with pirates suffered quite a bit. When our envoys went there, they brought some firearms, and their power immediately intimidated them. Moreover, their territory is very small, only about the size of one of our states. There are also conflicts between their countries. If they become allied with Da Jing, our dynasty will send troops to help them protect their territory.”

Upon hearing the words "garrison," Xie Jiu immediately understood what was going on.

“That’s a good idea. It can both transport gold, silver and jewelry back to Dajing and put their minds at ease.”

Most importantly, Dajing could directly control the local people.

They claimed to be sending troops to protect those foreigners, but in reality, it was nothing more than surveillance and gradual encroachment.

From then on, the government of this country was in the hands of Da Jing. Although it was called a vassal state, it was no different from Da Jing's territory.

No wonder Zhao Xingjin is in a good mood; he's gotten a great deal.

"There are some trinkets in the storeroom, all rather gaudy, probably something a woman would like. When you have time, go to Chengming Hall and pick some out yourself. I don't know what Wenxi likes, so you can decide to pick some for her as well," Zhao Xingjin said.

Upon hearing this, Xie Jiu understood his intentions.

I want to give my daughter something, but I don't know what to give her, and I'm a little embarrassed to ask.

Xie Jiu smiled and said, "How could my taste be as good as Your Majesty's? Your Majesty should choose for the princesses yourself. I think Princess Zhaoqing and Princess Lingyi should both have something. I can't possibly choose for them both as well."

After speaking, he moved closer to Zhao Xingjin and whispered.

“Wenxi usually wants to be close to the Emperor, but the Emperor knows her personality; she is too reserved. In addition, the Emperor is busy, and Wenxi does not dare to disturb him. The Emperor is a father, so he should take the initiative.”

Knowing that his thoughts had been seen through, Zhao Xingjin felt a little embarrassed.

He coughed lightly to cover it up, saying, "Alright, I'll ask her about it later."

In a bit.

This word made Xie Jiu keenly aware of the situation.

His eyes flickered. "Does Your Majesty intend to stay at Jingming Palace?"

"What, you're not welcome?" Zhao Xingjin raised an eyebrow.

"Of course not." Xie Jiu's beautiful eyes curved into a smile, but then she changed the subject. "I was thinking that many new ladies have just arrived in the harem. His Majesty has only met Consort Jiang. The other ladies are probably eagerly waiting for him. If His Majesty is held up by me, I'm afraid the ladies will be heartbroken!"

The tone was somewhat teasing, but it also carried a hint of reminder.

To be honest, once Zhao Xingjin arrived at Jingming Palace, he didn't really want to leave.

People always want to go where they feel comfortable. Over the past year, he has become more and more at ease with Xie Jiu. Xie Jiu is intelligent, and whether she is being coquettish or occasionally scratching him with her little claws, she always handles things just right, making people want to spend time with her.

Furthermore, although Xie Jiu appears lazy on the surface and seems to only care about her own comfort, Zhao Xingjin can still sense that this woman is carefully remembering all his preferences, from what he eats and wears to what kind of cups and tea sets he likes to use, and what kind of incense he likes to burn when he is in a certain mood.

And she never mentioned it, just quietly did her best without seeking praise or credit, making people feel that she genuinely wanted to treat him so well.

She gives off a cold exterior but warm heart vibe, as if this somewhat proud young woman is only willing to be so devoted to him alone, yet unwilling to admit it.

Zhao Xingjin enjoyed it very much.

However, as Xie Jiu said, it was indeed inconvenient for him to stay in Jingming Palace today. It's not that all new concubines have to be favored by the emperor, but at least, Consort Guo can't be delayed any longer. After all, she was specially selected to enter the palace, so she naturally has to be given enough respect.

"Alright, you're so considerate of the newcomer, it wouldn't be right for me not to give you face." Zhao Xingjin patted Xie Jiu's hand. "I'll come see you again in a couple of days."

Xie Jiu smiled and stood up with him, "The Mid-Autumn Festival is in two days."

According to custom, one should go to the Empress's residence on the first and fifteenth of the lunar month.

However, Zhao Xingjin didn't understand Xie Jiu's meaning and thought she was saying that the Mid-Autumn Festival is a day for family reunion.

After thinking for a moment, he took the initiative to say, "Since it is a festival of reunion, and you and Consort Wei have worked hard to manage the six palaces these days, I will grant your families permission to visit you in the palace the day before the Mid-Autumn Festival."

Xie Jiu was slightly surprised by this sudden favor, but she quickly realized that Zhao Xingjin must have misunderstood her words.

However, she was naturally happy to have the rare opportunity to meet someone from outside, and immediately thanked them obediently.

Consort Wei also received the imperial edict that same day.

Naturally, I was happy.

After all, apart from the Empress, the concubines in the harem could not see their families at will unless the Emperor, Empress, or Empress Dowager granted permission.

Xie Jiu and Consort Wei were able to meet their maternal relatives, which naturally made the other concubines in the palace envious.

Especially since this decree was issued after Zhao Xingjin visited Jingming Palace, others naturally knew that it was a special favor from the Emperor to Xie Jiu, and that Consort Wei was fortunate to receive it.

Otherwise, since both are assistants in managing the six palaces, it would be unfair to reward only Xie Jiu and not her.

Consort Wei herself didn't care whether she was just an afterthought or not, but the other concubines couldn't help but envy Xie Jiu for being so favored.

This includes Consort Guo.

"I wonder if the Emperor will treat me this well in the future."

Once you enter the palace, it's like entering a deep sea; from then on, you'll only have Zhao Xingjin as your husband. Naturally, Consort Guo hopes to get along well with Zhao Xingjin.

Baihe comforted her, "Yes, she will. The lady is intelligent, beautiful, dignified, and composed. The Emperor will surely like her."

“But His Majesty has not summoned me yet.” Consort Guo frowned. “Logically, His Majesty had time to go to Jingming Palace today, so he should have some free time. I think he should be able to see me in the next couple of days.”

Just then, a commotion arose outside.

The young palace maid guarding the gate ran briskly into the room, smiling like a flower.

"My lady, someone from Chengming Palace has come to deliver a message: His Majesty has summoned you to serve him tonight!"

"really?!"

Baihe was even more excited than Guo Cairen, and quickly walked over.

The young palace maid nodded, "How could that be false? They're waiting outside!"

"Then let's hurry out and take a look." Consort Guo stood up, a smile on her face.

Consort Sun, who also lived in the Summer Palace, naturally heard the commotion. At that moment, Consort Sun was holding the Fifth Prince. Upon hearing the noise, a look of melancholy appeared on her face.

"When I first served the emperor, I was just as happy, but I never imagined that I would suffer so many hardships later on. But thankfully, I finally had a child."

“Yes,” Wanqiu said with a smile, “Cai Ren suffered a lot of grievances during her pregnancy, but now her suffering has finally come to an end. Our little prince is almost half a year old.”

It would have been better if she hadn't said anything, but as soon as she mentioned the words "half a year old," Sun Cairen's expression immediately changed.

Yes, the fifth prince is almost six months old, which means he will be sent away soon.