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

Chapter 245

At that moment, Xie Jiu, whom they called "a bit of a bully," had just met with Zhao Xingjin.

Although the Mid-Autumn Festival has passed, the summer heat remains. Today is also a windless day, so it's bound to be a bit stuffy indoors.

Xie Jiu then ordered someone to move the reclining chair to the corridor and placed a basin of ice next to it, instructing someone to fan her through the ice basin, which made her much cooler.

When Zhao Xingjin arrived, he saw her lying lazily in a chair, covering her face with a round fan, as if she were taking a nap.

She wore a plain white, high-waisted ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with a light, ice-blue gauze overlay. The sleeves were loosely rolled up, bunching at the elbows, revealing a section of her round, jade-like forearm. Her wrists hung naturally on the armrest of the rocking chair, making her slender fingers appear even longer. Her nails were coated with something, looking pink and translucent, like peach-pink crystals—truly exquisite.

Previously, their relationship was based on mutual benefit. Zhao Xingjin hadn't paid much attention to Xie Jiu's appearance. However, after Xie Mingshen died and the Xie family was taken over by him, Zhao Xingjin, whether he had lowered his guard against Xie Jiu or for some other reason, began to notice Xie Jiu's appearance.

And it was this one moment of attention that made me realize that a beautiful image had appeared in my mind that I couldn't shake off. Whenever I had free time, it would unconsciously pop up and make me think about it.

It's like knowing there's a dish in Jingming Palace that really suits his taste, and he always wants to go and eat it.

"Your Majesty, the Emperor has arrived."

Qingfang caught a glimpse of a bright yellow figure at the courtyard gate, quickly knelt down to pay her respects, and whispered a reminder to Xie Jiu.

Upon hearing this, Xie Jiu immediately removed the fan and sat up.

"emperor."

She called out, but couldn't get up because her shoes were off.

Chunrong came over immediately and helped her put it on.

In the time that was delayed, Zhao Xingjin had already strode up to her and extended his hand to her.

Xie Jiu's beautiful eyes curved into a smile as she leaned on him, letting him help her up.

"Your Majesty is coming without even letting anyone know in advance. I have been very impolite."

"It's not the first time."

Zhao Xingjin not only didn't care, but also secretly had the idea of ​​deliberately coming without prior notice.

He wanted to launch a surprise attack to see Xie Jiu's true state.

He didn't know why, but he just had this idea, even though he himself thought it was a bit childish.

Xie Jiu was unaware of his ulterior motives, and simply went along with him, saying, "So Your Majesty doesn't blame me?"

"You know perfectly well what I'm asking." Zhao Xingjin couldn't help but flick her forehead lightly.

"Ouch!" Xie Jiu winced in pain, then glared at him, "The Emperor said he wouldn't punish you, but he still had to take action."

Zhao Xingjin smiled faintly, "You're being delicate. I didn't use any force."

Xie Jiu snorted lightly, "Your Majesty knows that I am spoiled, so why don't you coax me a little? Your Majesty is not allowed to leave tonight!"

Actually, when Zhao Xingjin came over at this time, she had already guessed that he was going to stay overnight. But when it comes to flirting, she naturally didn't mind being a little too affectionate.

"Why aren't you advising me to meet the new lady this time?" Zhao Xingjin asked deliberately.

Last time, Xie Jiu reminded him to meet the new concubine, so he took the opportunity to summon Consort Guo.

"Once is enough. I'm not that magnanimous to keep pushing Your Majesty away." Xie Jiu tightened her grip on Zhao Xingjin's hand as if she were anxiously protecting something she loved, and moved closer to her. She looked up at her, her eyes filled with a hint of jealousy. "Could it be that Your Majesty has really forgotten about me, your old flame, now that you have a new one?"

That energetic little face is so endearing!

For some reason, Zhao Xingjin suddenly felt a surge of energy. He narrowed his eyes, picked her up, and carried her in his arms. "I can't forget how lovable my Consort Jin is. How could I forget her?"

"This is what His Majesty said. If you don't come to Jingming Palace anymore, I'm going to make a scene at Chengming Hall!"

Xie Jiu was not afraid. She wrapped her arms around Zhao Xingjin's neck and smiled brightly.

Seeing this, the servants wisely refrained from following them inside.

In Weiyang Palace, the Empress sneered when she heard that Zhao Xingjin had stayed overnight in Jingming Palace.

"The more the Emperor favors her, the more these unfavored newcomers should hate Consort Jin."

Tingyun, standing to the side, echoed, "That's right. When the Emperor gets tired of Consort Jin one day, all the concubines in the harem will surely tear her apart alive."

But who knows when that day will come? What is known for now is that Zhao Xingjin stayed overnight at Jingming Palace for the next three days.

Moreover, something significant happened during this period: Consort Lu was moved to another palace.

This time, they moved to Ninghua Palace and lived in Anqing Hall, where Xie Jiu had once lived. Just like when they were in the imperial palace, they became neighbors with Consort Xu again.

Consort Zhuang was very happy, but what she didn't know was that she also had to thank Xie Jiu.

Zhao Xingjin mentioned that Consort Lu was not very honest, and Xie Jiu thought that if this person was restless and held a grudge against Consort Zhuang, or if someone was instigating her behind the scenes, would the struggle between the concubines affect the imperial heirs?

This reminded Zhao Xingjin that the Fourth Prince was still living in Yanqing Palace, so for the sake of the child, Consort Lu was kicked out.

Xie Jiu looked on, feeling even more fortunate that she and Princess Wenxi got along so well. Being together meant they could rely on each other.

As for whether she herself would have biological children, Xie Jiu dared not think about it, nor did she want to think about it.

This is not something she can decide.

As for the question of whether or not she could have children, in Zhongcui Palace, Consort Wei put on an act for many days and finally caught the person who was tampering with her tea every day.

It was Changrui, the eunuch in charge of fetching and boiling water at Yinmei Pavilion.

"Since you refuse to reveal who instructed you, then go and tell the Emperor. I believe Eunuch Yang is more capable than I am and can make you tell the truth."

Wei Jieyu had a cold face.

With a wave of her hand, Nianci ordered her men to tie up the eunuch, stuff his mouth with coarse cloth, and escort him to Chengming Hall.

"What did you say?!"

Upon hearing the news reported by Hongmei in Weiyang Palace, the Empress's expression immediately changed.

"How could she have been discovered so suddenly? When did Consort Wei find out? Not a single word of it leaked out!"

Hongmei was also anxious. "This servant, this servant doesn't know either. Consort Wei has never paid attention to these things. Your Highness, we can't care how Consort Wei found out now. The important thing is that Changrui has been taken to Chengming Hall. He's been caught red-handed!"

If the Emperor were to investigate thoroughly, Weiyang Palace would have nowhere to hide.

The Empress was well aware of the gravity of the situation, and she gripped her handkerchief tightly, her eyes darting around nervously.

A moment later, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and he ordered in a deep voice, "Go to Xiefang Palace. Consort Chen knows what to do."

When Chen Meiren was mentioned, surprise flashed across the faces of both Hongmei and Tingyun.

"Your Majesty, Consort Chen is about to give birth, this..." Tingyun seemed reluctant to say it.

The Empress took a deep breath and raised her head. "It is precisely because she is about to give birth that she was able to shield me from this calamity. For the sake of the imperial heir, and with my pleading, His Majesty will not take her life. As long as she is willing to risk her life for me, I will naturally ensure that she can regain his favor in the future and that her child can grow up safely."