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

Chapter 265

"Your Majesty, then I shall take my leave." Xie Jiu stood up politely, but was still a little worried. "Please take good care of yourself and do not harm your health."

Zhao Xingjin looked up at her and nodded silently.

When Xie Jiu went out, Wei Zhang was already waiting outside the tent.

The two exchanged a brief greeting. Wei Zhang had now succeeded Xie Mingshen as the Grand Secretary, a position he truly held, wielding considerable power, and was trusted by Zhao Xingjin far more than Xie Mingshen had ever held.

However, he still appeared approachable and gentle, and was very respectful when he bowed to Xie Jiu.

Is it because Lao Tzu was too clever that his children were so mediocre?

Thinking that Wei Zhang's sons were not as good as him and had not made any waves in the court, Wei Jieyu was better. She was well-read and well-versed in poetry and literature, but she was too straightforward and not as tactful as her father. Now, after two years of being tempered in the harem, she had improved a bit.

If they were men, Xie Jiu felt that Wei Jieyu would definitely do a better job than her brothers.

Unfortunately, everyone is trapped in this deep palace.

Looking up at the sky, which was clearly a clear day, Xie Jiu felt a chill run down her spine.

She didn't confront the Empress just now because she was also afraid that one day she would kneel in the spot where the Empress had knelt and become just as ferocious and insane as the Empress.

"Your Highness, is your wound uncomfortable? Shall I ask the imperial physician to take a look?"

Seeing that Xie Jiu's complexion was not good, Chunrong asked him with concern.

Chunrong has been extremely uneasy these past two days. She never expected Xie Jiu to take a knife for her. Chunrong felt that she wouldn't even be willing to give her life for this kindness.

So I just want to take better care of Xie Jiu.

"It's nothing." Xie Jiu came back to her senses. "I was just thinking that the Emperor described the former Empress as dignified, generous, virtuous and kind. I was surprised that people could change so much."

Chunrong helped her walk back, pursed her lips, and whispered, "Your Majesty, this servant thinks that the former empress may not have been a true empress. She was only able to maintain a facade of dignity because her interests were not yet threatened. Once something happens, her true nature will still be revealed."

This was something Xie Jiu hadn't considered. Perhaps she was a little dazed, but Xie Jiu felt a bit dizzy and light-headed. Her mind was filled with the image of the Empress's desperate accusations, Wu Que's ferocious and terrifying face, and even the tragic scene of her being forced to fall off a cliff in her previous life.

“Just like Your Majesty, even though you have encountered many hardships and seem to have become more sharp and indifferent than before, Your Majesty’s sharpness will never be directed at those who have never harmed you. Even though you are indifferent, you have never stood by and watched Liang Meiren die, nor have you ever wrongly accused Wei Jieyu of poisoning you,” Chunrong continued.

Xie Jiu smiled. "I just don't want to be completely blinded by hatred and lose my true nature. I have a long life ahead of me, and it's not just about hatred."

As she spoke, her voice grew softer and softer, and the light in front of her suddenly became extremely bright, before turning completely dark.

Xie Jiu instinctively tried to grab something and gripped Chunrong's hand tightly, but it was no use.

Immediately afterwards, he lost consciousness completely and collapsed.

"Your Majesty! Someone, come quick! Her Majesty has fainted!"

Chunrong was caught off guard and shouted in alarm.

He didn't know where the strength came from, but he picked Xie Jiu up and carried him quickly towards the camp.

When Xie Jiu woke up again, it was already the next morning.

My whole body aches, and my throat feels like it's on fire.

She tried to sit up, but the movement aggravated the wound on her arm, causing her to gasp in pain.

"You finally woke up!"

Zhao Xingjin's voice came from outside the tent, as if he were watching over them. Then the curtain was lifted, revealing Zhao Xingjin's worried eyes.

"You're not feeling well, why are you still trying to be strong? You fainted as soon as you left me yesterday, burning up with fever, and you didn't even say you were in pain!"

As soon as he opened his mouth, Zhao Xingjin launched into a lecture.

However, Xie Jiu could tell that he was concerned about her.

Then a faint smile appeared on her lips, "Knowing that Your Majesty is so concerned about me, it's worth it to fall ill."

Zhao Xingjin was slightly taken aback, then his whole body went limp. He sighed and reached out to touch Xie Jiu's forehead.

"Your fever has subsided. I'll have the imperial physician examine you. You can't continue to treat your health so carelessly."

"Okay." Xie Jiu nodded obediently, her voice hoarse, "Your Majesty, I would like some water."

"I'll go pour it for you."

Subconsciously, Zhao Xingjin responded, got up and went to the table, poured himself a glass of water, then helped Xie Jiu up, let him lean on his shoulder, and drank half a glass.

When Chunrong and Qingfang heard the commotion, they wanted to come in and serve him, but seeing that the Emperor was doing it himself, they quietly withdrew.

Before long, the imperial physician rushed over.

After taking Xie Jiu's pulse and examining her wounds, he indicated that she was fine.

Yesterday's high fever was caused by an infected wound and lack of rest due to the shock. Now that the fever has subsided, with proper wound care, there should be no further problems.

Zhao Xingjin breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

Unbeknownst to him, after more than a year of getting to know each other, he had begun to develop genuine feelings for Xie Jiu.

Seeing that she was injured and sick, I was genuinely worried.

This time, Xie Jiu was assassinated and fainted again, and Zhao Xingjin had already noticed the change in himself.

But he didn't actually want to have this change in himself. Developing feelings can easily make people lose their rational judgment, so after feeding Xie Jiu water, he said in a deep voice.

"The hunting grounds are not a good place to recover from injuries. I have arranged for a carriage to take you back to the palace this afternoon. The autumn hunt has already been shortened considerably, and I cannot end it early. You go back first, and I will come to see you as soon as I return to the palace."

The words came out softer than I had expected.

He didn't intend to explain the rest, but seeing Xie Jiu's weak state, he couldn't bear to see her sad and overthinking, so he casually offered some words of comfort.

"Okay." Xie Jiu nodded obediently, but she noticed that Zhao Xingjin was a little uneasy. However, she didn't say anything, but just rested her head on Zhao Xingjin's shoulder. "Then Your Majesty must keep your word and come to see me when you return to the palace. Your Majesty won't find the scars on my body ugly, will you?"

When she asked this question, her tone was very cautious, like that of a sensitive and fragile child.

Zhao Xingjin's heart clenched again, and he was reluctant to see her go. He took a deep breath, calmed himself down, and nodded in agreement.

So, following the Empress's 'illness' and her being sent back to the palace to recuperate, Consort Jin also boarded the carriage to return to the palace ahead of schedule.

But anyone with eyes can see that this return to the palace is not the same as the previous one.

The Empress left without even packing her luggage or taking a single personal maid. She was all alone and in a hurry. Xie Jiu, on the other hand, packed her things properly and had lunch with Zhao Xingjin, who personally escorted her to her carriage.

The difference between these two things made those in the hunting grounds ponder a bit.

The assassination attempt on Consort Jin is likely related to the Empress.