Chapter 6: Knowing When to Leave

"Your servant pays her respects to the Emperor."

In the main hall, Xie Jiu entered alone. Upon seeing him, she performed a proper, respectful bow.

"Hmm." Zhao Xingjin was sitting on a daybed by the window, eyes closed to rest. At this, he lazily lifted his eyelids and swept a glance over Xie Jiu. "This outfit suits you well enough."

As he spoke, there seemed to be a hint of a smile in his eyes, as if he were quite satisfied with something he had chosen himself.

When Xie Jiu entered the palace yesterday, she had quietly taken the place of the Yangzhou "slender horse" prepared by the estate. The light, thin gauze dress she wore had been prepared by the steward, Chen Shun, and was truly a bit vulgar.

Zhao Xingjin had not cared for it, so today he had specifically instructed Yang Zhi'an to find a new set of clothes.

Xie Jiu’s skin was fair, but not porcelain-white; it had a rosy, translucent quality. The blood flushing through her skin made her look delicate and healthy, like a peach blossom in the third month.

Though her figure was slender, it was also shapely, with curves in all the right places—neither overly plump nor gaunt and flat.

Thus, Zhao Xingjin had chosen a pale green, cross-collared, cinched-waist long dress for her, which made her look graceful, elegant, and charming.

When dressing this morning, Xie Jiu had been mindful, specifically asking Chunrong to style her simply and cleanly. Paired with this dress, she appeared fresh and enchanting.

"The Emperor’s taste is naturally excellent," Xie Jiu said with a smile.

Zhao Xingjin raised an eyebrow, leaned to one side, and rested against a bolster, gesturing with his chin toward the tea table nearby.

Xie Jiu understood. She walked over slowly, wiped her hands, rolled up her sleeves, and sat down to brew tea.

For a young lady of a noble house, flower arranging and tea brewing were mandatory lessons, so she was naturally proficient.

Her onion-white fingers held the jade cup, her movements crisp and fluid—a truly pleasing sight.

As he watched, Zhao Xingjin spoke idly, "Wu Que asked for leave from the morning court today."

Upon hearing that name, a layer of frost immediately covered Xie Jiu’s face, her eyes glinting with mockery.

"Those who bully the weak and fear the strong have three traits: first, sycophancy; second, cowardice; and third, evasion."

As she spoke, she served the brewed tea to Zhao Xingjin’s side, her voice calm.

"They bully when they see weakness, flee when they see strength, are greedy for life and afraid of death, and are hypocritical and vain."

These words drew a laugh from Zhao Xingjin.

"You look gentle and lovely, yet I never imagined that tongue of yours would be so sharp."

After speaking, he took the teacup and sipped it lightly.

"Hmm, your tea-brewing skills are indeed better than those palace maids. You haven't wasted my tea leaves."

"The Emperor is too kind with his praise," Xie Jiu lowered her eyes.

"Don't stand there talking." Zhao Xingjin, looking casual, gestured for Xie Jiu to sit in the empty seat beside him. "Is there nothing you wish to ask me?"

The evidence of corruption and bribery among court officials that Zhao Xingjin had thrown before the ministers at this morning's court had all been provided by Xie Jiu.

Wu Que’s mother had passed away early, and a younger sister had just reached her coming-of-age ceremony last year. The domestic affairs of the Marquis of Weiyuan’s estate had always been managed by servants, which was why Xie Jiu had taken charge of the household accounts as soon as she married into the family.

Although she only managed the household ledgers, she knew far more than just those domestic trifles.

She knew exactly how the Marquis of Weiyuan’s wealth was obtained, and she had a clear grasp of all the assets the estate held, both on the books and in the shadows.

Of course, this was also thanks to the fact that only half a year after she and Wu Que were married, Zhao Xingjin—then the Prince of Ying—had raised an army in rebellion from his fief in Anlu.

The Wu family’s ancestors were founding generals of the previous dynasty. Wu Que’s father, the old Marquis of Weiyuan, was immediately appointed as commander-in-chief to suppress the rebellion, and Wu Que naturally followed.

With both masters gone, Xie Jiu became the head of the entire Marquis of Weiyuan’s estate.

It was during this time that Xie Jiu had thoroughly mapped out the ins and outs of the estate.

"A gentleman’s word is as good as a bond. Your servant believes the Emperor will do as he says. If there are any changes at the Marquis of Weiyuan’s estate, I will naturally hear the news, so there is no need to ask," Xie Jiu said with composure.

Without hesitation, she picked up a cup of tea and sat down beside Zhao Xingjin.

Since Zhao Xingjin had told her last night to stay by his side from now on, she should consider herself his person.

Even if they had not yet shared a physical intimacy, her staying the night meant that in the eyes of others, she had already been favored.

Since that was the case, why bother with avoiding suspicion?

Seeing that she wasn't putting on an act, Zhao Xingjin felt Xie Jiu was quite sensible—not one of those women who wanted everything at once. She wasn't annoying, so he took the initiative to say

"I have already ordered the Ministry of Justice to investigate. I expect they will reach the Marquis of Weiyuan’s estate very soon."

"Then your servant begs the Emperor to temporarily spare Wu Que’s life," Xie Jiu looked up. "To let him die just like that would be letting him off too easily."

This remark caused Zhao Xingjin to look her up and down.

"You are quite ruthless."

"If the Emperor were the one who had been betrayed, I fear you would be even more ruthless than I," Xie Jiu said with a frank expression.

Hearing this, Zhao Xingjin chuckled. "You have quite a lot of nerve to speak to me like that."

Who in his presence didn't praise him for his benevolence and kindness?

"Your servant has never liked pretense. Besides, before the Emperor, one should be sincere. How can a subject deceive?" Xie Jiu set down her teacup, a bright smile on her face. "But if the Emperor dislikes it, I can say some pleasant things instead."

With that, she put on an expression of admiration, bit her red lip lightly, and spoke in a voice like an oriole

"The Emperor is so wise and martial, handsome and transcendent, with a heart for the world, diligent in governance, and full of benevolence and virtue. That Great Jing can have a monarch like you is truly the blessing of all the people. To be able to accompany you by your side, your servant has no regrets in this life."

He had seen people put on acts, but never someone who could start performing the moment they were asked. Looking at the woman before him, Zhao Xingjin felt truly subtle emotions.

How to put it? It was interesting.

Tsk, it was truly interesting.

But why did he dislike this woman’s look of having everything under control?

So, the next moment, Zhao Xingjin suddenly reached out, grabbed Xie Jiu, and pulled her into his arms.

Xie Jiu had not expected this. She slammed into Zhao Xingjin’s chest, the faint scent of dragon incense filling her nose, and the man’s body heat surrounding her, causing her to tense up immediately.

Talking was one thing—that was just moving her mouth—but in terms of physical etiquette, she had lived two lifetimes and had never been this brazen.

Even though she had been married to Wu Que for nearly two years, they had almost no affection for each other and were always just going through the motions; there was never any time for flirting.

Thus, a crimson flush uncontrollably spread across Xie Jiu’s face at a visible speed.

Seeing her genuine loss of composure, Zhao Xingjin felt satisfied.

He lightly stroked the woman’s cheek, his lips curling up. "Since you admire me so much, why not stay in the main hall tonight?"

Perhaps because the lewdness in his eyes was too real, Xie Jiu couldn't tell if he was acting or not, and she couldn't help but feel nervous.

But before she could answer, Yang Zhi'an’s voice drifted in from outside.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, you cannot go in there!"

Following that was a clear, angry voice from a woman.

"What are you blocking me for? Why won't you let me see the Emperor? Who is serving him inside?"