Chapter 26: No Wonder the Emperor Likes Her

Visiting Changle Palace

Today, upon entering the palace, Xie Jiu first went to Changle Palace.

After giving lessons to Princess Wenxi, she headed to Chengming Hall.

Meeting the Emperor

When she arrived, Zhao Xingjin had just finished reviewing memorials and was taking a break.

Yang Zhian came in to report that Xie Jiu had come to pay her respects, and Zhao Xingjin immediately allowed her to enter.

“This concubine greets Your Majesty.” Xie Jiu performed a courteous bow.

“No need for formalities.” Zhao Xingjin’s expression was cheerful as he pointed to an empty seat beside him. “What interesting things did you see after returning yesterday?”

Xie Jiu obediently sat down, shrugging her shoulders. “Nothing exciting yet. My sister-in-law caused a bit of a fuss first.”

At her words, Zhao Xingjin thought for a moment before saying, “I almost forgot Wu Que has a younger sister.”

“Why not toss her into the Ministry of Justice’s prison? That would give you some peace,” Zhao Xingjin suggested.

But Xie Jiu shook her head, declining the idea.

“Though she and I don’t get along, she hasn’t truly harmed me. She’s just a girl of fifteen or sixteen. A trip to the Ministry of Justice’s prison would bring her untold suffering.”

The Emperor’s Assessment

Hearing this, Zhao Xingjin’s gaze lingered on her face for a while.

It was as if he was assessing the sincerity of her words.

Xie Jiu remained composed, letting him scrutinize her.

Zhao Xingjin realized Xie Jiu genuinely had no intention of making things too difficult for Wu Qingchan, and his perception of Xie Jiu shifted slightly.

Clear in her likes and dislikes, relentless in settling scores but never harming the innocent—she had principles and boundaries.

This was good. People without principles were harder to control.

“Since you say so, we won’t trouble her then,” Zhao Xingjin said indifferently, changing the subject. “How is Wenxi’s progress with her studies?”

Discussing Princess Wenxi

This was the first time he had asked about the princess, so Xie Jiu briefly outlined the lessons from the past two days.

After finishing, Xie Jiu’s expression grew serious. “The princess is intelligent, well-behaved, and quick to learn, but she’s a bit too reserved and lacks confidence. In my humble opinion, Your Majesty should encourage her from time to time. She’s young, and with her birth mother gone, she relies on you deeply in her heart.”

When speaking of Princess Wenxi, Xie Jiu’s demeanor and tone were devoid of any pretense, radiating sincerity and earnestness.

Zhao Xingjin observed this, and his satisfaction with Xie Jiu’s genuine attitude grew.

“Good. I’ll make time to see her tomorrow,” he said.

Then, in a deeper tone, he added, “Wenxi takes after her mother—too gentle. She’s young and easily bullied. I can’t always look out for her. Since you’re often by her side now, I hope you’ll take good care of her. After her lessons, stay a bit longer at Changle Palace to talk with her.”

He truly cared for this daughter.

“This concubine understands. Your Majesty can rest assured,” Xie Jiu said with a gentle smile.

A Father’s Concern

Zhao Xingjin nodded slightly before bringing up another matter.

“How is your father doing?”

“Worried,” Xie Jiu replied, a trace of mockery in her eyes as she mentioned Xie Mingchen. “Yesterday, I had someone pass on a message. I believe he’s feeling much more at ease now.”

As for Xie Mingchen’s attempt to send someone into the palace, Xie Jiu kept silent.

It was still a non-issue, so there was no need to bring it up prematurely.

Zhao Xingjin listened, a faint smile appearing on his face. “That’s good then.”

His words were vague, and Xie Jiu didn’t immediately respond. Just then, Qingdong entered from outside and whispered something to Yang Zhian.

The Empress’s Arrival

Yang Zhian quickly stepped forward, bowing. “Your Majesty, the Empress has arrived.”

“Hm?” Zhao Xingjin raised his eyes. “What10What for?”

“She didn’t say,” Yang Zhian answered truthfully. “Shall I…?”

As he spoke, his eyes flicked toward Xie Jiu.

Xie Jiu promptly stood. “Since Your Majesty and the Empress have matters to discuss, this concubine will take her leave.”

It was indeed inconvenient. The Empress’s visits usually involved matters to deliberate, so Zhao Xingjin nodded in agreement.

Encounter with the Empress

Outside the hall, the Empress waited quietly.

When the door opened, it was Xie Jiu who emerged.

“This concubine greets Your Majesty the Empress,” Xie Jiu said, bowing respectfully.

The Empress’s gaze swept over her lightly, lingering on her face before she spoke. “Rise.”

It was no wonder the Empress looked twice. Today, Xie Jiu wore a delicate dress in a soft peach shade, her makeup elegant and her fair skin glowing, making her look like a blooming peach blossom in spring—charming and radiant. She hardly seemed like a woman who had been married before.

The Empress was naturally beautiful as well, but to emphasize her status, she dressed too formally, which made her appear somewhat stiff and mature, masking her natural charm. In terms of appearance, she seemed to fall slightly short.

Looking at the elegantly dressed Xie Jiu, the Empress couldn’t help but think to herself, ‘No wonder the Emperor is smitten. If I were a man, I’d be charmed by such beauty too.’

At the same time, a flicker of darkness passed through her eyes, though she quickly suppressed it.

“You must be Lady Xie,” the Empress said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

Compared to Consort Zhuang and Lady Wei, she was far more reserved.

At this moment, she carried herself impeccably, exuding the dignified and gentle demeanor of the nation’s mother.

Xie Jiu nodded. “Since entering the palace, I haven’t yet paid my respects to Your Majesty. That is my oversight.”

This was mere courtesy.

As expected, the Empress didn’t take it seriously.

She waved a hand dismissively. “No matter. You’ve just begun teaching Wenxi, which must require much effort to adjust. I’ve been busy as well. You’ll be coming to the palace often, so there will be plenty of chances to meet.”

“Yes, thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty,” Xie Jiu said, bowing slightly again. “His Majesty is waiting for you inside, so this concubine will take her leave.”

The Empress’s Gift

Unexpectedly, the Empress didn’t immediately let her go. Instead, she reached up, removed a hairpin from her head, and held it out to Xie Jiu.

“This is our first meeting, and I find you quite pleasing. Take this hairpin as a token of my regard. Don’t think it too modest. It’s also a small gesture of thanks for teaching the Second Princess on my behalf.”

Her words carried weight.

Giving a gift for their first meeting was nothing unusual, but mentioning teaching the Second Princess “on her behalf” subtly emphasized her role as Wenxi’s stepmother.

It also underscored that she was Zhao Xingjin’s lawful wife, while Xie Jiu was merely the princess’s tutor.

This was a declaration of authority.

More bluntly, it was a warning for Xie Jiu to remember her place.

This wasn’t Xie Jiu reading too much into it—the Empress’s gentleness was too superficial, her actions clearly performative.

Her words couldn’t be taken at face value.

Understanding the Empress’s intent, Xie Jiu accepted the hairpin with a smile. “Thank you for your gracious gift, Your Majesty. Rest assured, His Majesty has entrusted me with teaching the princess, which is both a sign of his trust and his concern for Your Majesty, who must care for three princesses while managing palace affairs. It’s no small task. I would never dare betray His Majesty’s favor, and to ease Your Majesty’s burden is my honor. I will do my utmost.”

Her words placed the Empress and Zhao Xingjin on equal footing, subtly conveying that Xie Jiu knew her place and would not overstep.

The Empress understood the meaning behind her words, a faint satisfaction flickering in her eyes.

“No wonder His Majesty entrusted Wenxi to you. You’re indeed sensible.”

With that, she waved a hand. “You may go.”

Xie Jiu nodded obediently.

A Sudden Summons

As she was about to leave, Yang Zhian suddenly emerged from the hall and called out to her.

“Lady Xie, please wait. His Majesty asks that you rest in the side hall for a moment, as he has further matters to discuss with you.”