Chapter 6: A Woman of Discernment

“Your concubine pays respects to His Majesty.”

In the main hall, Xie Jiu entered alone, offering a respectful bow to the emperor.

“Hm.” Zhao Xingjin lounged on a cushioned seat by the window, eyes closed in repose. Lazily, he lifted his eyelids, glancing at Xie Jiu. “That outfit suits you well.”

As he spoke, a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes, as if pleased with his own choice.

The previous night, Xie Jiu had entered the palace by secretly taking the place of a Yangzhou courtesan. The flimsy, gaudy attire prepared by Chen Shun had been too garish.

Zhao Xingjin hadn’t cared for it, so today, he had Yang Zhian select a new outfit per his instructions.

Xie Jiu’s fair skin, not porcelain but a soft, rosy white, exuded a delicate yet vibrant charm, like a March peach blossom.

Though slender, her figure was gracefully curved—neither overly voluptuous nor thin and frail.

Thus, Zhao Xingjin chose a pale green, cross-collared, waist-cinched gown that accentuated her elegance and poise.

That morning, Xie Jiu had taken care to have Chunrong dress her simply, complementing the gown with a fresh, understated look, resulting in a refined and captivating appearance.

“His Majesty’s taste is naturally impeccable,” Xie Jiu replied with a gentle smile.

A Casual Exchange

Zhao Xingjin raised a brow, leaning back against a bolster and gesturing toward the nearby tea table.

Understanding his cue, Xie Jiu glided over, wiped her hands, rolled up her sleeves, and sat to prepare tea.

As a highborn lady, skills like flower arrangement and tea brewing were second nature, executed with ease.

Her slender fingers handled the jade teacup with crisp, fluid movements, a pleasing sight to behold.

Watching her, Zhao Xingjin spoke casually. “Wu Que skipped court this morning, claiming illness.”

At the mention of that name, Xie Jiu’s expression turned icy, her eyes flashing with scorn.

“Those who bully the weak and fear the strong have three traits: flattery, cowardice, and avoidance.”

As she spoke, she presented the brewed tea to Zhao Xingjin, her voice cool and detached.

“They prey on the soft, flee from the strong, cling to life, and revel in vanity.”

Her words drew a chuckle from Zhao Xingjin.

“You seem so gentle, yet your tongue is sharp as a blade.”

Taking the teacup, he sipped lightly.

“Hm, your tea-making skills surpass those of the palace maids. You’ve done justice to my tea leaves.”

“His Majesty flatters me,” Xie Jiu said, lowering her gaze.

“Don’t just stand there talking,” Zhao Xingjin said with a relaxed air, motioning for her to sit beside him. “Have you no questions for me?”

The evidence of official corruption presented at court that morning—implicating several courtiers—had come from Xie Jiu.

Wu Que’s mother had passed early, and his younger sister, just of age last year, left the household’s affairs to servants. Thus, when Xie Jiu married into the Weiyuan Marquis Residence, she took charge of its finances.

Though she managed only the household accounts, her knowledge extended far beyond domestic matters.

She knew exactly how the Weiyuan Marquis Residence amassed its wealth and the extent of its assets, both overt and hidden.

This clarity was aided by the timing of her marriage. Barely six months after her wedding to Wu Que, Zhao Xingjin, then Prince of Ying, had rebelled from his fief in Anlu Prefecture.

With Wu Que’s father, the old Weiyuan Marquis, appointed as the commander to quell the rebellion, and Wu Que accompanying him, Xie Jiu became the household’s de facto head.

During that time, she had thoroughly uncovered the residence’s inner workings.

A Measured Response

“A gentleman’s word is binding,” Xie Jiu said calmly. “I trust His Majesty will keep his promise. If anything happens to the Weiyuan Marquis Residence, I’ll hear of it soon enough. There’s no need to ask.”

Without hesitation, she took a teacup and sat beside Zhao Xingjin.

The previous night, he had told her to stay by his side henceforth. From now on, she would consider herself his.

Though nothing substantial had yet occurred between them, her overnight stay in the palace had already branded her as favored in the eyes of outsiders.

If that was the case, why bother with appearances?

Zhao Xingjin noted her straightforwardness, finding her discernment refreshing. Unlike those who played coy, she wasn’t tiresome. He spoke up voluntarily.

“I’ve ordered the Court of Judicial Review to investigate. It won’t be long before they reach the Weiyuan Marquis Residence.”

“Then I beseech His Majesty to spare Wu Que’s life for now,” Xie Jiu said, lifting her gaze. “Letting him die so easily would be too lenient.”

Her words prompted Zhao Xingjin to appraise her anew.

“Quite ruthless.”

“If His Majesty were the one betrayed, I wager you’d be even harsher,” Xie Jiu replied, her expression unflinching.

At this, Zhao Xingjin gave a light laugh. “You’ve got some nerve speaking to me like that.”

Who didn’t praise his benevolence and generosity before him?

“I’ve never been one for pretense,” Xie Jiu said, setting down her teacup with a gentle smile. “Especially before His Majesty, a subject must be sincere and never deceive. But if Your Majesty prefers flattery, I can oblige.”

With that, she adopted an adoring expression, lightly biting her lip, her voice soft as an oriole’s.

“His Majesty is wise and valiant, peerlessly refined, with a heart for the realm and a drive to govern well. His benevolence and virtue make him a blessing to all under heaven. To serve at Your Majesty’s side leaves me with no regrets in this life.”

Zhao Xingjin had seen many playact, but none who performed so boldly right before him. He found the woman before him utterly intriguing.

How to describe it? Fascinating.

Truly fascinating.

Yet, something about her composed, all-knowing demeanor irked him.

An Unexpected Move

In the next moment, Zhao Xingjin suddenly reached out, pulling Xie Jiu into his arms.

Caught off guard, Xie Jiu collided with his chest, the faint scent of dragon’s ambergris filling her senses, his warmth enveloping her. Her body tensed instantly.

Words were one thing—easy to manage—but such intimate conduct was beyond her experience, even across two lifetimes.

Despite nearly two years of marriage to Wu Que, their relationship had been cold, their interactions perfunctory, devoid of flirtation.

Thus, a flush spread across Xie Jiu’s face, uncontrollable and visible.

Seeing her genuine fluster, Zhao Xingjin felt a surge of satisfaction.

His fingers grazed her cheek, a sly smile on his lips. “Since you admire me so, why not stay in the main hall tonight?”

The roguish glint in his eyes seemed so genuine that Xie Jiu couldn’t tell if he was jesting, her heart tightening with unease.

An Interruption

Before she could respond, Yang Zhian’s voice faintly carried from outside.

“Your Ladyship, you cannot enter!”

Following it was a clear, angry female voice.

“What are you blocking? Why can’t I see His Majesty? Who’s in there serving him?”