Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 806 That Kid Has a One-Sided Love Affair [Thank you! Thank you again! 6k words owed]

The Empress withdrew her gaze from the second son of the Sheng family and smiled, "Oh? From what you're saying, Fifth Son, you have someone in mind?"

Xu Zaijing nodded slightly.

The slightly tipsy emperor had a hint of doubt in his eyes and couldn't understand for a moment why Xu Zaijing was worried that others wouldn't agree.

The personal maidservant standing beside the Empress was quick-witted and thoughtful.

Seeing Xu Zaijing's expression, the female official's eyes darted around before she bowed and whispered her guess into the Empress's ear.

As the Empress listened attentively to the lady-in-waiting's words, Zhao Fang, standing to the side, looked rather indignant and shook his head at Xu Zaijing: "Brother Jing, you are the Prince of our Great Zhou, and also the top scholar of this year's imperial examination! When you paraded through the streets on horseback, how many noble ladies fell for you?"

"Which noble lady in the capital would not want the position of a concubine in the Prince's mansion?"

Xu Zaijing looked at Zhao Fang and smiled helplessly: "Your Highness, some things are really hard to say. Marriage has always been arranged by parents and matchmakers."

At this time,

The Empress's personal maidservant had finished speaking and stood up straight. Noticing Xu Zaijing's gaze, the maidservant nodded to him in greeting.

With a knowing look in her eyes, the Empress smiled at Xu Zaijing, then leaned close to the Emperor and whispered a few words in his ear.

As the emperor listened, his gaze drifted blankly to a certain spot, as if recalling some scene.

After listening to the Empress's whispered explanation, the Emperor nodded slightly, as if he had thought of something, and then turned his gaze to Sheng Hong, who was clinking glasses with his colleagues.

Before Sheng Hong could notice the emperor's gaze sweeping over him, the emperor looked at the Duke of Qi, who was not far away.

Seeing this, Zhao Fang asked blankly, "Father, Mother, what are you talking about?"

The emperor ignored Zhao Fang, but looked at Xu Zaijing again and nodded slightly, saying, "Fifth Prince, your thinking is very reasonable."

Xu Zaijing wasn't quite sure if his personal female official and the Emperor and Empress truly understood his meaning, so he could only look at the two at the head of the table with a questioning gaze and some nervousness.

Seeing Xu Zaijing's expression, the emperor stroked his beard and laughed: "Hehe—you have a good eye, lad."

The Empress nodded with an approving smile.

Zhao Fang looked at the Emperor and Empress, then turned to Xu Zaijing, and asked anxiously, "Jing-ge, what riddles are you and Father and Mother playing?"

The Empress waved her hand behind her.

The personal maidservant quickly walked towards Zhao Fang, bowed, and whispered a few words to him: "Your Highness, the position of concubine that His Highness the Prince desires is most likely for the Sheng family's daughter."

Zhao Fang's eyes widened immediately upon hearing this: "The Sheng family?"

As he spoke, Zhao Fang couldn't help but turn his head to look at the Duke of Qi, who was not far away.

Although Qi Heng did not reveal which family's daughter he wanted to marry when he went to the palace to pay New Year's respects in the first month of the lunar calendar.

However, Zhao Fang, who was fond of gossip, could still deduce from other people's guesses that it was most likely a girl from the Sheng family.

The Sheng family has three daughters, but Zhao Fang wasn't sure which girl it was.

The personal maid continued, "The heir of the Duke of Qi and His Highness the Prince are both classmates at the Sheng family academy. We should take the Sheng family's reputation into consideration."

Zhao Fang nodded slowly upon hearing this.

In less than six months, Qi Heng and Xu Zaijing, who were studying with the Sheng family's daughter, both wanted to marry her.

Those who know the inside story will say that the Sheng family wants their daughter to study and understand reason.

Those who don't know the inside story or make unfounded speculations might say that the Sheng family's daughter seduces a high-born young master! The Sheng family also wants to use the opportunity of studying to help their daughter marry into a wealthy family.

Although Sheng Hong did indeed favor his concubines over his wife and failed to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate children, there were also many unpleasant infighting incidents within the Sheng family's inner quarters.

Those in the know would say, "A scholarly family, all they do is fight scenes."

However, it was also said that someone needs to know the inside story.

Many things in the Sheng family are discussed behind closed doors, and many things are kept secret.

Therefore, Sheng Hong now appears to be an official who was good at managing his household and had a good reputation for integrity.

The rumors surrounding Xu Zaijing's affair can indeed affect the Sheng family's reputation.

"I've heard that the patriarch of the Sheng family is as fiery as ginger and cinnamon, becoming more pungent with age, and is also an elder of His Highness the Prince!"

"Lord Sheng is also quite reputable. If His Highness the Prince were to bring up this matter rashly, the Sheng family might really have to decline the marriage proposal for the sake of their family's reputation."

After the lady-in-waiting finished speaking, she straightened up and returned to the Empress's side.

While the lady-in-waiting was talking to Zhao Fang, the emperor and empress were also busy, whispering amongst themselves.

The emperor said, "I think I saw the Sheng family's daughter at Jinming Pond that day."

The Empress replied, "The one who kicked open the dock on the north bank was the daughter of the Sheng family. That day in the Linshui Palace, she seemed to be standing with Zhengzheng."

The emperor then said, "That child seems to be a concubine's daughter from the Sheng family, right? She does have a very beautiful appearance."

The Empress smiled and said, "Your Majesty has a good memory! That is indeed true."

As the Emperor and Empress spoke, the chief eunuch standing beside them nodded repeatedly.

The emperor raised an eyebrow, noticing the chief eunuch's movement, and turned to look at the side: "What are you nodding for, you old codger?"

The chief eunuch glanced at Xu Zaijing, bowed and smiled, "Your Majesty, this servant just thinks that His Highness the Prince has good taste."

The emperor and empress laughed upon hearing this.

Zhao Fang, who had overheard much of this, smiled and looked at the Emperor and Empress, saying in a low voice, "Father, Mother, now that you mention it, I've remembered it too!"

After his eyes darted around, Zhao Fang said, seemingly out of the blue, "No wonder."

Whether this statement refers to Xu Zaijing or someone else is unknown.

Looking at Xu Zaijing's expression, the emperor laughed and said, "Fifth Prince, this matter is no small thing for you! But it's very easy for me to handle."

As he spoke, the emperor looked at the empress.

The Empress nodded and smiled, "Your Majesty is right! Especially since the Sheng family's child made contributions at Jinming Pond."

The emperor, feeling the effects of the wine, exhaled a breath of alcohol and said, "Why don't you finish this matter today, Empress, so that the boy won't have to worry about it after he leaves the palace and goes home?"

"The minister and concubine follow the order."

After the Empress finished speaking, she looked at Xu Zaijing, who seemed hesitant to speak, and gave him a reassuring look.

Then the Empress and Emperor whispered, "Your Majesty, we've already spoken with Zhengzheng and Feiyan beforehand! If the Sheng family's child has someone else in mind..."

The emperor, who had sat on the dragon throne for decades, was always a man of absolute authority, his word carrying the weight of the heavens.

Upon hearing the Empress's words, the Emperor frowned slightly and asked habitually, "So what if you have someone else in your heart?"

Even if one's heart belongs to another, one must still obey the imperial decree.

After the emperor finished speaking, he looked at the empress's smiling but reproachful eyes, pondered for a moment, and then smiled and said, "Haha! The empress is right! Wulang didn't know that I would ask him this on a whim today."

The emperor then looked at Xu Zaijing and said, "Naturally, I wouldn't ask the young lady what she thinks beforehand."

"Wulang could have easily dismissed me with a simple 'I had no other intentions,' but he just revealed what was on his mind! I cannot do something that would be better than doing something I meant well and betray Wulang's honesty."

The Empress nodded repeatedly as she listened, looking at the Emperor with eyes full of admiration.

The emperor lightly patted the table and laughed, "Very well! If the child is not happy, then let it go. Please ask the Empress to find another concubine for you, Fifth Prince."

After the emperor finished speaking, Xu Zaijing quickly sat down and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you. I am grateful for the Empress and Your Highness's concern."

Zhao Fang, standing beside him, shook his head: "The position of a prince's concubine would be fiercely contested even in Bianjing! But with you, Jing-ge, you're the one who's worried about people not even entering the prince's mansion."

Before Xu Zaijing, who looked embarrassed, could speak, Zhao Fang added, "Jing-ge is too frank with Father."

The Empress glared at Zhao Fang, then beckoned to her personal maidservant: "Go, take my token, and order the fast horse outside the palace gate to bring the sixth daughter of the Sheng family to the palace."

"Just say that I admire his decisiveness and want to see the child."

"Also, if the sixth young lady of the Sheng family agrees afterwards, don't forget to remind me to send someone to inform the Chai and Rong families."

"Yes, ma'am."

Jiying Lane, Sheng Family.

The Shouan Hall was quiet inside and out.

inside the house,

The small table on the Luohan chair has been moved.

The old lady lay on the day chair, her head resting on a cushion, taking a comfortable nap with soft snoring.

Not far from the window, Minglan held a embroidery frame but didn't embroider; she just stared absently at the scenery outside.

At this time,

Xiao Tao and Dan Ju, carrying a new set of clothes, walked in quietly.

It wasn't until they arrived at Minglan's side that Minglan noticed the two of them.

The two startled Minglan so much that she almost dropped the bandage she was holding.

Seeing Minglan's frightened expression, Danju and Xiaotao exchanged a puzzled look.

Minglan quickly glanced at the old lady on the daybed, and seeing that the old lady was still fast asleep, she frowned and looked at the two maids, pretending to be angry as she whispered, "Why are you walking so quietly?!"

Hearing this,

Xiao Tao replied helplessly in a low voice, "Miss, you were looking out the window and getting distracted!"

"I...where did I get distracted?" Minglan said, glancing away.

"Sister Danju called your name once, but you didn't hear it," Xiaotao said directly.

Minglan paused, then her eyes darted around before she said, "Keep your voice down! Are you trying to wake your grandmother?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Tao quickly covered her mouth and cautiously glanced at the old lady who was taking a nap.

Danju glanced at Minglan and chuckled softly, "Miss, this is a dress my mother specially made for you, saying it's for you to wear when you visit the Duke's mansion." "This servant thinks the fabric is of very fine quality!"

Minglan put down the bandage, stood up, and took the clothes that Danju handed her.

After trying it on herself, Minglan nodded approvingly and whispered, "My mother's cooking is really good."

Xiaotao and Danju nodded in agreement.

"Miss, the Duke's mansion's banquet of gratitude will surely attract many officials' wives and noblewomen who are looking after unmarried men and women."

"Wearing this outfit, you're sure to leave a lasting impression on them."

After Danju finished speaking in a low voice, Xiaotao chimed in, "Miss, I heard from Jiu'er that the old lady and the eldest daughter-in-law are also wondering which family to look for for our young lady."

Minglan stroked the fabric of her new clothes and said, "Mmm."

With Changbai passing the imperial examination and Yongyi Hou being promoted to Duke, Xu Zaijing was granted the title of Prince.

The status of the children of Xu's relatives also rose accordingly.

For a legitimate daughter like Rulan, marrying back into the Wang family would have been considered a step up for her.

However, nowadays it is somewhat of an equal marriage. Considering the future of the Sheng family and Wang Yan's not-so-smooth career path, Ru Lan is almost marrying down.

Mo Lan, also a concubine's daughter, benefited from the marriage. Her nominal elder sister, Hua Lan, was the wife of a Duke, so it was acceptable for Mo Lan to marry into a Marquis's concubine's household and become the mistress of the household.

Moreover, in recent days, the old lady of the He family has been visiting the Sheng family much more frequently.

"Put it away properly! When Grandma wakes up, let her see it."

Minglan had barely finished speaking when

"Old lady? Old lady?"

Cui's mother's voice came from outside the window.

When Minglan looked outside, she saw Cui Mama running towards the main room.

Seeing Minglan's figure by the window, Cui Mama hurriedly said, "Sixth Miss, quick, wake up the old lady! People from the palace have arrived!"

After a moment of surprise, Minglan quickly walked towards the Luohan Chair.

The housekeeper's mother, who was resting in the side room, also came over upon hearing the noise.

As soon as Minglan arrived at her grandmother's side, she noticed that the old lady had already opened her eyes with a frown.

"Ming'er, what's wrong?"

"Grandmother, Mother Cui says someone from the palace has come!"

After Minglan finished speaking, the old lady suddenly came to her senses and sat up straight, supported by Minglan and Fang Mama's arms: "Have people come from the palace?"

As Minglan nodded, Cui Mama had already entered the house.

"Grandma, Her Majesty the Empress has sent a palace lady to our house, saying she wants to see the Sixth Miss."

As she spoke, Mother Cui looked at Minglan.

"The Empress wants to see Ming'er?" The old lady was very surprised, and then asked, "Where is the eldest daughter-in-law?"

“Cuiwei has already gone to inform them!” Cui Mama replied.

"Alright! Change me into something more formal, and fix my hair, then we'll go and pay our respects."

"Go find a new outfit for Ming'er." Looking at the new clothes Xiao Tao was holding, the old lady said, "This one will do. Quickly have Ming'er change into it."

Danju and Xiaotao quickly agreed.

"Madam, since the Sixth Miss is going to the palace, why don't you pick out some valuable jewelry from your trunk for her to wear?" asked Mama Fang.

"Yeah! Okay."

Seeing the old lady nod, Cui Mama hurriedly walked towards the chest where the old lady kept her jewelry.

After glancing at the color and style of Minglan's new clothes, Cui's mother familiarly pulled out several small drawers and took out various pieces of jewelry.

The main hall in the backyard
"Madam, this drink is truly excellent," the female official sitting at the head of the table said with a smile.

"You flatter me!" Wang Ruofu said with a grin, looking at the palace ladies.

Then Wang Ruofu cautiously inquired, "Is it only my son who will be going to the palace tomorrow?"

"Yes, Madam, Her Majesty the Empress only mentioned our Sixth Miss."

"Oh! That's good, that's good. I was afraid I might have misremembered and delayed your business."

"Madam, you're overthinking it."

"The old lady has arrived."

With the maid's announcement,
The palace lady-in-waiting hurriedly put down her cup and stood up, her gaze falling on the screen beside her.

After the old lady walked around the screen, she said with a smile, "I was taking a nap just now, and I apologize to the angel for keeping me waiting."

"Madam, you're too kind!" The lady-in-waiting said, returning the greeting as she looked at the old lady bowing to her.

“Back when I was serving the Empress in the Cao family, I even learned how to tie hair buns from Madam Fang, who was by your side.”

As she spoke, the female official smiled and nodded at Madam Fang.

Mrs. Fang quickly returned the gift.

"This must be the Sixth Miss!" The female official looked at Minglan with amazement in her eyes.

"Minglan of the Sheng family greets the angel." Dressed in new clothes, Minglan quickly bowed again.

The female official smiled and nodded: "Her Majesty is still waiting in the palace. Without further ado, Madam, Madam Wang, I will take the Sixth Miss with me."

"Okay, okay!" Wang Ruofu quickly nodded.

The old lady smiled with a hint of doubt in her eyes and extended her hand: "Please, angel."

Seeing the old lady's expression, the lady-in-waiting, who had intended to ask her to stay, said nothing and instead extended her hand, saying, "Old lady, please come in as well."

On the way out of the mansion, the old lady, supported by Wang Ruofu, said cautiously, "I suppose there is a celebratory banquet in the palace at this time. May I ask why Your Highness suddenly wants to see my granddaughter?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Ruofu looked at the female official with curiosity.

The female official pursed her lips, glancing at the old lady beside her as she walked.

"If it's inconvenient for the angel to say, then I won't ask," the old lady said solemnly.

After a moment's deliberation, the lady-in-waiting glanced meaningfully behind the old lady.

The old lady immediately understood and hurriedly said to Wang Ruofu, who was helping her, "Madam, you and Madam Fang..."

"Oh! My daughter-in-law is frugal."

When everyone went out of the second gate,

As the lady-in-waiting walked, she whispered a few words in the old lady's ear.

He briefly described the situation Xu Zaijing had encountered before.

After hearing this, the old lady looked at the female official with surprise in her eyes.

"His Highness the Prince's thoughts are easy to conceal, but his actions inside and outside Bianjing are not."

Listening to the lady-in-waiting's soft explanation, the old lady nodded with a sigh: "I understand."

"Madam, there is no need to worry. Before I came, Her Majesty said that no matter what, the girl in front of you will always have two choices."

After the lady-in-waiting finished speaking, the old lady turned around and glanced at Minglan and the others following behind her.

The Great Zhou Imperial Palace

A side hall not far from the main hall where the imperial banquet was held.

In the palace,

The Empress looked at the flustered Minglan with a kind smile: "Child of the Sheng family, if I were to bestow a marriage upon you and make you a concubine in the Prince's mansion, would you be willing?"

Not far behind the Empress stood a tall screen.

Behind the screen, Gao Taotao, holding her pregnant belly, curiously looked at Minglan through the gap in the screen.

"A...a concubine?" Minglan looked up at the Empress in surprise, stammering, "The Prince's residence?"

The Empress smiled and said, "Yes, it's the newly promoted Prince who was given a banquet in the palace today."

Minglan couldn't help but swallow, shaking her head in confusion.

Although the Empress was surprised, her smile remained unchanged: "Very well! It seems that the boy is in love with someone he doesn't love."

Gao Taotao turned her head and met the gaze of the concubine beside her in surprise, her eyes filled with the expression of 'Could it be that this girl truly loves Qi Heng?'

"No, no, Your Majesty! I... this humble woman shakes her head... I simply cannot believe it!"

It's not that I disagree.

As she spoke, Minglan lowered her head, her voice growing softer and softer.

The Empress smiled and shook her head helplessly: "Alright."

After standing up, the Empress said again, "Go."

Minglan gave a blank curtsy, glanced at the screen from which laughter was coming from, and then turned to leave.

"Hmm—this outfit is very nice; it's clear that it was made with care," the Empress said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Minglan hurriedly turned around and thanked them again.

(End of this chapter)