"Does Mother mean you want to marry the King of Yue?"
"Become his concubine, and once you have a son or daughter, you'll be able to outdo Xie Yuan!"
Cui looked into Xie Rou's eyes, her voice gentle but her expression resolute.
She was prepared to persuade her daughter to agree if she was unwilling!
The Xie family, the mother and daughter, had truly reached the end of their rope.
If they don't find a way to break out of this predicament, they'll be stuck in this poor and remote place of Lingnan for the rest of their lives, stuck as a lowly seventh-rank official who will never rise in rank.
Lady Cui was unwilling to accept this; she wanted her husband to regain his high position and she wanted to return to the capital!
And Xie Rou was one of her few hopes!
However, Madam Cui knew her daughter well and knew that she was spoiled.
Mrs. Cui was worried that her daughter would get angry over things that were unimportant, such as face and self-esteem, and thus miss the only opportunity!
However, to Cui's surprise, Xie Rou didn't hesitate at all, "Mother, I'm willing!"
The Xie Rou of today is no longer the noble and proud eldest daughter of the Xie family she once was.
She experienced her father's demotion, the humiliation of becoming a concubine to the fourth prince, and even being rejected...
It's fair to say that the realities of the past two years have completely woken her up.
Let her know that noble ladies are not fairies, and that the surname "Xie" is not omnipotent.
Bound and gagged by Princess Xu's men, and returned to her parents' home in such a humiliating manner, Xie Rou's last bit of "pride" vanished.
She finally faced reality—
After his father was demoted, his entire family had to spend the rest of their lives in this remote and desolate Yuezhou.
The glory of aristocratic families seems to have no effect whatsoever in this remote and uncivilized place.
It's almost impossible for Xie Rou to marry into a good family based on her surname.
Moreover, she looked down on the local powerful families in Lingnan.
To put it nicely, they are a powerful clan; to put it bluntly, they are just a bunch of nouveau riche who are only slightly better than barbarians!
Compared to those people, Helian Jue is the real benefactor.
Furthermore, Helian Jue has a sharp tongue and a bad temper.
But he was truly handsome.
Xie Rou was so determined to become the Crown Princess not only because of the noble status of the Crown Princess, but also because she was attracted to Helian Jue's face.
It's a pity that when Helian Jue was deposed, she was momentarily dizzy and... she actually...
However, all of that is in the past!
Xie Rou has finally grown up. She has learned to assess situations and to be flexible in her actions.
Looking into Cui's eyes, she solemnly declared again, "Really, Mother, I am willing to become a concubine of the Prince of Yue!"
Mrs. Cui was almost moved to tears of joy. Oh, her Arou had finally grown up!
Xie Rou has indeed become sensible; she no longer acts recklessly because of her surname and status.
She began to think, "But, Mother, because of what happened back then, Helian Jue seems to have a misunderstanding about me!"
Xie Rou has learned to use more tactful language.
Helian Jue's feelings for her went far beyond "misunderstanding"; he utterly loathed and hated her.
"Besides, when it comes to marriage, how can the woman take the initiative?"
Xie Rou has indeed become more rational, but she understands even more clearly that there is no reason for a woman to eagerly become someone's concubine.
This isn't just about losing face; it's about being easily looked down upon.
If things can be done, that would be better.
If it doesn't work out, then we'll lose both face and dignity.
Although Xie Rou had lost her "pride," she still wanted to save face.
Seeing Xie Rou like this, Cui Shi was even more gratified.
She reached out and touched Xie Rou's hair, whispering, "My Rou, you've finally grown up!"
After sighing, Madam Cui's smile faded, and she said earnestly, "Don't worry, your mother has a plan!"
Xie Rou looked at Cui Shi, her eyes filled with surprise and anticipation.
Madam Cui laughed again, her smile full of pride, "Mother has more than just Consort Cui as her cousin in the palace!"
Cui was adept at scheming, and with the Xie family's property that she had seized, she was exceptionally generous.
When she was in the capital, she frequently entered the palace thanks to her connection with Consort Cui.
Each time she entered the palace, she made a point of befriending one or two concubines.
She also spent a lot of money to bribe some of the eunuchs and nannies around the empress.
Among the network of connections cultivated by the Cui family were people who served Empress Ashina.
That's why Madam Cui was so confident: "Don't worry, Mother has already written to the capital, and we'll get a response soon!"
This time, Mrs. Cui really went all out; she took out all her personal savings.
They offered a large sum of money to bribe her, and even humbly stated that their daughter was willing to serve Empress Ashina.
Lady Cui judged others by her own standards; she felt that if she were Empress Ashina, she would certainly not be able to bear seeing her daughter-in-law living such a carefree life.
Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are natural enemies.
In particular, Empress Ashina was not her biological mother-in-law.
Helian Jue, this adopted son, was merely a pawn in Empress Ashina's hands.
Now, this pawn is far away in Lingnan, and Empress Ashina can no longer control it.
Cui refused to believe that Empress Ashina would accept this.
Empress Ashina had not taken any action before, presumably because she was observing and waiting.
Lingnan is a place that everyone fears like a tiger.
No one can guarantee that Helian Jue will be able to live a good life after going to Lingnan.
To put it bluntly, Helian Jue might have died on the way.
Even if he survives and reaches Lingnan, he may not be able to establish himself there.
Therefore, Empress Ashina did not make a hasty statement.
Nearly two years have passed, and Helian Jue has not only established a firm foothold in Lingnan, but has also managed to turn most of Lingnan into his own territory.
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