The eight beauties looked at each other in bewilderment.
We're all women, so we understand each other best.
As the principal wife, Lady Xie was sent by the emperor and the concubine Zhaoyi to compete for his favor.
It's normal for Xie to be angry out of jealousy, or to appear kind on the surface but harbor murderous intent... These reactions are all normal.
As the eight beauties traveled, they all wondered what kind of attitude Princess Xie would have when they arrived in Lingnan and stood before her.
These eight women were either palace maids or daughters of disgraced officials who had their property confiscated and sent to the inner palace. They had witnessed many kinds of struggles between women, such as palace intrigues and domestic feuds.
Therefore, it is very clear how a legal wife might deal with a concubine.
However, they imagined and speculated on countless possibilities, but none of them included the Xie family's situation—
He was happy! His eyes shone with joy!
It's not an act, not just sweet talk; I'm genuinely happy.
"Could it be that Madam Xie is one in a million, a truly virtuous woman? Is she genuinely and sincerely considering taking a concubine for her husband?"
"Impossible! Most virtuous women like that have their own children to rely on, so they are not afraid of concubines or illegitimate children."
"But why is she like this? Seeing her smiling face, I'm even a little scared!"
"I'm scared too! Why doesn't this Xie family act according to common sense?"
The beauties looked at each other, their gazes darting around in mid-air.
Finally, a slightly older-looking beauty stepped forward.
She first curtsied respectfully, and then cautiously asked, "Your Highness, we do know a few words. But most of us are honest, dutiful, and good at serving others."
Therefore, Consort Xiao chose them to serve the King of Yue.
Xie Yuan listened with a smile, and after hearing what the person said, she nodded gently.
Not angry!
They did not take the opportunity to cause trouble.
Xie Yuan's attitude gave courage to the others.
The second person also stepped forward. She came from a similar background to the first woman who spoke; both were descendants of disgraced officials.
Before she turned thirteen or fourteen, she was a pampered young lady.
When she fell into misfortune, she was taken into the inner palace and became a lowly palace slave.
Falling from the clouds to the mud, they are more unwilling than anyone else to accept it, and they will never let go of any opportunity to climb back up.
When Consort Xiao was selecting concubines for Prince Yue, these palace servants, knowing full well that Lingnan was a wild and desolate place, and that the journey was arduous and the future uncertain, still signed up without hesitation.
The journey was indeed fraught with danger and hardship, and two of the weaker sisters tragically lost their lives as a result.
But they still didn't give up.
They have lived a life of wealth and enjoyed that kind of noble lifestyle, so if there is even the slightest chance, they will return to the top!
"Your Majesty, Sister Peiyu is right, we are here to serve King Yue and you!"
The second one was a bit smarter than the first, and he even remembered to add "Thank you, Princess Consort."
This is also a kind of "sophistry"—that concubines not only have to serve men, but also the mistress of the house.
If it were any other matriarch, she would probably angrily retort: "I don't need you little vixens to serve me!"
Does my mother not have a head wife, or a personal maid?
Do I need you vixens who are trying to seduce my man to serve me?!
Xie Yuan, however, was not one of the "other mistresses"; she remained all smiles.
She even showed an approving expression, "That's right, you're here to serve me and the King of Yue."
If you are illiterate or do not have sufficient ability, you are not qualified.
Seeing Xie Yuan like this, the eight beauties became even more uneasy.
This Princess Xie is clearly not acting normally.
Could she be a wolf in sheep's clothing?
Smiling on the surface, but turning your back on someone the moment you turn your back?
yes!
They were all beauties bestowed by the emperor; not to mention the mistress, even the master dared not easily deal with them.
They all represent the emperor's dignity.
Hitting them would be an act of dissatisfaction with the emperor and the court.
If not handled properly, one could be charged with disrespect or treason.
However, this is Lingnan.
The emperor was far away, and the land was plagued by miasma and teeming with poisonous insects and snakes.
The King and Queen of Yue didn't even need to take direct action; they only needed to stand by and watch when the women fell ill, and they would die.
Then, simply report to the imperial court that you are not used to the local climate and water, and the matter will be dropped!
Would the emperor and the imperial concubine punish their own son for the sake of a few palace servants?
Moreover, there's another reason they themselves dare not say outright.
Their purpose in coming to Yuezhou was not only to "serve" Helian Jue, but also to act as the eyes and ears of the imperial court.
They are spies.
Caught between the imperial court and the Yue King's mansion, they were destined to become cannon fodder in the battle between the two forces.
Helian Jue and Xie Shi were both extremely intelligent people. They probably already guessed the identities of these beauties, which is why they wanted to appear kind on the surface but secretly kill them!
Thinking of this, the eight beauties' hearts pounded, and their faces turned deathly pale with fright.
They really wanted to gamble on a chance to defy fate.
But there's a crucial prerequisite—being alive!
If they lose their lives, even if they become rich, they won't have the chance to enjoy it!
...The beauties were having all sorts of wild imaginations when they scared themselves half to death.
"Your Highness, spare me! Spare my life!"
Among them, some of the more timid ones had already begun to sob quietly.
Xie Yuan: ...I consider you all talented people, so why do you treat me like a demon?
Xie Yuan thought about it for a moment and understood.
Tsk, these girls are probably hiding something, scaring themselves.
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