After much deliberation, Xie Yunxiu decided to take a gamble.
If you win the bet, you will enjoy wealth and glory; if you lose the bet, you will fail. It is better to take a chance than to live a life of dependence on others.
"Fifth brother, tell me what you need and I will help you."
Since they were his own brothers, Xu Jing didn't hide his intentions and spoke them out loud. "Go find a position in the Ministry of War and build good relationships with your uncle and his family. Leave the rest to me, I'll handle it."
"Will the Emperor not be suspicious of you and me?"
"Yes." How could the emperor allow his subordinates to do anything? Especially those with military power would surely be keeping a close eye on things. "Be discreet in your work and seek a humble position. Your uncle will select your guards. Be careful with your actions and words and don't let anything slip."
"Okay, I understand."
"One more thing, Ninth Brother, do you know Zhou Siheng?"
Xie Yunxiu said: "I know him. He is the eldest son of the Zhou family and my aunt's son. So I should call him cousin.
This man is gifted with intelligence and literary talent, and is considered the most talented scholar in the capital. It's a pity that he's in poor health and keeps a low profile. Although he's my cousin, I've gradually lost contact with him since my aunt passed away. "Fifth brother, do you want to recruit him for your service?"
"Smart." It's true that talking to a smart person means you don't have to worry about anything. "But you only know one side of the story."
Xie Yunxiu was bewildered. "Why?"
Xu Jing smiled and said, "He has an inexplicable connection with my fiancée. He was framed by his stepmother and forced to hide in a mountain temple, where he was rescued by Lin Wanru. From then on, he became involved with her. Lin Wanru's current success is likely due to Zhou Siheng's advice and counsel."
"Lin Wanru, that fickle bitch, has really caused you so much trouble." Xie Yunxiu stood up rashly, his murderous look causing Xu Jing to burst into laughter. Xie Yunxiu drew his sword and chopped off a corner of the table. Seeing Xu Jing still laughing, he angrily said, "What are you laughing at? He seduced your fiancée. Can you tolerate him cheating on you?"
"He's your cousin too."
Xie Yunxiu rolled his eyes. "So, Lin Wanru is still your cousin, Fifth Brother. They're flirting right under your nose, and you're still holding it in? No, I have to go tell Father to cancel this marriage."
"Don't be impulsive." Xu Jing stopped Xie Yunxiu and pressed him into his seat. "The marriage cannot be canceled for now, and I also want to protect the Lin family."
"Are you crazy? Keeping a fickle bitch to bring ruin to the Lin family is just destroying your own escape route. In my opinion, Lin Wanru should be secretly executed."
"Ninth brother, you're too impulsive." Xu Jing shook his head and poured him another glass of wine. Xie Yunxiu drank it all in a fit of anger, glaring at him and saying, "Tell me how you're going to deal with that bitch."
"Tomorrow I'll go see Mother and have her talk to my uncle and the others. If the Lin family knows what's happening, they'll definitely side with me. Otherwise..." Xu Jing's eyes flashed with a chill, and he said coldly, "I don't mind sending those two sisters to hell."
Xie Yunxiu patted Xu Jing on the shoulder and said, "No matter what, I'm on your side. Fifth brother, you're still young, don't give up your great country for a bitch."
"I will. It's getting late, you should go to bed early. Huanfeng, take Prince Zhuang to Qingming Pavilion to rest."
Huanfeng was the original owner's follower. When Xu Jing called him, he opened the door and bowed to the two of them. "Prince Zhuang, I am here with you."
After everyone left, Xu Jing returned to the main house to take a shower and change clothes.
The Qin Prince's mansion had one steward, four attendants, two guards, each with seven members, two servants, four personal maids responsible for dressing, food, and other personal matters, eight second-class maids responsible for cleaning the main room, serving tea and water, and twelve third-class maids responsible for cleaning the surrounding areas.
The King of Qin also had a backyard, with vacancies for the Princess and Consorts, but he did have five maids. Currently, the head of the backyard was Madam Ru, and there were no other women besides her.
The King of Qin not only received a salary from the Emperor but also received subsidies from Concubine Lin. He even owned five houses, and other businesses. Zuiyunlou was Concubine Lin's subsidy for the King of Qin, and he also owned grain shops, clothing stores, and other lucrative businesses. Compared to these, farms and manors seemed like child's play.
No wonder everyone wants to be rich and idle. If Prince Chen had not targeted him, the property left by Concubine Lin to Prince Qin would be enough for Prince Qin to squander for several lifetimes.
The consequence of indulging in enjoyment is a lack of ambition. Xu Jing still has to make good use of the resources around him to do his job well.
The next day, before Xu Jing went to court, he asked his housekeeper Xiao Ziye to deliver a visiting card to the palace.
The original owner now works in the Ministry of Rites, working under the Minister of Rites Lin Guangmao.
Compared with other ministries, the Ministry of Rites was already very idle. After Xu Jing finished his work, he asked for leave from his boss and went to Yongning Palace.
Concubine Lin hadn't seen her son for a long time. Although they had met at the banquet, they had never spoken. Now, seeing Xu Jing, she was extremely excited. She stared at Xu Jing for a long time before looking away.
"Qi'er, why are you looking for mother?"
"Please ask your attendants to leave, mother. I have something important to say."
Concubine Lin understood and said, "You all should leave."
"Yes, I'll take my leave."
After everyone left, Xu Jing asked, "Lin Wanru used her maid Caihe to accuse me of having an affair with Lin Qingru, using this as an excuse to break off the engagement. Does my uncle also know about this?"
"How would your uncle know? Wait, are you saying that Lin Wanru doesn't want to marry you?"
"Yes." Xu Jing admitted bluntly. "There was no trace of affection in her gaze when she looked at me. I've also heard about the sisterly feud between her and Lin Qingru.
"I thought this was the Lin family's business, and I didn't want to get involved, but I never knew she would plot against me. Could it be that she really thought I was a soft persimmon to be bullied?"
Concubine Lin angrily said, "That bitch deserves to die. She's so utterly disgusted by your status that she looks down upon you. She must be so tired of living. Qi'er, I will definitely seek justice for you and dissolve your marriage with Lin Wanru. I'll find you someone better."
"Mother, I'm not angry about Lin Wanru's slander of me. I'm wondering if my uncle knows that Lin Wanru wants to break off the engagement."
"How did Guangmao know about this? This bitch must have taken the initiative and wanted to drag my son into this. I will immediately send a letter to invite Li to come over. I want to see what they are planning. Fengchun."
Fengchun heard someone calling her from inside and opened the door and went in. "I'm here."
"Go to Kunning Palace and pass a sign saying that I miss Li, and ask her to come into the palace to accompany me. Also go to Kunning Palace and ask Lin Wanru and Lin Qingru to come to Yongning Palace, and tell them that I miss them."
"yes."
After Fengchun left, Concubine Lin sighed and said, "Qi'er, don't worry. Your mother will definitely seek justice for you."
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