Chapter 213 Hiring People
In the end, Fu Mingyi naturally refused.
However, he provided a fairly suitable candidate to accompany Xiao Qing in the selection of concubines.
The Duke of Anguo is the oldest and most respected member of the surviving clan.
Xiao laughed heartily after hearing this, recalling how he had doted on his granddaughter at the Winter Solstice banquet.
Thinking about it this way, she realized that Duke Anguo was much more lovable than he had been three years ago.
After Fu Mingyi left, Xiao Qing asked Ma Hong to go to the Duke of Anguo's residence to talk to the Duke about the matter.
Ma Hong received the order and was about to carry it out when Xiao Qing called him back.
Ma Hong was puzzled, but Xiao Qing smiled and said, "Princess Xiao Fu of the Duke of Anguo's family must be quite bored at home. Why don't you go to the palace with the Duke of Anguo and get some liveliness and entertainment?"
Ma Hong verbally agreed, but in his heart he thought: His Majesty is really childish. How can he call such a serious matter "funny" and let others join in the fun?
However, since the emperor was the most powerful man in the world, he obediently complied.
Ma Hong pondered that His Majesty seemed quite fond of Princess Xiao Fu at the Winter Solstice Banquet, which was probably a pretext to bring Princess Xiao Fu into the palace.
Upon arriving at the Duke of Anguo's residence, Ma Hong quickly conveyed the imperial decree, then looked at the Duke of Anguo with a smile and said, "His Majesty cherishes Princess Xiao Fu, even for such a momentous occasion, he wanted the princess to share in the joy. The Duke of Anguo is truly blessed."
Duke Anguo was also very pleased.
Everyone knows that the Duke of Anguo dotes on this granddaughter. In recent years, he has been so worried about her that he often sighs and doesn't even want to leave the house.
At this moment, he knew that the emperor was thinking of his granddaughter; this was crystal clear.
He was naturally very happy to give the Duke of Anguo's mansion and his granddaughter a respectable position.
He smiled and readily agreed, then gave Ma Hong a tip and escorted him to the door.
When he returned to his residence, he unconsciously stroked his beard and became deep in thought.
The old steward, watching from the side, found it strange and couldn't help but ask, "Your Excellency, what's wrong? Such a good thing, yet Your Excellency doesn't seem very happy."
Duke Anguo looked puzzled.
"What do you think His Majesty means by this?"
"This is a good thing, it gives our Duke Anguo's mansion face."
“That’s true, but look at the past few years, when has His Majesty ever paid any attention to us, his relatives? Even that old bastard Wang Xiang, and that brat surnamed Fu, who do they take us seriously?”
The old steward scratched his head. "So, what does the Duke mean?"
“The selection of imperial concubines is a complex matter; it can be easy or difficult. Since Your Majesty has no elders in the palace to help with the selection, it is naturally more challenging. Therefore, it is quite reasonable for you to come and request assistance at this time.”
He was pondering this matter.
"But this person... logically speaking, the Wang family and the Fu family are equally matched, so both should be chosen..."
He shook his head, seemingly still undecided.
The old steward leaned closer, "So, is the Duke going, or...?"
"Of course we should go," Duke Anguo replied as he walked inside. "It's good to take Fu'er out for some fresh air. Before, the late emperor also..."
He patted his head, looking somewhat sad.
"Look at me, what am I saying all this for? I should go find my dear granddaughter, Fu'er. I wonder what she's been up to these past few days, this old man is so curious..."
The old butler shook his head, looking at his master like a child, feeling half heartbroken and half gratified, and finally couldn't help but sigh.
Before they knew it, the day for selecting the imperial concubine arrived.
As expected, Duke Anguo brought Xiao Fu into the palace, while Xiao Qing led Xiao Yan and others in causing trouble.
Xiao Yan had a stern face and looked very unhappy from the start of the morning.
Xiao Qingqi said, "Brother Yan, I've only ever heard of students who refuse to study properly. They won't let go of even the slightest chance to skip class. Your brother has saved you from a terrible situation, so why aren't you happy?"
Xiao Yan felt that his elder brother had really changed since he fell ill.
Their attitude towards him has also changed drastically.
Now look what's happened! It's clearly his choice to choose a concubine, but they're using that as an excuse to prevent him from going to school, spouting some grandiose rhetoric like "brothers must be of one mind in times of great importance, for their strength can break metal"...
Ultimately, it's just about letting him skip class, okay?
Xiao Qing continued to direct the operation.
“Yes, set it up here, and put some seats over here. By the way, if Duke Anguo and Princess Xiao Fu are coming, they can sit over here.” She pointed in one direction.
"Your Majesty, this is a sudden whim. It has never been done this way before when selecting concubines."
Xiao Qing stood with his hands on his hips, looking quite pleased with himself.
That's because they don't enjoy life.
Xiao Yan thought to himself: You certainly have your fun in life, but you've caused a lot of trouble for everyone around you, especially him, who can't even attend classes now.
What kind of mess is this?
“Brother Yan, don’t daydream! We still need to get things set up. Anyway, you’re not in class today. He said he’ll find the way of the sages through practice. This unity of knowledge and action is very important; we can’t just be bookworms all the time!”
Xiao Yan curled his lip and could only reply, "What Your Majesty says is true." It was clear that he was not being sincere.
Xiao Yan was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized that he was becoming increasingly emotional in front of his elder brother.
His expression turned cold, and he quickly lowered his head.
Not only that, but I don't know when it started, he stopped carrying the chubby baby around outside as often.
At this moment, Fatty must have wandered off to some corner and is playing by himself.
This does not seem like a good sign.
After Xiao Qing and the others finished their fuss, the garden had been transformed into a scene resembling a blind date.
Thirty-seven suitable men were available for selection, but she only intended to choose one from them—Chu Lianzhou.
Therefore, today's selection of imperial concubines is basically just a formality.
As soon as Duke Anguo brought Xiao Fu into the palace, they were led to the garden.
Xiao Fu, feeling a bit cold, pulled her collar tighter and asked curiously, "Your Majesty, it's already winter. It just snowed in Nanhua City. Are you planning to select concubines in this garden?"
Xiao Qing nodded, "If Princess Fu is cold, I will have someone fetch her a hand warmer."
Xiao Fu shook her head. "It's alright, but I'm afraid the daughters shouldn't stay outdoors for too long."
Xiao Qing smiled, "Ma Hong, Mingxiu, if any girls can't stay any longer, send them back to rest."
Xiao Fu looked over and met her gaze. Seeing the cunning and smile in her eyes, she couldn't help but take a few more glances.
She hadn't looked closely before because they were far apart, but now that they were so close, she realized how beautiful His Majesty's eyes were.
It is said that people with gentle eyes are the most tender-hearted.
His Majesty is probably that kind of person.
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