The two people's sudden arrival caused the atmosphere, which had just been warmed up, to cool down again.
Led by Yuan Yin, the others transformed into onlookers, all looking at Chen Xiao, who was seated in the main seat, and the handsome man next to her with a teasing gaze.
Chen Xiao: ......
The concubine: ......
Chen Xiao: Why isn't Xu Qian here yet?!
Consort: Why isn't Father here yet?!
Sensing their calls, Xu Qian arrived at the entrance of Zhaoyang Palace. Chao Yuan had barely uttered the words "Your Majesty" when Chen Xiao hurriedly called out, "Please come in quickly!"
Therefore, as soon as Xu Qian entered the door, he saw a group of young men and women, all full of vigor, looking at him.
Xu Qian: I feel like I'm getting old again...
Yin Yuyao and Qi Ruyan are unaware that they are being mistaken for young people; if they did, they would probably find it quite amusing.
Xu Qian looked at the couples in front of him and finally chose to sit between his two sons.
Very good, not offending a single one.
Chen Xiao, separated from Xu Ruyu, whispered to Xu Qian, "Hello, the position of Prefect of Guangling is vacant now. Who do you think would be suitable to take over?"
Xu Ruyu looked at Chen Xiao's profile: ...Hello? ...And when did Father and Xiao Xiao become so familiar with each other?
"With the affairs of the court still unresolved and the former governor in such a state, we must carefully select a new appointee." Xu Qian looked at Chen Xiao's expression and pondered for a moment. "Does Your Majesty already have someone in mind?"
“Indeed, nothing can hide it from you, Prime Minister.” Chen Xiao smiled, then continued, “What do you think of Qi Yanshang?”
"Qi Ronghua???" Xu Qian and Xu Ruyu were both shocked. His Majesty actually appointed a concubine as an official?!
The sound was a little loud, which drew the attention of everyone else.
However, Qi Yanshang, who was mentioned, did not react at all, and his eyes were still fixed on Qi Fengli.
After a moment of shock, Xu Qian calmed down and could understand Chen Xiao's thoughts. After all, it seemed that Qi Yanshang already had someone he loved, and besides, Chen Xiao didn't like Qi Yanshang. Letting him return to his hometown to be an official wasn't impossible, but... "As Qi Yuan's eldest son, I'm afraid the people won't..."
"That's not necessarily true. Qi Yuan is Qi Yuan, and his son is his son. The two cannot be compared. Besides, I have already inquired and found that Qi Yanshang has a very good reputation among the people of Guangling. Moreover, he originally wanted to take the imperial examination and become an official. Now I think it would be good to let him give it a try. Actually, I originally wanted Qi Fengli—the woman next to Qi Yanshang—to take over as the prefect, but she was unwilling. Later, I decided to favor Qi Yanshang."
Xu Qian pondered for a moment, "It's not impossible. If we consider it that way, Qi Yanshang can be considered half one of our own, so it should be appropriate."
Chen Xiao pressed on, "There are many matters to attend to in the court these days, so do you think some officials should be replaced? Like those in the Ministry of Personnel..."
Xu Qian had this idea for a long time, and now that Chen Xiao brought it up, he immediately agreed with Chen Xiao's idea.
Chen Xiao pressed his advantage, "Then who do you think is suitable among my concubines?"
Xu Ruyu: .......!! His Majesty is going to kick people out of the harem like crazy!
Xu Qian: ...Your Majesty...are you here to do wholesale?
Although Xu Qian inwardly scoffed at this, he still seriously considered the possibility of what he said.
The remaining concubines were Qi Yanyun, Zheng Pianran, Zhao Cheyu, and her two sons.
Qi Yanyun... average.
Zheng Pianran... No.
Zhao Cheyu... is too young.
Xu Ruyu... is not suitable.
Xu Ruyan... seems alright?
Looking at Xu Qian's expression, Chen Xiao knew that Xu Qian shared the same idea as her, and smiled, "Right? Xu Ruyan is very suitable."
Xu Ruyu: !!! What?! I haven't even landed yet, and my brother is already getting a government job???
"That's...indeed. Ruyan has been influenced by literature since childhood and has a great fondness for it. If it weren't for...she would probably be an official by now. However, the position of Minister of Personnel is a third-rank official, and Ruyan's qualifications are insufficient, I'm afraid..."
"I didn't say it would start with the Minister of Personnel! The positions of Minister and Vice Minister of Personnel are still vacant. It's not unreasonable for the son of the Prime Minister to hold an official position of the fourth rank or above, is it?"
Actually... it seems a bit excessive...
Moreover, if the matter concerning the Ministry of Personnel is resolved, Yu Yao will definitely be dismissed, and Xu Ruyan will become the Minister of Personnel sooner or later.
Xu Qian fell into deep thought...
Chen Xiao waved his hand, "Let's leave it at that. If it doesn't work out, we can change it. We can select some talents after the imperial examination next year."
Chen Xiao: Quickly kick out those who are already paired up!!!
Seeing this, Xu Qian did not try to dissuade him further. As His Majesty said, if one son doesn't work out, another can be chosen. Besides, he still had some confidence in his son.
Thus, the matter was hastily and arbitrarily finalized without the knowledge of the parties involved.
After everyone finished their meal, it was clear that Xu Qian was hesitant to speak, as it concerned matters of state. Having successfully completed her task of gaining favor, Zheng Pianran gracefully rose to take her leave.
They also took the clueless Zhao Cheyu with them.
Just as the others were about to get up and take their leave, Chen Xiao asked them to stay.
"Qi Yanshang, do you know anything about your father?"
Upon hearing this, all three members of the Qi family looked at Qi Yanshang.
Qi Ruyan and Qi Fengli, as the parties involved, did not tell Qi Yanshang.
Only Qi Yanyun knew some of the inside information, but the two brothers were not close, so the only one in the Qi family who knew nothing was Qi Yanshang.
Qi Yanshang, who had been called out, snapped out of his daze and looked at Chen Xiao for the first time, respectfully saying, "Your Majesty, I...I do not know what happened to my father?"
Forgive him; he truly cannot utter the words "your humble servant" when he is with his lover.
Chen Xiao didn't notice at all, and even if she had, she wouldn't have said anything. After all, she preferred Qi Fengli, that fragrant beauty, to Qi Yanshang being her concubine.
"I took my leave in the morning, along with the four members of my Qi family, and went to the imperial prison."
!?
Is His Majesty planning to imprison them in the Imperial Prison?
Xu Qian looked at the shocked expressions on everyone's faces and sighed.
Your Majesty's ability to express yourself is quite remarkable.
Fortunately, Chao Ci understood Chen Xiao's meaning and walked up to the group. "Outsiders are not allowed to enter the Imperial Prison. Qi Yuan is already in the Imperial Prison and will be executed soon. If any of you have something to say to him, please come with me."
Oh (↘↗) I see!
The four of them smiled in unison: As long as I don't end up in prison! As for Qi Yuan, whatever!
Then, accepting the situation well, he followed Chao Ci away.
Chen Xiao: This family affection is so touching!
After witnessing this powerful display of filial piety and family affection, Chen Xiao turned to look at Xu Ruyan.
When Xu Ruyan received a look from her sister-in-law, she immediately had a bad feeling.
Sure enough, Chen Xiao announced that he had been given a permanent position! A position he got through connections!
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