Chapter 22
After the Qingming Festival, the poplar catkins have all fallen, and a warm and cozy atmosphere prevails.
To the north of the Yanwang Palace, with its red bricks and green tiles, stands a magnificent palace named Pixiang. It was the residence of the family members awaiting selection for the palace.
The new emperor had been on the throne for just over a year, and this was the first imperial selection. Whether daughters of noble families or commoners, anyone who was beautiful, gentle, and well-regarded could participate.
After the election came rigorous assessments and screenings, leaving behind dozens of family members who were all handpicked from among thousands.
The courtyard is shaded by lush trees, and beneath them, delicate flowers bloom. They stand respectfully, with graceful postures, smiling eyes, and lowered heads, creating a beautiful scene in spring.
"This humble woman pays her respects to Her Majesty the Empress, Her Highness the Imperial Concubine, Her Virtuous Concubine, Her Excellency the Virtuous Concubine, Lady Chun, Lady Zhao, Lady Qin, Her Highness Consort Li, Consort Huang..."
The mere sound of their voices was enough to melt one's bones. Looking at these tender flower buds, Yuan Qiong's slightly agitated mood, caused by court affairs, eased somewhat.
She straightened her robes and sat on the high seat, gesturing for the concubines behind her to take their seats. A slight smile played on her lips, and the fine beads on her forehead trembled slightly.
"Get up."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The dozens of family members moved in unison, with dignified bearing and impeccable manners.
Months of arduous training, defeating layer upon layer of opponents, all for the sake of standing here today. The woman above, seemingly unreachable, is the one who can decide their fate. Whether they soar to the top or fall back to the dust, it all depends on her single word.
"His Majesty has only recently ascended the throne, and the harem is rather empty. I often feel that things are lacking in vitality. Therefore, for this grand selection, I have decided to expand the number of candidates from twenty to thirty, in order to select more outstanding daughters for His Majesty. I wonder what my sisters think?"
How about it? Of course they won't be happy!
The concubines below shook their heads inwardly, but under the Empress's authority, they dared not refute her and could only echo, "Your Majesty the Empress is right. The more virtuous family members we have, the better!"
No, no, not at all! Your Majesty, please take back your words!
Yuan Qiong nodded in satisfaction: "In the harem, it's best to have a hundred flowers blooming." After saying that, she turned her gaze to the servants below: "Let's begin."
"promise."
Among the crowd, a young girl who resembled Yuan Qiong in some ways looked up at the high and mighty Empress, feeling as if a thousand ants were gnawing at her heart, a mixture of discomfort and jealousy.
They were born to the same father, but just because Yuan Qiong was born of the legitimate wife and she was born of a concubine, did she have to look up to her for the rest of her life?
It was like this from childhood. Yuan Qiong was the incomparably noble eldest daughter, born with dazzling brilliance. She was relied upon by her grandfather at home, and upon marriage, she married the most noble person in the world, becoming the Empress, the mother of the nation. And she was just a lowly illegitimate daughter, destined to live in the shadow of her elder sister. Why?!
Just because she wasn't born of the principal wife, but rather crawled out of her mother's womb?!
No, she was not willing to accept it!
One day, she will definitely take away everything that belongs to Yuan Qiong and trample her, her noble elder sister, under her feet!
Yuan Zhen's ambition was obvious.
Yuan Qiong, seated high above, naturally noticed her half-sister. She lightly twirled her fingers, showing a hint of interest.
The previous dynasty was unstable, and the various warlords would occasionally cause her trouble. Moreover, she could not have a child with Yuwen Jing, and she was currently looking for a suitable woman to give birth to a prince with the blood of the Yuan family to stabilize the court.
Yuanzhen was the daughter of Lady You, who was known for her prolific childbearing. Lady You gave birth to two half-sisters and three half-brothers for her in quick succession. Oh, and I heard she's pregnant again.
She squinted and focused her gaze on Yuanzhen's stomach.
Since she is Lady You's daughter, although she is somewhat dim-witted, she must be extremely fertile. Bringing her into the palace so she can give birth to a prince as soon as possible would be a great help to her.
**
Lingnan, the magistrate's office in Changxian County.
The county magistrate, in his forties, maintained his airs with an air of pride.
"So what if I don't allow that Fengyun Money House to open a branch in my county?! So what if I shut down their gambling den?! These merchants think they can boss people around in this county?! Dream on!"
Master, I'm asking them for 90% of the red envelope as a sign of respect! Don't want to give it? Then close the shop!
His advisor, who knew a little about the situation, anxiously advised from the side, "Sir, that Fengyun Gambling House is no ordinary gambling house. You must not go against them!"
"Look at you, so spineless!" The magistrate of Chang County looked at his advisor with disdain through his small eyes. "Didn't they say their boss would come to talk to me today? Well, I'll be waiting!"
No matter who comes, this matter can't be agreed upon without 90% profit!
The soundproofing of the large county government office was mediocre, and Lin Qiang and his group, with their keen ears, sharp eyes, and profound inner strength, overheard the conversation inside as soon as they arrived at the entrance.
Cheng Mingyu was the worst at martial arts, but he still clearly heard the magistrate's last sentence: "He's waiting."
The young master's fiery temper was getting out of control. Just thinking about the corrupt official's demands made him furious, and he immediately rolled up his sleeves, ready to fight: "Hey, that son of a bitch, I'm going to teach that corrupt official a lesson today!"
Wild Wolf stepped forward to grab him, but Lin Qiang raised his hand to stop him.
“Mingyu has been upset lately, so let him make a scene if he wants. I’ll clean up the mess for him when he’s done.”
A young man in his mid-twenties, tall and with deep-set, well-defined features, a composed demeanor, broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long legs, exuding a sunny and sexy aura, with a powerful presence—like walking hormones. He's the kind of person who, standing in a crowd, you can spot at a glance and know he's someone extraordinary.
Three years was enough time for Lin Qiang to fully integrate into this world. He no longer relied on the original owner's beard to disguise himself, but truly became himself again.
"OK."
The wolf took a step back and stood behind the man, its gaze filled with undeniable worship and reverence.
Inside the county government office, there was a series of loud bangs as tables and benches were smashed and thrown, accompanied by the county magistrate's exclamations and reprimands, followed by wails and pleas for mercy.
After everything calmed down, Lin Qiang walked in with steady steps. Apart from the magistrate's voice, the surroundings were eerily quiet. The reason was that there wasn't a single constable or bailiff in the entire county government office.
"Boss, I beat this guy up, and he said he'll never dare to ask for money again!"
Cheng Mingyu excitedly took credit for himself and kicked the disheveled official on the ground.
"Quickly repeat what you just said to my older brother! Did you hear me?!"
"You...you're assaulting an official of the imperial court! Do you have no respect for the law?!" Magistrate Chang roared, his voice strong but his heart empty, which infuriated Cheng Mingyu: "Hey, you old geezer! That's not what you were saying just now! Are you asking for a beating?"
Then he gave her another beating.
Lin Qiang didn't stop him. It wasn't until Cheng Mingyu's arm got tired and he straightened up that he looked at the half-dead county magistrate on the ground and said, "Your Excellency."
Wild Wolf stepped forward and grabbed the magistrate of Chang County, making his face, stained with blood, tears, snot, and mud, face Lin Qiang.
“I, Lin, am a businessman, and I only discuss business matters with you. It’s not that I’m unwilling to give you 90% of the profits, but I’m afraid you won’t dare to take them. What you’re touching isn’t my interests.”
Lin Qiang grinned, a hint of roguishness in his eyes: "I came here today with the good intention of giving you a heads-up. But since you don't appreciate it, just pretend I was never here."
Actually, the main purpose was to let Cheng Mingyu vent his anger; he had been thoroughly annoyed by this greedy county magistrate lately. Now that he had vented his anger, everything would be fine.
Lin Qiang looked around the county government office and sighed softly.
"Let's go."
The rest was no longer his concern.
He came here based on some unsubstantiated rumors, but came up empty-handed. He had lost count of how many times he had been disappointed.
Well, after being disappointed so many times, I've gotten used to it.
After the others left, the clerk, who had been huddled in the corner like a quail, quickly crawled out.
"master......"
Before he could finish speaking, a group of unfamiliar officials rushed in, and then the prefect, dressed in court attire, came into their view.
"Magistrate of Chang County".
"Your Excellency the Prefect?"
The clerk quickly helped the magistrate kowtow: "Does Your Excellency have any instructions?"
The prefect looked at the disheveled county magistrate and sneered, "Fool."
"Take off your official robes and you can get out of the county government office."
Author's Note: Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants!
Thank you to the little angel who watered the [nutrient solution]:
Even the top bunkmate who's terrible at naming things gets a name from one bottle;
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
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