Inquiries

Time and money are both costs. The investment is large, but the returns are slow and small. Relying on the family for support in the long term can easily lead to conflicts, not to mention that Xu Xue and the children have no say in the family.

But Zhao Jing'an knows how to balance her studies and making money, and has even achieved some success. She has a positive attitude towards life, so she's someone I can marry.

"I told him he couldn't take a concubine, otherwise the marriage would be off. He agreed," Xu Xue said.

Zhao Ruxi laughed and patted Xu Xue's arm, saying, "Not bad, not bad. You need to keep a closer eye on him in the future, and don't let him have any other ideas."

She then asked, "Are you facing some difficulties now? Is your mother against it?"

After Lady Zhu returned to the capital, Madam Xie would visit the Earl of Suiping's Residence's residence from time to time and complain to Lady Zhu about Xu Xue's marriage prospects.

Did Zhao Ruxi know that the families seeking to marry Xu Xue included scholars and those who had passed the imperial examinations? Some of them were indeed quite well-off. After all, Xu Xue was beautiful, talented, and came from a wealthy family. Scholars who valued personal qualities in their wives were very fond of her.

"Not really." Xu Xue looked up. "I'm just feeling a little uneasy, so I came to ask you if this marriage is a good idea."

"What if I don't think it's a good idea?" Zhao Ruxi asked with a serious expression.

"Huh?" Xu Xue's eyes widened. "What's wrong with it?"

Zhao Ruxi couldn't help but chuckle, "It seems that in your eyes, this marriage is perfect in every way?"

Xu Xue then realized that Zhao Ruxi was teasing her, and she couldn't help but give Zhao Ruxi a light punch. "How could you be so naughty?"

Zhao Ruxi laughed and dodged her attack, saying, "If you think it's good, then of course there's no problem."

She straightened her expression. "If my eldest cousin's wife were unreliable, or if those two troublemakers weren't married yet, this marriage would have some flaws. But now it couldn't be better. The only drawback is that my second brother hasn't passed the imperial examinations yet."

Xu Xue knew that although her parents didn't consider this marriage particularly good, it was still quite suitable. After all, they knew the second branch of the Zhao Family very well. If she married Zhao Jing'an, her parents wouldn't have to worry about her. So, as long as she wanted it, her parents wouldn't object to the marriage.

But this was a life-changing event, and she felt uncertain if she didn't ask Zhao Ruxi. Now that Zhao Ruxi had said so, she felt at ease.

She said, "It doesn't matter if I don't pass the exam. I'm just an ordinary woman from a farming family. I only ask for enough to eat and wear and a peaceful life. I never ask my husband to seek fame or fortune."

She smiled and said, "A scholar once came to me in person and proposed to me. At that time, your second brother hadn't yet expressed his feelings to me. I directly rejected that scholar."

"Is he bad, or is his family bad?" Zhao Ruxi asked.

"No, not exactly." Xu Xue shook her head. "My parents sent people to investigate, and they seemed to think he was alright in all aspects. But I'm not confident. After all, I haven't gotten to know him thoroughly. He may seem good on the surface, but who knows what he's really like inside, or what will happen in the future? What if he passes the imperial examination, becomes an official, and takes concubines and keeps mistresses? What should I do?"

She glanced at Zhao Ruxi: "Besides, I've always suspected that the reason he wanted to marry me was because of you. He just wanted to get involved with you."

At that time, Zhao Ruxi was not yet Xiao Lingyan. However, her relationships with Kang Shilin and Wu Huaisi were well-known.

Given the close relationship between Zhao Ruxi and the Xu Family, it would be difficult for Zhao Ruxi Zhao Ruxi to refuse when Xu Xue asked her to find a job for her husband.

Zhao Ruxi patted Xu Xue's hand without saying anything.

Such things are unavoidable. However, I'm gratified that Xu Xue can see this clearly and actively avoids these schemes.

"Putting everything else aside, if my second brother ever bullies you, I'll be the first to go to his house and yell at him," she said, patting her chest.

Xu Xue nodded and said, "Okay. If he bullies me, I'll tell you first."

The two sisters looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

"Your Highness, Eunuch Xie from the palace has arrived," a maidservant ran in to report.

"Ah, then I'll go back now. I'll come see you again in a few days," Xu Xue said, standing up.

"Alright." Zhao Ruxi didn't know why the Emperor had sent Eunuch Xie, so she didn't keep Xu Xue and let her leave through the side door.

"Please come in quickly," she said to the maid.

A short while later, Eunuch Xie arrived and told him that Qi Xugu had invited her to take a position in the Ministry of Revenue, and that the Emperor had sent him to invite Zhao Ruxi to take up an official post.

Although Zhao Ruxi was good at math, she had absolutely no interest in working in finance, so she refused without hesitation.

"Please convey my gratitude to the Emperor for his kindness." She bowed towards the palace. "However, the Prince is ill, so I cannot go out to perform my duties. Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty and Lord Qi."

The Prince of Qi's Residence's residence was not far from the palace. When Eunuch Xie returned to the main hall from the Prince of Qi's Residence, Xiao Ge was still discussing political affairs with several ministers.

Seeing Eunuch Xie return, he looked up and asked, "How did it go? What did Zhiwei say?"

Eunuch Xie quickly stepped forward. "Your Majesty, the Princess Consort says that the Prince is ill and she cannot leave. She can only regret failing Your Majesty's grace and Lord Qi's kindness."

The ministers present had varying expressions; some were regretful, others disdainful, and still others relieved.

Xiao Ge, Wu Huaisi, and Gong Cheng noticed everyone's expressions.

"Your Majesty, it is indeed inappropriate for Princess Consort of the Prince of Qi to work in the government office given her current condition. However, her talent is unparalleled in my life. I feel it would be a great waste for her to stay at home like this," Gong Cheng said, rising to bow.

What are your thoughts, my dear minister?

"I suggest that Her Majesty be given a nominal position in the Ministry of Works, without needing her to come to the office to report for duty. She would only need to provide guidance on existing agricultural tools, water conservancy, and other related matters. If she has any ideas, she can summon the officials of the Ministry of Works Ministry of Works, express them, and have them assist her in implementing them."

"Hey, Lord Gong, that's not very fair of you. It was my suggestion to invite Consort of the Prince of Qi to take up an official post. How can you snatch her away halfway through? Even if it's a nominal position, she should come to our Ministry of Revenue, not your Ministry of Works." Qi Xugu became anxious upon hearing this and glared at Gong Cheng.

Gong Cheng didn't argue with him, and laughed, "Lord Qi, don't be in such a hurry. It's not even certain whether the Princess Consort is willing to take an official position. What's the point of us arguing here? Why don't we let the Princess Consort choose? She can go wherever she wants. As long as she's willing to serve, it's a great thing for the country and the people, isn't it? What does it matter where she goes?"

Qi Xugu was speechless after Gong Cheng's words.

He pointed at Gong Cheng and said, "You rascal, I used to think you were the most honest of your fellow disciples. Now it seems you're quite the sly one. Mister Kumu has a good eye; none of his disciples are easy to deal with."

"Oh, Lord Qi. You're just talking about him, why drag me into this? I'm an honest man, by all accounts," Wu Huaisi said.