Tianliangyuan

Chapter 451 How Will You Choose?

Without Xie Xiaolin's explanation, Xie Zheng did not leave Jinxiu Garden for the next few days.

Kobayashi was secretly jealous, saying that Xu Zhaozhao really had a way of bewitching people, and even though she was already so pregnant, she still only knew how to seduce men.

Xie Xiaowei overheard this and immediately scolded her, even telling her that if she didn't restrain herself, she shouldn't step out of the house again.

Ms. Lin felt wronged, but she couldn't bring it up and ask others to judge for her, so she could only suffer in silence, though she grew increasingly disgusted with Xu Zhaozhao.

Xu Zhaozhao didn't care about the affairs of the fourth wife, since it was none of her business anyway.

Moreover, if the old lady passes away in the future, the second and fourth wives will have to move out.

Besides, they all live in the Duke's mansion now, so it was originally the eldest branch of the family that was at a disadvantage.

Xu Zhaozhao's belly was very smooth, without any dark lines or stretch marks. Xie Zheng didn't understand these things and assumed that every woman was like that.

Meanwhile, Granny Yu and Granny Xu marveled at the effectiveness of the medicine given by the Immortal Sun, which could leave no stretch marks on the pregnant woman's belly. They believed that after giving birth, their mistress would be able to recover completely.

Thinking of this, the two women felt even more that their master was a blessed person, and that by following him, they could naturally also share in his good fortune.

Putting aside Xu Zhaozhao's childbirth, Zheng Tuo's return after his meritorious service will undoubtedly be rewarded, and his marriage to Xie Chan should also be arranged.

Since last year, Xu Zhaozhao's assessment of Li Shun has been quite satisfactory. Considering that Zheng Tuo is going to be promoted or even granted a title, while Xie Juan's husband is just a minor clerk in the Imperial Academy, it is really too low a position.

Therefore, Xu Zhaozhao discussed her plans with Xie Zheng and then thought about how to make good use of Li Shunli.

This person is talented, but not exceptionally so.

Moreover, Li Shun was honest and unassuming, and didn't have any other outstanding talents, unlike other talented scholars who were good at poetry or painting. Therefore, he seemed rather ordinary.

In fact, the majority of officials in the imperial court were like Li Shun.

There aren't that many talented scholars and writers!

"You want Li Shun to leave the capital?"

"If you have this idea, do you still remember Yuzhou?"

Xie Zheng frowned slightly: "I remember, Yuzhou was quite prosperous, and there were quite a few members of the Deng clan there, right?"

“That’s right. Moreover, from my observation of Li Shun, he’s not good at attacking on his own, but he’s best at providing support. He’s like the reinforcements you have on the battlefield. So, I’m thinking of transferring him to Yuzhou to serve as the Chief Administrator of Yuzhou. What do you think?”

Yuzhou is the central province, and the chief administrator of the central province is a sixth-rank official, which is several ranks higher than his current official position!

The Registrar of the Imperial Academy was only a seventh-rank official. Above him were the seventh-rank officials and the sixth-rank officials. So, reaching the sixth-rank officials meant a promotion of three ranks.

The key point is that this is a position with real power.

Li Shun is quite young, so it's quite impressive that he's been able to hold such a high position.

"Is he too old for this position?"

"Don't worry, he'll stay in this position for at least three years. Even if I transfer him to the capital after that, it will only be a lateral move. I won't keep promoting him. His personality and methods can't be controlled."

Xie Zheng nodded, knowing that his wife must have had this idea for a while.

"Then you can make the arrangements. I'm not as good as you in this regard. Besides, I think you have a better eye for people than I do."

Xu Zhaozhao smiled. It wasn't that she had a good eye for people, but that she knew that even if the other party dared to betray her, she would have a way to take their life.

Moreover, having struggled to survive amidst piles of corpses in her past life, her eyes are indeed incredibly sharp.

Li Shun brought Xie Juan to pay his respects. Xie Juan was already pregnant at this time, but the pregnancy was still in its early stages, so Xu Zhaozhao was considering whether or not to let Xie Juan accompany him to his new post.

It's quite a journey to Yuzhou.

Therefore, Xu Zhaozhao decided to try Li Shun one more time.

"The younger sister greets her elder brother and sister-in-law."

Li Shun also bowed and said, "Greetings to the Crown Prince and his wife."

"We're all family, no need to be so polite, please sit down."

When Xu Zhaozhao spoke, Xie Zheng gestured for her to sit down.

After exchanging a few casual words, Xu Zhaozhao ordered someone to take Xie Juan down to see her Aunt Song. The two had a private conversation, while Xu Zhaozhao began her final test.

"Brother-in-law, you now have a wife and are about to have a child. You also have a mother to support and a younger brother whose future marriage you need to arrange. So, what are your thoughts?"

Li Shun understood that this was the real reason he had come today.

"Your Highness, I have no other desires. As long as my family is safe and well, I will be content."

"But how can they live in peace and prosperity if no one protects them?"

Li Shun choked, then stammered, "What the princess says is true, but my knowledge is shallow, I really..."

The rest didn't need to be said aloud; Xie Zheng understood.

How many months pregnant is Xie Juan now?

"Your Highness, it has been five months."

Xu Zhaozhao nodded, saying that she became pregnant around the time of their marriage.

"If I were to appoint you to a post outside the capital, but with a promotion of three ranks, the downside would be that it would be too far from the capital. Would you be willing to do so?"

Before Li Shun could answer, she continued, "It was my fault; I shouldn't have asked that. If I could help you find a better job, a promotion, though it would still be a semi-employment position, the advantage would be that you could stay in the capital. However, if you don't achieve anything, future promotions will be difficult. Between these two options, what would you choose?"

Li Shun's palms were sweating. He understood that this was a test from the princess.

If he were to actually choose a position in the capital, the princess might think he was a person without ambition, destined to live a mediocre life, and how could he possibly make any progress?

But if he chooses to be promoted three ranks, will the princess think he is cold-blooded and doesn't care about his family at all?

Xu Zhaozhao didn't urge him, but waited quietly. Xie Zheng, on the other hand, played with her fingers, wondering why his wife's fingers were still so thin despite her large belly.

"Your Highness, everything is at your disposal. I, Li Shun, am aware of my limited abilities, but if I can help Your Highness, I will certainly do my utmost without complaint!"

Xu Zhaozhao smiled. Li Shun, who was still a bit greenhorn last year, has finally learned the meaning of 'smooth'.

Indeed, reality is the best teacher of rules.

"In that case, that's fine. However, since Seventh Sister is pregnant, it might not be appropriate for her to accompany you to your post. But it would also be inappropriate for you and your husband to live apart, since you were only married last year."

"I will obey the Princess's every command! As for my wife, we can trouble the Duke's mansion to escort her after she gives birth. I would be extremely grateful!"