Steal my marriage? Turn around and marry the tyrant to take the throne

Chapter 1415: Inviting the noble ladies of the right age in Beijing to enter the palace

At least she could now walk in the imperial garden every day through her job, which gave her more opportunities than those ladies.

Bingqiao picked up the scissors again and neatly cut off a half-opened flower, her movements returning to her usual calmness.

God will not let down those who work hard.

Now that she has taken this step, there is no turning back.

What she needs most now is patience.

As long as she has this job in hand, she will appear here every day and there will always be another "chance encounter".

Bing Qiao gently placed the cut branches into the basket, stood up, straightened her temples, and looked towards the silent palace road again, her eyes becoming firm again!

Back in Yongshou Palace, Bingqiao carried a bamboo basket filled with fresh flowers, walked into the palace with her head lowered and her eyes submissively looked down. She respectfully presented the basket to Handan, who was directing the young palace maid to wipe the Duobao Pavilion.

Her voice was gentle and her posture was humble: "Sister Handan, the branches for today are ready."

Handan glanced back and saw that the branches were fresh and juicy, and trimmed just right. She nodded and said, "Well, leave them there. I'll put them in a vase later."

"Yes."

Bing Qiao put it down as she was told, lowered her head and walked away.

Fuqiu came in from outside, holding a thin file in her hand, and walked towards the inner room with steady steps.

She bowed to Shen Zhinian and said, "Your Majesty, there has been a response to the investigation you ordered outside the palace last time."

Shen Zhinian looked up when he heard this.

Fuqiu presented the file with both hands: "This is the information I have collected according to your Majesty's instructions, looking for suitable noble ladies for your Majesty to marry. Please review it."

Shen Zhinian took it, unfolded the file and scanned it line by line.

The above lists in detail the origins of those noble ladies, the official positions of their fathers and brothers, their ages, comments on their appearance, their talents and strengths, and most importantly, their character and reputation.

She looked carefully.

Given Shen Maoxue's current status, if someone dared to tamper with such an important matter, and send a noblewoman with bad conduct or complicated background to him...

That is definitely not a marriage, but an enmity.

These complicated and powerful families in the capital are all smart people and naturally would not make such a stupid mistake.

Therefore, there is no obvious fault to be found in the ladies on the list, whether in terms of their origin, appearance, talent or character.

Each of them is a daughter of the family who has been carefully educated. They have a good reputation and are free of any bad rumors or involvements.

Shen Zhinian's eyes narrowed slightly.

The second wife must not only be of good character and appearance, but also be able to abide by the law, know when to advance and when to retreat, and not bring unnecessary trouble to the Shen family.

She looked away from the file and raised her eyes to ask Fuqiu, "Did father have any comment?"

Fuqiu replied respectfully, "The master sent someone in with a message, saying that everything is up to the Imperial Noble Consort."

This statement was flawless and showed complete trust and reliance.

Shen Zhinian listened to it, but a hint of sneer appeared at the corner of his lips.

Based on her understanding of her father, this Minister of Personnel who is well versed in the art of weighing pros and cons would never completely give up on such an important matter as remarriage, which concerns the future of the family and the stability of the inner chamber.

Behind such beautiful words, there must be deeper considerations.

Maybe he already has a candidate in mind and has weighed the pros and cons, but he just doesn't want to reveal his cards so early.

Shen Zhinian did not point it out, but just gently closed the file and put it aside.

The noble ladies on the list all seem flawless, but in this world, especially in the backyards of wealthy families, whitewashing is the most common thing.

She always had to see it with her own eyes and hear it with her own ears to get a glimpse of the truth.

The Shen family was currently enjoying the emperor's favor and was at its peak. Naturally, there were many noble ladies who wanted to marry into this family and become the new mistress of the Shen family.

But not all of these beautiful girls in their prime years are willing to marry a man old enough to be their father.

If some of them were unwilling to do so but only agreed reluctantly due to family pressure, even if they entered the Shen Mansion, they would harbor resentment in their hearts and trouble would inevitably arise in the future.

At that time, it was easy to invite the gods but difficult to send them away.

Thinking of this, Shen Zhinian had made a decision in his heart.

She looked out the window and saw the bright sunlight, so she spoke casually, "I see that the lotus flowers in Quhe Garden are in full bloom, and the palace hasn't been bustling for a long time."

Fuqiu was a very clever person, she immediately understood what he meant and bowed in response, "Your Majesty is right."

"I will arrange it right away. I will send out invitations to all the noble ladies of the right age in the capital to come to the palace and hold a lotus viewing banquet. This will also be a good opportunity for Her Majesty to relax."

"What do you think, Madam?"

Shen Zhinian nodded slightly: "Just do as you say."

Fuqiu has always been smart, so she is relieved to marry into the Zhou family in the future.

"Yes!"

Soon, Fuqiu left to make arrangements.

Silence returned to the hall, and Shen Zhinian's gaze fell on the file again, his eyes deep.

This lotus viewing banquet was the touchstone for her to assess the future mistress of the Shen family.

Whether she is truly virtuous or just pretending to be docile can only be seen clearly by seeing her in front of you.

The sun was setting in the west, casting a warm golden glow on the glazed tiles of Yongshou Palace.

Little Huizi came in with small, cheerful steps, a delightful smile on his face. Outside the palace gate, he raised his voice with great joy: "Your servant brings good news to the Imperial Concubine!"

"Your Majesty is turning over the Empress's sign tonight and will arrive at Yongshou Palace later in the evening!"

Shen Zhinian was reviewing the account books of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Upon hearing this, her expression remained calm and she simply said, "I understand."

She put down her pen and nodded slightly to Handan who was standing next to her.

Handan understood and took out a bulging purse from her sleeve. Smiling, she stuffed it into little Huizi's hand and said, "Thank you for your trip, Eunuch Hui. I'd like to offer you a cup of tea."

Xiao Huizi held the heavy purse in his hand, his smile growing wider as he bowed repeatedly, "Thank you, Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine, for your reward! Thank you, Sister Handan!"

"I will not disturb the Imperial Concubine any longer. I will take my leave now!"

After he finished speaking, he retreated with satisfaction.

Although everyone in Yongshou Palace was already accustomed to the emperor's visit, they were still very happy.

The Empress's favor continues to be undiminished, and those who serve her are always proud to go out, and their allowances and rewards are generous.

The palace servants became more and more skillful, preparing fragrant soup, checking incense, and taking care of the furnishings in the palace. Everything was in order.

Bingqiao lowered her head, and when she heard Xiao Huizi's good news, a sudden surge of joy filled her heart.

Your Majesty will come to Yongshou Palace tonight!

Her heart was beating like a drum, and she lowered her head tightly, suppressing the excitement in her heart. Only her slightly trembling fingers revealed Bingqiao's inner excitement.

Although she knew that she was still just a second-class palace maid who could hardly get close to the emperor, as long as His Majesty was in Yongshou Palace, it meant an opportunity!

Bingqiao took a deep breath, suppressing her turbulent emotions. When she looked up again, her face had returned to its usual submissive expression.