Chapter 77: 77. Chapter 77 Begins with Looks

77. Chapter 77 Begins with Looks

Xie Zizheng could be called a model gentleman of the Dayong dynasty.

And this model gentleman is often another word: rigid.

In Xie Zizheng's view, the hierarchy between ruler and minister is simply the hierarchy between ruler and minister.

Of course, on the other hand, when dealing with family, Xie Zizheng can occasionally show a different side.

But only occasionally!

If Emperor Xi He were not here, Xie Zizheng, simply facing his sister‑in‑law Xie Zixian as Empress, might not be so conflicted.

After all, Xie Zixian is his blood sister, the sister he raised as a lady when they were young.

"Big brother, you, stop overthinking!"

"Can't we drink today's wine and get drunk today?"

"You always worry about what tomorrow's brother‑in‑law, the Emperor, will do?"

Perhaps Xie Zian saw through it and instantly guessed what Xie Zizheng was tangled about. After all, today there is no ruler‑minister distinction, but tomorrow they will be ruler and minister again.

"Big brother, just pretend today you're not the Grand Preceptor!"

"You are Xie Zizheng!"

"There's no Emperor here, only your brother‑in‑law Qi Yu!"

Xie Zixian followed with a line.

To help her own big brother drop the burden, Xie Zixian pushed hard and directly called the Emperor's name.

As a result, the moment she finished, her own big brother glared at her.

"My elder brother‑in‑law, I have no objection, why are you in such a hurry?"

Seeing his own elder brother‑in‑law about to scold his own sister‑in‑law, Emperor Xi He decisively stepped forward to protect his wife.

"Your Majesty, this is improper!"

Xie Zizheng internally did not oppose Xie Zixian marrying Qi Yu, but as Qi Yu unexpectedly became Crown Prince and even later the Emperor's consort, Xie Zizheng's attitude shifted.

Since ancient times, serving a ruler is like serving a tiger!

The current state of the Xie Family could be described as flowers on brocade and flames cooking oil—still not an exaggeration. Yet it is a case of flourishing then decline, especially now that the younger sister has become Empress.

Royal relatives and nobles reaching the Xie Family to this extent is already the limit.

At this moment, a slight misstep could lead to a topple. Yet neither the sister nor the rest of the family has that awareness.

Why he agreed to his daughter's marriage with Zheng Si Que at first glance seemed because he admired the top scholar's talent, but in fact it was because Zheng Si Que was ambitious yet incompetent, a decorative pillow.

"Elder brother‑in‑law, how about you go attend court!"

Emperor Xi He, seeing that this elder brother‑in‑law could not be reasoned with, thought, why not let him handle some official business, so the rest of us could relax.

"I accept the order!"

Good fellow!

Emperor Xi He had said it offhand, but Xie Zizheng actually went along with it.

"Then we'll be indebted to the elder brother‑in‑law!"

Emperor Xi He, seeing this, thought that if there's a mistake, it's already there.

So, Xie Zizheng went to handle the paperwork.

They all lounged around the Xie Family all day.

……

When Emperor Xi He and Xie Zixian returned from outside the palace and saw the towering pile of memorials in Qianji Hall, they were both dismayed.

"Wang Deshun, didn't I tell you to send the memorials to Chang Le Palace?"

Emperor Xi He was a bit incensed.

Wang Deshun hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, they were sent to Chang Le Palace earlier, but the Retired Emperor didn't even look at them and sent them back, saying it's your matter!"

"By the way, the Retired Emperor also dealt with the Duke of Chu, demoting the duke's household rank by one level, and issued an oral decree urging some elderly ministers at court to hand over their duties, retire, and whenever they have free time, spend more time at Chang Le Palace with the Retired Emperor."

Wang Deshun recounted in one breath everything that had happened in the palace.

Emperor Xi He instantly understood why all this was happening.

When he tossed aside his duties, his father‑emperor recalled the past burdened by memorials, and naturally lost the desire to vie for power with him.

"So, during this period I was merely causing trouble for myself. If I'd known earlier—never mind, I didn't know!"

"Send all these memorials back, tell the subordinates that everyone who raises a question must devise a solution for me, then resend the memorials!"

Emperor Xi He spent most of the day chatting with his brother‑in‑law Xie Zian, and gained a lot.

He nurtures these ministers not merely to have them raise problems, but to have them solve problems. If they can't solve problems and only raise them, what use are they?

He, a lofty emperor, is less comfortable than the low‑ranking officials below—simply foolish!

……

Qinyuan Ju.

Shen Yunyao watched Cuiyu's endless hopping with a calm expression.

Ever since learning that today's revenue was a hundred taels more than yesterday's, the girl hasn't stopped; she hops every now and then, and anyone who doesn't know might think she has some hyperactivity disorder.

"Cuiyu!"

"Miss, I'm here!"

Hearing Shen Yunyao's call, Cuiyu immediately answered loudly.

"All excited now?"

"Almost there, almost there, almost there…"

Cuiyu giggled.

We've earned money!

Really, we've earned money!

In that case, even if Miss marries into a prestigious mansion like the Xie Family, she won't worry about having no money to spend.

Of course, the most important thing is that her monthly allowance can increase, so she can have more money to befriend the Xie Family's servants and gather more information for her own miss.

"It's not early anymore, it's time to sleep!"

"If you keep being restless, I guarantee I'll deduct all of your monthly stipend!"

"Miss, I was wrong, I'll go to sleep right now! Hehe…"

Upon hearing that Shen Yunyao was about to take her monthly stipend, Cuiyu's excitement instantly faded.

Heaven is vast, earth is vast, but money is the greatest.

Having finally quieted the little girl, Shen Yunyao quickly got into bed to rest.

Qingxia's success also let her sigh in relief.

After all, wherever you are, having no money is never workable.

Before marriage, she can stay in that small courtyard, with no desires or demands. As long as the monthly stipend is paid as usual, her life is already decent.

But after marrying, the situation changes drastically.

A clever woman will never place her happiness on a man's affection.

Because a man's feelings for a woman often begin and end with looks.

Flowers don't stay red for a hundred days; people don't stay good for a thousand days.

Shen Yunyao doesn't know why Xie Zian wants to marry her, but she guesses it's most likely because of her looks. Yet if that's all, it's not quite right.

Nevertheless, whatever the case, she should still make some preparations.

If after marriage the couple's relationship is ordinary, respectful like guests, then she at least needs to find something to do for herself, so she won't become a resentful housewife.

Seeking love in such a patriarchal era?

Either Shen Yunyao is crazy, or this world is crazy!

Even in a so-called free future, love is a luxury.

Lying in bed, Shen Yunyao couldn't help but sigh; she can't see her own future!

If it were in a later era, she could strive and do many things she wants to do.

Unfortunately, this is not a later era!

"Miss, do you have any worries?"

"Would you like to tell me about them?"

Cuiyu's voice came from the outer room.