The Legend of the Concubine in the Harem

Marquis?

Xie Yuzhen opened his eyes slightly.

The founding emperor of the Sheng Dynasty also adopted sons of different surnames and granted them the title of prince. When fighting for the world, the adopted sons of the founding emperor also made great contributions. However, after several generations, only the queen, the orphan of the Dongxiang Palace, is left.

Since the founding emperor, although there were examples of emperors of later generations welcoming remarried women into the palace as concubines, they never adopted sons. It was a coincidence that the emperor now met Xie Yuzhen, a woman who was remarried with a child. He loved this mother and son, but was not willing to pay for the honor of being a king with a divided land for this love.

Xie Yu thought carefully and understood the emperor's thoughts. With Xie Yi's status, he was able to be granted a title of marquis because of the emperor's favoritism. Moreover, although the current titles did not provide fiefs, the marquis's mansion could be equipped with two thousand guards, not to mention the annual salary, filial piety from Bingtan, and tax-free fields and farms... and other generous incomes.

Moreover, as long as he obtained this title, Xie Yi would be able to enter the officialdom directly in the future without having to take the imperial examination, which greatly shortened the time Xie Yuzhen had to gain real power for his own forces.

Who wouldn't like to get such a title for free?

Xie Yuzhen immediately asked happily: "Your Majesty, are you serious?!"

"Would I use this to tease you?" The emperor also laughed. He liked the way Xie Yuzhen showed her true feelings in front of him. He knew that this woman really liked such benefits, but she also knew how to be grateful and would treat him more warmly and closely.

However, it is a marquisate, and the one who is conferred is a very likable stepson. He can also make his beloved concubine happy, and he himself can be happy too. He can get double the benefit by giving one part of the favor. There is no better business than this.

The emperor thought happily, waiting for Xie Yuzhen to show his courtesy to him.

However, after he waited for a few seconds, he saw that the beauty in front of him had lost her joy and became anxious. The emperor couldn't help but ask with a puzzled look in his heart: "Why, Xie Qing doesn't like it?"

What's not to like?

Xie Yuzhen acted as if hesitant to speak, and whispered: "...Of course I am happy, but if I want to be conferred the title of Marquis, I will inevitably have to go through the previous dynasty. I don't understand these things, but I also know that if someone in a family gets more benefits, it will cause jealousy from others...I myself have been quite controversial, and now I am favored by your majesty..."

She sighed softly, her long eyelashes trembling uneasily, which seemed to tug at the emperor's heartstrings, causing the emperor's heart of love and affection to tremble along with it, and his feelings of pity and desire to protect him grew wildly.

"I don't care what they say about me. Since I chose this path, I have already prepared for the consequences. But your majesty has been very kind to me. If this incident damages your majesty's wisdom, how can I feel at ease and how can I be ashamed?"

She was seldom so gentle and considerate. The emperor felt fresh and at the same time, he was more and more attracted by her gentleness and beauty. Although he knew in his heart that these words were probably just humble words of the woman to retreat in order to advance, the emperor still couldn't help thinking that most of her words must be sincere.

"Tan Nu doesn't want monkeys. Tan Nu just wants mother and His Majesty to be happy." The little child's words were innocent and naive, but his sincerity and filial piety were fully revealed.

Xie Yuzhen lowered his head in shame, looking at the boy who had helped him so well, and decided to reward him with an extra piece of his favorite cake when he got back after the matter of being conferred the title of marquis was finalized today.

The emperor was first amused by Xie Yi's childish words, then inevitably moved. Among his many children, except for the second princess, the other princes and princesses were not too close to him as a father. The eldest prince and the third prince were weak, quiet and well-behaved; the second prince was a bit rigid, and had no interest at a young age; but the emperor was actually a restless person at heart, and he really wanted to take the children to gallop on the horse farm, hunt in the mountains, or stroll incognito in the capital, and play some ordinary games between father and son, even if the child jumped up and played with him.

Unfortunately, most of his children are precious flowers that need to be carefully cared for and pampered.

The appearance of Xie Yi just filled the gap left by the emperor. In order to satisfy the few regrets in his life, the emperor was naturally willing to pamper this stepson.

So he raised his hand and touched Xie Yi's little head: "This is not a monkey. The title of Marquis is something that many people cannot obtain in their lifetime. If you become my little Marquis, you can live in a big house with your grandparents and uncle, raise slaves and maids, and live the happiest life in the world."

The emperor said, looking at Xie Yuzhen who looked anxious, and raised his hand to stop the woman who was about to speak: "Don't teach him."

Xie Yuzhen seemed to have revealed his true colors and dropped his submissive attitude. He glared at the emperor fiercely, but also obediently stopped talking.

Xie Yi is only four years old, but the child is very precocious and smart. He naturally knows how to say nice things to please others. However, as a mother, Xie Yuzhen can't help but feel a little worried.

"But now Tan Nu doesn't have that title, but he's not unhappy." Xie Yi's face clearly showed some nervousness.

The emperor, however, had the intention of playing with a child: "You will be happier and more joyful if you get the title of Marquis."

Xie Yi pursed his lips in thought, looked up at his mother, then looked at the emperor, and finally shook his head: "But if that will make mother worried, and will, will make His Majesty embarrassed, then I'd better not give up Tan Nu."

"......This kid." The emperor laughed and glanced at Xie Yuzhen, "He is so humble and filial at such a young age. Just for this, he deserves the title of Marquis!"

"Your Majesty has made the decision, why do you still need to look to me for help? You are willing to favor him more than I, your mother. I am nothing but happy." Xie Yu was really satisfied with his son's performance and decided to add another cup of milk tea.

Xie Yi was still young after all, and although he cleverly chose the words that were most beneficial to himself and his mother, he actually didn't really understand how much benefit this question and answer could bring to him.

After receiving an answer that could not have been more satisfactory, the emperor began to ponder: "'Jia' means good and beautiful. What do you think of the word 'Yongjia'?"

"In ancient times, the word '佳' was often used to praise people with good character, which shows that Your Majesty has high hopes for Tan Nu. I also think these two words are very good. I only hope that this child will be diligent and prudent in the future, always keep his original intention and remain loyal and filial, so that he can live up to Your Majesty's praise today and live up to his parents' expectations." Xie Yuzhen raised his hand and gently touched the back of his head in gratitude, "Why don't you thank your father for his grace?"

Xie Yi immediately knelt down and kowtowed, calling out "Father" in a crisp voice.

The emperor was delighted. Without waiting for him to finish, he picked up the child and let him sit in his arms: "Okay, okay, my little Marquis Yongjia."

After that, he looked at Xie Yuzhen again and took her hand: "I will grant him a mansion later, plus some good farmland, and ask your parents and elder brother to move in. With a mansion and servants, it will be more convenient for your brother to study for the imperial examination or to interact with other families and scholars. In this way, Xie Qing may feel more at ease?"

Xie Yu was really shocked. What did the emperor mean?