The first time in history

Qian Mingduo frowned and sighed. "Please allow me a few days, my lord. I will discuss this with my wife and report back to you."

Zhao Yong nodded and thought to himself, "You really don't know what's good for you. You actually want to go home and discuss this with such a talented and beautiful woman."

"Well, I'll wait for good news."

Qian Mingduo rode his horse slowly and leisurely, with a lot on his mind. He didn't want to take another concubine. Li Shishi and Xiao Cui were enough, and there was also Ling'er. How could he cope with marrying so many?

But Qian Mingduo was very clear about the habits of the ancient officialdom. He married the daughter of the Minister of Rites of the previous dynasty. He could use the relationship of the woman's family to build up his own network. To put it bluntly, if he made a contribution, someone would report it to the higher authorities, and if he committed a crime, someone would be willing to guarantee and plead for him.

Zhao Yong was originally a top three Jinshi, but within five years he was promoted from a seventh-rank county magistrate to a fourth-rank prefect of Lin'an. If you say he didn't use his wife's family connections, you're kidding.

Qian Mingduo had no interest in a career in politics, so he was unwilling to rely on anyone's connections. But even so, if he rejected the marriage proposal, he was worried about angering the girl's family. If they held a grudge, they would inevitably do something bad to him in the future.

After returning home, Qian Mingduo walked into Li Shishi's room and told her what Zhao Yong had said today. He also expressed his own thoughts and concerns.

Li Shishi pursed her lips and blinked her eyes. "So what do you think?"

"Didn't I just say that?" Qian Mingduo sat cross-legged on the bed, "I have no intention of pursuing a career in politics, nor do I want to get promoted or make a fortune. But... I'm worried that if I refuse, there will be consequences."

Li Shishi nodded. "For those who have served as high officials in the court, the most important thing is their own and their family's reputation. His daughter's surrender as a concubine is already a loss of face for her family. If you reject her, it will be a disgrace to the family."

"I actually thought of a solution on the way back."

"any solution?"

"I'm going to quit my job, let's retire to the mountains together, wouldn't that be great?"

"Do you really think so?" Li Shishi smiled lightly, "I don't believe it."

Qian Mingduo smiled crookedly, "You should believe me. Don't you know what I'm thinking?"

"Let me think of a solution!" Li Shishi smiled.

"I know what you're thinking." Qian Mingduo took Li Shishi's hand, "You want me to divorce you and marry someone else as my first wife, right?"

"Yes." Li Shishi nodded. "It doesn't matter whether I am the principal wife or not. If you can establish this relationship, it will be really beneficial to your future."

"What do you mean it doesn't matter whether you are the principal wife or not?" Qian Mingduo was a little anxious. "I do care, okay? I will not divorce you even if I resign and return to my hometown. Don't think about it."

Li Shishi was moved by Qian Mingduo's words. She snuggled into Qian Mingduo's arms and said, "We still have a room in the west wing of our house. It's OK for one more person to live here."

Qian Mingduo really couldn't understand, was the concept of having three wives and four concubines so deeply rooted in the minds of people in ancient society? If it were placed in modern society, this would be absolutely impossible.

"You have worked hard to pass the imperial examinations and become a great scholar in the court." Li Shishi said silently, "If you really retire to the mountains and forests, wouldn't it be a waste of your talent and knowledge?"