Transmigration: Reverse Exploitation, the System Works for Me

Fortunately, everyone in this world loves money.

Because of the gold cake she painted, Granny Kang will definitely be focused on finding someone in the near future. In that case, she naturally won't have time to monitor her every move, let alone develop her own network.

As for what happens after this period...

Xi Qiao was confident that she could use this time to select capable people and solidify her own foundation. Once Granny Kang finished her work, there would be no more room for this informant to operate.

From now on, the emperor will only be able to see what she wants him to see.

“That’s very good. Also, I have some trivial matters to instruct you two to handle.”

"In the trunk I brought back, there is a Hetian white jade animal pattern pillow, which is very good for a good night's sleep. Please have Aunt Kang deliver it to Aunt Sun for me. Aunt Sun is getting old and may have trouble sleeping in a sudden change of environment."

"In addition, there is a carved rosewood box. Granny Lao, take it out and find someone to deliver it to Xiao Linzi. While you're at it, find some suitable items so that I can give them as a greeting gift when my family comes to visit this afternoon."

"Granny Liu, please find the precious elephant vase I mentioned earlier and put it away. Then take the silver notes to the bank and exchange them for some loose silver for rewards. If you can find some nice silver ingots, that would be even better."

"Don't bother two people with one matter. You can estimate the time yourself and have the manor arrange for a carriage to take you to Steward Huang's residence. Please remember to mention the flower room to Steward Huang. It would be even better if flowers could be planted as soon as it is built."

"Alright, that's all for these trivial matters. Have you both taken notes?"

The two immediately said no problem.

After dealing with the two old women, Xi Qiao summoned Ling Gu, a first-class palace maid assigned to her by the Imperial Household Department.

She was not old, only seventeen or eighteen years old, and her appearance was like a daffodil by the canal, fragrant and elegant, pure and otherworldly, making people forget the world when they saw her.

Xi Qiao was genuinely surprised when he first saw her.

There's nothing special about it; just looking at her gives me a feeling of my soul being cleansed.

The palace was filled with countless women, and Xi Qiao still had memories of her past life, but she had never seen this style before.

Even she, a woman, was absolutely smitten. If it were a fat orange cat, wouldn't it be completely obsessed and become mentally impaired?

"This servant greets Your Highness. Is Your Highness well?"

“No need for formalities,” Xi Qiao beckoned her closer, then asked in a gentle voice, “Ling Gu, did you come here voluntarily?”

With such a beautiful face, it's impossible that those in the Imperial Household Department who were desperate to climb the ranks wouldn't have any designs on her.

But the truth is, Linggu was sent to her side.

Clearly, either Ling Gu offended someone and was tripped up, or she simply didn't want to enter the harem.

If it is the former, and Ling Gu is willing to gamble on that immense wealth, Xi Qiao is willing to grant her wish and provide her with some assistance.

If it's the latter...

Xi Qiao's gaze inadvertently swept over Ling Gu's delicate, white hands. Such hands must not have been used for rough or strenuous work.

Hands have sensitive skin, especially the knuckles, which are prone to pigmentation and showing signs of aging. Therefore, no matter how carefully you take care of your hands, some traces will always be visible.

Ling Gu's hands, at a glance, clearly showed that they had never been used to manual labor.

It is evident that before Linggu entered the palace, he lived a wealthy life with servants.

Such a family...

Xi Qiao's eyes gleamed; she was desperately short of manpower right now.

If Linggu is using her place to seek refuge, then he must naturally demonstrate the strength worthy of her protection; after all, this place is not a charity.

Ling Gu's heart tightened; he hadn't expected Xi Qiao to ask such a question.

But it was precisely because of this question that she became even more certain that her choice was correct.

"I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Your Highness. However, I have come to serve you voluntarily. Your Highness has never met me, but I have received great kindness from you and Consort Zhuang."

Ling Gu's eyes sparkled, and she said somewhat shyly, "This servant is skilled in drawing. The patterns for the costumes in Your Majesty's palace were all drawn by this servant."

Since Consort Zhuang gained favor, she has practically become Zhongcui Palace's exclusive painter in the Imperial Household Department.

Xi Qiao firmly believed this, not out of blind trust, but because as her mental strength increased, she could easily distinguish between different emotions.

Xi Qiao looked at her with some surprise, "It's you. I know you. Whether it's the embroidery patterns or the jewelry designs, they are all unique and novel. Not only does Consort Zhuang like them, but the other consorts also love them."

Ling Gu smiled, revealing two dimples: "Thank you for your praise, Princess. I have no other talents, except for painting. If you don't mind, I will paint even better paintings for you in the future."

Oh my, that smile is just too sweet!

Xi Qiao isn't a sucker for good looks, but the girl's smile is truly captivating.

"Very well, I'll be waiting. But why did you come to me seeking refuge when you were perfectly fine at the Imperial Household Department?"

Ling Gu's smile faltered, and she bit her lip, lifting her skirt as she prepared to kneel, "Your Highness, please..."

She had barely opened her mouth when Xi Qiao grabbed her arm, preventing her from kneeling down: "Don't rush or be afraid, get up and speak slowly. You should know my personality; I'm not the kind of person who's demanding or pretentious."

Ling Gu choked with tears in her eyes: "Thank you, Princess. This matter has to start with my family. I come from the Jue Chan clan."

Xi Qiao's pupils contracted slightly. Jue Chan Shi!

Consort Liang of the Kangxi Emperor, née Wei, was originally from the Juechan clan.

“The Juechan clan I belong to is not the same as the maternal clan of Prince Lian. We are only of the same lineage. Moreover, my family is not part of the main branch of the clan, but only a collateral branch.”

"Although my father is of lowly rank and has little influence, he has no intention of sending me to the palace to seek wealth and status. It's just that within the clan..."

The rest was left unsaid, but Xi Qiao understood.

It's nothing more than seeing her beauty and wanting to use her to pave the way for their family.

Speaking of her clan, a hint of resentment flashed in Ling Gu's eyes. "After I entered the palace, I worked in the Imperial Household Department as my clan wished, and the first three years were peaceful. But ever since the Emperor ascended the throne, my clan has been making frequent moves."

"Fortunately, I received the favor and protection of Consort Zhuang and the Princess, which allowed me to use the Empress's prestige to stall for time until now."

But the clan's patience had run out. Half a month ago, the clan sent her a message that if she dared to disregard the clan's arrangements again, they would take action against her family.

Ling Gu's eyes were brimming with tears, and her heart was bleeding with hatred. Although she had a way to avoid the clan's arrangements, her family members outside the palace were still under the clan's control.

Fortunately, the aunt she knew in charge of the household received a favor and became a benefactor, giving her a way out.

"Please, Your Highness, let me stay. I have no desire to climb the social ladder; I only wish to reunite peacefully with my family. Although my family and I may not achieve anything, my loyalty is impeccable."

His pitiful appearance even slightly moved Xi Qiao, who was usually as hard-hearted as iron.

However, as touching as it may be, trouble as it may be.