Marrying a concubine and swallowing her dowry? The mistress turns around and marries a high-ranking

Chapter 625

He glanced at "Cheng Wu".

“Cheng, you have been married into the Seventh Prince’s household for a year now, and you are still not pregnant. As the principal wife, you should take the initiative to enrich the Seventh Prince’s household and continue the family line, otherwise it will be a dereliction of duty on your part.”

Shen Lingjun lowered her head: "Your Majesty's reprimand is absolutely correct. I am terrified. I was negligent before, and I will definitely keep Your Majesty's words in mind from now on."

Huo Tingsheng said, "I happen to have a suitable candidate here, the youngest daughter of the Xue family, a sixth-rank female official in the palace, in charge of music. She is beautiful and intelligent, gentle and obedient, and possesses both talent and beauty, and is extremely skilled in music. The two concubine positions of the seventh prince are currently vacant, and this Xue woman is suitable for the position. I will bestow Xue woman upon you, and choose an auspicious day to bring her into your household."

The female officials in the Western Qi imperial palace had certain ranks and were responsible for leading palace maids according to imperial decrees. They were fundamentally different from the concubines in the harem and were not the emperor's women.

A large number of the female officials were daughters of wealthy families, low-ranking officials, or women from the common people who were particularly talented and had a special skill. They entered the palace as female officials to learn etiquette and manage affairs.

When a female official reached the age of twenty, she could choose to leave the palace and marry freely. Having served in the palace was like having been gilded; although she was slightly older, she could often find a better marriage partner in the future.

Some exceptionally talented female officials, because they had the opportunity to frequently appear before the emperor and other members of the royal family, were even directly chosen and assigned as concubines to princes, nobles, and officials.

These female officials came from humble backgrounds, so for them, this was already considered a leap across social classes.

Huo Tingsheng had previously bestowed female officials as concubines upon two important officials. Huo Sizhen also had a concubine, who was given to him by Huo Tingsheng.

Mo Zhonggui and Shen Lingjun exchanged a subtle glance, both knowing Huo Tingsheng's true purpose.

This female official was actually an informant planted by Huo Tingsheng in the Seventh Prince's residence to monitor and control "Huo Jinghuai".

However, they certainly can't refuse now.

Mo Zhonggui kowtowed and said, "Thank you for your reward, Father. You have gone to so much trouble."

Huo Tingsheng was somewhat satisfied to see that Huo Jinghuai hadn't made any excuses and had obediently accepted the gift.

"Alright, there's nothing else. You may leave. The Ministry of Rites will arrange the procedures for taking a concubine."

Mo Zhonggui and Shen Lingjun both took their leave of the palace.

Back at the Seventh Prince's residence, with no outsiders around, Shen Lingjun smiled at Mo Chonggui and said, "So, should I start helping you find concubines?"

Mo Chonggui glanced at her: "Whom do you plan to take as a concubine for me?"

Shen Lingjun said seriously, "I've been socializing a lot in Ancheng lately, and I've actually met some pretty nice girls. Do you remember the sixth young lady of the Yi family? Although she comes from a lower social class and is an unfavored concubine's daughter, she's obedient and gentle, and quite pretty, with a pitiful air about her. Or if you prefer a brighter, more glamorous type, there's that cousin from the Xu family. I heard she has Indian blood, her singing and dancing are superb, and she's incredibly beautiful..."

Before she could finish speaking, Mo Zhonggui kissed her, silencing her.