Starting with choosing a wife, creating the most powerful Xia

Xiao Ziqi sat in the reception room, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

The reason was simple: Chu Ling'er and the other two women were sitting next to him, which inexplicably gave him a sense of oppressive scrutiny.

Chen Xuening, in particular, had eyes as cold as ice, while A Leng was playing with a fruit knife beside her with perfect understanding.

Whenever Xiao Ziqi turned her head, she would meet A Leng's smiling eyes, making her feel that A Leng was the hunter and she was the prey.

Therefore, upon seeing Chu Xuan enter, she quickly stood up and bowed slightly in greeting.

"Greetings, Young Master Chu."

"Miss Xiao, you're too kind. You're a guest today, there's no need for such formalities."

Chu Xuan wasn't one to pay much attention to formalities. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he found a seat and sat down on his own.

Seeing this, Chu Ling'er quickly refilled his teacup.

Chen Xuening and A Leng were also standing behind him.

This scene stirred a sense of emotion in Xiao Ziqi.

Chu Xuan was indeed exceptionally talented, far surpassing even myself. However, he was undeniably a womanizer. Although it was common for men to have multiple wives in this era, none of his three wives seemed to be of any particular order of importance, as if they were all equal in Chu Xuan's eyes.

This is extremely rare.

Generally speaking, wives and concubines in a household should be ranked in order of seniority and importance, so as to establish rules and prevent trouble in the inner quarters.

Although Xiao Ziqi doesn't have any romantic feelings for Chu Xuan yet, and only admires his talent, she can't help but think about it more now.

Chu Xuan put down his teacup and smiled faintly.

"I am truly sorry. I drank too much last night and have not woken up yet. I have troubled Miss Xiao with this. I apologize for any inconvenience caused."

"Where's the matter?"

Xiao Ziqi quickly shook her head.

"Last night, the young master got drunk and recited a hundred poems, which was truly astonishing. Now the whole city is talking about it, saying that the young master is a poetic genius descended to earth. As a lowly person, I am fortunate enough to have met the young master. How could I dare to ask for more?"

Xiao Ziqi spoke with extreme respect and humility, showing no regard for his position as a talented scholar whose ranking was still above that of Lin Luo.

It even carried a hint of ingratiation.

Upon closer reflection, it makes sense.

Who is Xiao Ziqi? She is the most beautiful courtesan in a brothel.

Although she was still an unmarried courtesan, she was still born into a brothel, and no matter what, she was of low social status.

In her mind, she was naturally incomparable to Chu Xuan, who came from a prestigious family like the Chu family.

As for his amazing talent and appearance?

Don't be ridiculous. So-called poetry and prose are nothing more than toys for those big men to enjoy themselves. In their eyes, singing and dancing, and eloquent poetry and prose are nothing. They just praise them a few times when they're happy.

Do you really think that being able to write a few lines of poetry will be of any use in a critical moment?

“Miss Xiao, you’re being too kind. Your name is known throughout the entire city of Linyang. Countless people want to catch a glimpse of your beauty. There’s no need to be so self-deprecating.”

Chu Xuan shook his head and laughed. He himself was just an unpopular member of a collateral branch of the family. To be honest, he might not be much better than Xiao Ziqi.

"I wonder what Miss Xiao wishes to discuss with me today?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ziqi remained silent for a moment, then looked up at Chu Ling'er and the other two women without saying a word.

A Leng sneered.

"Miss Xiao, aren't you being a bit too presumptuous? You come to see my husband, all secretive and wearing a veil. And now you want to kick us out before we can even talk?"

She found Xiao Ziqi somewhat displeasing, always feeling that she was also a vixen who came to curry favor with Chu Xuan after he became famous, and naturally felt a sense of crisis.

Chu Xuan waved his hand, knowing what Xiao Ziqi meant.

"Ah Leng is straightforward and outspoken, but she's just a bit too frank. Please don't take it to heart, Miss Xiao."

"Don't worry, these three are all my wives, and they are trustworthy people. Whether I know what Miss Xiao has to say or they know it, it's the same."

Hearing this, Xiao Ziqi could only nod helplessly.

"Yes, then I will speak frankly. I would like to invite Young Master Chu to participate in the ranking competition at Xiaoxiang Tower tonight."

"Win the rankings? What does that mean?"

Chu Xuan was taken aback, not quite understanding what she meant.

Chen Xuening glanced at Xiao Ziqi, frowned, and then explained.

"This ranking is what I discussed with my husband last night. Many talented men want to meet Miss Xiao, but they must first write poems and essays that will please her in order to become her guests. Miss Xiao, is that right?"

These words were extremely blunt, and even though Xiao Ziqi came from a brothel, she couldn't help but blush when she heard them.

"Exactly."

Upon receiving this answer, Chen Xuening gave a cold laugh.

"If I remember correctly, there are quite a few high-ranking officials and nobles in this city, no, not just in this city, who have designs on Miss Xiao. There have also been many people who have participated in the competition over the years, but Miss Xiao has never paid any attention to them. Why is she now approaching my husband?"

Chu Xuan also looked at Xiao Ziqi with a puzzled expression.

Even if you can't see her face clearly, you can tell she's a first-rate beauty.

There are definitely no shortage of admirers and suitors. She's not someone no one wants, so why would she be in such a hurry for someone to take her place on the leaderboard?

Under Chen Xuening's persistent questioning, Xiao Ziqi gritted her teeth before finally speaking.

"Actually, Scholar Chen only knew one side of the story about winning the list, and Ziqi had his reasons for doing so."

“Three months ago, the Prince of Liyang came to Linyang City and was taken to Xiaoxiang Pavilion. He took a fancy to me.”

“It should be a good thing for someone from the brothel to be favored by the prince, but Ziqi is self-aware. I was born into a lowly family. No matter what the prince of Liyang is like, the prince will never allow someone like me to enter the prince’s mansion. In addition, Ziqi himself has no good feelings towards the prince.”

"After much maneuvering, and using the original excuse of winning the ranking, I managed to appease the young master for the time being. However, the young master only gave me three months. If I don't find someone who can win the ranking within three months, he will take me away. Although I am not talented, I don't have many poems or essays that I can appreciate. On one hand, I would rather have nothing than something of poor quality, and on the other hand, I have to face the young master's deadline. I am really exhausted. Last night, I attended the literary gathering to try my luck, but I didn't expect to meet the young master."

Xiao Ziqi's cheeks were rosy.

"Young Master Chu's literary talent is indeed unparalleled in Ziqi's history. If Young Master Chu were willing to lend a hand, taking the list would be a piece of cake. That's why I implore Young Master Chu to help Ziqi this time."

“In exchange, Ziqi is willing to serve you, young master.”

When she said the last sentence, Xiao Ziqi seemed to have used up all her strength.

She looked at Chu Xuan cautiously, watching his expression, seemingly worried that he would refuse.

Her eyes, as if filled with spring water, were truly captivating.