The affair between Zhen Mi and Queen Guo soon reached the ears of Emperor Jin Mao.
Jinmao had long heard of the former's reputation, and the latter was likely to be a famous figure as well.
As for Bu Lianshi, Jin Mao had seen her appearance, and with her relationship with Bu Zhi, she was basically the final candidate for the concubine this time, so there was no need to rush.
However, Zhen Mi and Queen Guo had been married a long time ago and were now widows, so Jin Mao would definitely not take them into the palace again.
Although he admired Cao thief, he did not want to become Cao thief.
It's okay to have an affair occasionally, but it's not okay to really marry her.
Today, Jinmao has to pay attention to its reputation. Even though it knows that its reputation is not very good, it is better to avoid it as much as possible.
Therefore, this time Jinmao decided to go on a secret visit and meet the two beauties in private. It would be best if they could spend a night together, but if not, it didn't matter.
As an emperor, the thing he has no shortage of is beautiful women. In recent years, the country's population has increased by tens of millions. Every ten years, there must be one or two beauties born, and they will all be his women.
After all, everyone in the country knows that the current emperor is so beautiful that ordinary beauties would not even touch him.
The only exceptions are two early ones, one is the current queen and the other is the biological mother of the eldest princess.
However, there are rumors among the people that the current emperor has not touched these two for many years.
Of course, rumors are just rumors, and no one knows whether they are true or not.
Because some rumors are outrageous, saying that the reason why the current emperor is not interested in women is because he is interested in men. Look at the important officials of the current dynasty and the new generation of good officials. Except for Pang Tong who is ugly, all of them are handsome men.
There are even rumors that Your Majesty is as ugly as Pang Tong.
So, rumors are just rumors.
Hongyun Building.
This is a large-scale comprehensive entertainment venue founded by the Zhen family with most of their wealth, which includes almost all ancient entertainment projects such as food and accommodation, music and dance, and prostitution.
This year's Hongyun Tower is undoubtedly the most popular check-in spot in Luoyang. All people coming to Beijing, regardless of gender, cannot say that they have been to Luoyang if they have not been to Hongyun Tower, let alone participate in the selection of concubines.
Because the Beauty List will be held every ten days, the most beautiful people in Luoyang and the richest and most talented students will gather together.
Today is the day when the new beauty list is announced.
As the person in charge of Hongyun Tower, Zhen Mi presides over the affairs of each beauty list.
Today is different.
The top floor of Hongyun Building was reserved by an important figure, who specifically asked for Zhen Mi to chat with him.
At first, Zhen Mi was unwilling. She had met many important figures in Luoyang. Except for the top 20 or 30 people, she had met almost all of them. No one dared to ask her to chat with them in such a loud tone.
It’s not that the Zhen family has deep roots in Luoyang, but once this matter is known to His Majesty, he will be dismissed from office at best, and killed at worst.
The current emperor hates corrupt officials and the old-school style the most.
Only Hongyunlou has such a good opportunity to become famous throughout the capital.
However, this time Zhen Mi miscalculated.
Because this great man's show is extraordinary.
Although their faces were not revealed, strong soldiers cleared the way and guarded the stairs leading to the upper floors.
When people arrived, basically no one could see this person's face.
The Zhen family has many years of experience, what kind of people have they not seen?
Someone in Hongyun Tower immediately informed Zhen Mi that the soldiers guarding the stairs were not ordinary security guards, but fierce soldiers in the army.
In this way, the identity of the visitor can be quickly determined among several people.
Because in Luoyang city, there were only a few people who were accompanied by regular soldiers when they went out.
Captain Ling Cao of the Imperial Guards, General Dian Wei of the Tiger Guards, Commander Bai Shi of the Royal Guards, and several deputies.
As for the current emperor, Zhen Mi and the people in Hongyun Tower did not think about it that way.
It’s really because Jinmao has been too “polite” in recent years and has hardly touched women, so no one would think about it in this way.
But even those people just now were not people that Zhen Mi could afford to offend.
Unlike civil officials, Jin Mao could be described as indulgent towards military officers, not to mention his own personal guards. As long as they did not make too big mistakes, they would basically be forgiven, or at most demoted.
Of course, serious crimes such as murder should be treated equally; this is a red line that cannot be crossed.
So, when the important person arrived, Zhen Mi hastily presided over the opening and handed it over to her subordinates. She herself went all the way to the top floor of the sixth floor with the best wine and food from Hongyun Tower.
"stop!"
At the top floor door, four ridiculously strong warriors reached out to stop Zhen Mi and others.
"No more wine or food, everyone except her, please leave!"
Facing the arrogant and unreasonable warriors, Zhen Mi subconsciously frowned, but then she realized that these warriors might not be intentionally rude, but were following some strict orders or were responsible for protecting an important person. She quickly adjusted her mood, a hint of understanding and respect flashed in her eyes, and she said softly: "Please allow me to personally deliver the wine and food, this is my small respect for the distinguished guests who are coming."
The warriors looked at each other, obviously surprised by Zhen Mi's persistence. One of the warriors, who seemed to be the leader, looked at Zhen Mi for a moment, as if to measure her sincerity and determination, and finally nodded slowly: "Okay, but only you can go in, and you must abide by the rules inside."
Zhen Mi smiled slightly, nodded gratefully, and motioned her followers to wait there. She picked up the exquisite food box, walked through the passage made by the warriors, and entered the heavy and solemn door on the top floor. Behind the door was a hall decorated elegantly yet majestically. In the middle was a long table with several exquisite tea sets on it, obviously in preparation for the upcoming conversation.
The air was filled with a light scent of sandalwood, which intertwined with the occasional breeze from the window, making people feel peaceful. Zhen Mi walked to the table lightly and began to arrange the wine and food she brought. Each dish was carefully selected, not only delicious, but also meaningful, intended to express respect and welcome to the guests.
Just as she was carefully arranging the place, a steady sound of footsteps came from outside the door, and then a middle-aged man in a gorgeous robe and with a dignified face walked into the hall. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle, but he also revealed a calmness that was intimidating without anger.
Zhen Mi looked back and immediately stopped what she was doing. She was so shocked that her face turned pale. She bowed respectfully: "I didn't know that Your Majesty was coming! I, Zhen Mi, am sorry for being so rude."
Jin Mao nodded slightly, his eyes swept over the wine and food on the table, and a barely perceptible smile appeared on the corner of his mouth: "Manager Zhen is thoughtful, these dishes look unique and exciting." As he spoke, he slowly walked towards the long table, as if every step was on a certain rhythm, and the atmosphere of the entire hall became solemn and solemn. He looked at Zhen Mi carefully. This 32-year-old woman was indeed the beauty praised by Cao Zhi. Needless to say, her figure was well-proportioned. Even though she was middle-aged, she did not feel like she was falling, but instead had a rich charm.
The facial proportions are perfect. If it were a little more, it would be too bright; if it were a little less, it would be too pure. Now it is just right, pure and bright, it's hard to control.
Jin Mao couldn't help himself and couldn't help but reach out to test whether there was anything fake under Zhen Mi's curve.
"ah!"
The sudden attack caught Zhen Mi off guard. Even though she had been prepared mentally, she did not expect that the current emperor would actually do it.
She subconsciously shrank back, a flash of panic in her eyes, but was soon replaced by a resolute look. Zhen Mi gently raised her hand, and with an almost invisible graceful gesture, gently pressed down Jin Mao's hand that was about to touch her skin. The action was neither resistant nor impolite, and it drew a line just right.
"Your Majesty, this is not a place for children's play. Although I am not talented, I know etiquette and shame. My beauty is only skin deep. If Your Majesty treats me with sincerity, I will repay you with sincerity. Why rush?" Zhen Mi's voice was gentle but firm. Every word seemed to be carefully crafted, expressing her position without losing respect for the monarch.
Jin Mao paused when he heard this, then slowly withdrew his hand, with a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He looked at Zhen Mi, as if he was really seeing this woman for the first time, not only her attractive appearance, but also her tenacious, self-respecting and self-loving heart.
"I was rude." Jin Mao apologized softly, but he didn't feel any regret. He just felt that this was the type of Zhen Mi he felt. If there was no struggle at all, he would still feel nothing.
"ah!"
Zhen Mi was startled again. She didn't expect Jin Mao to suddenly hug her and touch her all over. The tall image in her mind collapsed.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty..." Zhen Mi's breathing became rapid and her voice was hesitant.
"What's wrong?" Jin Mao was no longer satisfied with just taking action and began to undress.
Zhen Mi immediately knew that she could not escape this disaster today, and she said in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, please have mercy on me."
Hearing this, Jin Mao slowed down his movements involuntarily, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, which seemed to be a respect for Zhen Mi, or a reflection on his own behavior. He gently embraced Zhen Mi in his arms, no longer anxious and overbearing as before, but with a little more tenderness and care. "Zhen Mi, I know that you are proud and unwilling to submit to anyone. But today, between you and me, it is not a contest between the powerful and the weak, but the quiet approach of two hearts in the night."
Zhen Mi felt the change in Jin Mao's words, and an inexplicable warmth surged in her heart. She looked up at those deep eyes, trying to find a trace of sincerity and warmth in them. She responded softly: "Your Majesty, although I am a woman, I also know how to respect myself and love myself. What happened today was not what I wanted, but since it has come to this, I am willing to treat you with sincerity, and I hope Your Majesty can do the same."
Jin Mao was shocked when he heard this. He had never expected Zhen Mi to express her thoughts so directly and honestly. He loosened his arms and stared at Zhen Mi, his eyes gleaming with an unprecedented light. "Your tenacity and self-esteem have impressed me. From now on, I will treat you with my heart and live up to today."
After saying that, Jin Mao pushed Zhen Mi onto the table and attacked her violently.
Soon, the whole room was filled with lascivious sounds.
Outside the room, the four warriors winked at each other, happy for their emperor.
A little further away, on the huge stage in the middle of Hongyun Tower, Master Bu Lian was the center of attention, but no one dared to step out of line.
The other beauties showed off their talents, as if they wanted to outshine the others, but the compliments they received were all utilitarian.
There is no fool among those present. If Bu Lianshi and the others cannot be touched, then how can these beauties also not be touched?
As a result, the top-floor rooms were filled with blooming flowers in spring, while the lobby of Hongyun Building was buzzing with the sound of bees fighting for honey.
After a long time, Jin Mao lay on the couch, panting heavily. Zhen Mi, with her sleeves half-dressed, carefully cleaned Jin Mao's body.
"Now that you have become my woman, you can no longer touch other men."
Jin Mao looked at the ceiling and said calmly: "I can't give you a title, so why not give you some benefits?"
As he said that, he turned his head, looked at the half-covered Zhen Mi, and asked with fiery eyes: "Tell me, what do you want?"
After Zhen Mi finished cleaning, she did not answer, but lay down beside Jin Mao obediently and said softly: "I only hope that Your Majesty can look at me more."
What a smart woman!
Jin Mao sighed secretly, but said: "I know the situation of the Zhen family. They have had a hard time these years because of me."
Zhen Mi hurriedly sat up and explained, "Your Majesty, you are worrying too much. The Zhen family can survive thanks to your Majesty's kindness."
"No need to say more." Jin Mao waved his hand and said, "I have seen the sacrifices you and the Zhen family have made. From now on, I will make the Zhen family shine again, not only in the business world, but also in the court, so that everyone knows that the Zhen family not only has stunning beauty, but also has the talent to assist the country."
Jin Mao's eyes revealed an unprecedented firmness. He gently took Zhen Mi's hand and continued, "I will naturally remember your request. But what I want to give you is not only my gaze, but also the respect and status you deserve. At the appropriate time, I will give the Zhen family the title they deserve, so that you will no longer have to pay silently."
Zhen Mi's eyes turned red and tears flashed in her eyes. She knew the weight of this promise and felt Jin Mao's sincerity and determination. She leaned against Jin Mao's chest and whispered, "Your Majesty's kindness will never be forgotten. I do not seek wealth and glory, but only wish to be with Your Majesty and help you solve your problems. This is your greatest happiness."
Jin Mao smiled slightly and hugged Zhen Mi tighter.
"I will not interfere in the affairs of your clan." Jin Mao said: "In the next two years, I can allow one of your clan members to serve as an official in Luoyang. As for how far he can go, it depends on him."
"I can only guarantee one thing, no one will deliberately suppress him!"
Zhen Mi bowed again, revealing all the parts that needed to be exposed, and thanked him: "Your Majesty, I will never forget your great kindness!"
"Don't worry, I haven't finished yet." Jin Mao unconsciously stiffened his fist and clenched it, saying, "As long as this man can be made a marquis, I guarantee that the title will be hereditary for the next three generations!"
Zhen Mi's face flushed red, and it was unclear whether it was because she was happy or shy.
"Your Majesty..." She didn't know what words to say to express her gratitude, so she could only express it with her actions.
Another hearty battle.
Jinmao hasn't experienced this for a long time.
Even the most coquettish Feng Lu is already 37 years old this year. No matter how charming she still is, she is almost getting boring.
The appearance of Zhen Mi solved this problem very well. Whether in terms of freshness or technology, Jin Mao seemed to see the shadow of Feng Lu in her.
Do not!
One thing that makes Zhen Mi better than Feng Lu is that Zhen Mi has a better figure and a more attractive appearance.
It makes Jinmao more hungry!
As night falls, the atmosphere in Hongyun Building reaches its climax.
Jin Mao is old after all, and fighting two battles a day is already his limit. If he doesn't return to the palace, someone might get anxious.
Before leaving, he glanced downstairs and happened to see Master Bu Lian, so he said to his men, "The date for selecting a concubine should be set." (End of this chapter)