The Marquis' Wife
The arrogant Murong Xianting

The gaze of the Jinshi scholars led to the three princes, especially those who only held 8th and 9th class positions on the government bench. Class 8 and 9 officials will be very difficult to promote and rise, especially if Jinshi scholars do not have any backing in the capital then the possibility of rising office will be very minimal.

Many of the Jinshi who occupied the 8th and 9th class positions had only risen to office after working ten more years and that was if they did not become their superior scapegoat. So the chances to move up to the next class are very few, then they must find other ways and alternatives for the sake of their careers and one of the easiest is to enter into the faction of princes who have a great chance to ascend the throne.

They hoped that one of the princes, especially the crown prince, would be attracted to them and draw them into the faction of the prince, because if the prince they supported ascended the throne then the rank of 4th or 5th class would be in their hands.

Murong Xianting glanced at her brother who was just silent while drinking wine casually. His gaze was full of probing, judging whether Murong Xianming was not interested in the Jinshi scholars.

Although he had the support and affection of the Emperor, he did not want to face Murong Xianming directly because he knew that the influence of the man in the capital was greater than him. It was because Murong Xianming had long occupied the crown prince's seat.

"Hmph! If not where might his strength be greater than the military power that grandfather had" Grumbled Murong Xianting inwardly.

"First brother. Aren't you interested in those Jinshi scholars?". Murong Xianting finally asked as he could not see any expression on Murong Xianming's face.

"Of course interested, they are the successors of a new generation in government. Like Dad said that they will definitely contribute greatly in the future".

The answer did not lead to anything making Murong Xianting become riled up. He stood up and raised the wine glass towards Lu Xiang, interested in the potential of the man and seeing if Murong Xianming really did not care.

"Lu Xiang's! I was very curious when I heard the name and contribution you have made. Are you interested in a toast with me?".

The toast offer held another meaning both in the eyes of both the princes and the officials.

Lu Xiang stood up and raised the wine glass towards Murong Xianting. " It's an honor to make you curious prince. I just want to contribute to the Emperor".

Carrying the name of the Emperor made Murong Xianting's smile disappear. "You're not interested in a toast to this prince?". This time Murong Xianting called himself a prince, showing high status and as a warning.

Lu Xiang was silent for a moment before bowing deeply and subtly rejecting Murong Xianting's offer.

"Hmph! This prince heard that you are very proud and confident. This prince wants to see how long you can maintain your confidence".

Lu Xiang could only bow apologetically. The actions and expressions he displayed were not to blame.

That action made Murong Xianting even more furious, wanting it to feel like he had his bodyguard to drag the jerk-off man down and immediately execute with his family but he clenched his teeth holding back the creeping emotions in his heart.

This is not yet the time, after he ascended the throne then the blood of the first person to celebrate his ascension procession is the blood of Lu Xiang and his family!!.

"Hahaha, don't get mad third brother. Lu Xiang only wanted to focus on the present, the future was not in his mind". Murong Xianxian responded to the expression of not one mother's sister. His words took the form of provocation because he did not like Lu Xiang who rejected the proposal from Marquis Shan which meant also refusing to enter his faction.

"You're right fourth sister. He's just someone in the clouds".

Murong Xianming drank the wine to hide the scornful smile on the blind Murong Xianting, unable to tell which friend and which opponent.

Lu Xiang was just silently ridiculed and scorned, he lowered his face so that his casual expression was invisible and caused new trouble.

Shao Lan was pleased to see the two princes sneering at Lu Xiang, it is useless that the man occupies the 5th class position if it makes the two princes do not like it because sooner or later he will lose the position.

While Wang Jiayou did not know what to do, he did not know, he could not defend and fight against the two princes who had great power and on the other hand he could not comfort Lu Xiang either because such actions would also offend the two princes. Wang Jiayou finally chose silence and tried to attenuate his presence.

"Shao Lan's. Do you want to toast this prince?".

Shao Lan stood up enthusiastically and raised the wine glass. "I'm very willing prince".

"Good good!! Your mind is more advanced than Zhuangyuang's". Murong Xianting did not miss the opportunity to sneer at Lu Xiang.

The officials who chose neutrals did not like Murong Xianting's words, lu Xiang's answer of choosing to only side with the Emperor was very right in their eyes because according to them supporting the present Emperor would not offend the next Emperor. But even so, they did not comment on anything because it was none of their business.

The faction that supported Murong Xianting also slightly disagreed with the man's treatment tonight as they felt that the action allowed his political opponents to know what Murong Xianting was thinking, she said, it would be very dangerous if the two princes could guess the way the prince's mind supported them.

Only the faction of political opponents were happy with the actions that Murong Xianting had taken because it showed that Lu Xiang was not in that male faction. The contribution that Lu Xiang gave showed that male thinking was reliable so if Lu Xiang was in one of their political opponents then it would add a new headache for them.

The other Pra Jinshi were also chosen by Murong Xianting, while Murong Xianming and Murong Xianxian did not vote for anyone.

Murong Xianming did not choose because he was only interested in Lu Xiang's abilities and potential, while Murong Xianxian did not choose of course because he did not want to show his ambition.

Of the few Jinshi chosen, neither Murong Xianting nor Murong Xianming chose Wang Jiayou because the man tried to attenuate his presence and it looked like a loser in the eyes of the two princes.

"Ha~" Wang Jiayou heaved a sigh of relief when he saw no one was interested in him. Although entering into the faction of the prince has a great opportunity for his career but behind it there are also very dire consequences if the faction fails because not only he who was punished but also his family.

Qionling's party ended after Murong Xianting and his subordinates and Murong Xianxian mocked Lu Xiang who was silent or apologized.

"Interesting" Murong Xianming was completely amazed at Lu Xiang being able to hold back and not even get angry when ridiculed by his two younger siblings. He who was smart to see the minor expression of someone was not even sure whether the male expression was really not angry or just storing emotions but surely Lu Xiang could control his emotions well and had the potential to be a great person.

Murong Xianming hid his smile by returning to drinking wine. He was so satisfied with the drama done by his two younger siblings that Lu Xiang had a great chance to follow him.