Matron of the Realm

Imperial Study

Quentin Qian was earnestly advising, "Your Majesty, the southeast region has always been short on talent, with very few scholars, and even fewer from humble backgrounds. In my opinion, we should adopt a recommendation system—let those with virtue and talent nominate individuals for court service. Only then can we quickly resolve the Kingdom of Qin's shortage of talent!"

Mia Qian, serving as attendant beside Quentin Qian, seized the opportunity to advise, "Your Majesty, all the scholars in the Kingdom of Qin are concentrated within the Three Great Houses. If Your Majesty selects talent from these families, not only will it immediately solve the shortage, but it will also win over the Three Great Houses and help secure control of the southeast region."

After Mia Qian finished speaking, Quentin Qian secretly nodded to his granddaughter, expressing approval.

Mia Qian was quite pleased with herself, thinking that as a noblewoman born into an aristocratic family, she was far more insightful than that so-called country bumpkin, the Queen of Qin! Just look at her ideas—so farsighted, surely the King would see her in a new light.

Meanwhile, Alexander Hayes sat behind his desk, holding Quentin Qian's memorial, reading it over and over. His gaze was deep and contemplative, but he remained silent, as if weighing the pros and cons.

The lack of talent in the southeast was giving Alexander Hayes a headache.

Out of ten thousand people, having even one who could read was already remarkable, let alone someone qualified to govern.

As Lord Qian had said, nearly all the educated talent came from the Zhao, Qian, Sun, and Li Clans.

The Zhao Clan could no longer be used, while the other three families controlled vast lands and power in the southeast, with deeply entrenched interests.

Alexander Hayes had no intention of letting the Three Great Houses grow too powerful, fearing they might become another House of Zhao.

But right now, there was no one else to use—court operations were barely functioning. Was it really necessary to select officials from the Three Great Houses?

But if they did that, wouldn’t it be like drinking poison to quench thirst!?

Quentin Qian and Mia Qian continued to lobby Alexander Hayes, trying to place more of their clan into the young Qin court.

"Your Majesty, please make a decision soon—select talent from the Three Great Houses!"

Alexander Hayes was caught between a rock and a hard place.

Just then, a clear, cheerful female voice rang out. Princess Jade Hayes walked into the Imperial Study, smiling: "Your Majesty, what troubles you? Perhaps I can help relieve your worries!"

Alexander Hayes heard Princess Jade's voice and looked up in surprise and delight. He saw her approaching with grace and elegance—a true Matron of the Realm!

As Princess Jade entered, Quentin Qian pulled Mia Qian along to bow to her.

Seeing Princess Jade arrive, Alexander Hayes was overjoyed and quickly invited her to sit with him.

Princess Jade looked at Quentin Qian and Mia Qian, who were kneeling on the floor, and smiled warmly: "Lord Qian, rise. You have worked tirelessly these days to ease His Majesty's worries. You truly deserve praise for your dedication."

Quentin Qian and Mia Qian rose and quickly replied, "It is my greatest honor to be able to serve His Majesty to the best of my ability."

Mia Qian stood behind Quentin Qian, secretly glancing at the so-called country bumpkin Queen, trying to see what sort of crude and shallow woman she was. But the moment she saw Princess Jade’s appearance and bearing, she was stunned.

Mia Qian had never seen a woman as dignified, graceful, and elegant as the Queen of Qin. Not only that, but she possessed a beauty that could topple kingdoms—young and radiant, like a maiden. One would never guess she was already a mother.

Such beauty and poise were simply unattainable for a mere farm girl. For a moment, Mia Qian’s mindset collapsed—she was consumed by envy and resentment.