Volume One, Chapter 11: The Crown Princess’s “Insider”

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Zhao Wujiang launched a series of rapid moves. Qian Ye Rizhao only felt that these few lines of poetry first carried the momentum of swallowing mountains and rivers, then followed by... a romantic tale of a man and woman sharing a bed, which surprisingly matched the rumors about Zhao Wujiang. She hadn’t expected that beneath the brilliant literary talent of the verses, Zhao Wujiang was such a charming yet not vulgar man! She was left speechless.

For a moment, she couldn’t think of a suitable second half of the couplet that would satisfy her. The sight of Qian Ye Rizhao, the envoy from Hansang, looking defeated was captured by everyone present.

Li Zaiyuan couldn’t help but praise, “Excellent! Minister Zhao shows considerable talent, which greatly pleases me.”

Long Zhan’s heart grew even darker. Where did this kid get such great talent? Did he memorize it before? Or did the Seventh Princess teach him? No matter what, Zhao Wujiang was too much of an obstacle to his ambitions for the court throne and must be removed!

“Since the Hansang envoy is so shallow and ignorant, let us return to the matter of peace negotiations.”

Now that Qian Ye Rizhao was suppressed by Zhao Wujiang, Li Zaiyuan seized the opportunity to bring up the treaty again and lower the demands.

Qian Ye Rizhao frowned. Her pride in her talent had been overshadowed by Zhao Wujiang, and she no longer wished to stay in the imperial study.

“Your Majesty, may I take my leave first and respond tomorrow?”

Li Zaiyuan, full of imperial dignity, waved his hand casually.

Qian Ye Rizhao flicked her long sleeves, her garments fluttering as she turned to leave. Before departing, she cast a deep glance at Zhao Wujiang, imprinting this face—one she had never cared for before—deeply into her memory.

After the Hansang envoy left, Li Zaiyuan pondered briefly, then looked at Zhao Wujiang. “Everyone says you are unlearned and unambitious. When did you acquire such talent?”

He had heard from his daughter that Zhao Wujiang was hiding his skills, which he initially didn’t believe. But just now, Zhao Wujiang had recited several lines of poetry with exquisite imagery.

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This made him feel a growing wariness toward Zhao Wujiang.

As expected, the emperor would ask this... Lowering his head, Zhao Wujiang inwardly regretted it the moment it happened. Because the small island nation had dared to mock his father, and he hadn’t held back just now!

His eyes flicked, recalling the alluring young woman who had just shown goodwill to him. Why not return the favor?

“Your Majesty, the talent is not mine! Just now, as I was leaving, I was fortunate to meet Her Highness the Eldest Princess. Seeing my furrowed brow, she inquired about the matter. When I saw the Hansang envoy’s aggressive stance, intending to suppress Great Xia with poetry and culture, I sought the Eldest Princess’s help. Upon learning the envoy’s ill intent, she taught me a few lines.”

“So it was Zhao Hua...” Li Zaiyuan’s furrowed brows slowly relaxed. So Zhao Wujiang was merely a messenger. He knew his daughter loved reading, but until now, he had only seen her as extravagant and licentious, shameful to the Li royal family’s traditions. He had not expected she cared about Great Xia’s honor.

“Send a royal decree to the Treasure Pavilion to select appropriate treasures for the Eldest Princess to send to Zhaohe Palace.”

A respectful reply came from the chief eunuch outside the chamber.

Li Zaiyuan then looked at Long Zhan. “You performed well today and upheld Great Xia’s dignity. Go receive your reward.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Long Zhan cupped his fists and left, filled with resentment. Today’s outcome was far from what he had expected. The spotlight should have been on him. The emperor’s intention was clear—to have him show off before the Seventh Princess and the Hansang envoy.

He had even been thinking of whether he could take the beautiful envoy to bed, and later have the two women—Seventh Princess and the envoy—serve him together in passion. But all this was ruined by that bastard Zhao Wujiang.

Damn it! Zhao Wujiang, just wait!

Seeing Long Zhan glance at him before leaving, Zhao Wujiang sighed inwardly. I didn’t want this either. It was Li Yunrui who forced me to show off.

This destined protagonist probably wants to bite me to death now.

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“Zhao Wujiang...”

Li Zaiyuan’s gaze finally returned to Zhao Wujiang, his expression somewhat complex. “You performed quite well too. You may leave now.”

Li Yunrui frowned slightly. Father was too unfair! Even Long Zhan, who was useless, received a reward. Why shouldn’t Zhao Wujiang?

Zhao Wujiang certainly noticed this. He probably was still not favored by the emperor. Without changing expression, he respectfully saluted and left.

After Zhao Wujiang left, Li Yunrui couldn’t help but say, “Father... Zhao Wujiang did contribute! He is loyal to you, filial, and humble...”

Seeing his daughter’s clear favor toward Zhao Wujiang, Li Zaiyuan rubbed his brow. He wasn’t blind to her feelings.

To be honest, he was very satisfied with Zhao Wujiang’s performance today.

However...

If Zhao Wujiang truly became the prince consort and rose rapidly, becoming another powerful Northern Pacifier Marquis who might threaten the throne?

Some things were best crushed in the cradle!

Elsewhere,

Zhao Wujiang had barely stepped into the Northern Pacifier Marquis’s mansion when the old steward hurried over.

“Your Highness, the Eldest Princess’s residence sent some gold, silver, jewels, and intricate toys, saying it’s to thank you.”

A delicate figure sitting quietly in front rose and nodded slightly to Zhao Wujiang.

She was the Eldest Princess’s trusted attendant, Xiao Lan, about eighteen years old, beautiful and charming.

“My mistress instructed me to tell you, you are one of us from now on.”