Volume One, Chapter Nine: The Enchanting Princess Royal

“My view is that the Great Xia Dynasty may negotiate peace, but must not offer any concessions.” Li Zaiyuan cast an approving glance at Zhao Wujiang as he spoke.

Chiye Rizhao seemed to have anticipated that the Great Xia would not easily compromise.

“The matter of the treaty involves many complexities. Here in the study, surrounded by the refined atmosphere of books and scholarly grace, why not first discuss something more elegant?” Chiye Rizhao shifted the topic and paced back and forth. “Just a few days ago, I composed a line of poetry but could not think of the next. I have long heard that Great Xia is a treasure trove of literary talent, a place where many scholars emerge.”

Zhao Wujiang stood beside them, bored and disinterested.

He knew this was following the original storyline.

Next, Chiye Rizhao would attempt to assert cultural superiority, and it would be Long Zhan’s turn to show off.

Only, in the original story, Chiye Rizhao had already met his end by this point; he was merely present now.

But even being present, one could pretend to be dead.

Chiye Rizhao gently curled his lips. As a renowned talented woman of Hansang, a surge of pride swelled within her heart. She felt increasingly determined to suppress Great Xia with her literary brilliance.

She straightened her posture, the ample curves of her figure rising slightly, her voice clear and cold as she recited half a verse of poetry:

“To befriend all the wise and noble throughout the world… I wonder if anyone here can help me complete the next line?”

[So it really was this line. I wonder where that damned original author copied it from. I recall the next line is…]

[Often the master of rivers, mountains, mist, and moon.]

Zhao Wujiang muttered to himself, lifting his head to meet Li Yunrui’s gaze.

[Huh? Why is Li Yunrui staring at me like that?]

[Looks like he’s about to trap me again. No, I must avoid the trouble.]

“Zhao—” Li Yunrui was about to call out to him.

But Zhao Wujiang immediately bowed to Li Zaiyuan and said, “Your Majesty, I suddenly feel unwell and wish to excuse myself…”

Li Zaiyuan glanced at Zhao Wujiang.

Knowing Zhao usually shirked responsibility and likely could not come up with the next line, it was better he leave now than embarrass himself here.

“Granted.”

Zhao Wujiang lowered his head and left the imperial study.

Long Zhan snorted coldly in his heart.

Running away again?

Heh.

Zhao Wujiang’s cowardice only deepened his disdain.

Chiye Rizhao’s lips curved into a faint smile.

The only son of the Northern Guard Prince—the more timid he was, the more reassured she felt.

Only Li Yunrui pursed her lips.

She had heard Zhao Wujiang’s inner thoughts.

He had no desire for the spotlight.

“To befriend all the wise and noble throughout the world, often the master of rivers, mountains, mist, and moon…”

Hadn’t Zhao just recited the next line himself?

Truly a man who conceals his talents.

Low-profile, yet so gifted!

After leaving the study, Zhao Wujiang wandered into a garden.

Within the garden, flowers competed in vivid splendor.

“The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be struck by the wind, and flowers are no different…”

Zhao Wujiang plucked the most radiant flower, murmuring softly.

“Who are you? How come you are in this imperial garden?”

Hearing the interrogation, Zhao Wujiang glanced sideways.

Not far off stood a slender woman, her graceful figure unmistakable.

At first glance, she seemed a young lady, but on closer inspection, faint traces of time were etched upon her delicate face.

She was, in fact, a stunning young noblewoman.

“Zhao… Wujiang?”

The noblewoman scrutinized Zhao Wujiang, then recognized him.

This man, who had disturbed her flower viewing, was the deceased Northern Guard Prince’s only son.

A despicable scoundrel with a notorious reputation.

The noblewoman snorted lightly.

[Even just appreciating flowers, I encounter Li Zaiyuan’s sister, Li Zhaohua?]

[As rumored, Li Zhaohua is indeed quite flirtatious.]

[Though the harem consists only of eunuchs and women, occasionally there are ministers summoned by the emperor’s consent.]

[This flirtatious woman wears only a sheer dress, through which lotus flowers embroidered on her corset are visible…]

Zhao Wujiang recalled who this noblewoman was.

He leisurely greeted her, “Greetings, Princess.”

But Li Zhaohua said nothing, her entire being frozen.

Zhao Wujiang had spoken only a few words, so how had she heard so much of his inner thoughts?

Strange indeed.

[Why is she suddenly staring at me so intently? Has she set her sights on me?]

[I heard this flirtatious woman keeps many male pets in her residence… none have ever left alive.]

[Without a husband’s family and never married off, she has always guarded her lonely chambers.]

[Now, at an age fierce as a tigress, she must long desperately for a man!]

[No, I must slip away before she fixes her sights on me!]

Zhao Wujiang clasped his hands and said, “I don’t wish to disturb the princess’s amusement; I shall take my leave.”

“Wait!”

Li Zhaohua hurried forward, blocking Zhao Wujiang’s path, her face full of menace, eyes wide with surprise.

She was certain she could hear Zhao Wujiang’s inner voice!

But she could not ponder the reason, for his thoughts angered her greatly!

What did he mean by saying she longed for a man?

I, Li Zhaohua, born with divine beauty and noble as the eldest princess, can have any man I desire!

That brat is speaking nonsense!

The more Li Zhaohua thought, the angrier she grew, yet since she had only heard his thoughts and had no proof, she could not directly confront Zhao Wujiang.

“Wujiang, the Northern Guard Prince was loyal to the nation, fought in the northern borders, guarded the Li family’s realm, and earned great merits, yet he perished there. I deeply mourn his passing.”

Li Zhaohua grabbed Zhao Wujiang’s wrist, her tone filled with the concern of an elder: “I wonder if, during this time, the Northern Guard Prince’s household has been well?”

“Thank you for your concern, Princess. The Northern Guard Prince’s household is well.”

[Well… hah, well my foot!]

[If your suspicious Li royal family weren’t so paranoid, would I have to live like this?]

[Just wait! Sooner or later, Li Zaiyuan will learn of your secret military drills!]

[Then you can watch them tear each other apart!]

Zhao Wujiang’s face was filled with feigned gratitude.

But Li Zhaohua stared at him intently.

Her mind buzzed.

Had the secret she had hidden for so long been discovered by Zhao Wujiang?

She gripped his wrist tightly.

Now, only two paths lay before her:

Kill Zhao Wujiang!

Or, take him for her own use!