Chapter 109: Chapter 105: Princess, Princess, Praise Me Quickly!

Shen Jingxian raised an eyebrow; history has a striking tendency to repeat itself.

Recalling that day at her birthday party, Shen Ming protected Song Yun in the same manner.

Back then, Shen Ming had been deceived by Song Yun once, and it’s surprising that after all these years, Shen Ming still hasn’t learned.

However, Shen Jingxian’s goal had already been achieved; from the moment Song Yun didn’t answer her question earlier, she had already won.

Soon, everyone would know that the most talented woman in the capital was nothing but an empty reputation.

In fact, Shen Jingxian still had to thank Song Yan. If it weren’t for her studying with Song Yan for the recent exams and being intrigued by the Advanced Scholars’ past exams, she wouldn’t have been bored enough to ask the Emperor for this year’s Scholar exam paper.

As luck would have it, many of the people involved were long-term residents of the capital. Shen Jingxian thought these individuals might prove useful to her in the future and thus procured their portraits.

The portraits were quite abstract, and Shen Jingxian couldn’t believe that anyone would look so peculiar. Out of boredom, she had her Hidden Guard bring each one to the palace to see, and after that, they were naturally sent back.

Just now, these people thought they had never met the Princess, but actually, at some unknown time, within the span of a brief nap, they had been taken on a tour of the Imperial Palace by her Hidden Guard.

With Shen Ming’s arrival, Shen Jingxian would certainly afford Song Yun some respect. How could she bolster her image as understanding and thoughtful without it?

Shen Jingxian smiled apologetically and sincerely said to Song Yun, “Cousin, what are you talking about? It was Yi Fen’s fault. Just now, he mistook this Miss Song Yun for a maid, which was indeed inappropriate. Yi Fen should apologize to Miss Song.”

Shen Ming was taken aback by Shen Jingxian’s words. He originally thought Shen Jingxian was deliberately making Song Yun uncomfortable. To give Song Yun a hard time was also unbearable for him, which is why he spoke somewhat forcefully as a cousin. Yet, he hadn’t expected the Princess to actually apologize to Song Yun?

One must admit, this move showed that the Princess was giving Shen Ming considerable respect; Shen Ming also achieved his goal of protecting Song Yun, though he wasn’t truly happy.

The idea of a Princess apologizing to a concubine-born daughter seemed absurd. Interestingly, Song Yun was simply too ignorant.

The Princess taught her a lesson that she should endure. How could she dare retort to the Princess, unaware of her status?

How could a concubine-born daughter expect the Princess to remember her? It seems he truly has pampered her too much.

Song Yun was unaware that her standing in Shen Ming’s heart had taken a nosedive following Shen Jingxian’s words. She secretly rejoiced at the Princess’s concession to her.

Indeed, as long as she followed Shen Ming, even the Princess wouldn’t have a way to handle her.

This firmed Song Yun’s resolution to marry into the Prince Rong Mansion.

Song Yun subtly approached Shen Ming, using her wide sleeves to conceal them from the crowd, gently tugging at Shen Ming’s arm and whispered, “Thank you, Brother Ming.”

Song Yun’s allure was often subtle and inconspicuous; Shen Ming’s heart swayed at her calling him brother, but as soon as he looked up to see Shen Jingxian standing nearby, he snapped back to reality.

He stepped to the left, distancing himself from Song Yun, and then in a softened tone, addressed Shen Jingxian, “Yun’er made mistakes as well. She should have entered by exam as sister suggested. Since sister has spoken, Yun’er, take the exam and let sister see what you’re capable of.”

Ah, the little green tea has to do the exam now, what a delightful surprise. Having read the original text, Shen Jingxian knows that Song Yun lacks true talent—it’s all crafted by assistants.

How could she refuse?

“What are you talking about, Cousin? Since it was all a misunderstanding, Yi Fen won’t hold onto it. Besides, allowing Miss Song to showcase her abilities and silence the whispers is beneficial.”

Shen Jingxian’s words clearly sent Song Yun a message: do well, or your reputation as a talented woman will be gone.

Pan Jiaojiao was shocked, for to her, it seemed like Shen Jingxian and Song Yun had merely exchanged a few friendly words. Yet, why had the situation suddenly turned to Song Yun’s clear failure?

Wasn’t Brother Ming supposed to come down to help Song Yun? Why did he suddenly change his approach?

It’s so strange.

Pan Jiaojiao pondered over it but couldn’t figure it out and decided to ask the Princess later.

Recently, she had learned a new dance she could show the Princess. Hehe.

But then she remembered Song Yan was currently residing in the palace, souring her mood. She only wanted to perform for the Princess tomorrow, certainly not for Song Yan!

As Pan Jiaojiao was lost in a mess of thoughts, Song Yun had already approached the table filled with exam questions. Without any particular choice, she casually pointed and selected one.

To her, it seemed as though any question would be the same.

She exhibited the demeanor of a true expert!

Only Shen Jingxian noticed that Song Yun stiffened for a moment upon seeing the question.

Indeed, it’s said not to tackle tasks beyond your capabilities; without genuine talent, don’t try to show off.

Shen Jingxian amiably approached Song Yun, glancing at the question in her hand, “Compose a poem on plum blossoms. I imagine Miss Song can accomplish this quickly, right?”

What could Song Yun do? She could only nod with tears in her eyes.

Shen Jingxian was satisfied.

Composing a poem takes time, and Shen Jingxian didn’t want to miss a moment next to the little green tea. She intended to keep an eye on Song Yun to prevent her from causing trouble.

Looking at the questions, Shen Jingxian had an idea. She addressed Shen Ming, “Cousin, just now, I noticed these questions are all about objects and emotions without any concerning country affairs. Indeed, composing about objects and emotions can display one’s talent, but if one only knows how to compose about static things and private feelings, wouldn’t that be mere lamentation with no illness? What do you think, Cousin?”

What could Shen Ming think? This poetry contest was originally arranged for him and Song Yun to meet privately; the questions were written casually, how could they be serious?

You certainly wouldn’t expect topics about country affairs; if true intellectuals came, he and Song Yun would be exposed.

The crowd outside, standing there without entering, clearly perceived the low quality of these questions, feeling superior and reluctant to participate.

But now, with the Princess appearing, the situation was different. Observing the Princess’s attitude towards Prince Rong’s Princely Heir, surely she’d grace the contest with her presence. Consequently, now they desired to join!

Under the scrutiny of everyone, Shen Ming spoke with reluctance, “What kind of questions do you think should be set, Sister?”

How could Shen Jingxian accept this challenge? She shook her head and replied gently, “Yi Fen has no titles, how could I be qualified to set questions? It should be Cousin instead.”

Shen Ming was speechless; he had no titles either. He was destined to inherit the Prince’s Mansion, what need was there for titles!

Yet, now, he couldn’t openly say that, and could only go along with Shen Jingxian, setting several typical political topics that neither stood out nor posed risks.

Some talented individuals composed poems immediately upon hearing the topics; though Shen Jingxian couldn’t understand them, it didn’t prevent her from gazing at them with encouraging eyes.

Time passed gradually, everyone got into the swing of things, busily composing poems, but their eyes kept targeting the Princess, silently hinting: Princess, praise me!

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