Chapter 116: Chapter 112: Unwitting Confession

Shen Jingxian had no idea that the green tea tactics she just mimicked out of curiosity unknowingly helped a lost youth regain his senses.

The mind is a wonderful thing, which Shen Ming originally lacked, hence being led around by Song Yun.

But now, under a great desire to survive, Shen Ming’s head itched, and he finally started thinking.

He quickly assessed the current situation, then looked seriously at Song Yun, who was still kneeling on the ground, looking pitifully at him. “Yun’er, although I trust you, there must be some hidden truths behind this second stanza. Tell me everything quickly!”

Then he looked eagerly at Shen Jingxian, “Your Highness… no, my dear cousin! We share the same bloodline, how could I not trust you? I just wanted to test our rapport, but didn’t expect you to take it seriously… Of course, I do not blame you, it’s all my fault!”

Shen Ming’s attitude was truly sincere in recognizing his mistakes, though he couldn’t help but be a bit glib, it was clear that his desire to live was really strong.

Shen Jingxian was bewildered, what’s going on with this Shen Ming, has he gone mad?

Or has the green tea power finally overwhelmed his brain, causing an hysteria?

How could his attitude change so quickly?

It wasn’t just Shen Jingxian who couldn’t make sense of it, Song Yun, Shen Ming’s cronies, and even the common scholars who entered by chance couldn’t understand.

So this is what it’s like to be a noble? Truly, as the rumors say, they change their face faster than flipping a book.

Shen Jingxian couldn’t understand, so she simply chose not to think about it, and continued with her original plan to expose the green tea’s tricks, “Since cousin says there’s some misunderstanding here, Song Yun, why don’t you explain?”

That simple sentence from Shen Jingxian, seemingly inviting Song Yun to explain, was actually subtly reminding her: the difference in status between a princess and a common girl means that you can only speak when a princess allows it, otherwise, keep your mouth shut, don’t presume to be someone just because you’ve latched onto Shen Ming.

Song Yun naturally understood, but she couldn’t afford to brood over it. She had to think of a way to pass this blame back onto the princess.

Most people present were Shen Ming and his cronies, who long resided in the Capital, soaked under imperial power, bearing a deep-rooted reverence.

However, among them were also scholars from other provinces here for the Imperial Exam. Song Yun noticed several from provincial regions whom Shen Jingxian had named earlier.

These people could be leveraged.

Song Yun was going to gamble that there would indeed be justice-seeking scholars among them. Even if she were to lose, she would drag the princess down with her.

A common girl? So what if she was a common girl?

If her status as a common girl wasn’t respectable and couldn’t be presented in public, then what does it mean when a princess resorts to such lowly means to frame a common girl… isn’t that just as… degrading?

“What is there for Song Yun to explain? The answer is already in your hearts, numerous considerations, numerous schemings, outweigh any so-called truth, what makes the truth the truth? Song Yun… has nothing to say.”

These words were neither wretchedly pitiful nor coquettish. Standing tall, Song Yun exhibited the “integrity” of a scholar. Her back remained unbowed, even when facing a princess.

At this point, Shen Jingxian reached a new conclusion.

Song Yun can act perfectly invisible, impressive.

With such an attitude, without knowing the truth, even I would be moved. If any naive youngster were here, they might genuinely be deceived.

And indeed, Shen Jingxian guessed correctly. Shortly after Song Yun’s words, someone was moved by her unyielding spirit, yet not everyone lacked sense. Though that person was suspicious, they wouldn’t offend the princess for a stranger. Just to offer help, they made a suggestion, “Your Highness, I have a proposal.”

The person politely refrained from stating it outright, waiting with cupped hands, which greatly increased Shen Jingxian’s goodwill towards them.

This wasn’t the kind of vanity gained from trampling on others, but a sense of meeting a normal person.

She felt like she hadn’t encountered a normal person since arriving here. Everyone either thought too highly of themselves or failed to grasp priorities.

“Please speak freely.”

“The dispute between Your Highness and Miss Song is over the first and second stanzas of a poem. Every person’s poetic style has traces to follow. As long as both compose a scenic poem, we can judge based on style, and the truth will be clear.”

That indeed was the best solution.

If Shen Jingxian agreed, she could not only expose Song Yun’s false reputation but also seize the chance for her own notoriety.

But Shen Jingxian didn’t want such fame, for it would cause many troubles. She didn’t want to spend every future opportunity being asked to compose poetry.

“I never said this poem was written by me.”

The person seemed puzzled, if not composed by the princess, then by whom? If it were someone else, wouldn’t it imply…

Originally, some speculated that the second stanza provided by the princess was her own work, aiming to suppress Song Yun’s title as the Capital’s foremost talented woman and replace it.

After all, these people weren’t aware of the tangled matters between Song Yun and Song Yan, and even if they did, they wouldn’t imagine a dignified princess would retaliate against an official’s daughter.

The speculated reason for the princess making things difficult for Song Yun was to seize the title of the foremost talented woman. Once it was confirmed that Song Yun stole poems, the princess would not only gain fame via this poem but could also expel Song Yun from these circles.

But now the princess said the poem was composed by someone else… then this incident offers no benefits to the princess.

A person is most impartial when there is no vested interest with anyone present.

Now everyone was generally willing to believe Shen Jingxian’s words. Meanwhile, they looked at Song Yun with an odd expression.

If someone else composed it, wouldn’t it be blatantly suggesting Song Yun plagiarized? Not even completing the plagiarism.

Seeing her words had achieved the intended effect, Shen Jingxian continued, “Besides, there’s no need for such hassle. I and Miss Song only need to describe the scene depicted in the poem and discerning individuals shall see the truth.”

Shen Jingxian’s words were met with unanimous agreement.

She turned back to Song Yun, “Please, Miss Song.”

Song Yun glared at that person angrily, how useless they were, letting the princess turn matters back easily.

Left with no choice, Song Yun forged ahead with a stiff neck.

But she only ever took poems and ran, never understanding the meaning behind them, making it impossible to explain that meaning. She barely managed some incoherent babble before noticing people’s eyes around her turning disdainful.

So she shut her mouth.

Shen Jingxian chuckled, “This poem was written by a friend of mine who, upon seeing a snowy scene, was inspired. The meaning is that in the cold weather, the clouds above the mountains seem frozen, the pure white snow consolidates the rivers and mountains.

Though it appears beautiful, the scenery is a fragile painting, seemingly blown awry by the wind.

Snowflakes scatter all around, as if the earth doesn’t need makeup but has still put on heavy makeup.

Looking at the sun about to set, there is a twinge of remorse, for there was no beautiful morning glow, nor will there be the twilight’s rainbow encounter.”

“Since Miss Song has already admitted it without force, I won’t waste any more words. But my friend’s poem isn’t so easily taken, Miss Song, you better be prepared.”

Shen Jingxian stood up to leave, without greeting Shen Ming or saying anything to Gong Yu. She didn’t need anyone’s permission to leave.

Just as she passed Pan Jiaojiao, she gave her a symbolic nod and noticed Pan Jiaojiao looking at her in a rather peculiar way.

At this moment, Pan Jiaojiao thought: The princess is so cool!! Wow!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep