Chapter 62: Chapter 58: Something’s Off with You Guys

Hao Guang was a student in the same class as Shen Jingxian, and during their classes, Shen Jingxian often saw Hao Guang harassing Wen Ranchen, saying he wanted to have a literary duel with him, though Wen Ranchen never agreed.

Shen Jingxian could see that Wen Ranchen didn’t refuse because he was incapable, but simply because he was lazy.

So when Wen Ranchen used her as a shield, she never bothered to stop it.

But who would have thought, this persistent fellow actually came here to issue a challenge. It’s really quite persistent.

The Emperor found it interesting, on one hand thinking that this child, Hao Guang, was quite amusing, bold and outspoken, somewhat resembling a candid official.

On the other hand, he thought of Wen Ranchen. Wen Ranchen had been staying in the palace for three years, and his talent was unquestionable. He had self-studied to the point where he could compete with seasoned ministers in the court, a true genius among geniuses.

However, it seemed the students at the Imperial College were still unaware of this, even thinking Wen Ranchen had not made any progress.

A few days ago, Wen Jingming had talked to him about appointing a new Princely Heir. If today Wen Ranchen could show some brilliance, perhaps it might change Wen Jingming’s mind.

The Emperor knew Wen Jingming all too well.

This classmate of his, a General, admired strength.

As long as Wen Ranchen displayed enough strength, naturally, Wen Jingming would be pleased.

With this in mind, the Emperor didn’t give Wen Ranchen a chance to refuse, and directly approved, “I permit it!”

To further escalate the situation, the Emperor added, “A duel between just two isn’t that interesting. We could divide into two groups, males and females. Each group selects a winner, and then a final winner is chosen between them. How about that?”

Shen Jingxian’s eyes lit up upon hearing this!

She never forgot she held a Duke’s title herself, and wasn’t this the perfect opportunity to give away this hot potato!!

With Song Yan’s protagonist aura, Shen Jingxian had no doubt she would win in the female group. As for the male group, it would certainly be Wen Ranchen.

Wen Ranchen was graceful. Faced with Song Yan, he would definitely show leniency in the end, probably “narrowly losing” or reaching a draw.

After all, she understood Wen Ranchen too well. He didn’t like being in the limelight, and was a good kid now, knowing virtues and values, and being the male lead with a special bond with the female lead, there was no way he’d win over the female lead.

Seeing through everything, Shen Jingxian confidently said, “Father, Yi Fen wants to offer a gift to the final winner.”

“Of course, what would Yi Fen like to give?”

Shen Jingxian shook her head and smiled, “It’s a secret! Everyone will know soon!”

The Emperor smiled indulgently, “Since that’s the case, the Empress can set the first round’s topic.”

The Empress was knowledgeable, surely able to set a good start!

The Emperor thought so, holding great expectations for the Empress.

But the Empress spoke a topic no one expected, “Since His Majesty said so, I’ll set the topic. For the first question, tell us what the Princess likes or dislikes. Pass if you get it right.”

Emperor: …

“My dear… isn’t this a bit inappropriate…” the Emperor whispered, speaking softly to the Empress.

“There’s nothing wrong, the Princess’s birthday banquet shouldn’t let people outshine her, besides, the gift my child gives surely isn’t ordinary, naturally to be given to someone worthy.”

“My dear is right!”

“The Empress speaks well!”

“Well said, Empress!”

“Indeed, the Empress has thought of everything!”

Shen Jingxian wasn’t sure what happened, but suddenly everyone praised the Empress.

Then, the Empress made the final decision.

“So, let’s start with Ranchen.”

Wen Ranchen was seated with Shen Jingxian in the upper seats, so starting with him was fitting.

All eyes turned to them, but were quickly drawn to the Little Princess sitting next to Wen Ranchen.

Oh my! The Little Princess is drinking water! So pretty! The Little Princess pouted! So cute!!

As they say, a beauty can satisfy one’s hunger.

Someone was about to savor her meal to the Little Princess’s cuteness, but suddenly cried out, “Why is it so salty?!”

The Imperial Chef was immediately summoned by the Ministry of Rites, and the official in charge almost destroyed his reputation, asking if salt was free, the chef suddenly cried. Turns out he hadn’t added extra salt, he had just shed tears into the pot while being entranced by the Little Princess’s cuteness as he cooked.

Shen Jingxian didn’t know all this because Wen Ranchen began answering the question.

“His Highness likes to laugh.”

“Hm, indeed, next is… the Prime Minister’s son, Wu You.”

“The Princess likes to eat little green rice balls!”

Wu You responded quickly and very confidently.

But the Empress was stunned, because these little green rice balls were her special treats to coax the Princess, something only she knew how to make, none of the palace chefs could. How did Wu You know?

But the Empress wouldn’t ask, she just took a closer look at Wu You, hmm… good family background, heard his academic performance was fine too, but was perhaps a bit robust, would be better if he slimmed down.

Comparatively, Ranchen was still better, after all, he was a child raised by her side.

Forget it, once Er Ya grows up, she can choose herself, with such a cute daughter, having many admirers was to be expected.

Shen Jingxian suddenly sneezed.

Damn, who’s talking about me again?

Everyone: The sneezing Princess is also so cute!!!

“The Princess does like little green rice balls, next.”

“The Princess likes to play with ducks!”

“The Princess doesn’t like human-shaped dolls!”

“The Princess likes to eat pears!”

“The Princess likes to eat chicken!”

“The Princess’s favorite calligrapher is Yu Rang! And now the Princess’s brushwork also has the Yu Family’s style!”

Shen Jingxian felt awkward again.

She didn’t know who Yu Rang was, because her handwriting was taught by Wen Ranchen.

Shen Jingxian quietly asked Wen Ranchen, “Brother Chen, did you learn your calligraphy from Yu Rang?”

Wen Ranchen’s smile reached his eyes, his gaze still appearing vacant but it didn’t hinder him from exuding his charm as a handsome young man… no, beautiful child!

“Yes.”

But Your Highness, my calligraphy was influenced by the Yu Family, your lettering was indeed taught by me stroke by stroke.

Shen Jingxian didn’t realize the little plot in Wen Ranchen’s mind, only said yes when the Empress confirmed with her.

The responses so far were fairly normal.

Fellow classmates who usually interacted with the Princess were basically aware of what snacks the Princess liked to bring, what she liked to play with, and what she disliked.

Even those who were not her classmates had some idea since their parents often prepared little gifts for the Princess.

The male group finished answering without anyone being eliminated.

The Empress remained calm, as if she expected this, but the Emperor was very touched.

My Yi Fen! Truly loved by all!!!

Then, things became strange when the female group began answering.

“The Princess likes Qin’er’s hands, she says Qin’er’s hands look beautiful playing the zither～”

“Hm! His Highness also likes the mandarin ducks I embroidered!”

Shen Jingxian: Huh? Were those mandarin ducks? Weren’t they just two Psyducks??!!!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep