Chapter 40

“Mr. Gu, the Xiongnu mentioned in the poem are metaphorical for the traitorous enemies from the North, and as for the ‘undetermined river,’ that was my own invention.”

As Meng Guxue spoke, she felt a little uneasy.

From the time she arrived until now, she hadn’t had the inclination to look at any geographical books. How was she supposed to know whether there was a river between the Great Yong Dynasty and the Northern Kingdom?

Would using “undetermined river” instead of “Wuding River” really make much of a difference?

Mr. Gu furrowed his brows slightly upon hearing this.

Indeed, there was a river at the border between the Great Yong Dynasty and the Northern Kingdom. Coincidentally, it was called the “Wuding River.”

Every citizen of the Great Yong Dynasty should know about the Victory of Wuding, a decisive battle that turned the tide of war, making the Wuding River famous.

For Miss Meng to change “Wuding” to “undetermined,” upon closer examination, was an inappropriate act.

When everyone heard Mr. Gu recite the poem earlier, they subconsciously assumed it was “pitiful bones by the Wuding River.” Now that they heard it was “undetermined,” their expressions subtly changed.

Qiao Jiaojiao noticed the change in the atmosphere and pondered for a moment before suddenly clapping her hands.

“Oh dear, I almost forgot about my father’s great achievements! The Victory of Wuding!”

“Oh no, the female lead is a bit unlucky. On a small scale, it’s because she’s ignorant and doesn’t even know about the Wuding River. On a larger scale, there’s even a possibility of being caught up in a political struggle!”

“Now let’s see what attitude the Crown Prince will take.”

Obviously, at this moment, everyone’s thoughts were similar to Qiao Jiaojiao’s. They all looked towards the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince sat calmly at the head of the table and, seeing the situation, spoke slowly, “Miss Meng, you don’t know about the Wuding River?”

Meng Guxue hadn’t expected the Crown Prince to speak to her directly, but judging from everyone’s expressions and the atmosphere, she wasn’t delusional enough to think that the Crown Prince was impressed by her.

The Wuding River?

So there was a river called the Wuding River in the Great Yong Dynasty?

Meng Guxue’s expression of confusion looked genuine, and the Crown Prince understood.

He withdrew his gaze, and calmly said, “Miss Meng’s poetic talent is remarkable and rare, but a truly knowledgeable person should not be limited to just flowery language and beautiful verses. They should also study the past and present, hold their country in their heart, and not forget their duties.”

As the Crown Prince’s words fell, the hall fell silent.

Everyone’s expressions were solemn, mixed with a hint of fear, making Meng Guxue feel a sense of suffocation.

This was the first time she had experienced the majesty of the imperial family in this unfamiliar era.

Simply sitting there quietly, the Crown Prince exuded a strong sense of oppression.

At this moment, Meng Guxue’s legs were trembling, and she unknowingly broke out in a cold sweat on her back.

She had a premonition that if she had shown any sign of having heard of the Wuding River just now, she might have been dragged away on the spot…

“Mr. Gu, let the poetry festival continue. Miss Meng’s poetic talent is still worthy of recognition.”

With the Crown Prince’s final word, the atmosphere in the hall gradually relaxed.

After all, the fact that Meng Guxue wrote “undetermined river” instead of “Wuding River” was enough to prove that this poem did indeed come from Meng Guxue’s own hand.

Meng Guxue sat back down anxiously, unable to understand why things always seemed to take unexpected turns. Wasn’t there ever a smooth situation?

At this moment, her legs were still weak!

But regardless, Meng Guxue’s poetic talent had received recognition from the Crown Prince, and she had suddenly entered the sight of everyone.

Afterwards, many more people’s verses were selected for appreciation, but none were as stunning as Meng Guxue’s.

Qiao Jiaojiao grew bored after watching for a while. She looked around animatedly, her lively demeanor reminding the Crown Prince of the West Prince when he was young.

“Come over here, Jiaojiao.”

He reached out to Qiao Jiaojiao.

Qiao Jiaojiao was also happy to build a good relationship with the Crown Prince. She giggled as she snuggled into the Crown Prince’s arms, occasionally poking his face or tugging at his sleeve.

The Crown Prince’s brows softened, showing great indulgence. This scene, seen by everyone, couldn’t help but make them marvel silently.

The Crown Prince was indeed too doting on this Qiao family servant girl!

Meng Guxue quietly observed the Crown Prince’s side, and seeing the carefree smile on Qiao Jiaojiao’s face, she couldn’t help but feel envious, feeling a sourness in her heart.

That’s why reincarnation is such a skillful thing.

If only she had transmigrated into the body of this Miss Qiao, everyone would cherish and dote on her. Then, who wouldn’t she be able to choose among men in the future?

Meng Guxue was too preoccupied with envying and resenting Qiao Jiaojiao, unaware that a pair of somewhat resentful eyes were closely watching her!

At noon, when it was time for lunch, the first half of the poetry festival came to a halt.

There weren’t many formalities when one was away from home, so the Crown Prince called upon the Qiao brothers, Qiao Tianjing and Qiao Diyi, to have lunch with him.

Qiao Diyi glanced at the Crown Prince, with no intention of letting go of Qiao Jiaojiao. He couldn’t help but wonder.

Being straightforward, he blurted out, “Brother Shen, aren’t you afraid that little sister will wet you?”

Qiao Jiaojiao: “…”

“I won’t pee randomly!”

Qiao Tianjing and Qiao Diyi: We don’t believe you.

The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow and smiled, “It’s fine, I brought along two spare sets of clothes.”

Qiao Diyi: “…”

It seemed the Crown Prince came prepared…

“Your Highness! Your Highness, please wait!”

Suddenly, a soft call came from behind.

The Crown Prince turned around and saw Sheng Mingcheng hurrying over, with a somewhat anxious expression on his face.

Qiao Jiaojiao followed the Crown Prince’s raised eyebrow with curiosity.

“What does Sheng Mingcheng want with the Crown Prince?”

Seeing the Crown Prince stop, Sheng Mingcheng let out a sigh of relief and glanced at Qiao Tianjing and Qiao Diyi beside him. With some hesitation on his face, he said, “Your Highness, could you please spare a moment for me to speak with you?”

Qiao Jiaojiao was now extremely curious.

“Your Highness, please agree! Let’s see what scheme Sheng Mingcheng is up to!”

The Crown Prince thought of Sheng Xiuran being one of the candidates for the Crown Princess, so he nodded slowly.

“Let’s walk forward a bit. Eldest and second brother, wait here for me.”

Qiao Diyi was about to remind the Crown Prince as he saw him leaving with Qiao Jiaojiao in his arms, but Qiao Tianjing held onto Qiao Diyi’s sleeve.

“Let little sister go along.”

This way, they could find out what Sheng Mingcheng was up to.

Qiao Diyi realized this belatedly. Right!

When they arrived not far from a peach tree, the Crown Prince’s expression was indifferent. “What does Mr. Sheng want to discuss with this Prince?”

Sheng Mingcheng looked uneasy, licking his lips nervously before bowing and speaking up.

“Your Highness, I wish to seek a favor from you!”

The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow slightly. “Let’s hear it.”

Sheng Mingcheng’s face lit up with joy, eager to speak. “Your Highness, I am fond of Miss Xiao from the Hussar’s General’s Family. I would like to trouble Your Highness to speak favorably to His Majesty on behalf of me and Miss Xiao, to arrange our marriage!”

Qiao Jiaojiao: ???

“What in the world? Sheng Mingcheng is suddenly acting like a pure-hearted young boy? Wasn’t he supposed to be the playboy character? Besides, he has a bunch of concubines at home!”

Sheng Mingcheng licked his lips nervously and then bowed, speaking up.

“Your Highness, I want to ask for a favor! I hope Your Highness can speak to His Majesty on behalf of me and Miss Xiao from the Hussar’s General’s Family and arrange for our marriage!”

Qiao Jiaojiao: ???

“What? Sheng Mingcheng has come to steal a wife in front of the main character! Haha, this is going to be interesting!”