Ignoring Xiao Yanzi's attempts to stop her, Ziwei smiled and revealed the reason. The truth had already been revealed, and Xiao Yanzi's attempts to stop her were futile.

"Hahaha--"

"Hmph~, you guys, laugh all you want. Don't you find it boring without me, Little Swallow?"

Seeing the people laughing heartily in the other carriage, Little Swallow gave up struggling.

For some reason, she always cared about her feelings, didn't want to see her unhappy, and didn't want to see her get hurt.

Throughout the journey, there was constant singing; Ziwei's voice is truly excellent, and she never seemed to tire of singing the whole way.

...

We walked and stopped along the way until we arrived at Longshan Temple.

"Little Swallow, Niannian, Qing'er, Ziwei, how about I give you a riddle to guess?"

Looking at the scenery around him, the emperor was in high spirits.

"ah?!"

Xiao Yanzi and Shen Nian spoke at the same time, moving towards each other in perfect unison, silently leaning against each other, and slowly shrinking back.

This situation is clearly not suitable for the two of them. It's all about letting them realize their true abilities. Of the thirty-six stratagems, the best is to be modest.

A group of people behind them watched the two princesses' supposedly subtle actions with amusement in their eyes.

"You two, where are you hiding? Come back here."

The emperor, who was standing to the side, saw what the two were doing. He glanced at the two girls beside him, who looked completely bewildered, and spoke softly. The two girls, who were holding hands, tightened their grip. They couldn't escape it after all!

"Master, this isn't suitable for us. If you're going to sell it, just give it to Ziwei and Qing'er. Don't torture me and Niannian."

Seeing Chen Nian's dire expression, Xiao Yanzi squeezed his hand and pleaded with the Emperor.

"Sir, please stop giving them riddles! Look at their expressions, you've scared them!"

Yongqi also came out to help Xiaoyanzi.

"It's all about participation, it's not too difficult. Give it a try, and you can witness Master Ji's achievements, right, Xiaolan?"

The Emperor waved his fan and spoke leisurely.

"What you say is true, sir. I'd also like to see what you two have accomplished; I'm quite looking forward to it."

Master Ji walked from the back to the front, looking at the two with anticipation on his face.

Chen Nian: ..., sob sob~, she came out to have fun, not to be tested.

Shen Nian felt incredibly sad, especially since Master Ji was looking at him with his small eyes full of expectation.

She couldn't understand why only she was being questioned, since both she and Xiao Yanzi were supposed to be tested.

With one hand holding Qing'er and the other pulling Xiao Yanzi, Chen Nian looked up at Ertai helplessly, on the verge of tears.

As a mediocre student, the feeling of having a teacher who doesn't know your true level but looks at you with high expectations, believing you can definitely succeed, is something only a teacher can understand. That's exactly how she feels right now.

and……

For some unknown reason, fear appeared in Chen Nian's eyes.

Upon receiving Chen Nian's plea for help, Ertai stepped forward, stood behind Chen Nian, and quietly slipped her a piece of candy.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here."

Qing'er patted Chen Nian's hand, "Don't worry, I'm here, don't be afraid."

Qing'er also sensed the fear emanating from Shen Nian and gently comforted him.

Seeing the fear in Chen Nian's eyes, Xiao Yanzi took Chen Nian's hand and shook it, "Don't worry, I'm here to hold the line. If anyone should answer, it'll be me going first."

"Um."

Shen Nian responded softly, and looking at the people surrounding him, the fear in Shen Nian's eyes lessened considerably.

...