Chapter 22 She still dared to speak ill of him in front of His Highness?
Li Yuanzhao asked, "I heard that you've only been home for two months, yet you've already made your stepmother lose control of the household and even set some rules for your younger siblings?"
Su Qingci was taken aback, not expecting that His Highness even knew about these trivial matters of the inner quarters.
She actually wanted to bring it up herself, but when the words came to her lips, she felt that family matters were too trivial and might offend His Highness's ears.
But I never expected that His Highness knew all of this.
She actually cares about me so much.
"It's all thanks to His Highness's token that everything went so smoothly."
Li Yuanzhao said calmly, "No need to be modest, you do have some skills."
She likes people like that very much.
Su Qingci mustered her courage and said, "Your Highness has saved me many times, and I am truly grateful. I always want to repay you, but I don't know how."
Li Yuanzhao looked at her and said, "I happen to need someone like you by my side. Would you be willing to come and serve as a manager for me?"
Su Qingci looked up abruptly, her eyes filled with disbelief.
Although the people of the Great Qi Dynasty were open-minded, women were still not allowed to serve as officials in the court.
The only ones who could touch the edge of power were women of exceptional talent, who would be allowed to serve as palace officials and be granted the position of scholar or steward.
Just like Madam Wei, who was appointed as a scholar of the Zhaowen Pavilion because of her unparalleled knowledge in the capital, she was in charge of revising classics such as "Rules for Women" and "Biographies of Exemplary Women" and was responsible for educating princesses and instructing concubines.
She always considered herself no less capable than a man, harboring ambitions to govern the world and benefit the people, but was troubled by being a woman and could only be confined to the inner quarters.
She has only been back in the capital for two months, yet she has already gained the favor of the Princess, who has given her such a chance to defy fate.
She was almost in tears, and immediately knelt down to express her gratitude, "Thank you, Your Highness! This subject... this subject will certainly not fail Your Highness's expectations!"
Li Yuanzhao looked at Su Qingci lying on the ground and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
This chess piece ultimately belongs to her.
Although the people around could not hear the conversation in the main seat, they saw Su Qingci trembling with excitement as she knelt down to express her gratitude, and they all secretly wondered what enormous benefit the princess had promised.
Du Cong watched from afar, the light in his eyes dimming, and he unconsciously tightened his grip on the glass cup in his hand.
Chen Yanqing listened in stunned silence.
This Miss Su only wrote one outstanding poem, yet she received so many rewards from the Princess, and even got a position as a steward.
Although this position is not a formal official post, in the Great Qi Dynasty, it is an excellent stepping stone for scholars to advance their careers.
Countless students who have studied diligently for years dream of such a position, and all they seek by currying favor with powerful families is a mere managerial post.
In that instant, he actually felt a deep sense of jealousy towards this woman whom he had previously admired.
Why shouldn't Li Yuanzhao give him this opportunity?
Is he really that bad? Is he really only fit to be a lowly bodyguard by her side?
The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he felt, and before he knew it, he was glaring angrily at Su Qingci.
Su Qingci was basking in the joy of receiving the position of manager when she suddenly sensed an unfriendly gaze.
She turned her head in confusion, only to meet Chen Yanqing's resentful eyes, leaving her somewhat bewildered.
I don't know this guard at all, so why is he looking at me like that?
Li Yuanzhao noticed the unusual interaction between the two and casually asked, "What's wrong?"
Su Qingci answered hesitantly, "This guard..."
Li Yuanzhao frowned slightly.
Is this the charm of the chosen one? Even without the hero-saves-the-damsel-in-distress trope, Su Qingci would still fall in love with him.
Su Qingci continued, her tone tinged with doubt, "She looks so frail, as if she can't lift a finger or carry anything heavy. Can she really protect His Highness?"
Li Yuanzhao was taken aback at first, then curled his lips into a slight smile and said casually, "Not bad."
Upon hearing this, Chen Yanqing became even more furious, his face turning red with anger.
He didn't mind that she was thin and small, yet she dared to speak ill of him in front of His Highness?
To say he's weak? To say he can't lift anything with his hands or carry anything on his shoulders?
He has genuinely practiced martial arts; ordinary people, even three or five, cannot get close to him!
I must be more wary of this scheming woman in the future.
Seeing that the princess didn't take it seriously, Su Qingci didn't say anything more, but her impression of Chen Yanqing worsened.
A hint of amusement flashed in Li Yuanzhao's eyes as he looked at the two of them.
She waved her hand and said to Su Qingci, "You can go back now. Report to Wenhua Hall in three days."
Su Qingci quickly bowed and said, "Thank you, Princess."
After saying that, she glanced at Chen Yanqing again, then turned and left.
Chen Yanqing watched Su Qingci's retreating figure, snorted coldly, and her anger had not yet subsided.
Li Yuanzhao glanced at him and asked casually, "What are you angry about?"
Chen Yanqing then realized that his loss of composure in front of the princess was a bit too much.
He instantly thought of how terrifying Li Yuanzhao was and unconsciously shrank back.
He lowered his eyes and replied softly, "Your Highness is mistaken. I just think... Your Highness is very generous."
Anyone could hear the sour undertone in those words.
Li Yuanzhao naturally knew what this person was thinking.
He simply felt that he was too capable to be a mere bodyguard by her side.
However, she was in a good mood today, and seeing his obedient and apologetic appearance, she patiently said, "If you like, I will reward you with one as well."
Chen Yanqing's eyes lit up instantly.
The grievances and dissatisfaction from before vanished instantly, leaving only joy.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Seeing his beaming face, Li Yuanzhao simply gave a faint "hmm" and said nothing more.
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