In the end, although all the ministers received the treasures that were rightfully theirs, they did so at a considerable cost. All their anger and resentment were directed at Xiang Wan alone.
Lin Wushuang seized the opportunity to make a name for herself in front of the court officials and began to slowly establish herself.
After the court session, Hua De was extremely anxious and wanted to block Xiang Wan on the road to get to the bottom of things.
Xiang Wan saw her figure from afar and immediately climbed over the wall to leave, which angered Hua De, who then decided to have Tian Qing stay and guard Lin Wushuang.
I will not let Tianqing return home until I have explained it to her clearly!
That's just how strong-willed she is!
As soon as Zuo Yimei stepped out of the main hall, she was surrounded by a crowd.
Based on their past trust and Liu Dutong's reaction, they chose to believe her this time and spent a lot of money to redeem what was rightfully theirs.
If they don't find out exactly what happened, they might be enemies with Zuo Yimei for the rest of their lives!
That's just how reality is!
Zuo Yimei was also bitter. Why did Hua Wanqing have to choose her of all people?
All her treasures were broken, and she still owed the Second Princess a debt of gratitude; she had nowhere to turn to cry.
Everyone was asking questions all at once, and they had all rolled up their sleeves.
Zuo Yimei's lips twitched, and she said in a low voice, "Go back and check your things carefully, see if there are any notes."
Then, with a flick of his sleeve, he strode out of the palace, boarded his carriage, and sped away.
His movements were so fluid and graceful, it was as if a ghost was following him.
Although they didn't get the answer they wanted, it didn't stop them from going back to look for the items.
Once we find that note, we might be able to get Zuo Yimei to compensate them for all their losses.
After returning to his residence in the evening, he issued a series of orders, and within half a day, all the people of Huadu knew about the beauty pageant.
Such a grand event has not been held for many years; it was Empress Feng who proposed it.
Immediately, the people's opinion of Lin Wushuang changed.
By the time Xiang Wan had been lobbying brothels, aristocratic families, and ordinary people to participate, she had secured enough sponsorships.
After returning home, the courtiers racked their brains and searched through the treasures to find the slips of paper.
After looking at it, I burned it and breathed a sigh of relief.
The second princess knows a lot. Should we secretly get rid of her?
That was the only thought that came to their minds at that moment.
Such a dangerous idea must not be entertained!
Xiang Wan visited each of them in turn, explaining the pros and cons, the rights and wrongs, and guaranteeing that sponsoring the male beauty pageant would definitely bring in the money.
You won't agree?
It's okay, we still have our little notebooks.
She wouldn't mind investigating where the money came from from the beginning.
Damn it, the Second Princess is a devil!
At this moment, all the court officials missed their Emperor, Hua Xiangwan, dearly.
Reluctantly, everyone took out some money as a token of appreciation, and Xiang Wan solemnly wrote them IOUs.
Everyone suspected that this was yet another trap set by Xiang Wan, and some even tore the IOU to shreds in front of them.
Xiang Wan didn't react much; in any case, they would be the ones who suffered losses.
The beauty pageant was originally scheduled to be held in Huadu, but Xiang Wan somehow managed to turn it into a national event!
Could it be that the Second Princess has lost her bestial instincts and is using this opportunity to select beauties to keep by her side?
How come it's not much different from when the national leader was selected for the draft?
People across the country doubted Xiang Wan's motives, but with the hefty reward offered, some were still eager to try.
From local selections to competitions in various prefectures and counties, and finally to the final competition in Huadu, the participants didn't have to pay a single penny throughout the entire process. They were even reimbursed for travel and accommodation expenses, and the winners received prizes.
Many men who had longed for Huadu since childhood but were unable to fulfill their dreams due to poverty stepped onto the stage.
There are people for all kinds of purposes: striving for rankings, gaining fame, finding a wealthy husband, and simply showcasing their talents.
Many people with connections provided sponsorships, while those without connections did their best to showcase their talents. Merchants provided clothing, peddlers promoted their wares for free, and the public spent money to vote for their favorite men. It was an unprecedented spectacle.
Taking this opportunity, Xiang Wan transferred all the capable people in Huadu to various places, firstly to understand the actual situation in each place, and secondly to clean up the corrupt practices of local officials and promote capable people to take office.
What? All the honor belongs to the Second Princess?
No, it was the Empress who sent them; the Second Princess was merely following orders.
Lin Wushuang glanced at Xiang Wan, who had climbed over the wall and crawled into his bed in the dead of night, then ignored her, turned around, and closed his eyes.
She puts on airs in front of everyone, but once she gets back to the palace, she's completely unrespecting. Does she think he really wants to see her?
It would be better if they didn't come!
Xiang Wan knew he was angry and didn't want to talk to her, so she propped herself up and lightly pecked his earlobe, whispering, "The beauty pageant is about to end, and I'm afraid I have to go. I trust you with everything in the Flower Kingdom. When I return, I will surely grant you a lifetime of happiness."
The voice was right beside my ear, warm and soft, seeping into my heart.
Lin Wushuang's eyes flickered, and she turned to look at Xiang Wan. Her cool voice carried a gentle tone, but also a hint of reluctance. "If you don't come back, I'll wreak havoc on your Flower Kingdom and then find someone to marry."
"You dare?"
Xiang Wan's eyes were blazing with fire.
She worked so hard to get to where she is now, and Lin Wushuang thinks she can just walk away? She won't allow it!
Thinking of a certain function mentioned by the system, Xiang Wan's eyes darkened.
Just in case, she should tie up Lin Wushuang first.
Looking into those clear, cold eyes where her own reflection was mirrored, Xiang Wan chuckled softly, hugged his head, and kissed him.
The cool lips, the soft touch, and the warm breath—it was all perfect.
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