Zhao Yuanrou's eyes were panic-stricken.

She had never been as scared as she was at this moment.

It's not just fear, it's a fear that comes from the heart, a fear that a secret that has been hidden for a long time will be dug out by someone.

Zhao Yuanrou's lips were slightly open, and she was having trouble controlling her facial expression.

Anyone could see that she was panicking.

Sheng Xiyan stroked her sleeves casually and looked at Zhao Yuanrou with interest.

The poems she recited do not exist yet, but in the near future, they will become Zhao Yuanrou's poems, widely circulated and popular in the Great Rong Dynasty.

Logically speaking, these poems have not been completed yet, and Zhao Yuanrou could not have known about them in advance.

However, every time she read a sentence, Zhao Yuanrou's face became uglier. It was obvious that Zhao Yuanrou knew it!

It's really interesting!

Could it be that Zhao Yuanrou really had an ancient book, an ancient book that no one had ever known about, and these wonderful poems all came from this ancient book?

Or maybe Zhao Yuanrou also got some kind of opportunity like himself?

I am living my life again.

Zhao Yuanrou is obviously not that, so what is she then?

Sheng Xiyan's mind was racing, but she didn't stop talking: "When will the bright moon appear? I raise my cup to ask the sky."

"Drinking and singing, what is life?"

"Enough!" Zhao Yuanrou finally couldn't hold back any longer and shouted.

After this loud shout, her chest kept rising and falling, her breathing was slightly panting, and her mouth was dry.

"Cousin Rou." Sheng Xiyan didn't give her any time to think. She curled her lips and said with a smile, "You are plagiarizing. Whether it's a poem or a song, none of them are yours!"

She stared at Zhao Yuanrou and approached her step by step. Zhao Yuanrou's forehead was covered with cold sweat.

Zhao Yuanrou shook her head and muttered to herself, "No... No."

She was forced to lose her ability to think calmly and her mind went blank.

Sheng Xiyan chuckled: "Do you think anyone will believe what you said?"

These words broke Zhao Yuanrou's last psychological defense. She took a big step back and her body hit the desk heavily.

She subconsciously turned her head to look at the two pieces of rice paper on the desk. The identical sentences on them were like a knife cutting into her heart, leaving blood.

Everyone in the flower pavilion also clearly noticed the changes in her expression, especially when Sheng Xiyan was reciting those lines of poetry, the shock in her eyes could not be hidden.

They had never heard of any of these poems, yet every word was amazing, just like those that Zhao Yuanrou had "written" before, which made people sigh in admiration and unforgettable.

Everyone here is a shrewd person, especially the princesses and ladies-in-waiting. They have seen all kinds of things in the inner palace. It is too obvious that Zhao Yuanrou is guilty.

If she hadn't done it, why should she feel guilty?

Exactly the same tune.

Exactly the same verse.

Doesn't this prove something?

Sheng Xiyan did not press the issue any further.

Given Zhao Yuanrou's personality, she would never tell the truth no matter how hard she was forced.

Now, no matter whether Zhao Yuanrou admits it or not, her plagiarism can no longer be covered up.

Even if the people she plagiarized from were never known to anyone, plagiarism is plagiarism, and no one can change that.

Zhao Yuanrou leaned against the desk, holding the edge of the desk tightly with her backhand, as if only this could give her some strength.

"And... Cousin Rou." Sheng Xiyan said sternly, "Don't call that song "Four Seasons", call it "Mother"!"

The music is hers! She composed it for her mother.

Sheng Xiyan's words were like a heavy hammer hitting everyone's heart.

If many people originally had doubts about the ownership of the music score, now all doubts can be resolved.

Since the poem was plagiarized, then plagiarizing a piece of music score would not be a big deal for Zhao Yuanrou.

Sheng Xiyan's interpretation of the artistic conception of this piano piece is obviously better than Zhao Yuanrou's. How could Zhao Yuanrou have the nerve to claim this piano piece as his own?

This is the song Sheng Xiyan used to commemorate her deceased mother. How dare Zhao Yuanrou say it is "Four Seasons"!

"No... No..."

Zhao Yuanrou's mind became even more confused. She always prided herself on being smarter than others, but now, her confused mind made it impossible for her to explain all this.

Because even she herself didn't know why Sheng Xiyan's poems were exactly the same as hers.

What made her even more panicked was that all the poems in her memory were spoken aloud by Sheng Xiyan.

Ancient books?

No, how could there be such an ancient book? This is impossible!

Her mind was beating wildly, and an unspeakable fear lingered in Zhao Yuanrou's heart. She was afraid.

"Miss Zhao."

Zhao Yuanrou came back to her senses, she looked dazed and stared at Wei Yan.

Wei Yan said solemnly: "Your results for two of the four championships are still unknown."

As for books and chess, Wei Yan could not find any flaws for the time being, and Zhao Yuanrou's poem was most likely from that ancient book, so it naturally could not be regarded as her achievement.

As for Qin.

Wei Yan believed in her own feelings, she believed that Sheng Xiyan was the author of that piano piece!

In fact, the guqin competition does not require students to compose their own music. The other girls played pieces such as "Three Variations on Plum Blossoms" and "White Snow in Spring". There is nothing wrong with this. However, Zhao Yuanrou regarded other people's pieces as her own, which is a questionable character.

What's more, Zhao Yuanrou's zither performance was not better than others; it was the music that brought glory to her. Since the music was not hers, she could not compare to others in terms of her zither skills alone.

Wei Yan said calmly: "Miss Zhao, please pick a plum blossom."

The plum blossom on the hair represents the first place.

Zhao Yuanrou had won three first prizes before, but before she even put flowers on the zither, she was called out by Sheng Xiyan.

Zhao Yuanrou's hands were shaking. She knew that she couldn't take the two flowers. If she did, it would mean she admitted that she had plagiarized them. How would she be able to stay in Beijing in the future? !

Plagiarism is copying someone else's words.

These people do not exist in this world at all, and these poems do not belong to anyone at all. How can it be considered plagiarism if she uses them? !

She doesn't accept it!

"Miss Zhao, I'm sorry."

Seeing that she didn't move, Wei Yan frowned and simply went over to pick the flowers for her.

Zhao Yuanrou was startled and subconsciously pushed her arm away.

Sheng Xiyan held the whip at his waist and looked at her with a smile. Just this action made her look heroic.

Zhao Yuanrou: “…”

Zhao Yuanrou had seen how Zhou Jingxun was beaten that day. This horsewhip was covered with barbs, and one hit from it was enough to tear a person's skin and flesh.

Sheng Xiyan now has Xiao Shuo's backing and is arrogant and rude. I'm afraid she won't even give face to the Queen Mother, so I'm sure I'll suffer.

Zhao Yuanrou bit her lower lip tightly and finally stopped moving.

Her eyes became even redder, and there was a hazy light in them, as if they contained endless grievances.

Wei Yan took a plum blossom from her hair and a maid immediately took it.

The tears finally dripped down her fair cheeks.

She was thin, and dressed elegantly in a white dress, with tears in her eyes, which made her look even more pitiful.

Wei Yan was not moved, but continued: "Ms. Zhao, on behalf of the girls' school, I am depriving you of your qualifications. You don't have to compete in the next two items."

After Wei Yan came forward, Sheng Xiyan stopped talking. Now that she saw that she was doing things fairly, she secretly admired her in her heart.

Zhao Yuanrou's eyes widened, and she blurted out in disbelief: "No!"

Even when Wei Yan said that her piano and poetry scores would be cancelled, she just felt aggrieved and was not so excited.

In Zhao Yuanrou's opinion, she still has a chance. As long as she can win the first prize in painting and policy essay, she will still be the first in four categories.

She believes she can do it.

As long as she is good enough, Sheng Xiyan's accusations can be regarded as jealousy of her in the future.

How can she be deprived of her qualifications?

"I don't accept it!" Zhao Yuanrou clenched her fist and said unwillingly, "Mr. Wei, you favor Sheng Xiyan, I don't accept it."

She complained angrily: "I have already given up two items and am at a disadvantage. Why don't you even leave me a little hope?"

Her heart seemed to be poured with a bucket of hot oil, and the rage that surged to the sky almost took away her sanity.

"Yes, Mr. Wei." The wife of Marquis Yongning also advised, "Why not give Miss Zhao another chance?"

The wife of Marquis Yongning was in a state of anxiety and spoke first, not caring that the Queen Mother was still there.

Originally, Zhao Yuanrou won four first places, and the wife of Marquis Yongning was ecstatic. She thought that her son would be able to get out of the Dongchang Prison. Who would have thought that Sheng Xiyan would expose Zhao Yuanrou at this time.

If Zhao Yuanrou loses this opportunity now, doesn't it mean that her son has no hope of regaining his freedom?

My son has been in the Dongchang Prison for so many days. Everyone knows that once you enter Dongchang, you will have to shed a layer of skin before you can get out, and most of the time you can't get out at all. Whenever she thought of this, the wife of the Marquis of Yongning couldn't sleep at night and lost a lot of weight for no reason.

The wife of the Marquis of Yongning pleaded in a flattering manner: "Empress Dowager, Mr. Wei..."

"No." Before the Queen Mother could speak, Wei Yan spoke first, "Without rules, there will be no order. Since Miss Zhao has plagiarized, she must not participate in this Jinxin Club."

Wei Yan's words were very decisive.

Wei Yan has her own pride and persistence.

She could appropriately bow to the Queen Mother for the sake of girls' education, but she would never give in on some issues of principle.

"A plagiarist has a bad character and cannot be forgiven."

Wei Yan said without hesitation, "Our Rongde Girls' School does not welcome people with bad morals. Miss Zhao, please."

She made a gesture to see the guest off.

Zhao Yuanrou: “…”

Her steps staggered, and she wanted to say that she did not plagiarize and that Sheng Xiyan had framed her. However, something seemed to be blocking her throat, and she could not utter a word.

Her petite body trembled constantly, and she felt cold all over, unable to control herself.

Wei Yan: “Please.”

Zhao Yuanrou's frail body swayed, as if she would fall to the ground at any moment.

"Rou'er!"

An excited voice broke the silence, and a young man in purple brocade clothes pushed open the door of the pavilion. He rushed towards Zhao Yuanrou and hugged her.

When he was still outside, he saw Zhao Yuanrou being forced, and he walked in without caring.

Wei Yan frowned tightly. The door of the girls' school should have been closed. How did King Zhao Qin Wei break in?

"Rou'er." Qin Wei looked at her distressedly and asked, "What are you doing?!"

His eyes were wide open. In his eyes, everyone was ganging up on Zhao Yuanrou.

Zhao Yuanrou's face darkened, and she pushed him away, saying, "What are you doing here? Are you here to laugh at me?"

"I...I..." Qin Wei gritted his teeth and said, "Isn't it enough that I promised you?"

Zhao Yuanrou ignored him and turned her head away, looking as if she didn't believe him.

Qin Wei sighed secretly. He also knew that Rou'er was not happy about this arranged marriage, but he would be twice as nice to her in the future.

He would satisfy any wish she had.

Qin Wei pleaded, "I'll do it now, okay?"

Qin Wei looked haggard, with a thin beard growing under his chin that he didn't even bother to take care of, and his eyes were filled with fatigue.

When everyone heard this, they couldn't help but wonder, what did Qin Wei agree to?

And the next moment, Qin Wei explained the confusion to them.

"Mother, please go and ask my brother to release Zhou Jingxun." Qin Wei spoke directly to the empress dowager.

Zhao Yuanrou was slightly surprised and a little bit unbelieving.

After the emperor issued the decree of marriage, she was upset with Qin Wei in her heart. If Qin Wei hadn't been so persistent, why would the emperor have granted them marriage? !

Zhao Yuanrou immediately asked him to rescue Zhou Jingxun from the Dongchang Prison, only then would she consider marriage. Qin Wei just kept refusing to agree, so she had no choice but to think of the women's school.

Sheng Xiyan: “…”

Except for a few students from the girls' school who didn't know what was going on and looked confused, everyone else gasped.

These ladies and princesses all lowered their heads at the same time. They either waved their sleeves, drank tea, or discussed with their neighbors about whose hairpin was prettier or whose family had a new concubine. They looked extremely interested, as if they had poor hearing and didn't hear what Qin Wei was saying at all. But in fact, they all pricked up their ears.

Everyone in the capital knew that Qin Wei's future princess was "snatched" from Zhou Jingxun, and now, he actually had to plead for Zhou Jingxun.

Thinking back to Qin Wei's words "I promise you" just now, in just a short while, a big drama had already been played out in their minds.

The Queen Mother's face turned pale. If the man in front of her was not her own son, she would have strangled him to death.

How could he, how could he say such a thing in public!

For this Zhao Yuanrou, he even lost his dignity? !

The Queen Mother was so angry that she was shaking all over.

Qin Wei knew in his heart that it would be better to wait until he returned to the palace to discuss this matter with the Queen Mother alone. However, Rou'er was obviously annoyed with him now, and if he couldn't let Rou'er see his sincerity, she would not forgive him.

"Mother, please." Qin Wei said earnestly, "Just go and tell my eldest brother."

Queen Mother: “…”

Her lips turned white with anger.

The Queen Mother knew clearly that she should not agree, and she knew her youngest son's temper even better. If she refused, he would definitely pester her, which would only make it more embarrassing.

and……

The Queen Mother looked at the piece of silk paper on her tea table. It was what Zhao Yuanrou had just written in this test.

Zhao Yuanrou's calligraphy is not outstanding, completely drowned out by the beautiful handwriting of other ladies, but what she wrote on the silk paper is:

I have a good medicine that can cure chronic diseases.

The Empress Dowager had suffered from headaches for ten years. Whenever one flared up, the pain was so severe that she could hardly bear it. The doctors at the Imperial Hospital were helpless.

It was not surprising that Zhao Yuanrou knew this, as it was only her son who told her. However, this "good medicine" attracted the queen mother.

She chose this calligraphy piece as the winner against all odds.

There is no doubt that Zhao Yuanrou wrote this calligraphy in order to use me to achieve her goal, and I have done as she wished. Now she even wants to drive Qin Wei around?

The rage in the Queen Mother's heart kept beating.

"Mom." Qin Wei pleaded, "Please help me."

Queen Mother: “…”

I can't let my son embarrass himself any further.

My son is a royal noble, a prince, how can he let others make fun of him?!

The Queen Mother clenched her teeth tightly. She looked at Zhao Yuanrou with a murderous look and uttered one word with difficulty: "Okay."

After she finished speaking, she took out the Buddhist beads from her sleeve pocket and tried to tell herself in her heart: Don't get angry. Don't get angry.

Qin Wei said to Zhao Yuanrou happily, "Rou'er, the Queen Mother has agreed. I will definitely do what I promised you."

His eyes were sincere, and he continued, "Don't worry, these people can all bear witness that the Queen Mother will not regret it."

The Queen Mother: “…” She almost tore the Buddhist beads in her hand apart.

The princesses and the ladies all lowered their heads, not wanting to be witnesses at all.

Only the wife of Marquis Yongning breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhao Yuanrou was touched. She fell silent and said nothing more, nor did she reject Qin Wei's kindness.

No matter what, it is important to rescue Zhou Jingxun now.

The others were so stunned by the show that they couldn't help but feel some sympathy for the Queen Mother. If they had a son like this, they would be so angry that they would die.

The gazes from the people around her made Zhao Yuanrou feel uncomfortable. Anyway, her goal had been achieved. She bit her lower lip and said to Wei Yan, "Since Mr. Wei doesn't want me to participate in the competition anymore, I will withdraw."

After today, the whole city will know that she plagiarized.

She didn't know why she had come to this point, even though she had tried so hard.

Zhao Yuanrou bowed silently to the Queen Mother, took off the two remaining plum blossoms in her hair, and ran out without looking back.

Qin Wei hurriedly chased after him, and before leaving, he did not forget to say, "This is such an injustice to women's education, I will definitely investigate it to the end."

Queen Mother: “…”

Everything went dark before her eyes, her body swayed, and she almost fainted.

The ladies and princesses continued to lower their heads and adjust their sleeves, as if the patterns on their sleeves could not have even the slightest wrinkle and they had to make them smooth.

Wei Yan's expression remained unchanged, and she said nonchalantly, "Empress Dowager, there are still two items left, painting and policy discussion. Can we start now?"

The Queen Mother's nanny was still trying to calm her down, but upon hearing this she glared at Wei Yan, thinking that she was too short-sighted.

The Queen Mother said coldly, "Let's get started."

Wei Yan: "Yes, Queen Mother."

Wei Yan asked people to pass the message to each flower pavilion.

Sheng Xiyan also resigned at the appropriate time.

"Miss Shengda." The wife of Marquis Yongning finally couldn't help but call her.

The wife of Marquis Yongning stared at the white jade pendant around Sheng Xiyan's waist, her eyes filled with jealousy and greed.

Others don't know why Sheng Xiyan is able to gain Xiao Shuo's attention, but she knows it clearly.

It’s because of this jade pendant!

This jade pendant should have belonged to her!

The wife of Marquis Yongning swallowed her saliva, unable to tell whether she was heartbroken or regretful.

If the jade pendant was in my hand, how could my son be imprisoned in Dongchang Prison? The person enjoying unlimited glory now should be my son!

Upon hearing that, Sheng Xiyan stopped and looked over with a smile. The faint smile on her lips made Lady Yongning Marquis feel an inexplicable sense of pressure, just like that day on the rockery when she was looking down at her.

The wife of the Marquis of Yongning suddenly fell silent. After a while, she said, "Your... jade pendant is quite nice."

Sheng Xiyan nodded: "I think it's good too."

After she finished speaking, she returned to her own flower pavilion. Everyone had been waiting impatiently and had gathered in groups of three or four, making all kinds of guesses. They couldn't help but feel a little strange when they saw that only she came back and Zhao Yuanrou was not there.

Cheng Chuyu took the initiative to ask: "Sister Yan, who is that?"

The others pricked up their ears as well.

Sheng Xiyan had no intention of covering up for Zhao Yuanrou and said bluntly, "She plagiarized. Mr. Wei stripped her of her qualifications and kicked her out of the girls' school."

Everyone gasped.

Qingyue couldn't help but say, "That's impossible. Miss Chu, what did she plagiarize? Was it a piece of music?"

Sheng Xiyan said: "Music scores and poems. All the poems she wrote were plagiarized."

As soon as the words came out, the whole audience was shocked.

Some people didn't believe it and were about to ask more questions when a maid came over and formally conveyed Wei Yan's words and explained the whole process in detail.

Sheng Xiyan didn't expect Wei Yan to be so thoughtful and make the right and wrong clear, leaving no face for Zhao Yuanrou and no room for speculation.

Sheng Xiyan also noticed just now that Wei Yan has her own scale in her heart. She knows clearly what can be compromised and what is absolutely unacceptable. No wonder she can help the female student gain a firm foothold in the complex capital city.

They were almost stunned, but since even Wei Yan said so, then there was no doubt that Zhao Yuanrou had plagiarized!

Someone couldn't help but blurt out: "These poems...are all plagiarized from others!"

Zhao Yuanrou's talent and fame spread far and wide, especially for his poetry and lyrics, where no one could match him.

However, the poems were fake! She plagiarized them all! None of them were her own!

Their hearts were filled with anger of being deceived. As much as they envied and admired Zhao Yuanrou's literary talent in the past, they now hated her behavior.

Especially those people who were just questioning whether Sheng Xiyan had deliberately framed Zhao Yuanrou, now they wanted to go back and slap themselves hard to wake themselves up.

The pavilion was filled with discussions and accusations.

Zheng Xintong was very interested. Fortunately, he came today, otherwise he would not be able to see such an interesting thing.

After being away from the capital for more than half a year, the city has "changed" a lot and is no longer as lifeless as it used to be.

"Girls, next is the painting competition." The maid continued, "Girls, please get ready."

Then she went to another pavilion to pass on the message.

There are also two items: painting and policy discussion.

The winners of these two categories were quickly and smoothly chosen, but Wei Yan and others originally wanted to re-compete in the three categories of playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, poetry and lyrics. The Queen Mother was not happy about this, so she asked them to choose another winner from the remaining people.

After thinking about it, Wei Yan agreed. It was also a good opportunity to change the winner of the writing test and give it to the one that was recognized as the best.

In the chess test, the winner was Cheng Chuyu who broke the deadlock the fastest.

During the piano test, Wei Yan rejected all objections and believed that Sheng Xiyan should be the winner.

Even though Sheng Xiyan did not register for the exam in advance, the Jinxin Club did not have any rules for advance registration. Sheng Xiyan also played a song in front of the crowd, and the song was so wonderful that it deserved its reputation.

The Queen Mother would reward the winner, and Cheng Chuyu went there happily with Sheng Xiyan in her arms. She was so happy to have won the first place that she decided to show off to her father when she got back and ask him to buy her a new whip.

The two of them arrived at the flower pavilion together. The Queen Mother's gaze lingered on Sheng Xiyan for a moment, then looked at Cheng Chuyu and asked, "Is your father Admiral Cheng of the Central Army Battalion?"

Cheng Chuyu replied generously: "That's right."

The Queen Mother nodded in satisfaction. She vaguely remembered that the girl from the Cheng family seemed to be unengaged. Just as she was about to ask again, Qin Wei's personal eunuch came in and said cheerfully, "Queen Mother, the prince has something for me to pass on to you."

He stepped forward and whispered a few words to the Queen Mother.

The Queen Mother had an idea and asked, "Where are the things?"

The eunuch presented a small box.

Qin Wei said that what Zhao Yuanrou gave him could cure headaches.

The Queen Mother opened it quickly. Inside the small box was a black paste that gave off a faint fragrance. Just a little smell made the Queen Mother feel that the dull pain in her head seemed to be relieved a lot.

The Queen Mother thought of the calligraphy written by Zhao Yuanrou and tightened her grip on the box.

She gently covered it, handed it to the nanny beside her and said, "Take it back and let the imperial physician take a look first."