However, Mu Houchu is different. Over the past five years, Song Yalin has witnessed the rise of Prince Pingyang, and while others may be oblivious, she understands the severe internal strife within the court. The vicious infighting has already left it in a state of decay, outwardly glorious like gold and jade yet rotten at its core. Nonetheless, even in this current predicament, the advantages of Mu Houchu clearly prevail over those of the court.
In due time, who can anticipate what the future holds?
In a tumultuous era, isn’t one’s survival reliant on taking a gamble?
"Good. Miss Song, with your determination and aspirations, I believe we will make excellent partners. Let’s strike a deal — each for their own gain. You can stay at home at ease while I handle the rest," Duan Lan offered, grinning from ear to ear.
Song Yalin had a stern look on her face as she considered his words, "We each take what we need. You help me enter the Pingyang Prince Mansion, so what do you need me to do in return?"
Smiling faintly, Duan Lan responded, "When I need you to do something, I will inform you. But as of now, you don’t have to do anything. If you enter the Prince Pingyang Mansion, that’s already enough."
Just by Song Yalin entering the Pingyang Prince Mansion was helping Duan Lan to a great extent. If she could only get close to Mu Houchu, Duan Lan would be more than happy.
Mu Houchu, you said you couldn’t bear to let her feel wronged. Yet, I wonder whether or not she’ll be put out. Being in a certain position often dictates one’s actions against one’s will. When her helplessness accumulates into deep frustration, do you actually expect her to remain by your side?
You can’t keep her.
Duan Lan’s eyes glittered with icy malice, causing one’s hair to stand on end from fear.
Not lingering at the Song Family’s residence longer than necessary, he departs after a while.
Song Yalin contemplates this matter well into the dead of night, unable to fall asleep. Without a doubt, this seems to be a challenge far too daunting for her. The citizens of the Yu State are all aware of the vicious ruthlessness of Prince Pingyang and his deep love for the princess. She has seen this firsthand, deepening her understanding that these aren’t just rumors. Her reckless entry into the royal mansion would inevitably make her a target of public contempt. She’s no fool. She would never naively believe that marrying into the Prince Pingyang Mansion equates to reaching the pinnacle of success.
The challenges she would face are likely to be even more embarassing, and perhaps even more dangerous than before. Nevertheless, she will not back down. She must take this path!
Now that she’s reached this stage, there isn’t another opportunity as tempting as this one. Duan Lan truly understands her. He acknowledges her ambitions and her discontent, so naturally, he knows that she would seize this opportunity.
——
Xin He enjoyed a rare, good night’s sleep and didn’t wake up until late in the morning.
"Is the princess awake?" Shulan and Xiaoyu, alongside the little maids, entered in single file carrying toiletries.
Xin He rubbed her eyes, "Yes. What time is it?"
Shulan laughed, "It’s late. The prince departed early this morning. Shall we get the princess ready?"
Xin He rose from bed, pushed open the window, and looked out at the bright daylight. Her mood brightened instantly, and she smiled, "What a beautiful day today."
Shulan laughed. "Indeed, anything looks good when the princess is happy."
Xin He laughed, "Where are Xiaobei and Ah Guai? Did they go out to play?"
If Ah Guai were home, as soon as Xin He overslept, the child would probably pout next to her bed, her big watery eyes staring at her to wake up. Each time Xin He opened her eyes to see that enlarged, innocent face, it gave her quite the startle.
It was already late, and Ah Guai was nowhere to be seen. The girl must’ve been brought out to play by Song Xi or Xiaobei.
Smiling, Shulan said, "Did the princess forget because of her busy schedule these past days? Today is the day of the Autumn Examination results announcement. Young Master Xiaobei left early to check the results. The little princess insisted on going with him, so Young Master Xiaobei took her."
Xin He exclaimed, "Right! I’d completely forgotten."
She grew nervous as she remembered the situation. She didn’t know whether Xiaobei had performed well or not.
Upon realizing that Ah Guai had followed along, Xin He frowned, "Why did that girl go along? The area must be crowded - it would be terrible if she got lost!"
As Xiaoyu combed Xin He’s hair, she reassured her, "Rest assured, princess. Young Master Xiaobei went as well. He will take care of the little princess."
Xin He breathed a sigh of relief after hearing that Xiaobei went along, "That’s good."
Xin He put her hand on her chest and said, "I’m quite anxious right now. Xiaobei told me he was confident about his answers, but who knows if he was exaggerating as usual."
"Most likely, the results will be out soon. Regardless of what the outcome is, you’ll find out. There’s no point in being anxious at this time, princess. We just have to wait for Young Master Xiaobei to return, don’t we?" Shulan said with a giggle.
Laughing softly, Xin He agreed, "You’re right."
While they were talking, "Young Master Xiaobei is back!" was heard from outside.
Xin He hastily got up, "He’s back?"
Shulan ran out to look and then exclaimed joyfully, "He has returned! He is back!"
While they were talking, Xiaobei was already running in, excitedly shouting, "Sister! Sister!"
Xin He hurriedly went out and saw the jubilant Xiaobei scamper in, laughing uncontrollably. She couldn’t help but tease, "What’s got you grinning like that? Did you really pass the exam?"
Excitedly, Xiaobei said, "Sis! I passed! I really passed! I am a scholar now!"
Xin He was so surprised that her eyes widened, "Really?!"
"Would I lie to you? I directly checked the result this morning! As soon as I saw it, I rushed home to tell you. I really passed!" Xiaobei boasted with a triumphant smile.
Xin He was elated beyond words, repeatedly affirming, "Indeed, you did pass it! Our Xiaobei is a scholar! A 16-year-old scholar that’s quite a rarity within the Yu State!"
Xiaobei chuckled, "Sis, this was mostly due to luck. How could it be as impressive as you say? Guess what rank I got? Initially, I thought that even if I passed, my ranking wouldn’t be high. So I started from the bottom of the list where fewer people were concentrating. After counting only five names, I saw my own!"
Xin He laughed, "Even at the bottom of the list, you’re still a scholar. Our Xiaobei certainly deserves it!"
Xiaobei was only 16. In fact, she hadn’t held high hopes this time, thinking of it only as a trial. But unexpectedly, he really got in. If this news got out, it would surely bring honor to her!
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