NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9:
Chapter 9: The Alluring Princess:
“My view is this—peace can be discussed, but the Great Xia will not pay reparations.”
As Emperor Li Zaiyuan spoke, he gave Zhao Wujian an approving glance.
Chiba Rizhao didn’t seem surprised. Clearly, she had anticipated the Great Xia wouldn’t easily compromise.
“A peace treaty involves many complexities. At this moment, the air in the royal study is filled with the fragrance of scrolls and wisdom. On such a fine day, why not first indulge in culture and elegance?”
She changed the subject, pacing gracefully as she said, “Just a few days ago, I wrote a line of poetry, yet I couldn’t come up with the next line. I’ve heard the Great Xia is home to many brilliant scholars and literary minds.”
Zhao Wujian stood at the side, bored out of his mind.
He knew this was part of the original plot.
Next, Chiba Rizhao would try to suppress them with her intellect—it was time for Long Zhan to shine.
Though Zhao Wujian was supposed to be dead by now in the original story, he was still present… but that didn’t mean he couldn’t play dead.
Chiba Rizhao licked her soft lips slightly. As a renowned poetess of Hansang, her pride swelled. Her desire to dominate through literature was growing stronger.
She gently puffed up her chest—already full and firm—and said in a clear, cold voice, reciting half a couplet:
“‘Gather the wise and noble from all corners of the world…’”
“Is there anyone here who can offer the second line?”
[As expected, it’s that line. I don’t know where that hack author copied it from, but I remember the next part is…]
[“‘Be the eternal master of rivers, mountains, mist, and moon.’”]
Zhao Wujian mumbled inwardly, lifting his eyes—only to meet Li Yunrui’s gaze.
[Why is Li Yunrui still staring at me?]
[Feels like she’s planning to mess with me again… Nope, I’m gonna stay out of the spotlight.]
“Zhao—”
Li Yunrui had just called his name, but before she could say more, Zhao Wujian turned to Li Zaiyuan and bowed.
“Your Majesty, this humble subject suddenly feels unwell. May I excuse myself to relieve… certain discomforts?”
Li Zaiyuan glanced at him.
Zhao Wujian was known to be uneducated and useless.
He probably couldn’t come up with a poetic response anyway—better he leave than embarrass himself.
“Granted.”
Watching Zhao Wujian bow his head and leave the royal study, Long Zhan scoffed internally.
Running away again?
Heh.
Zhao Wujian’s cowardice only deepened his disdain.
Chiba Rizhao also curved her lips ever so slightly.
The more timid the Northern Guardian Prince’s only son was, the more secure she felt.
Only Li Yunrui pouted.
She’d heard Zhao Wujian’s inner thoughts—he just didn’t want to show off.
‘Gather the wise and noble from all corners of the world… Be the eternal master of rivers, mountains, mist, and moon.’
Hadn’t Zhao Wujian just recited the next line in his mind?
He really was hiding his brilliance.
So reserved, yet so talented!
…
After leaving the study, Zhao Wujian wandered into a royal garden.
Flowers bloomed in vivid competition.
“When a tree stands out in the forest, it becomes the target of the wind. Flowers too…”
He picked the brightest bloom and murmured softly.
“You there. Who are you? Why are you in the imperial garden?”
Hearing the voice, Zhao Wujian turned his head.
Not far off stood a graceful woman.
At first glance, she seemed a young lady—but on closer inspection, there were faint traces of time’s touch on her exquisite face.
She was a beautiful, mature woman.
“Zhao… Wujian?”
The alluring woman looked him over and recognized him.
The man disturbing her flower-viewing was none other than the only son of the deceased Northern Guardian Prince.
That infamous scoundrel—Zhao Wujian.
She gave a cold snort.
[What are the odds of running into Li Zaiyuan’s younger sister, Li Zhaohua, while just picking a flower?]
[She really does live up to the rumors—provocative as ever.]
[Even though the palace is filled only with eunuchs and women, sometimes the Emperor still allows ministers to visit.]
[This fox only wore a sheer robe… You can see the lotus embroidery on her undergarment through it.]
Zhao Wujian also recalled who this woman was.
He lazily cupped his hands in greeting.
“Greetings, princess.”
But Li Zhaohua didn’t respond.
She stood there, stunned.
Zhao Wujian had only said one sentence—so why did she hear so many more words in her mind?
Strange indeed.
[Why is she suddenly staring at me like that? Did she take a liking to me?]
[They say this vixen keeps many male pets in her estate… but not one of them ever leaves alive.]
[No husband. Never married. Always alone.]
[She’s at that desperate age, no doubt longing for a man!]
[Nope, I better run before she sets her eyes on me.]
Zhao Wujian cupped his hands. “I won’t disturb your flower-viewing, Princess. I’ll be on my way.”
“Wait!”
Li Zhaohua strode forward and blocked him, her expression sharp and eyes filled with surprise.
She was certain—she could hear Zhao Wujian’s inner voice!
But she had no time to think about why.
His thoughts had made her furious!
What did he mean—she was longing for a man?
She was Li Zhaohua! Born with breathtaking beauty and holding the rank of a Princess. What kind of man couldn’t she have if she wanted?
This brat dared to slander her like that?!
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. But she had no proof to accuse him—after all, she had only heard his thoughts.
“Wujian.
The Northern Guardian Prince was loyal to the Empire. He fought bravely at the northern frontier to protect the Li family’s realm and died with great merit.
I grieve his passing.”
Li Zhaohua grabbed Zhao Wujian’s wrist, speaking with the concern of an elder. “Is the Northern Guardian Prince’s Residence doing well these days?”
“Thank you for your concern, Princess. The residence is managing just fine.”
[Fine? Heh… Fine, my ass.]
[If your Li royal family weren’t so paranoid, would I be forced to live like a rat?]
[Just wait. The secret army you’ve been raising in private—Li Zaiyuan will find out eventually!]
[Then you dogs can tear each other apart!]
Zhao Wujian’s face wore a look of grateful emotion.
But Li Zhaohua stared at him, heart pounding.
He knew?!
He knew about the army she had been raising in secret?!
She gripped his wrist tightly. At this point, she had only two options—
Kill Zhao Wujian.
Or… take him for herself.