Chapter 67

As time passed, Xiao Minghuang and her group finally returned to the imperial capital a month before the grand competition.

Since Emperor Xia was in seclusion and had delegated various matters to the royal family’s advisors and court officials, Xiao Minghuang didn’t need to enter the palace to meet the emperor. She went directly back to the Princess’s residence.

Along the way, Xiao Minghuang walked slowly, explaining the local customs and culture of the imperial capital to Lin Wanqiu. Ye Ruoshui occasionally chimed in, and the three girls’ laughter, like silver bells, spilled out of the carriage, catching the attention of passersby.

After entering the city, they made several stops, finally arriving at the Princess’s residence by evening.

After getting out of the carriage, Wang Jin stepped forward to bid farewell.

“Your Highness, this old servant was tasked with escorting you on your northern journey. Now that the matter is concluded, I must return to the palace to report.”

After nearly a month of travel, Xiao Minghuang had hardly any time to cultivate. Between searching for opportunities and spending time with Ye and Lin, she had been constantly busy and was somewhat fatigued. At this moment, she had no energy for formalities and simply waved her hand, saying:

“Eunuch Wang, you may go as you please.”

Wang Jin bowed deeply, then transformed into a streak of light and flew away.

Watching the fading glow of Wang Jin’s departure, Xiao Minghuang turned and entered the residence.

Within the imperial capital, she had no need to worry about her safety.

Even the Prince of Wu’an would not dare to defy the world’s will by assassinating a princess within the imperial city.

Such a crime would be enough to bring about his death and ruin his reputation!

Ye Ruoshui and Lin Wanqiu also noticed that Xiao Minghuang looked tired and did not disturb her.

Ye Ruoshui, being very considerate, led Lin Wanqiu to choose a small courtyard to settle in, leaving other matters to be discussed the next day.

…

The next morning.

Xiao Minghuang opened her eyes, her mind clear, and got out of bed.

She pushed open the door, her eyes sparkling and bright, stretching her arms to reveal her graceful figure. The transparent sunlight shone on her snow-white skin, making it look like tiny stars were twinkling, and she appeared radiant and elegant.

“It’s been a long time since I slept so comfortably!”

Xiao Minghuang smiled. During the days of her return journey, she had spent all her time with Ye Ruoshui and Lin Wanqiu. At first, she felt very happy, but as time went on, there were inevitably some inconveniences.

“Distance creates beauty, as the ancients said, and they did not deceive me!”

Xiao Minghuang stood at the door, basking in the sun for a while, her thoughts gradually converging as she began to ponder the upcoming royal competition.

“Besides me, there are eight other princes. The First Prince was born with a crippled body and has been exiled for many years, so he is not a concern.”

“The Third Prince, Fourth Prince, and Eighth Prince have always been mediocre and have not made a name for themselves, so they probably don’t require much attention.”

“Among the remaining few, the Seventh Prince has already been crippled by me, so he is not a concern. That leaves only the Second Prince, Fifth Prince, and Sixth Prince who are worth paying attention to.”

After thinking for a moment, Xiao Minghuang walked out of her room. She had been away from the capital for several months and needed to find the steward of her residence to inquire in detail about the recent situation in the capital.

Not long after.

Xiao Minghuang, Ye Ruoshui, Lin Wanqiu, and the steward Wang Er appeared in the main hall.

Ye Ruoshui and Lin Wanqiu were each practicing when they were suddenly called over by Xiao Minghuang, looking confused and unaware of what was happening.

Xiao Minghuang’s lips curled slightly into a smile as she said:

“I have mentioned the royal competition to you before. I called you here today to ask for your help in analyzing the current situation in the capital.”

Hearing this, Ye Ruoshui showed no reaction, still leaning lazily against Xiao Minghuang’s shoulder.

Lin Wanqiu understood Xiao Minghuang’s intention and her expression became serious. She looked at Steward Wang and asked softly:

“Steward Wang, could you please give us a general overview of the situation in the capital?”

Yesterday evening, Ye Ruoshui had already introduced Lin Wanqiu to the servants of the residence.

As the steward, Wang Er naturally knew Lin Wanqiu’s identity.

The young lady of Beiyang City!

Moreover, she was personally recognized by the Ninth Princess as a young mistress, her status no less noble than Ye Ruoshui’s.

Therefore, he did not dare to be the slightest bit negligent and recounted everything he knew in detail.

In the past two months, many things had happened in the capital, especially at this critical time when the royal competition was about to begin, making the situation even more complex.

“Soon after Your Highness left the capital, rumors spread that the Second Prince had broken through to the Spring Realm and was the undisputed candidate for the throne!”

“Three months ago, the Sixth Prince returned to the capital…”

“Two months ago, the Fifth Prince returned to the capital…”

“A month and a half ago, the other princes also returned to the capital one after another…”

As Wang Er narrated, the situation in the capital gradually became clearer.

The main competitors in the royal competition were not far from what Xiao Minghuang had expected.

Second Prince, Fifth Prince, Sixth Prince.

These three had the potential to compete with her.

But it was only a possibility.

Although Xiao Minghuang was only at the seventh level of Qi Refining, there was still a month before the grand competition began. During this time, her cultivation would undoubtedly improve significantly.

It was important to note that during the month of her return journey, she had been suppressing her cultivation and had not made a breakthrough.

If she hadn’t suppressed it, she could have already advanced to the eighth level of Qi Refining.

Among the several competitors, only the Second Prince had revealed his cultivation level.

Spring Realm!

Although it was unclear which level he was at, it was likely either the first or second level.

After all, the Second Prince was a member of the royal family, and his foundation was certainly much more solid than that of a minor character like the old man in yellow. However, it probably still couldn’t compare to a sect genius like Wang Bao.

With her enhanced strength, she should be able to defeat him easily.

After some contemplation, Xiao Minghuang came to a conclusion.

“The Second Prince is not a concern!”

Now, what she needed to consider was whether the Fifth Prince or the Sixth Prince would emerge as a dark horse and become a stumbling block for her.

Or rather.

Which one would be the better stepping stone!

By the time Eunuch Wang finished his report, the sun had risen to its zenith.

Xiao Minghuang then instructed Eunuch Wang to prepare lunch and dined together with the two women, Ye and Lin.

The meal was set up in the pavilion at the center of the lake. The cool breeze and pleasant scenery created a harmonious and joyful atmosphere among the three.

At this moment, Eunuch Wang suddenly came to report.

“Eunuch Wang has come to deliver an imperial decree and is now in the main hall.”

Xiao Minghuang nodded and said:

“Understood. Go and inform Eunuch Wang that I will be there shortly.”

She turned to the two women, Ye and Lin, and said softly:

“I’ll be back soon. You two go ahead and eat.”

The two women obediently nodded.

A few moments later, Xiao Minghuang arrived at the entrance of the main hall and saw Wang Jin from a distance.

At this time, Wang Jin was not wearing his usual black robe but a red one, which looked very festive.

As soon as he saw her, he beamed with joy and said:

“Congratulations, Ninth Princess! Double blessings and great fortune!”

“Ninth Princess must have profound reasons for doing this!”

“Eunuch Wang, what do you mean by that?”

Xiao Minghuang frowned slightly and asked.

Wang Jin smiled, holding the imperial decree in his hands, and said:

“Your Highness, have you forgotten? That day in Beiyang City, you awakened a Heaven-tier Five Elements Spiritual Root. The five-colored divine light illuminated the heavens, and celestial rain fell as golden lotuses emerged from the ground. Such a phenomenon is the mark of a once-in-a-generation prodigy!”

Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang remained expressionless. Her talent being exposed to Wang Jin meant it was also exposed to Emperor Xia.

This was something she had anticipated long ago.

After discovering her astonishing talent, Emperor Xia would undoubtedly show her greater favor and might even devote the full resources of the royal family to nurture her.

Seeing that the Ninth Princess remained calm, Wang Jin sighed inwardly:

“Although the Ninth Princess is young, she is mature, steady, and exceptionally intelligent. Even without considering her talent, her temperament alone far surpasses that of the other princes.”

After listening to Wang Jin’s flattery, Xiao Minghuang smiled slightly and said:

“Eunuch Wang, you flatter me. But has His Majesty issued a decree?”

“Indeed!”

Eunuch Wang responded, taking a storage bag from his sleeve and presenting it to Xiao Minghuang with respect.

“This storage bag contains spirit stones, elixirs, and some other resources bestowed by His Majesty. Please take a look, Your Highness.”

Xiao Minghuang nodded, took the storage pouch, and gave it a quick glance. It contained nothing more than some spirit stones and pills, which she temporarily set aside. She then turned to Wang Jin and asked softly:

“Earlier, Eunuch Wang mentioned that I have double happiness coming my way. What did he mean by that?”

Wang Jin’s face was beaming with joy, his eyes nearly squinting into slits as he replied:

“His Majesty knows that you and Miss Lin are deeply in love and share mutual affection. Overjoyed by this, he has decided to hold a grand wedding ceremony for you after the royal competition, when you are officially named the Crown Prince!”

“At that time, not only will you be appointed as the Crown Prince, but you will also be united with your beloved. Two of life’s greatest joys will be yours at once—this is what we call ‘double happiness coming your way’!”

Wang Jin’s tone was filled with mirth, and he seemed even more delighted than the person directly involved.

However.

After uttering these words, Wang Jin did not see the joy of winning the beauty’s heart on Xiao Minghuang’s face. Instead, her brows slightly furrowed, as if displeased.

Seeing Xiao Minghuang’s expression, Wang Jin was puzzled. He had followed her all the way and witnessed the Ninth Princess and Lin Wanqiu being affectionate and deeply in love. Now that the emperor had bestowed a marriage, it should be a joyous occasion. Why was the Ninth Princess unhappy?

Xiao Minghuang’s stunningly beautiful face was now extremely serious as she slowly spoke:

“Please inform my father, Eunuch Wang, that I am devoted to cultivation and have no interest in love. The matter of the bestowed marriage should not be mentioned again.”

Hearing this, Wang Jin was stunned. He never expected the Ninth Princess to say such a thing.

He recalled the scenes of the Ninth Princess spending time with those two girls by her side, being affectionate and inseparable all day long. It didn’t seem like she had no interest in love at all.

It was as if the word “love” was written all over her face!

And now she claims to have no interest in love?

Does she take him for a fool?

However, Wang Jin, having experienced the world and seen many storms, naturally would not openly contradict the Ninth Princess.

The Ninth Princess must have her own profound reasons for doing this!

Wang Jin’s eyes shifted as he pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands and said:

“Your Highness possesses great wisdom, great ambition, and great perseverance. Your magnanimity and vision far surpass that of this old servant. Your words will be faithfully conveyed to His Majesty, please rest assured!”

“In that case, I must trouble Eunuch Wang to make another trip.”

“Not at all, Your Highness, you humble this old servant.”

Wang Jin bowed deeply once more, then turned and left.

Watching Wang Jin’s retreating figure, Xiao Minghuang was filled with confusion. Why had the emperor suddenly decided to bestow a marriage?

Moreover, the emperor must have learned about her and Lin Wanqiu through Wang Jin’s reports.

So why did Wang Jin think that she and Lin Wanqiu were deeply in love and mutually affectionate?

Xiao Minghuang knew that she probably liked Lin Wanqiu, but hearing Wang Jin’s words suddenly filled her with a sense of unease, something she had never felt even when facing formidable enemies.

This intense unease left her heart in turmoil, and she instinctively rejected Wang Jin’s words.

What’s more, it displeased her greatly that her relationship with Lin Wanqiu had been discussed and judged by Wang Jin in front of others.

“Hmph! This Wang Jin!”

Unable to understand the source of this unease, Xiao Minghuang directed all her dissatisfaction towards Wang Jin.

During the beast tide, Wang Jin’s carelessness had led to her being attacked by a villain, and then he failed to capture any live suspects, committing two mistakes in a row.

Now he was stirring up trouble in front of Emperor Xia. It seemed she could no longer trust him lightly.

After a moment, she took a deep breath, calmed her thoughts, and extended her spiritual sense into her storage pouch.

This time, Emperor Xia had been much more generous.

The storage pouch contained a large amount of spirit stones, probably around a hundred thousand, and thousands of pills, all of higher quality than the last batch.

These resources, even without the system’s compensation, were enough for her to advance a small realm.

She even spotted a phoenix hairpin inside, golden throughout, with a faint divine light flowing around it—a high-grade Yellow Tier magical artifact.

Although it didn’t seem to be of a supreme grade or far inferior to the Profound-tier high-grade Dragon Pattern Sword, it was important to note that the Lin family of Beiyang City had guarded the border for the Great Xia for generations, killing countless enemies, and only then were they rewarded with a supreme-grade yellow-tier magical artifact.

She, who had not yet achieved any merit, received such a precious treasure at a young age, which clearly showed the importance Emperor Xia placed on her.

Moreover, it seemed that considering her status as a princess, they had specifically chosen an elegant and luxurious phoenix hairpin that could be worn at all times. Rather than a reward, it felt more like a gift from a father to his daughter, reflecting a hint of paternal affection.

However, Xiao Minghuang didn’t feel any affection between herself and Emperor Xia.

If there was any, it might have been the original owner who was left to die severely injured in the cold palace, who might have had some affection for Emperor Xia.

She glanced at the golden hairpin a few times, and the charming face of Lin Wanqiu appeared in her mind. She thought, “This phoenix hairpin could be given to Wanqiu. It would definitely look even more beautiful on her.”

After checking the storage bag, Xiao Minghuang didn’t linger and walked towards the pavilion in the center of the lake.

A few moments later.

Xiao Minghuang, with her dress fluttering, returned to the pavilion in the center of the lake.

At this time, Ye and Lin had already finished their lunch and were exchanging cultivation insights.

Although it was called an exchange, it was basically Lin Wanqiu imparting her experience to Ye Ruoshui.

Lin Wanqiu shook her head and sighed:

“Ruoshui, if you could divert even thirty percent of the effort you put into alchemy to cultivation, your progress wouldn’t be so slow.”

Ye Ruoshui’s expression was natural, without any trace of regret or frustration, and she smiled cleverly:

“I just like alchemy. With Her Highness protecting me, it’s okay if my cultivation is a bit lacking…”

Her laughter was naturally heard by both Ye and Lin.

They both looked up and saw Xiao Minghuang walking on the water without causing a single ripple, gracefully approaching.

Seeing her exquisite face, star-like eyes, and figure resembling a fairy in the water, both Ye and Lin were momentarily stunned, their minds blank.

But they quickly regained their composure, sighing inwardly:

“Her Highness is really… too beautiful… No, I must look at the water scenery again!”

As Ye and Lin were thinking, Xiao Minghuang entered the pavilion.

---

Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

Please support us on Ko-Fi.

---