NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 10:
Chapter 10: Something’s Off with the Plot!
Zhao Wujian knew Li Zhaohua’s secret, but he hadn’t told her imperial brother yet.
Her priority was to figure out where Zhao Wujian stood.
After weighing her options, Li Zhaohua decided to show a bit of kindness.
“Child, there’s no need to hide anything from me. Your father and my brother were sworn brothers, and since you’re betrothed to Yunrui, that makes me your aunt in name.”
She took a step closer, her fragrant scent surrounding him. The sight of her half-exposed curves was truly dazzling.
“Tell your aunt honestly—life must’ve been difficult lately, hasn’t it? How about this? I’ll have some silver delivered to the Northern Guardian Prince’s Residence. Also, since you were summoned to the palace, you must be cautious and discreet. Our Emperor is not always as benevolent and tolerant as he appears. Do you understand?”
Zhao Wujian clearly sensed her intentions.
By criticizing the Emperor, she was trying to draw him to her side.
[Weird… Does this seductive fox really think I’m worth recruiting for something?]
Zhao Wujian had no desire to get caught up in royal power struggles.
He cupped his hands and said, “Thank you for your concern, Princess. His Majesty is expecting me—I’ll take my leave now.”
Li Zhaohua smiled as she watched him leave.
She had confirmed that Zhao Wujian knew about the struggle between her and her brother.
But where he stood was still unclear—she needed more time and contact to find out.
Zhao Wujian walked back toward the royal study, his mind racing.
In the original novel, Li Zhaohua was known as the most wanton woman in all of the Great Xia.
Li Zaiyuan knew of her nature, but as long as she didn’t form factions or meddle in politics, he didn’t care what else she did.
What he didn’t know was that Li Zhaohua was, in fact, secretly forming factions all along.
She intentionally played the part of a licentious woman to mislead Li Zaiyuan and protect herself.
Later, she was conquered by Long Zhan, and he gained control of her hidden forces. With her help, he turned the entire imperial court upside down.
It could be said—whoever gained Li Zhaohua would gain a third of the empire’s power.
Zhao Wujian returned to the royal study, thinking the part of the plot meant for Long Zhan to show off must finally be over.
[Just give the Emperor a polite greeting and get out of here.]
That was the plan—until Li Yunrui suddenly ran over and held his arm.
With a hint of blame in her voice, she whispered, “Zhao Wujian, why didn’t you respond with a poem just now? You’re clearly more talented than Long Zhan or Chiba Rizhao—why didn’t you speak up?”
[Come on, big sis, what gave you the idea that I’m talented?]
[I’m the minor villain, remember? An indulgent, useless heir. I’ve got to respect my role and keep a low profile.]
Zhao Wujian didn’t react on the surface. He stayed quiet, ignoring her.
But Li Yunrui heard his inner voice and stomped her foot.
In her heart, her future husband should be brilliant in both literary and martial arts. How could he hide his talent like this?
What’s the point of wealth and glory if you don’t flaunt it in your hometown?
She figured Zhao Wujian was just insecure after his father’s death.
As his fiancée, she should encourage and support him.
Just as Long Zhan was about to speak—
Li Yunrui suddenly shouted, “The second line: ‘Be the eternal master of rivers, mountains, mist, and moon.'”
The couplet was balanced, confident, and carried a bold elegance.
Long Zhan choked on the words he was about to say.
How strange.
That same line had just flashed through his mind—how did the Seventh Princess say it first?
He immediately began fantasizing again. Clearly, they were connected by fate—she was destined to be his woman.
Chiba Rizhao looked at the lovely princess with some surprise.
“Be the eternal master of rivers, mountains, mist, and moon… Very good! As expected of my daughter!”
Li Zaiyuan was thrilled. He had always loved poetry and literature.
And now, it seemed his favorite daughter had inherited his literary gifts.
[Wait a second… Long Zhan didn’t get to show off yet—why’s the princess taking the spotlight?]
[This… isn’t how the plot is supposed to go!]
While Zhao Wujian was still mulling over that confusion—
Li Yunrui’s next sentence flipped everyone’s expectations upside down.
“Father, Zhao Wujian taught me that line!”
[WHAT THE HELL!]
[When did I teach you that?!]
[Don’t throw me under the bus just to flatter me!]
Zhao Wujian cursed inwardly.
He had no intention of standing out, and he certainly never taught her anything.
Long Zhan’s face turned grim. “Your Highness, you mustn’t belittle yourself like that…”
He could accept the idea of being in sync with the Seventh Princess, even being beaten to a line by her.
But losing to Zhao Wujian, that trash? Never.
Chiba Rizhao’s gaze shifted. She said calmly, “Surely the princess jests… How about this—I’ll give another line and see if Young Master Zhao can complete it.”
“Iron shoulders bear justice. Let’s see your next line, Zhao Wujian.”
Zhao Wujian put on an exaggerated expression, pretending to be lost in thought.
He had no intention of showing off.
Li Yunrui looked at him with anticipation.
Li Zaiyuan also studied him closely.
When he saw how clueless Zhao Wujian looked, he secretly let out a breath of relief.
So his precious daughter had only said that to keep Zhao Wujian from losing face.
Chiba Rizhao waited patiently.
But when Zhao Wujian still didn’t respond, she let her sarcasm slip.
“Young Master Zhao, you needn’t be troubled or feel ashamed. Even your father was defeated by Hansang. That you cannot match a Hansang envoy in poetry—well, it seems you’re just following in his footsteps. Haha…”
Her words struck Zhao Wujian at his core.
His father had been a loyal war god of the frontier, dying to protect his country.
How dare a foreign envoy come here and insult his memory?
“The next line—’Skillful hands craft the words of justice.'”
Chiba Rizhao’s mocking smile froze.
“…What?”
“Well said! Perfectly said!” Li Yunrui cheered, clinging to Zhao Wujian’s arm. She glared at Chiba Rizhao, then looked at Li Zaiyuan. “Father, didn’t I tell you Zhao Wujian is brilliant?”
Li Zaiyuan nodded in satisfaction.
“This can’t be… You—!” Chiba Rizhao tried to protest.
But Zhao Wujian had already seized the initiative. His voice turned cold.
“If the envoy from Hansang is unconvinced, why not try a few lines from me?”
He didn’t give her a chance to refuse.
“‘Yellow River’s waters come from the heavens, rushing to the sea, never to return…'”
“‘Alas, a few drops of Bodhi water, poured into twin lotus petals…'”
“‘A golden needle pierces the peach blossom’s heart, silent pain beneath a furrowed brow…'”
“‘In a bed of mandarin ducks, two lie through the night—one pear blossom presses down a begonia…'”
“Come on, match them if you can.”