NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 11:
Chapter 11: One of Her Own
Zhao Wujian’s flurry of verses struck one after another.
To Chiba Rizhao, these lines first carried a majestic, mountain-splitting momentum. But what followed… well, it turned flirtatious—full of romantic innuendo, and oddly fitting Zhao Wujian’s infamous reputation.
What she hadn’t expected was that, despite their suggestive undertones, the poetry brimmed with wit and style. Zhao Wujian, it turned out, was a man of charm rather than vulgarity.
She was left speechless.
For a moment, she couldn’t think of a single reply that would satisfy even herself.
Everyone could see the embarrassment Chiba Rizhao, envoy of Hansang, suffered.
Li Zaiyuan couldn’t help but praise, “Excellent! Zhao Aiqing, you are truly talented. I am very pleased.”
Long Zhan’s expression turned darker than ever.
Where had this bastard gotten such poetic talent? Did he memorize it ahead of time? Or did the Seventh Princess feed it to him?
Either way, Zhao Wujian was becoming a major obstacle to his future rise to power—he had to be eliminated.
“Since the envoy from Hansang is lacking in literary skill, let’s return to the peace negotiations.”
Now that Chiba Rizhao had been thoroughly outshone by Zhao Wujian, Li Zaiyuan seized the moment to bring the treaty discussions back to the table, and push for more favorable terms.
Chiba Rizhao frowned.
Her prized pride in her cultural prowess had just been crushed. She no longer wished to remain in the royal study.
“Your Majesty, may I take my leave and offer a response tomorrow?”
Li Zaiyuan, full of regal bearing, waved a hand dismissively.
Chiba Rizhao swished her long sleeves and turned to go, but not before casting a deep look at Zhao Wujian.
She committed the face she had never cared for before firmly to memory.
After Chiba Rizhao left, Li Zaiyuan fell silent for a moment before looking toward Zhao Wujian.
“They say you’re undisciplined and unambitious. When did you develop such literary talent?”
Li Zaiyuan had heard from his daughter that Zhao Wujian had been hiding his skills. He hadn’t believed it—until just now.
Zhao Wujian had effortlessly recited several deeply meaningful verses. It made Li Zaiyuan feel a faint sense of unease toward him.
Of course the old Emperor would ask that… Zhao Wujian lowered his gaze.
He was already regretting it.
That envoy from that tiny island nation insulted his father—he had lost his cool and couldn’t hold back. So much for staying low-profile.
His eyes rolled slyly as he recalled the seductive noblewoman who had just tried to win him over.
Why not give her a little credit and return the favor?
“Your Majesty, the talent isn’t mine. Earlier, when I excused myself from the study, I happened to encounter Princess Zhao Hua. She noticed I looked troubled and asked what was wrong. I told her the Hansang envoy was trying to use poetry to demean Great Xia, and asked if she could help. The Princess, realizing the envoy came with ill intentions, taught me a few lines.”
“I see… it was Zhaohua,” Li Zaiyuan’s furrowed brows relaxed slightly.
So Zhao Wujian was just a mouthpiece.
He had always known his younger sister liked to read, but she had always appeared wild and frivolous—a disgrace to the Li clan’s reputation.
Who would’ve thought she still cared for the honor of Great Xia?
“Pass on my decree—have the Treasury select a fitting treasure from the Jade Pavilion and deliver it to the Palace of Zhaohe as a gift for the Princess.”
A respectful voice responded from outside the room—it was the Grand Eunuch.
Li Zaiyuan then looked toward Long Zhan. “Your performance today was also commendable. You’ve done Great Xia proud. Go and receive your reward.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Long Zhan bowed. But his heart boiled with resentment.
Today had turned out nothing like he expected.
He had come ready to shine in front of everyone—the Emperor, the Seventh Princess, the envoy from Hansang.
He had even entertained the thought of taking that icy beauty Chiba Rizhao into his bed, alongside the Seventh Princess, serving him together.
But all of it—ruined.
By that bastard Zhao Wujian.
Damn it!
Zhao Wujian, just wait!
As Long Zhan left, he gave Zhao Wujian a final cold glare.
Zhao Wujian sighed internally.
[I didn’t ask for this either. It’s Li Yunrui who forced me into this whole performance.]
[The destined protagonist probably wants to bite me to death right now.]
“Zhao Wujian…”
Li Zaiyuan’s gaze finally returned to him, now more complicated.
“Your performance today was not bad either. You may leave.”
Li Yunrui frowned.
Father was being unfair!
Even Long Zhan, who had contributed nothing, received a reward—why not Zhao Wujian?
Zhao Wujian naturally understood this. Clearly, the Emperor still didn’t like him.
Still, he maintained a calm expression, bowed respectfully, and took his leave.
After Zhao Wujian left, Li Yunrui couldn’t hold back.
“Father… Zhao Wujian contributed a lot! He’s loyal to you, filial to his father, and treats people with kindness…”
Li Zaiyuan rubbed his brow. He could tell exactly what his daughter was thinking.
Truthfully, he had been impressed with Zhao Wujian today.
But…
If Zhao Wujian truly became the Imperial Son-in-Law, and used that as a springboard to rise to power—could he become another Northern Guardian Prince?
Some things are best snuffed out in the cradle.
Elsewhere…
Zhao Wujian had just stepped through the gates of the Northern Guardian Prince’s Residence when the Old Housekeeper came rushing over.
“Your Highness! A delivery just arrived from the Princess’s estate—gold, silver, fine treasures, and intricate trinkets, all to thank you!”
“Greetings, Heir Apparent.”
A delicate figure rose from where she sat in the main hall and gave Zhao Wujian a graceful nod.
This was Xiao Lan, one of Princess Zhaohua’s trusted maids—around seventeen or eighteen, gentle and pretty.
“My mistress asked me to pass on a message: from now on… you are one of her own.”