Chapter 56: Hit Someone But Don't Hit the Face

Gu Jiu Ling's transmigration to this era could be said to be living two lives; she had never seen such a narcissistic man.

She dare not stay another moment here, fearing that if she doesn't leave she'll be embarrassed to death by the wise and mighty Crown Prince.

Gu Jiu Ling turned and walked toward outside the flower trees, the more she thought the angrier she got; she didn't expect that as soon as she stepped off the path she would almost bump into someone.

When Xiao Yin returned, he found Gu Jiu Ling didn't know where she had gone; he asked a few serving boys in blue, who said they saw the Princess Consort of Rui heading toward the lakeside.

Xiao Yin worried something might happen to Gu Jiu Ling; after all, this girl had recently become rather ostentatious, and she might suffer retaliation.

He had just walked toward the flower grove by the lake when Gu Jiu Ling hurriedly emerged from the flower thicket.

Her pretty face was flushed red, she lowered her head and walked on muttering curses as she went, as if someone had provoked her.

Seeing her bump headfirst into him, Xiao Yin quickly raised his hand to steady her.

What's going on?

Gu Jiu Ling lifted her head to meet Xiao Yin's gaze, and somehow felt a sense of grievance well up, her eyes slightly reddening.

Speak! Xiao Yin's face darkened.

Are you blind or what? Which lowlife is bullying his princess consort?

Do they really think Xiao Yin is made of mud, coming one after another to seek discomfort?

Prince... Gu Jiu Ling pulled out a box from her bosom and shoved it into Xiao Yin's hand, feeling like she was holding a hot coal, scorching hot.

She had no intention of hiding her foolish thoughts from others; looking at Xiao Yin she said, 'The Crown Prince of the East Palace gave this to me.'

You say marrying the prince blinded my eyes; I should go be his concubine, and bring along my mother's extravagant dowry to give him.

And he even sent me this thing, telling me to abort the child first!

Xiao Yin's face sank to the depths as he opened the box Gu Jiu Ling had shoved into his hand; inside was a box full of safflower—enough to cause a miscarriage of not just one child but a hundred.

Xiao Yin's knuckles protruded as he clenched the box tightly; his handsome face was overcast with gloom.

He drew a deep breath, looked at Gu Jiu Ling, and said, 'Wait for me here.'

Having said that, he turned and walked into the flower trees; Gu Jiu Ling, who had been humiliated for no reason by Xiao Ting, felt a surge of anger.

This time, seeing Xiao Yin enter the woods, she felt a slight regret in her heart, wondering if this wasn't too much?

If Xiao Yin were to do something to that scoundrel, wouldn't that stir up trouble?

But she knew Xiao Yin's nature; once he made a decision, no one could stop him.

Gu Jiu Ling waited anxiously for a moment; shortly after, Xiao Yin emerged, his expression toward her slightly nuanced.

Prince? Gu Jiu Ling glanced toward the woods.

'It's fine, I won't die,' Xiao Yin said coldly, the box holding the safflower disappearing from his hand.

Gu Jiu Ling didn't dare ask, but she felt a warm sensation in her heart.

Even if everyone despised and hated her, having this person by her side meant that no matter what she said or did, no matter how outrageous or absurd, he would join her in the absurdity.

Xiao Yin looked at her and chuckled softly, 'You hit him?'

Gu Jiu Ling nodded: 'Sorry, Prince, next time I...'

Next time be careful; when beating someone, especially the Crown Prince of the East Palace, don't hit the face—it's ugly!

Give him a thorough beating where it can't be seen, so you won't leave any evidence!

Gu Jiu Ling abruptly lifted her head to look at Xiao Yin, whose face bore a smile, and a flicker of delight crossed her eyes.

She had thought he would scold her, resent her for causing trouble.

But instead he said this.

At that moment, the smile on Gu Jiu Ling's face felt as if lit up by something, beginning to sparkle.

Thank you, Prince!

Prince! You're really good!

Prince, walk slowly, watch your step!

Prince, your walking posture is so charming!

When it was time to announce the results, Gu Jiu Ling and Xiao Yin returned to their seats.

The boy in blue again tidied the leftover food on the table, then placed various flowers and fruits, poetry and books, and even several scrolls as gifts to be taken away later.

Gu Jiu Ling glanced at Lin Jingyuan, who stood in the center organizing the banquet, feeling he was a genius at hosting large events; she wanted to invite him to her clinic's opening, sure it would be a hit.

From across came a clamor; Gu Jiu Ling looked over and saw Xiao Ting entering wearing a mask, his facial expression indiscernible, but just his eyes looked hostile.

He was even helped in by two attendants; it was hard on him—if the poetry gathering weren't important, with Mr. Wen presiding, he probably wouldn't have the face to stay here.

What's wrong with the Crown Prince?

Yeah, how did he get injured like this in just a moment?

I heard a farmer's child nearby fell into the lake, the Crown Prince rescued him, and in saving the child he accidentally gashed his forehead.

The stones in the lake are quite sharp!

Wow, the Crown Prince has such a benevolent heart!

Gu Jiu Ling's eye twitched; she finally understood what it meant to invert black and white, while Xiao Yin beside her gave a cold snort and paid no further attention.

On the other hand, Li Songyue and the other noble ladies chattered anxiously, worried to death; meanwhile, in this little interlude, Mr. Wen led the senior scholars out slowly.

I don't know if it's everyone's illusion, but I feel Mr. Wen's expression today is a bit strange—both excited and doubtful.

Lin Jingyuan smiled and said, 'Everyone, the results are out.'

The essay that won today's top place is……

Sir Lin, let this old man announce the news!

Mr. Wen, holding a few documents, walked out slowly; Lin Jingyuan respectfully supported his arm, carefully guiding him to the center position.

This time, Lin Jingyuan had someone bring out the previously prepared prize—a gold box, its exterior carved with patterns and inlaid with gems.

Just looking at this box, you can tell it's very much a Du family piece.

Heroic spirit!

After Mr. Wen stood still, everyone stared fixedly at the manuscript he held, wishing they could see through the paper to see who had written the article.

Gu Jiu Ling also felt a bit nervous, and turned her head to glance at Xiao Yin beside her, not knowing whether he had prepared himself; wanting to retrieve the Du family's booklet was not that easy a task.

Mr. Wen smiled and said, "Old man, to see so many young talents today and read so many excellent works is truly a fortune of three lifetimes."

"For example, the Crown Prince's treatise on governance and Heng Zhuo's work on state administration are both excellent."

Xiao Ting's wounded little heart was finally soothed a bit.

"The best is Prince Rui's state policy essay!"

As soon as Mr. Wen's words fell, everyone was dumbfounded.

Prince Rui? He wrote the state policy essay?