At this moment, Mu Yunhe's heart, which had always revolved around his mother and lived solely for her, suddenly stirred with a subtle yet intense emotion and a powerful desire. He thought, even with all the effort and sacrifices he had made for Luo Zhiheng, he had to live well and strive to get better. At this moment, he also wanted to live for Luo Zhiheng! 15460330
Luo Zhiheng brought the soup bowl to him and saw that he was looking at her with a gentle expression but was obviously distracted. She then had a mischievous urge and deliberately brought her face close to his, suddenly shouting, "Come back to reality!"
Startled, Mu Yunhe jerked his hand up, but accidentally knocked over the soup bowl in Luo Zhiheng's hand, spilling hot soup all over her delicate hand. She screamed in pain, her face turning pale.
Mu Yunhe's expression also changed drastically. Looking at the red and rapidly swelling back of his hand, Mu Yunhe's exclamation was trembling and panicked: "Aheng!"
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110 Golden Invitation! A Mysterious Talent Competition!
Updated: 2013-06-18 09:47:20 Word Count: 7663
Mu Yunhe's exclamation caused Luo Zhiheng, who had been screaming in pain, to freeze in place, speechless. She stared blankly at Mu Yunhe, not even flinching when he grabbed her hand. She simply asked in surprise, "What did you call me?"
Mu Yunhe was anxiously staring at her hand, completely in no mood to answer Luo Zhiheng's question. His anxiety was genuine; for a moment, he even wished the hot soup would scald him instead. Seeing her delicate little hand turning red, Mu Yunhe felt his throat go dry and suddenly roared outside, "Xiao Xizi, quickly go find a doctor!"
Xiao Xizi rushed in and then rushed out again. She must have told the wet nurse, because the wet nurse also rushed in. When she saw Luo Zhiheng's hand, she gasped in fright and ran out immediately. When she came back, she had brought some soybean paste and carefully smeared it on the back of Luo Zhiheng's hand.
Luo Zhiheng was in so much pain that tears streamed down her face. Although it hurt a little, she couldn't help but make a show of it, so she groaned and moaned, glancing at Mu Yunhe from the corner of her eye. She noticed that Mu Yunhe's face would turn uglier every time she groaned, and she felt a strange sense of satisfaction. Although she was getting what she deserved, it wasn't bad to make Mu Yunhe suffer as well.
The doctor was brought from outside the manor. When the doctor arrived, he washed Luo Zhiheng's hands clean, examined them, and left her a bottle of very effective ointment for treating burns, saying it wasn't serious, would heal in a few days, and wouldn't leave a scar. Mu Yunhe was finally relieved.
As Luo Zhiheng applied ointment to herself, she glanced at Mu Yunhe with a half-smile. Seeing his handsome eyes lingering on her hand, she teased, "You're so worried about me being injured. You wouldn't happen to be feeling sorry for me, would you?"
These words came too suddenly and were incredibly damaging, especially for Mu Yunhe, who was emotionally naive. Without a second thought, he immediately denied it, saying, "I'm worried about you? I've never heard a funnier joke! As for feeling sorry for you, I don't have the time to feel sorry for a resilient female warrior."
A female warrior—that was the image of Luo Zhiheng in Mu Yunhe's mind. She was indeed tenacious. In this strange and unpredictable royal palace, where danger lurked at every turn, she had the courage to fight and strive for her life. Even when things were tough and she knew her life was in danger, she could still live each day to the fullest, every moment so exhilarating, and she could even make her enemies suffer. Such a life was a luxury for Mu Yunhe.
Luo Zhiheng suddenly rushed in front of Mu Yunhe, her long, curled eyelashes almost brushing against his eyes as she squinted. Her gaze held a mixture of mockery and disbelief, and her tone was light and cheerful: "Don't try to deny it. If you weren't worried about me, would your face have looked so pale just now? If you didn't care about me, would you have been so anxious to send Xiao Xizi to fetch a doctor? If you didn't care about me, would you have called out my childhood name at that moment? Don't think I didn't hear you just now... called me Aheng!"
Mu Yunhe's ears gradually turned red. He wanted to escape from this place filled with Luo Zhiheng's scent and surroundings, but he also felt that escaping would only make this woman laugh at him and embolden her even more arrogant attitude. So, although Mu Yunhe's heart was pounding, his face remained cold, and he said sarcastically, "You take yourself too seriously. Narcissism is a kind of illness, isn't it? You should have had the doctor treat you while you were at it."
Luo Zhiheng's smile deepened. Why couldn't she resist teasing this man? He was clearly a kind man, yet she insisted on putting on a cold and aloof act in front of him. He had no idea that the more he acted like a repressed pervert, the more likable he became, making people want to tease him until he completely tore off that false facade.
She reached out and poked Mu Yunhe's face, which was also tense. Satisfied with the dangerous look that flashed in Mu Yunhe's phoenix eyes, she smiled and said, "Then how did you know that my nickname is Aheng? How did you call it out in a moment of crisis? You must have called me a thousand times in your heart, right?" 12.
She spoke with unbridled confidence, an arrogant and self-righteous arrogance that made Mu Yunhe's teeth itch. How could there be such a narcissistic woman? This time, Mu Yunhe's expression wasn't one of embarrassment, but rather a sinister look. Xiao Xizi had overheard Xia Beisong calling Luo Zhiheng by that name, and at the time he felt it was too intimate and affectionate, never imagining that Aheng was her childhood nickname.
A woman's childhood nickname, aside from her parents, should only be used by her husband. Who is that Xia Beisong? He's just a cousin, yet he dares to call her so intimately? And that damned Luo Zhiheng doesn't even argue back!
This is outrageous!
Mu Yunhe's face darkened, and even his gaze unconsciously turned gloomy. He gave Luo Zhiheng a cold glance before reverting to his usual icy demeanor: "Stop thinking nonsense. I never use anything that others have used, including titles! Get out of my way!"
After he finished speaking, he lay down and never looked at Luo Zhiheng again, ignoring her completely.
Luo Zhiheng was left feeling awkward and confused. Why did Mu Yunhe suddenly seem so violent and angry? She waved her fist at Mu Yunhe's shapely buttocks but didn't dare to hit him. She muttered irritably, "Can't you just go along with me and satisfy my vanity? What a boring man."
After all that commotion, neither of them had any appetite. Just then, a voice came from outside saying that someone had come to see Luo Zhiheng.
Luo Zhiheng was wondering who would come looking for her. But when she saw the elegant and graceful white-haired woman in the lobby, she knew that this person must also be a participant in the First Talent Competition and must have come to deliver the invitation.
"This must be Miss Luo. It's an honor to meet you." The white-haired woman's voice carried a profound and authoritative quality, inspiring awe in all who heard it. Her gentle gaze fell upon Luo Zhiheng's face, and she smiled warmly, her expression radiating kindness.
Ke Luozhiheng didn't think that someone she had just met and didn't know could be very kind.
Before Luo Zhiheng could speak, Consort Li, who was accompanying her, spoke up. Her words had a hint of flattery that Luo Zhiheng could tell: "Madam Wang, this is our young princess who has just entered the family. She is a very good girl. She takes care of our young prince every day and has no time for anything else. She is such a good girl."
Consort Li's eyes were smiling, displaying an unprecedentedly loving expression. Her gaze towards Luo Zhiheng was full of gentle warmth, truly like that of an elder who deeply cares for a younger generation. However, when she looked at the woman, her smile became more ingratiating.
The arrogant and ruthless Consort Li would actually try to please someone from some talent competition?!
Luo Zhiheng felt surprised and also very strange. Why did Consort Li say that? It was as if she didn't have time to do anything else. What did she mean?
Luo Zhiheng once again looked at the smiling woman with a probing gaze, but couldn't glean anything from her. She didn't refute Consort Li's words, and instead seemed to completely ignore her, stating frankly, "I am Luo Zhiheng."
Lady Wang stood up. Although she looked quite old, her demeanor and temperament were displayed to the fullest in her almost perfect etiquette. This made Consort Li's eyes light up, and it also made Luo Zhiheng more wary of Consort Li while she was surprised.
"Old lady Wang has met Miss Luo," said Madam Wang. Although her hair was gray, her face did not look old at all; she looked about fifty years old.
She was referring to Miss Luo, and twice at that. It wasn't disrespectful, and she didn't mention the young princess's identity at all. However, Consort Li had just emphasized Luo Zhiheng's identity as the young princess, which was the first time Consort Li had acknowledged Luo Zhiheng's identity as princess in front of others.
Luo Zhiheng keenly sensed the two different identities these two people were referring to, and realized there must be some conflict or something fishy going on.
She quickly returned a junior's greeting, albeit awkwardly and without proper etiquette, but that was Luo Zhiheng for her. Neither the previous Luo Zhiheng nor the chosen one were familiar with proper etiquette. However, when Luo Zhiheng rose, she immediately stepped forward to help Madam Wang up, her demeanor friendly yet not obsequious, natural and dignified.
Consort Li then seized the opportunity to speak, "Madam, you flatter me. Our little princess was pampered at home, and we elders in the palace also doted on her, never letting her come to pay her respects. So it's inevitable that she's a bit rusty in etiquette. Please don't take offense. Zhiheng, quickly let go! Don't be rude!"
What a subtle way to belittle and suppress her! Consort Li, you've given yourself away! Luo Zhiheng smiled, showing neither anger nor panic, still ignoring Consort Li.
If someone is polite to her, she'll reciprocate with a little politeness; if someone is rude to her, she can just laugh it off; but if someone dares to humiliate her, she'll retaliate without hesitation! Because those who don't appreciate kindness don't deserve any respect from her!
Madam Wang showed no anger or dissatisfaction. On the contrary, just like Luo Zhiheng, she once again ignored Consort Li's words, gently patted Luo Zhiheng's hand, and said with a smile, "I am just a messenger, how could I dare to trouble Miss Luo with such a gesture?"
Although she said that, she was not flustered at all because Luo Zhiheng was helping her up; on the contrary, she was extremely calm.
Luo Zhiheng observed the man's expression and knew that he was happy that she was doing this, and that she was also willing to respect the elderly. So she smiled and said, "Please don't be so polite with me. No matter who you are, you are a guest in my home. It is my duty."
Lady Wang seemed delighted by Luo Zhiheng's unpretentious and generous manner, and quickly took something out of her sleeve. The moment that thing appeared, the entire room seemed to be instantly filled with golden light, so bright that it was almost blinding. Therefore, Luo Zhiheng also overlooked the greed and ecstasy in Consort Li's eyes the instant that thing appeared.
After a while, Luo Zhiheng opened her eyes and stared in shock at the small, glittering box in Madam Wang's hand. It was called a small box because it had a lid, but it was entirely gold, exquisitely and luxuriously made, and exuded an air of nobility.
This is the invitation to the top talent competition? Seriously? So extravagant!!
Luo Zhiheng, a woman who loves money, couldn't help but be tempted when she saw that thing, but it was just a fleeting thought. Because it was definitely hers, she didn't need to be greedy. If the thing wasn't hers, she wouldn't even consider it, no matter how valuable or good it was.
A hint of appreciation flashed in Madam Wang's eyes, and she said in an elegant voice, "Miss Luo, this is the invitation to the First Talent Competition. After the two stewards returned today, they asked me to deliver it as soon as possible. Please keep it safe, Miss Luo. The preliminary selection for the First Talent Competition will be held in four days. Please prepare your performance. On that day, our stewards will send someone to pick up the contestants."
Luo Zhiheng reached out her hand, about to take it, when Consort Li suddenly spoke up anxiously, "Madam! Our young princess has to take care of the young prince every day. You know the young prince is not in good health, and he really can't be without the young princess for even a moment. The two of them have only been married for a short time and are very much in love. If they are separated for a day or two, I'm afraid the young prince and princess will miss each other."
Consort Li was genuinely anxious. When she realized that the person in front of her was from the First Talented Woman's side, her heart almost jumped out of her chest. Over the years, she had only participated in the First Talented Woman Competition once, and the invitation letter from that time looked just like this. She still kept it; it was not only a treasure but also a kind of honor.
It was a pity that she was eliminated in the semi-finals, and the person who defeated her was the Princess! It can be said that the most honored woman in this royal palace was the Princess, because the Princess was the champion of their year! Many years later, when she thinks about it again, Consort Li is still full of resentment and grievances. It was because she failed to be selected in that competition that the position of Princess Consort of Mu King slipped through her fingers.
The champion's wife became the emperor's bestowed title of princess. Why was Tong Shi qualified to be this princess? Consort Li knew perfectly well that this woman, whose status, family background, and appearance were inferior to her own, and who even lacked the prince's favor and pity, had managed to ascend to the position of princess. The title of champion in the First Talent Contest had added immense prestige to the position of princess and firmly established Tong Shi's status! (Yun He Jiao Qingjian)
This was a pent-up anger, something she had held back for so many years, something she couldn't let go of. Consort Li had thought that after all these years, she had forgotten these things, but she knew that hatred still lingered in her heart. So when she learned that this distinguished guest had come to deliver an invitation to Luo Zhiheng, Consort Li was utterly shocked and furious beyond measure.
Someone like Luo Zhiheng can participate in the First Talent Competition? It's utterly ridiculous! Her initial mockery quickly turned into fury. How could Luo Zhiheng participate in that competition? It's practically a competition that gilds one's reputation; regardless of the final result, receiving that priceless invitation instantly elevates one's status.
Luo Zhiheng is already her mortal enemy and very difficult to deal with. If she were to participate in that competition, even if she were to be eliminated shortly after, it would still pose a significant threat to Consort Li. Moreover, even her carefully chosen daughter-in-law and her own outstanding niece didn't have the honor of participating in the First Talent Competition. What makes Luo Zhiheng think she can participate?
Consort Li's mind raced for a moment, but her final decision was that Luo Zhiheng absolutely could not participate in this prestigious competition. She needed to find a way to get her favored niece to participate as well, so that her niece's status would be even more elevated when she married her son. And her niece's talent was guaranteed—at least a hundred times better than Luo Zhiheng's—she was sure to shine brightly in the competition! Then, when Mu Yunjin inherited the throne, her niece's wife would be a much more confident and powerful queen!
Consort Li's idea was good, selfish, and crazy. She didn't know how Luo Zhiheng managed to get such a precious spot. Because the spot was so precious, she couldn't get it at all. So Consort Li decided to let her own niece replace Luo Zhiheng in the competition. As for Luo Zhiheng, this incompetent and lowly good-for-nothing, she could just stay out of the way. What right did she have to compete with her own niece?
Madam Wang asked Luo Zhiheng seemingly casually, "Oh? Miss Luo doesn't have time?"
Luo Zhiheng had long been wary of Consort Li's strange behavior, so as soon as she spoke, she knew that Consort Li wanted to stop her from participating in the competition. Although she didn't know the reason, she wouldn't give up on the competition. She wanted to participate in the competition herself, and she had her own purpose. If anyone dared to stop her, she would beat them up without hesitation!
Luo Zhiheng continued to ignore Consort Li, reaching directly for the gleaming golden invitation. She smiled naturally and said, "Even if I go to participate in the competition, I will take good care of the young prince. Our young prince is a very kind person, and he supports my participation in this competition. I can't let him down. Besides, the competition is only a few days long, so it won't cause any problems..."
Just as Luo Zhiheng was about to grab the invitation, Consort Li could no longer contain herself and reached out to snatch it, saying sternly, "Luo Zhiheng, you are now the daughter-in-law of the Prince's mansion. You are no longer a young lady. Can you still use the title 'Miss Luo'? Don't you acknowledge that you are the Prince's little princess? You are deceiving the people of the First Talent Competition. Do you even deserve to participate in this grand and precious competition?"
They keep saying it's all for the good of the competition, what noble moral sentiments!
But Luo Zhiheng laughed rather unkindly. As she laughed, she reached out and grabbed Consort Li's wrist. As a bandit, she knew all too well where a person's most vulnerable and vulnerable parts were. With a quick twist, she turned her hand, and Consort Li felt her hand lose strength. Even her arm went limp, but it didn't hurt. So she was stunned but didn't scream.
Luo Zhiheng released her hand and calmly accepted the invitation, but the weight of the invitation almost made her cry out.
It's a bit heavy!
As if she hadn't seen the brief scuffle between Luo Zhiheng and Consort Li, Madam Wang smiled and said, "Take it, Miss Luo."
She remained fixated on the title "Miss Luo." Luo Zhiheng was certain that only this title would allow her to participate in the competition.
Consort Li was so angry she almost vomited blood. Her eyes reddened, and after a long while, she finally managed to restrain herself and said bluntly, "Madam Wang, what do you mean by this? Luo Zhiheng is already married. Can a married woman participate in the competition for the title of First Talent? Are you trying to break the rules?"
As if finally noticing Consort Li's presence, Madam Wang's smiling eyes softened, and she calmly said, "Being married doesn't necessarily mean one is not a virgin, and being unmarried doesn't necessarily mean one is a virgin. We can be tolerant of unmarried people who are not virgins participating in the competition, so why can't we be tolerant of married virgins?"
Lady Wang's words were calm and composed, neither gentle nor sharp. But as soon as she said this, Consort Li's face changed drastically, turning pale, then red, and her body trembled slightly, as if she were afraid of something.
Luo Zhiheng squinted, puzzled by Madam Wang's tongue-twisting words, but felt no embarrassment. She was just curious how the old woman knew she was still a virgin.
Madam Wang smiled at Luo Zhiheng and said, "Although I am a very insignificant person in this competition, I have been working for it all along. I understand the rules and principles of the competition better than Consort Li. The competition only judges talent, not people, but it does not say that married people cannot participate. Our only criterion is whether the woman is a virgin on the back of her hand. Miss Luo is obviously a newcomer, and given the young prince's physical condition, he is probably unable to complete that important life event."
"Miss Luo really doesn't know the rules of the competition, does she? Just based on this, she's better than those who know the rules but still disregard them, trampling the competition's principles underfoot. Consort Li, don't you agree?" When Madam Wang said this, she was arrogant and domineering. The sudden change in her aura was definitely not something an ordinary person could possess. And she seemed quite dissatisfied with Consort Li, even contemptuous of her.
Luo Zhiheng was quick-witted and intelligent. In the blink of an eye, an answer clearly emerged, leaving Luo Zhiheng completely stunned!
Could it be that Consort Li also participated in the First Talent Contest? Was she already...no longer a virgin when she participated?! Otherwise, why would Lady Wang be so hostile towards Consort Li? Otherwise, why couldn't the arrogant Consort Li utter a single rebuttal? But what's even more shocking is that Consort Li dared to have an affair with a man before marriage? And how could that Talent Contest be so powerful that it even knew such a secret?
Luo Zhiheng shuddered, her expression changing as she became cautious about the First Talent Competition for the first time.
Consort Li's face darkened under Madam Wang's questioning. Finally, perhaps out of embarrassment and anger, she sneered: "You should speak with evidence, not make wild guesses. You and I should both know whether Luo Zhiheng has the ability to participate in this competition. Aren't you afraid that if she, who knows nothing, goes up, she will immediately pull down the winner of the Mu Dynasty's First Talent Competition and become the last place among several countries? How will you explain that to your clan leader then? I'm afraid the stewards and servants of the Mu Dynasty's First Talent Competition will have to be replaced next year."
Madam Wang suddenly said sternly, "We have already paid the price for our kindness many years ago. If our fortune teller hadn't been absent that time, we wouldn't have harmed that year's steward by letting an unclean person in. That woman is still alive and well, and she should be grateful for our young clan leader's mercy back then. Otherwise, just for defiling the rules of the competition with her unclean body, she would be guilty of a thousand deaths!"
Consort Li was terrified and couldn't utter another word.
Lady Wang didn't waste any more words with Consort Li. After giving Luo Zhiheng a few instructions, she was about to leave. Luo Zhiheng was also very good at controlling her emotions. As if she hadn't noticed their earlier confrontation, she naturally helped Lady Wang and saw her out of the palace gate. Watching Lady Wang get into a magnificent carriage, Luo Zhiheng couldn't remain calm.
A woman who constantly claims to be insignificant is riding in a carriage comparable to those of high-ranking officials. Just how wealthy must this talent competition be? What kind of reward would the winner receive? Luo Zhiheng was utterly captivated. She rushed out of the room, ignoring the sinister look on Consort Li's face as she passed the main hall. 15460330
Luo Zhiheng knew that Mu Yunhe had a vast collection of books, covering all corners of the world. She went back to her room and began searching for them. When she made a lot of noise, Mu Yunhe became impatient: "What exactly are you rummaging through?"
Luo Zhiheng's eyes lit up. This was a ready-made encyclopedia of knowledge! She immediately sat down next to Mu Yunhe and recounted what had just happened. However, she didn't dare mention that Consort Li might have lost her virginity before marriage. Instead, she asked, "What exactly is this 'Talent Contest'? How can they tell if a woman is a virgin? Also, did Consort Li participate in the Talent Contest before? Does the first-place winner receive a very generous reward?"
Mu Yunhe's ears turned red, and his body felt hot as well. Luo Zhiheng's red lips kept chattering, but he almost had a brain freeze. How could this girl dare to say something like "virgin"? How could she not be ashamed at all? Is she even a woman?
"Hey, I'm asking you a question, do you even know what I'm talking about?" Luo Zhiheng slapped him anxiously.
Mu Yunhe snorted coldly, "Get lost and I'll tell you."
Luo Zhiheng obediently stepped back, and Mu Yunhe slowly said, "The First Talent Competition has always been shrouded in mystery. It is said that they are a very wealthy clan who live in the Land of Wealth, the Sun Land, which possesses mountains of gold and silver and countless gems. But no one knows where this mysterious clan's territory is. They have been holding this Talent Competition for a hundred years. They have very mysterious physiognomists who can tell whether a woman is a virgin just by looking at her."
When Mu Yunhe said this, there was shame in his eyes. He had married her but could not make her a real woman. Would she also feel sad?
First update! Today's guaranteed update is still 10,000 words, and there will be an extra update today, and more updates later. I can't determine how many extra words there will be yet, but I'll try my best to write more, but at least 13,000 words is guaranteed. Love you all! Lots of comments and recommendation votes are my motivation for extra updates. With you guys, I'm strong!