The young lady, however, was too deep-seated. She worked so hard because of a man, which was somewhat blind. Women come here to radiate their own charm and charisma, not to strive for a particular man. Otherwise, what she did would be meaningless. Unfortunately, despite her repeated reminders, the young lady simply did not listen.
Men don't like overly shrewd women, because they lose their feminine charm and become mean-spirited.
Aunt Qingyun stopped talking, got up and led Hailing and Yanzhi to the assessment hall.
Hailing and Yanzhi behind her exchanged a glance, both looking somewhat surprised. Although they knew Jiang Feixue was excellent, they didn't expect her to be an all-around outstanding talent. It was just a pity that she was too scheming. Otherwise, Hailing would have liked to be friends with her. Unfortunately, they were not born to be friends.
On the contrary, if she becomes an enemy, such an enemy is very dangerous, so she should be careful.
The group quickly arrived at the assessment hall.
The spacious examination hall was now packed with people. In addition to the headmaster's aunt, the head of the six bureaus of the palace had also sent someone else to participate in the examination, making the examination seem exceptionally solemn.
As soon as Hai Ling and the others arrived, everyone stood up and spoke respectfully.
"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Princess and Aunt Qingyun."
Hai Ling looked up and immediately saw several outstanding women in the crowd, all staring at her with jealousy and hatred. Among them, the most jealous was Jiang Feixue, whose dark eyes flashed with a bloodthirsty cold light, as if she wanted to pounce on her and bite her to vent her hatred. Hai Ling smiled slightly and spoke gently.
"Get up, everyone."
Everyone straightened up and lined up on both sides. Aunt Qingyun accompanied Hailing to the VIP seats at the front and invited her to sit down.
Then the head nuns sat down one by one, and the rest were the young ladies of Jiaoyuan Academy. Seeing that someone like Hailing was so precious and enjoyed such high-class favor, a small group of these women were filled with hatred, while the other group, who had no hope, were just looking forward to a good show.
Because they knew that something interesting was about to happen.
Ignoring the several jealous and murderous gazes around her, Hai Ling surveyed the examination hall. It was supported by four bronze pillars painted with birds and insects, and an eight-treasure palace lantern hung overhead, with pearls inlaid at the four corners, shining brightly. At the front of the hall was a two-meter-high white jade platform, on which were placed many musical instruments, writing brushes, ink, paper, embroidery frames, and brocade cloth, truly having everything one could need.
As expected of the founding emperor who built it for his beloved princess, even a small study is so luxurious.
Inside the hall, everyone was lost in their own thoughts when they suddenly heard a shrill voice reporting something.
"Princess Chang Le has arrived."
Princess Chang Le, the eldest daughter of the royal family, named Feng Qian, is the younger sister of the Crown Prince and the daughter of the Empress. She is eighteen years old. It is said that Princess Chang Le is not only beautiful, but also talented in both literature and martial arts. Most importantly, she is upright and has a good reputation in the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Although Hailing had heard of this princess, she had never had the chance to meet her. Upon hearing the report from outside the door, she stood up with the others and looked towards the entrance of the hall.
Princess Chang Le was a regular at the Banana Garden Book House. Although she had passed the assessment long ago, as the eldest princess of the royal family, she would often come to the book house on behalf of the Empress. Today was the annual assessment, so the princess naturally showed up.
Aunt Qingyun led the headmaster of Shuxuan to the door to greet them...
---Aside---
My dears, is anyone watching? My heart is ice-cold, please at least say something...
Chapter 38 The Two Sisters Are Good
Outside the hall, surrounded by a group of beautiful women, she wore a light green floor-length dress with a thin white sash around her waist. As she moved, the dress flowed gracefully like the wind. She was tall and slender with well-proportioned features. Her demeanor was elegant and dignified. She led several palace maids behind her as she slowly walked in, her eyes filled with wisdom.
Aunt Qingyun and the others had already approached, so they quickly curtsied.
"We, your servants, greet the princess."
Princess Chang Le smiled broadly and stepped forward to help Aunt Qingyun up, saying, "Aunt, there's no need for you to kneel. Please get up."
The voice was soft and melodious, like water flowing in a stream, cool and refreshing, instantly bringing joy and without the slightest discomfort.
Princess Chang Le is truly down-to-earth and magnanimous, just as the rumors say.
As Hai Ling was thinking to herself, Aunt Qingyun and the others had already gotten up and invited the princess over.
Princess Chang Le, Feng Qian, scanned the hall with her beautiful eyes, a smile playing on her lips.
Inside the hall, everyone was captivated by her beauty, and many forgot to bow. However, they quickly realized their mistake and greeted her in unison, "Greetings, Princess."
"Okay, everyone get up."
Feng Qian waved her hand and led Aunt Qingyun and the others past the crowd. When they reached the front, they saw Hai Ling standing behind the crowd.
Feng Qian had always wanted to meet this rumored Crown Princess. Now, she narrowed her eyes and carefully assessed her. This woman was indeed a bit plump, but she wasn't without merits. Her eyes were beautiful, clear and bright like a blue lake, without a trace of impurity. Having seen so many scheming Princess Chang Le in the palace, she immediately took a liking to Hai Ling's eyes. A person with such eyes must have a pure and clear mind. A person's eyes are the best reflection of their inner self. Thinking of this, Feng Qian nodded slightly to Hai Ling.
"This must be the Empress Dowager's sister-in-law. Feng Qian greets the Empress Dowager's sister-in-law."
Hai Ling felt somewhat uncomfortable upon hearing the title "Princess Chang Le." She wasn't even married to the Crown Prince yet, and besides, she didn't want to.
The Crown Prince probably didn't want to marry her either, but Princess Chang Le was quite likable. She was down-to-earth, easygoing, and instantly endearing.
With many eyes on them, Hailing didn't want everyone's attention to stay on her, so she nodded in return.
"You're too kind, Princess."
Inside the hall, the young ladies from noble families, who had originally hoped to see a good show and that the princess would definitely dislike this woman, were surprised to find that the princess was exceptionally polite to the crown princess upon meeting her. Moreover, everyone could easily tell that the princess liked the crown princess very much.
What's going on here? You know, the princess isn't someone who easily likes people. Although she's easygoing and unpretentious, that's just a facade. She rarely gets close to anyone. Even when the young ladies around her try to curry favor with her, she remains aloof and polite. I've never seen her be so affectionate towards anyone.
Feng Qian and Hai Ling ignored everyone else, exchanged a smile, and sat down.
Aunt Qingyun behind him smiled, secretly pleased.
The princess finally has a friend, and so does the Crown Princess. Women really need friends too, otherwise their hearts will feel lonely.
Inside the hall, the two most distinguished women sat down, and the others followed suit.
Previously, the head nuns and the nuns from the Six Bureaus of the Palace had treated Hailing with some disdain, but now that the princess was looking at Hailing with special regard, they did not understand why the princess would like this fat woman, but they dared not be careless.
These women all knew that the princess was not as easygoing as she appeared. She was ruthless when punishing servants, even more so than the empress. So they decided to be careful.