Baili Chen remained silent. Baili Zhi suddenly stood up and punched Baili Chen in the chest. The punch wasn't very strong, but it made Baili Chen stagger. "Did you hear that? You absolutely mustn't act impulsively. Third Brother keeps his word. You need to be quiet. Even if you're worried, what can you do now? Why don't you go to the Crown Prince's residence and keep watch there? It's better than you overthinking things."
Baili Chen suddenly smiled, but the smile was very faint: "Third brother did not want me to go before, but this matter is hard to say. If I cannot get it, I would rather destroy Yue'er than give it to someone else. If I go to the Crown Prince's residence, it is very likely that we will all perish together."
Baili Zhi frowned at him: "Don't say such hurtful things!" But he couldn't help but sigh in his heart, "Don't worry, I still have a way, and the Fifth Prince won't give in to the Crown Prince's wishes. If this matter gets out of hand, we can just break up and make this talent show disappear."
Baili Chen smiled faintly and looked at Baili Zhi, saying, "Third brother, then I'll go to the Crown Prince's residence today. I'll be going now."
Baili Zhi watched Baili Chen's retreating figure, feeling somewhat heavy-hearted. He reached out and rubbed his brow. The seventh prince was the most sinister of all the princes, and he had been enduring it all these years. He hoped that his father would consider what the seventh prince had said before, otherwise the seventh prince might really perish together with the emperor.
Baili Zhi sighed. Why couldn't his father let go of that old grudge? That matter had nothing to do with the seventh prince. Thinking of Baili Chen's overt and covert help over the years, Baili Zhi felt a pang of gloom. If anyone owed anything, it was the seventh prince. But sometimes, when pushed to that point, one has no choice but to be ruthless.
Baili Chen straightened up slightly, then left the palace with an attendant. He rode in an exquisite carriage, leaning against the wall. His handsome face was partially obscured by darkness as he lowered his head, his fists clenched tightly. Just as they turned a corner, a "whoosh" came from the carriage. Baili Chen ignored it, but a teasing voice came from outside: "Seventh Prince, where are you going? This student may accompany you."
"I also wish to travel with you."
Baili Chen opened his eyes, lifted the carriage curtain and looked outside. He saw Leng Caiwen and Dai Yu riding chestnut horses, smiling at him. Baili Chen's lips curled slightly: "Of course it's good. It'll be more interesting if we cause a ruckus at the Crown Prince's residence."
Leng Caiwen and Dai Yu simply smiled, turned around, and rode their horses to follow the carriage to the Crown Prince's residence. Baili Chen was directly welcomed into the residence. As the Crown Prince, he naturally had to receive him. Just as everyone was seated, a servant came to report: "The Crown Prince, the Seventh Prince, and the Fifth Prince's carriages are outside."
A cold glint flashed in the Crown Prince's eyes as he said, "Please come in quickly."
A moment later, the Fifth Prince, Baili Jian, strode in with his entourage. He first bowed to the Crown Prince, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty." Then he looked at Baili Chen and said, "Seventh Brother, are you also interested in watching the spectacle? You've arrived even earlier than me."
Baili Chen said calmly, "Since there's going to be some excitement, it's best to come as soon as possible. Are we going to wait until it's over to come?"
Baili Jian actually smiled and nodded: "Seventh brother is right, I think so too."
Seeing Baili Chen and Baili Jian arrive at the mansion, yet they chatted and laughed as if they were laughing at him, Baili Cheng's expression was not good, but he said, "Please sit down. I will arrange for you to go to your respective courtyards later. The Crown Prince's mansion is a bit simpler than the palace, so please don't mind it."
Baili Jian immediately shook his head with a smile: "What are you saying, Your Majesty? You are the Crown Prince, and you were the first among us brothers to leave the palace and build your own residence. Besides, how could the Crown Prince's residence be simple?" Baili Cheng smiled but did not speak. Then Baili Jian suddenly smiled meaningfully and said, "I heard that Your Majesty has already selected a young lady for the imperial concubine selection. This is truly a cause for celebration."
Upon hearing this, Baili Cheng's expression darkened. He glanced at Baili Jian and chuckled, "Ning Xihe comes from a good family, is talented and beautiful, and is indeed a good choice." In fact, when the affair between Ning Xihe and him was exposed, Baili Cheng had already anticipated that it would spread. The original plan was that Ouyang Yue would definitely marry him because of this relationship. Now, the same problem had arisen: he and Ning Xihe had been found in the same room. Anyone with connections would know, and Baili Jian, as a prince, and Consort Sun, who had extensive influence, naturally knew as well.
However, for Baili Cheng, this was a scandal. Baili Jian smiled and said, "Your Majesty is right. When I first heard this news, I was quite impressed. Your Majesty is truly capable. Ning Xihe was an outstanding performer in this year's beauty pageant, and she comes from the Ning family, one of the five great families. She is indeed excellent. Your Majesty has a good eye."
Baili Cheng simply nodded, but Baili Chen continued, "Oh, speaking of which, there was another one who was quite famous in the beauty pageant this year, but she had some bad luck."
Baili Jian rarely cooperated: "What do you mean by that, Seventh Imperial Brother?"
Baili Chen looked at Baili Jian in surprise and said, "Fifth Brother, haven't you heard that Mu Cuiwei drowned in the lotus pond of the Crown Prince's residence? I heard that because her hands were crippled, she couldn't save herself. She was choked by the water and scared to death by herself. Her death was quite tragic."
Baili Jian sighed, "So that's what it is. It's such a pity about Miss Mu." Then Baili Jian looked at Baili Cheng, "Brother, you should still be careful. Someone drowned during the Crown Prince's selection process. It's really bad luck. The Crown Princess just passed away, and now another young lady has died. It all seems a bit strange. Brother, do you believe in ghosts and gods?"
Baili Cheng's face darkened: "Fifth brother, stop talking nonsense. Don't lower yourself to the level of those commoners."
However, what Baili Jian said did make some sense. The successive deaths in the Crown Prince's residence were not a good sign. To be honest, it was quite eerie. Even Mu Cuihuan's well-thought-out plan ultimately failed, which made Baili Cheng feel even worse.
Baili Jian didn't press the matter further, but instead showed a rather disdainful expression and said, "Lunchtime is about to begin. My brother has been joining in the fun these past few days, so why don't we hold a small banquet in the back garden today, so that my brother can see how extraordinary these young ladies are?"
Baili Chen nodded slightly: "Dining etiquette is indeed not to be ignored."
Baili Cheng looked at the two of them coldly, pursed his lips and smiled: "Of course. It is said that the kitchen has prepared more good dishes. Today's lunch does not need to be delivered to each courtyard. It will all be arranged in the back garden."
"It is the Crown Prince."
Upon receiving this news, the young ladies in each courtyard were quite excited. Now that all the princes in the royal family had reached marriageable age, although this was a selection of the Crown Prince's consort, with two princes present, they might just take a liking to one of them during lunch and choose her. None of the princes currently had a principal or secondary consort, so this was a golden opportunity. The young ladies immediately began to dress up even more meticulously, truly dazzling in their finest attire. Just as lunch began, the Third Prince Baili Zhi, the Fourth Prince Baili Chang, the Ninth Prince Baili Mao, and even the Second Princess Baili Jing, the Fourth Princess Baili Cai, the Fifth Princess Baili Le, and the Sixth Princess Baili Yan all arrived, each more distinguished than the last.
Lunch was held in the back garden. The young ladies from various families were originally vying to outshine each other, but the presence of so many princesses and princes made them a little reserved. However, they were secretly overjoyed, as the presence of all the princes gave them even more opportunities.
Although Ouyang Yue participated in the talent show, she was seated at the princess's table according to her rank. However, this table remained very quiet. The youngest princess, Baili Yan, rolled her round eyes and, because she was next to Ouyang Yue, smiled and said, "Is this talent show interesting, Mingyue? I've never watched it before, and I already feel a bit choked up."
Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "Sixth Princess, would you say such a thing?"
"There are too many scents, it's making my nose hurt." Baili Yan frowned as she spoke, which, combined with her delicate and cute face, was quite amusing, and Ouyang Yue's expression softened a bit.
Baili Jing stared coldly at Ouyang Yue, but couldn't help but sneer: "I really didn't expect that the wheel of fortune would turn so around. It's quite a change for you. Who would have thought that the daughter of a mere general would now be a princess, competing for the position of Crown Princess? If things go well, Mingyue will be my sister-in-law in the future. It's really hard to say what will happen in this world."
Ouyang Yue merely smiled slightly: "Everything is uncertain until a conclusion is reached. As for the Second Princess's conjecture, Mingyue cannot answer."
"Is that so? Aren't you secretly laughing to yourself right now? My sister-in-law died so suddenly; I bet anyone would be secretly laughing in that situation." Baili Jing said sarcastically, looking at Ouyang Yue with even more disdain. Everyone present knew very well that whether Ouyang Yue wanted to or not, she was the most likely candidate to become the Crown Princess.
Baili Le sneered: "That's true. Mingyue will definitely be my sister-in-law in the future, but it's hard to say which one she will be right now."
Bai Lijing sneered: "Oh, hard to say, I don't think it's that bad. It's already a done deal."
Baili Le snorted: "If that's the case, why is Second Sister so agitated and seemingly uneasy? Don't you also feel that things might change too much?"
Baili Jing's expression suddenly changed, and she couldn't help but glance at the male guests before coldly looking at Baili Le: "Then let's wait and see."
Ouyang Yue was listening quietly to their bickering, but she noticed Baili Jing's strange behavior just now, and her eyes couldn't help but look towards the male guests. Several princes were sitting at one table, with Leng Caiwen and Dai Yu sitting at the end. Who was Baili Jing looking at just now?
The female guests were bickering, and the male guests were doing the same. It was estimated that few people ate well at lunch. With so many princes and princesses coming to the Crown Prince's residence, the servants were busy arranging accommodations. Ouyang Yue and the other young ladies-in-waiting went back to their own quarters first. Halfway there, Ouyang Yue suddenly stopped and said to Li Rushuang, "Rushuang, you go back first. I want to walk around."
Li Rushuang was a little worried: "Yue'er, you fainted before, so you shouldn't walk by yourself."
"Don't worry, I know my body best. I'm fine now." Li Rushuang didn't want to force her, so she went back first.
Ouyang Yue turned a corner and then suddenly turned around: "Come out."
As soon as he finished speaking, a figure flashed over. The person was dressed in a pink robe and held a feng shui fan in his hand. It was none other than Leng Caiwen. Leng Caiwen smiled and said, "Princess Mingyue is really amazing. It seems that it is too difficult for others to do bad things around you. I was just strolling around and Princess Mingyue discovered me."
Ouyang Yue looked at Leng Caiwen, her eyes filled with complex emotions, and finally said, "Cousin."
Leng Caiwen's expression changed, his body stiffened, and after a pause, he forced a smile and said, "Given Princess Mingyue's current status, it's really inappropriate for her to call me 'Student Cousin.' Moreover, the Leng family had some conflicts with Princess Mingyue's mother in the previous generation. Princess Mingyue, it would be better if you didn't call me 'Student Cousin.'"
Ouyang Yue looked at Leng Caiwen and tugged at the corner of her mouth: "But this relationship cannot be changed. Cousin, is there something you want to say to me this time?"
Leng Caiwen gazed at Ouyang Yue with deep eyes, remaining silent for a moment. Ouyang Yue even felt a strange unease in her heart. Leng Caiwen suddenly laughed, "Hey, cousin, you're really clever. I was going to tease you a bit, but look, you've already broken off this relationship so quickly. Now I can't even play along. It's really a bit boring."
Ouyang Yue stared at Leng Caiwen, but could no longer discern any expression in his eyes. She laughed and said, "What is there to tease me about? A lot has happened recently. I haven't seen you, cousin, for quite some time. How have you been?"
Leng Caiwen sighed immediately: "You're probably not asking me if I'm alright, but rather the Leng family." Ouyang Yue didn't speak, but tacitly agreed, "Alright, ever since your identity was revealed, Grandmother and the others were very shocked. After Aunt disappeared in the capital, they sent people to look for her, but there was no news. In fact, they had already prepared for the worst, but unexpectedly you suddenly appeared, and they even learned that you and Xuan Yuan Chaohua were both Aunt's children. Grandmother loved Aunt very much back then, and she couldn't sleep for several days after returning home, but she felt that she owed Aunt something back then, so even though she really wanted to see you, she held back and didn't go."
The old lady of the Leng family was indeed ashamed. Although it was quite unusual for women to arrange their own marriages in this era, if they hadn't forced her, Leng Yuyan wouldn't have left without a trace, and they certainly wouldn't have been denied a final farewell. How could the old lady, Madam Xie, still have the nerve to go to the princess's residence to find them? Even if she wanted to ask Leng Yuyan about what happened back then, she couldn't bring herself to speak. If they were in each other's shoes, Ouyang Yue and Xuan Yuan Chaohua would probably both despise the Leng family.
Xuan Yuanchaohua was indeed right about this. Otherwise, he would have known about Leng Yuyan's background long ago, but he had never had any intention of acknowledging her as a relative over the years. As for Ouyang Yue, she was not the original owner of this body, so her feelings of hatred were slightly weaker. However, in terms of feelings, there really weren't any, since she had no contact with the Leng family.
Leng Caiwen sighed, "If you have time, I hope you can go to the Leng residence. At least it would fulfill Grandmother's wish. She has had a hard life."
Ouyang Yue stared at Leng Caiwen. She had always felt that Leng Caiwen's seemingly unrestrained exterior was all an act, and his womanizing was questionable, but in reality, he was very loyal and valued family and friendship. Ouyang Yue narrowed her eyes slightly. Even if Leng Caiwen hadn't said anything, she had indeed considered visiting the Leng residence when the opportunity arose. When Leng Yuyan returned to the capital, she had heard Ouyang Zhide say that she actually wanted to return to the Leng residence, but she was too proud, and also pregnant. A wealthy and powerful family like the Leng residence would absolutely not allow such a thing. Back then, she had made such a scene to avoid marriage; the situation was a hundred times more serious then, so naturally, she dared not return. But in truth, she longed to return to her roots, and wanted to go back, even just for Leng Yuyan's sake. Ouyang Yue would at least make an effort to do so, and then decide whether to continue her relationship with the Leng residence.
"By the way, Leng Caidie, the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the Leng family, is participating this time. It seems that the Leng family is also very confident in this competition." Since the eldest branch of the Leng family has no legitimate daughter, Leng Caidie is considered the number one young woman in the Leng family in recent years, and the Leng family has high hopes for her.
Leng Caiwen's face showed a hint of coldness, which he then concealed: "She is nothing to fear. Today you are willing to acknowledge me as your cousin, so as your cousin, I would like to ask you, are you willing to be the Crown Princess?"
Ouyang Yue paused for a moment: "I don't want to."
Leng Caiwen didn't say anything, only said, "Okay!" However, his gaze towards Ouyang Yue was somewhat deep. After thinking for a moment, he couldn't help but ask, "Do you have someone you like?"
He paused again, then said, "What happened to Aunt was a regret for the Leng family. I don't want you to become a regret this time. Neither the Leng family nor I, your cousin, want to see you like that. As long as you have someone you like, I will help you find happiness." However, Ouyang Yue felt that there was an indescribable depth and unfathomable abyss in Leng Caiwen's eyes. It was as if a strong whirlpool of impending explosion was hidden at the bottom of that dark lake, but he was forcibly suppressing it. Perhaps once it exploded, it would be unstoppable.
Ouyang Yue's heart tightened involuntarily, and she pursed her lips: "I... have someone I like."
Leng Caiwen wore a complicated smile: "Is that so? Then you really can't become the Crown Princess." Leng Caiwen suddenly walked over, reached out and patted Ouyang Yue's head, his voice somewhat sentimental, but Ouyang Yue felt that the large hand on her head seemed too heavy, making her breathing a little unsteady. "Don't worry, although my cousin's abilities are limited, he will do his best to stop this selection. I won't watch you fall into the trap."
Ouyang Yue raised her head, her eyes shining like the brightest shooting star in the sky, reflecting Leng Caiwen's smiling face: "I can handle it."
“Girls should be gentler. You used to be too tough in front of others. I remember you even patted my head, your cousin. I was stunned. I thought to myself, how can there be such a rude girl? She'll have a hard time getting married in the future.” Leng Caiwen chuckled and winked, her face full of teasing.
Ouyang Yue pursed her lips: "Wasn't it all because my cousin was so outspoken back then?"
Leng Caiwen immediately surrendered: "Okay, okay, it was my cousin who spoke without thinking. My cousin was right to hit you. Even if you hit me a few more times and break my head, I would be more than happy to do so."
Ouyang Yue glanced at Leng Caiwen sideways, whose expression stiffened for a moment before he smiled: "I heard you were almost framed before."
Ouyang Yue lowered her eyes, concealing the coldness in them: "That is indeed true, but all of that is in the past now."
Leng Caiwen's expression grew increasingly cold and serious, an expression rarely seen on this playboy. He patted Ouyang Yue's shoulder and said, "Don't worry, those people will pay the price."
Ouyang Yue laughed: "Actually, no one needs to lift a finger. They will pay the price for today sooner or later. I'm not in a hurry."
Leng Caiwen squinted at Ouyang Yue, then suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace. Ouyang Yue stiffened instinctively, but then heard Leng Caiwen say lightly, "Sigh, although I have a cousin in the Ning family, I have no feelings for her, Leng Caidie. I've always wanted a younger sister, and I never thought I'd actually have one. It feels so good to hold a little sister, but I haven't watched you grow up. I really wish you could go back to when you were little. You would have been so cute and chubby, I could have squeezed you however I wanted."
Ouyang Yue gently pushed Leng Caiwen away and laughed: "Cousin likes children so much, then hurry up and get married and have your own."
Leng Caiwen smiled and waved his hand: "Women are troublesome, and I don't like to create trouble for myself. Of course, this troublesome woman does not include my cousin, so please don't be angry."
Ouyang Yue frowned, dissatisfied: "Cousin, do you think I'm really that petty?"
“No, no, of course not. You think she’s the most generous and lovely woman.” Leng Caiwen quickly said with a hint of flattery. Ouyang Yue nodded shamelessly, “It’s good that you know.”
Leng Caiwen was speechless for a moment, then burst into laughter. Ouyang Yue looked at him, a complex feeling passing through her heart.
"Alright, I can't keep you out for too long, or I'll start gossiping again. I'll watch you go back," Leng Caiwen suggested, looking at Ouyang Yue after a laugh. Ouyang Yue nodded. Although they were cousins, even cousins sometimes married in this day and age, so it wasn't really appropriate for them to be together in private. Ouyang Yue smiled at Leng Caiwen and said, "Then I'll..."
"Oh no, there's a fire!"
Suddenly, chaos erupted in the Crown Prince's residence. Leng Caiwen and Ouyang Yue were startled and turned around to look for the source of the sound. The sound startled everyone in the Crown Prince's residence, who rushed out in a tense atmosphere. When they arrived at the back courtyard, they saw several young ladies pointing at the sky and shouting. Everyone was puzzled, and one of the young ladies exclaimed, "Look! That's the direction of the Imperial Ancestral Temple! The Imperial Ancestral Temple is on fire!"
"The Imperial Ancestral Temple is on fire!" Everyone who arrived was shocked. The Imperial Ancestral Temple was the place where the ancestors of the Great Zhou Dynasty were worshipped, royal sacrifices were held, and important ceremonies were performed. It held a vital position in the Great Zhou Dynasty. A fire in the Imperial Ancestral Temple was no small matter and was of great importance. Successive emperors had increased the number of troops guarding the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and it was inspected every day. To this day, the Imperial Ancestral Temple had never caught fire before. How could this not be surprising?
Crown Prince Baili Cheng's expression changed. He suddenly had a bad feeling. People were dying one after another in the Crown Prince's residence, and now the ancestral temple caught fire during his selection of concubines. Was this really a coincidence?
Baili Zhi and Ouyang Yue were suddenly stunned and couldn't help but stare at Baili Chen. Just then, they saw a cold and sharp smile curving up at the corner of Baili Chen's mouth. Both of them felt a tightness in their hearts. Baili Chen was too bold!
If this matter is discovered, even as a prince, he will face the death penalty!
☆、164, I only have you, the draft roster is finalized! (Seeking monthly votes)
Ouyang Yue stared intently at Baili Chen, but the latter didn't even look at her. He lowered his eyes, making it impossible for anyone to discern anything from his expression. Ouyang Yue was even more shocked. Could it really have been him?!
She clenched her fists slightly, but only narrowed her eyes, finally fixing her gaze on Baili Cheng. Although Baili Zhi was shocked, it was only a momentary loss of composure before he looked at the Crown Prince with a worried expression.
The Crown Prince was greatly shocked, but now was not the time to think about such things: "I must go to the palace first."
The Fifth Prince, Baili Jian, also chimed in, "Yes, the burning of the Imperial Ancestral Temple is a major event. I must go into the palace to see what's going on." But as he said this, his eyes flickered, as if a glint of light flashed within them.
Baili Zhi also said, "What my elder brother and younger brother are talking about is of utmost importance. We should all go to the palace to take a look now. Perhaps it's just that the area around the Imperial Ancestral Temple has been burned, but just in case, we should still go into the palace to check."
"Then let's go quickly!" Baili Jing said hurriedly.
For the princesses and princes of the royal family, the Imperial Ancestral Temple was not merely a place of worship for their ancestors, but also a symbol of the royal family, a legacy, a way to demonstrate filial piety, a display of the royal family, and a symbol to awe the world. Therefore, the Imperial Ancestral Temple was extremely important to the imperial court. If the Imperial Ancestral Temple were destroyed and bad rumors spread among the people, it would cause another upheaval for the royal family of the Great Zhou Dynasty. None of these princes and princesses dared to delay.
From the Crown Prince to the Ninth Prince Baili Mao, the Second Princess Baili Jing to the Sixth Princess Baili Yan, and even the nominal princess Ouyang Yue, all rode together in a carriage to the palace. The other contestants, of course, did not have this honor and could only wait anxiously, thinking about various possibilities.
"The Imperial Ancestral Temple is on fire... this... this..." one of the young ladies asked nervously.
"Yes, the Imperial Ancestral Temple caught fire. Could it be that the Great Zhou Dynasty has committed some crime? Is it divine retribution?"
"This...this...why would something like this happen on the day of the draft?"
"You mean!" Many of the young women exclaimed, their eyes wide with shock.
The young lady kept shaking her head: "I don't want to make such guesses either, but what a coincidence! Today is only the first day of the official selection. First, some shameless people tried to sleep with us, dragging us down with them. Then Miss Mu died tragically. Now even the Imperial Ancestral Temple has been burned down. Do you think it's possible for such a coincidence?!"