On the stage, Ye Xiuying's face was unpleasant. If she hadn't tried her best to hold back, she would have lost her temper. However, with the Crown Prince and others below, how could she lose face in front of the Crown Prince? So she remained silent, her face turning red with suppressed anger.
Ye Xiuying was humiliated, and Jiang Feixue felt very smug. However, when she thought that the person who spoke was Jiang Hailing, she immediately felt an itch in her heart. Compared to Ye Xiuying, she hated Jiang Hailing, that ugly monster, even more.
At least Ye Xiuying's talent and family background are on par with hers. If she had married, she wouldn't hate her so much.
On stage, Ye Xiuying composed herself and secretly comforted herself, thinking that she would let this woman be smug for now and then embarrass her later.
Chapter 42 The Loser Barks Like a Dog (Second Update)
On stage, Ye Xiuying spoke triumphantly.
"Let's have a three-part competition. The first part will be poetry, the second painting, and the third singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or playing the flute – whatever you choose. Does the Crown Princess think this is feasible?"
Hailin nodded in acceptance: "Okay."
To everyone's surprise, this person readily accepted the challenge. Ye Xiuying was stunned for a moment. She thought this woman would try her best to avoid it so that she could take the opportunity to make things difficult for her. Unexpectedly, the woman agreed without hesitation.
This left her speechless, and then there were the young ladies in the hall; most of them were stunned.
I don't know what's gotten into Miss Jiang. As the Crown Princess, even if she doesn't know anything, she can still use her power to suppress people. At most, people will talk about her behind her back, but who would dare to really do anything to her? But if she accepts the challenge and doesn't know anything, she will lose face big time.
Everyone was thinking to themselves, but Hai Ling remained calm and composed, her gaze serene as she looked at Ye Xiuya on the stage.
"Since we're having a friendly spar, shouldn't there be some kind of wager?"
In an instant, everyone in the examination hall of Jiaoyuan Academy turned to look at Hai Ling. Many of them stared wide-eyed, looking incredulous. Had this woman lost her mind? No one dared to go too far, after all, she was the Crown Princess. Yet she had offered herself up. Many people smiled mockingly, waiting to see this woman make a fool of herself.
The happiest people among them were Ye Xiuying and Jiang Feixue; their smiles made it clear at a glance how happy they were.
"Alright, since Your Highness the Crown Princess has put it that way, then let's set up a more unique bet. Let's not bet on gold and silver, jade, or valuable paintings and calligraphy, but rather..."
On stage, Ye Xiuying smiled gracefully, her meticulously made-up face becoming even more beautiful and charming. Her bright red dress, like a blooming enchanting flower, stood radiantly in everyone's eyes.
Everyone was curious about the gambling items Ye Xiuying mentioned. If she wasn't gambling on gold, silver, jade, or valuable calligraphy and paintings, then what was she gambling on?
Ye Xiuying played mysterious for a while before slowly opening her lips.
The loser has to bark like a dog on the spot.
With a whoosh, the crowd erupted like a pot of boiling water, and a chorus of voices rose up, one after another.
The assessment at this moment reached an unprecedented level; no assessment had ever been as impactful as this one, and everyone was excited.
Not only the young ladies, but even the Crown Prince Feng Zixiao became interested and started barking like a dog. He wanted to see if the loser could bark. He lowered his eyes slightly and paid attention to the commotion on the field.
Everyone was discussing it enthusiastically. It was obvious who won and who lost at a glance. Miss Ye was really too bold to make the Crown Princess bark like a dog. This was a disgrace to the royal family. Wouldn't the Crown Prince say anything?
Many people looked at the Crown Prince and noticed that he was not angry at all. On the contrary, he had a slight smile in his eyes and seemed to be quite interested in the gambling.
But just because the crown prince isn't angry doesn't mean others aren't.
Princess Chang Le, Feng Qian, suddenly stood up, glared angrily at Ye Xiuya on the stage, and spoke coldly.
"Ye Xiuying, how dare you be so arrogant? This is insubordination."
After Princess Chang Le finished speaking, the Seventh Prince Feng Zihe chimed in, "Yes, this is a crime that must be punished."
Upon hearing Feng Qian and Feng Zihe's words, Ye Xiuying's face darkened immediately, and she said aggrievedly, "It was the Crown Princess who wanted to set up the gambling items. Xiuying just wanted to play something different. Since the princess doesn't agree, then we won't set it up."
Feng Qian didn't say anything, but she breathed a sigh of relief.
She was genuinely afraid that Hailin would lose and then bark like a dog, which would be incredibly embarrassing.
Before Feng Qian could catch her breath, she heard a lazy, casual voice.
"Chang Le, this is between them, why are you getting involved?"
Crown Prince Feng Zixiao casually uttered this remark. As soon as he opened his mouth, everyone knew that the Crown Prince didn't care if the Crown Princess barked like a dog. Moreover, judging from the meaning behind his words, it seemed that he was actually hoping that someone would bark like a dog.
Hai Ling's eyes were dark, and a cold smile appeared on her lips. She glanced at the Crown Prince beside her, who, even sitting, was aloof and superior. He hadn't looked at her at all, and after a casual remark, he remained silent.
On the stage, upon hearing the Crown Prince's words, Ye Xiuying's previous gloom vanished, and a wide smile appeared on her lips.
"Does the Crown Princess dare to take the gamble?"
Hai Ling smiled but didn't speak. At this moment, everyone in the hall held their breath, afraid that Hai Ling wouldn't participate in such an interesting event. If that wasn't the case, then what would they be happy about? Both of them were significant enough to win this match, regardless of who lost. If they barked like dogs, haha, the whole capital would have something to laugh about tomorrow.
So everyone was hoping that Hailing would agree. Hailing glanced at Feng Zixiao and sneered inwardly. A plan was formed.
Just as she was looking at Feng Zixiao, a piercing gaze fell upon her. Hai Ling quickly looked up and saw that the Left Prime Minister Xi Lingfeng's azure eyes were deep and unfathomable, staring at her with a probing look. Slowly, his eyes cleared and he looked at her, seemingly certain that she would not lose.
Yes, she sensed that Prime Minister Xi Lingfeng had affirmed her.
This man is different. A smile appeared on Hai Ling's lips. The tension that had been building up just a moment ago eased because of this man's affirmation.
That's right, she won't lose to an ancient person.
Hai Ling looked up at Ye Xiuya, who was standing tall, and said, "Alright, let's have a little competition. The loser has to bark like a dog."
As soon as he finished speaking, screams erupted throughout the hall, and some people even stood up excitedly.
Ye Xiuying smiled broadly, surveying the hall with a smug look of confidence. The thought of soon seeing the Crown Princess bark like a dog ignited her passion; she had finally given this woman a good beating.
His Highness the Crown Prince will probably dislike her even more after seeing her foolish behavior.
Thinking of this, Ye Xiuying's beautiful eyes gazed affectionately at His Highness the Crown Prince.
Your Highness is so handsome! Your features are bold and beautiful, with narrow, arched eyebrows that reach your temples, and deep, dark eyes that seem to hold two bright pearls. Your fair skin makes your lips look pale pink, which is extremely alluring.