Nonsense! She’s Not a Bad Woman! - Chapter 90

Xu Shujian reached out and plucked the plum blossom from her hair, lowering his gaze to the frost-tinted petal glowing like a streak of crimson flame in his palm.

“In the dead of winter, when all flowers wither away, only the plum dares to bloom against snow and frost. Lofty as ice, dazzling as fire. Though it fell into Second Miss’s hair by accident, it was like the final stroke of a painting—bringing out breathtaking brilliance.”

Qiao Wanyan followed his gaze to the blossom in his hand. She had always preferred peonies—grand and noble—and the flowers she raised in her courtyard were either peonies or other rare, difficult-to-keep breeds.

As for this red plum… after hearing his words, she suddenly felt it wasn’t so bad after all.

“Do I truly look good with this plum blossom?” she asked.

Xu Shujian smiled with unshaken ease. “Like adding flowers to brocade.”

Qiao Wanyan curved her lips, took the blossom, and pinned it back into her bun. Turning, she headed out. At the doorway, she saw the Crown Prince had just stepped out of the study and was speaking to her father. She quickened her pace.

“Your Highness, Father.”

At the sight of his daughter, Minister Qiao’s eyes curved in a smile, his expression doting and indulgent, the picture of a father hopelessly smitten with his little girl. “Yan’er is here. Come to bring Father something to eat again?”

Inwardly, Minister Qiao snorted. This precious daughter of his only ever delivered food to the study when His Highness happened to be visiting.

But so what if he knew her intentions? Pet her! Indulge her!

Create the image of a dutiful, thoughtful daughter who brought her father food every day—why not?

Qiao Wanyan smiled sweetly, though a faint bitterness hid behind it. She deliberately avoided He Zhiyu’s eyes, answering her father softly.

He Zhiyu’s gaze lingered on her, as if sensing her deliberate avoidance.

“Minister Qiao, remain behind. The matter of Qingzhou’s tax levies requires your full attention.”

Minister Qiao quickly replied, “Rest assured, Your Highness. This old minister will see it handled thoroughly. I bid Your Highness farewell.”

Qiao Wanyan also curtsied in salute.

The steward hurried forward to escort the Crown Prince out.

After walking a few steps, He Zhiyu suddenly stopped and turned, his voice low and deep.

“The red plum is gaudy. It doesn’t suit you.”

The unexpected remark left Minister Qiao momentarily stunned. His gaze swept to his daughter. The red plum had always symbolized strength and pride; on Yan’er, it was strikingly beautiful. How could it not suit her?

Not to mention—a wild weed by the roadside would still look like national beauty on her! What exactly did His Highness mean by that?

Before anyone could respond, He Zhiyu turned and left. Just as Jingyuan turned his head, he caught sight of the Qiao family’s Second Miss rolling her eyes—so wide it was unmistakable.

Jingyuan rubbed his eyes. Had he imagined it?

Second Miss Qiao might be spoiled, but surely she wouldn’t dare roll her eyes at His Highness?

Qiao Wanyan didn’t waste a shred of energy brooding over it. She didn’t think for a moment that she was truly unsuited to wear the red plum.

She just thought the Crown Prince had no sense of aesthetics at all. Otherwise, how could he possibly fancy Qiao Yihuan?

Beneath the eaves, Xu Shujian stepped aside respectfully, bowing low. His bearing carried a scholar’s refinement, yet also the faint inferiority of a poor student entering the capital for the first time.

Before the noble Crown Prince, he was as lowly as mud.

He Zhiyu halted his steps, tilting his head slightly toward him. “You are Minister Qiao’s student?”

Xu Shujian bowed. “In answer to Your Highness, this commoner is Xu Shujian, top scholar of Huzhou’s provincial exam last autumn. I came to the capital to sit for this year’s metropolitan exam, but on the way fell ill with a fever and collapsed at the roadside, near death. By fortune, Second Miss Qiao passed by and saved my life. Today, I’ve come to offer thanks for Minister Qiao’s shelter—and for Second Miss’s life-saving grace.”

He Zhiyu frowned faintly.

Life-saving grace?

When had Wan Yan saved him?

Jing Yuan stepped forward and explained, “Your Highness, it truly happened. On the way back from the Valley of Apothecaries, Second Miss lent a hand to rescue him. Later, when they were at the manor outside the city, Second Miss ordered someone to send him to the capital for treatment. I imagine he was sent straight to the Minister’s residence.”

He Zhiyu withdrew his gaze. Without a word, he turned and left.

Inside the study—

“Mmm, the sweet soup Yanyan sent over is indeed delicious!” Minister Qiao took a big mouthful and praised warmly.

Qiao Wanyan smiled faintly. “Father, what’s the background of that Xu Shujian? He’s merely the top scorer of the county-level exam, yet Father still keeps him here in the residence. Isn’t that far too much of an honor for him?”

A flicker of something unreadable passed through Minister Qiao’s eyes before he laughed. “What background could he possibly have? He’s nothing more than a gifted youth from a humble family. I simply value his talent. The essays he writes are extraordinary—anyone competing in this year’s imperial exams will find him a formidable rival. To encounter him is truly a misfortune among misfortunes.”

Qiao Wanyan nodded with sudden understanding. So, there was nothing strange about it. Her father had simply taken a liking to his talent and learning, nothing more.

“Father’s vision is always unmatched. This Xu Shujian will surely win a place among the top three. He won’t disappoint your appreciation.”

Minister Qiao chuckled. “It seems Yanyan herself holds quite a favorable view of him.”

She casually flipped through a book in her hands, her tone light. “Not exactly favorable. I just don’t find him detestable, that’s all.”

Though he was steeped in the air of a scholar, his words carried restraint and propriety. When he spoke, it was pleasant, not grating.

Minister Qiao paused, then spoke in a lower voice. “Yanyan, Xu Shujian is indeed a fine young man, but after all, he’s still an outsider. It’s best that you keep some distance.”

Qiao Wanyan nodded obediently. “I understand.”

In the storybooks, it was the same. At first, Father did not permit her to interact much with his prized student, Xu Shujian. But later, when Xu Shujian placed third in the palace examination, Father asked her directly if she was willing to marry him.

If she were to marry Xu Shujian, with Father’s influence, she would naturally become the household’s matriarch. She would have no need to meddle in the messy affairs of the inner courtyard, nor would she need to fear Xu Shujian bullying her.

But—how could the position of a household’s matriarch compare to that of the Empress?

The difference was like heaven and earth. She would never settle for less, never stand by and watch as Qiao Yihuan ascended to the throne as Empress.

“By the way, Yanyan, some time ago, Father received a luminous pearl the size of a ball. For the upcoming Longevity Festival, take it and present it as a gift to His Majesty.”

Qiao Wanyan hesitated. “But I already prepared the Jade Purity Pill I brought back from the Valley of Apothecaries as my gift.”

“The Jade Purity Pill can counter hundreds of poisons, yes?”

She nodded. “That’s what Yun Heng said.”

Minister Qiao explained patiently, “Keep the Jade Purity Pill for yourself. For the offering, use the luminous pearl. Father will prepare everything for you. All you need to do is dress up beautifully that day.”

The Jade Purity Pill was extremely precious. If presented to the Emperor, it would no doubt earn his praise and delight.

But delight alone did not bring tangible benefits.

If it could guarantee Yanyan a position as Crown Princess, then the sacrifice would be worth it. Yet judging by the Emperor’s current intentions, such an outcome was too uncertain.

It was better to keep it for Yanyan herself—as a safeguard for the future.

Just then, a servant knocked and entered.

“Master, word from the Princess’s residence. The Princess has asked Eldest Miss to stay the night, so she will not be returning home.”

Minister Qiao waved dismissively. “Such trifles need not be reported to me again. Yanyan, in a while I’ll have someone send the luminous pearl to you. You may return to your courtyard first.”

Qiao Wanyan rose gracefully and curtsied. “Yes, Father.”