It was the other attendants of the Crown Prince’s faction who first lost their composure. When Assistant Minister Zhou saw Chen Jiao lingering so close to the Crown Prince, he sneered, speaking first: “Looking at where Chen Jiao stands today, could it be that she’s testing the temperature of the Crown Prince’s tea again?”
This was already the second time Zhou had picked at her, the first being at the Right Chancellor’s mansion, and Chen Jiao couldn’t help but glance at him.
Zhou, with his thin lips, sharp eyebrows, and fair skin, was exceptionally handsome, yet notorious in Chang’an for his cutting wit and harsh demeanor. He had been the runner-up in the imperial exams three years ago and now held the position of Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Works.
That year, Zhou’s essay and talent were considered worthy of the top rank, and his looks rivaled Song Yu, making him the ideal candidate in everyone’s eyes. Yet, during his court defense, his behavior and words were deemed inappropriate, displeasing the emperor, and he was ultimately ranked second.
Having held office for years, his sharp personality had only intensified.
He could not tolerate incompetence, particularly someone like Chen Jiao, a carefree and unlearned scion, and he often sought to mock her. At the Right Chancellor’s mansion, he had been the first to trip her up.
With his peach-blossom eyes narrowing at Chen Jiao, a faint smirk on his lips, he deliberately taunted, “At the Right Chancellor’s residence, Chen Jiao spoke with such sincerity. Why is she silent now?”
Chen Jiao made a mental note of this colleague but remained unflustered, replying calmly: “This is Your Highness’ residence, and all esteemed gentlemen are watching. There’s no need to worry about imperfect service.”
She shook her head gravely, adding, “Moreover, forget simply testing the tea’s warmth. If I could, I’d gladly taste any poison meant for the Crown Prince myself. Should some villain succeed, it matters little if I perish, but the Crown Prince’s precious body…”
Of course, she would never actually test poison. Chen Jiao merely wished to perform her duties with flair, not risk her life—there were already multiple eunuchs specializing in such tasks. A little exaggeration for free praise costs nothing.
Her words were impassioned and sincere, her apricot-shaped eyes full of determination. Even those who wished to intervene found themselves silenced; no one could claim her statement was incorrect, the Crown Prince was indeed invaluable.
Everyone clenched their teeth silently, thinking: this one is shameless!
Only Xie Xianqing seemed to anticipate this, based on yesterday’s experience, setting down his teacup to avoid being amused again.
Indeed, Chen Jiao’s righteous stance nearly made him laugh, but with the other attendants scowling, he restrained his smile, feigning ignorance of the subtle struggle.
Even the notoriously sharp-tongued Zhou was left speechless.
Thus, on their second meeting, Chen Jiao, through persistence, cleverness, and industrious effort, secured the spot closest to the Crown Prince.
It was well known that one’s position beside a leader reflected one’s status in their heart. How far could she be from becoming his trusted aide now?
Most importantly, none of the Crown Prince’s attendants had her boldness; there wasn’t a single capable challenger in sight.
Her career prospects looked bright.
Xie Xianqing’s eyes flicked toward Chen Jiao; noticing her emotions, he subtly raised an eyebrow.
After finishing official business, everyone excused themselves, but the Crown Prince called Chen Jiao aside: “It grows late. Chen Jiao, stay and dine.”
As a new member of the faction, with a respectable rank, Chen Jiao naturally received the Crown Prince’s attention, akin to a private assessment interview by a top leader. The first meeting had been unsuitable for such a conversation, so it was postponed until today.
Chen Jiao readily agreed, “If Your Highness does not mind, I would be honored.”
Servants brought dish after dish, seemingly ordinary yet each with significance. The steamed bass, for instance, had been hurriedly sent from Jiangnan, a region famed for its Songjiang bass, rare even now.
Though Chen Jiao’s own household of a marquis was refined, compared to the Crown Prince, it could not compare; even this bass was a rare delicacy.
Following the gentlemanly principle of “eat without speaking, sleep without chatter,” Chen Jiao behaved unusually properly, a stark contrast to her lax manners at home.
After both had taken their seats, the Crown Prince casually took the hot towel offered by a servant, wiping his fingers as he asked, “I heard Chen Jiao is still studying at the Imperial Academy?”
Xie Xianqing had reviewed her records days prior, yet protocol required the question.
Inside, he maintained his composed and refined appearance, yet his presence was commanding.
Chen Jiao, though of noble lineage and outwardly a brash young scion, behaved with utmost decorum before her future superior.
This was prudent: he determined her salary, position, and status within the faction, and could have severe consequences should displeasure arise.
She smiled shyly, “I have been at the Imperial Academy for two years.”
Xie Xianqing arched an eyebrow, amused.
He had recently witnessed her fluster others effortlessly, yet she now displayed this careful, modest side. Bold, yet meticulous—this Chen Jiao was far from foolish.
He casually returned the towel to a nearby servant.
Chen Jiao had no idea she was already being closely assessed, and felt a slight nervousness.
Though their ages were similar, his calm and commanding presence made him feel years her senior, and Chen Jiao was completely subdued.
This was understandable; as heir, he dealt daily with princes and ministers, easily handling a spoiled scion like her.
After gauging her temperament, the Crown Prince relaxed, selecting a safe topic considering her student status: “What books do you enjoy reading, Chen Jiao?”
Chen Jiao froze for a moment, did novels count?
Still, in front of her superior, she could not reveal her true lazy scholar nature, lest she be dismissed before becoming a trusted aide.
She thought carefully and answered earnestly: “The Analects.”
She had read it many times; choosing a book she knew well avoided any risk of embarrassment if the Crown Prince happened to be familiar with it.
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince’s eyebrows lifted slightly. Among the countless officials and ministers he knew, Chen Jiao’s small-minded consideration was almost trivial.
Almost immediately, Xie Xianqing understood her intent. He lowered his eyes, shaking his head with a faint smile.
This Chen Jiao was truly a character.
After returning from the Right Chancellor’s mansion yesterday, his attendants had advised against showing her favor, recounting her “glorious” exploits—only child of three generations, pampered by the Marquis and Princess Yihe, yet unlettered, a typical frivolous scion.
He recalled the Yong’an Marquis defending her exam results somewhat unreasonable, like a domineering parent.
Thus, he neither fully believed nor dismissed his attendants’ assessment.
In his mind, Chen Jiao might be a spoiled, naive, and slightly unruly youth.
Yet after observing her at the Right Chancellor’s mansion, he realized she differed greatly from expectations.
Her clear eyes revealed a lively, clever, and subtly thoughtful nature.
As heir, he was generally forgiving to subordinates; integrity and correct temperament were already rare virtues.
Regarding her struggles with other attendants, his attitude over the past two days had been clear. Positions beside him were for the capable. Chen Jiao’s ability to withstand criticism today was her own doing.
After a brief, casual chat, he prepared to end the conversation.
It was then he noticed Chen Jiao’s youth: barely reaching his shoulder, slight build, fair skin, delicate nose, large clear eyes, appearing younger than her age.
Close enough, he caught a faint scent of osmanthus, emanating from Chen Jiao.
Sensitive to fragrance, he usually forbade incense or scented pouches, yet Chen Jiao, new to his proximity, was unaware.
He asked lightly, brow furrowed, “Chen Jiao, are you wearing a scented pouch?”
Chen Jiao, worried he might quiz her, replied blankly, “No.”
Seeing his continued suspicion, she sniffed her arm, flustered: “Really, I am a boy! How could I wear something like a girl?”
Seeing her youthful face, yet insisting she was male, amused him. He guessed her private use of a pouch might explain the fib, and let it pass.
Noting her lively temperament, he added: “Since you are still studying at the Imperial Academy, you should read more when you have the time.”
The Analects were foundational reading; Chen Jiao had chosen carefully, revealing her real lack of interest in scholarly pursuit.
He thought of the other dissatisfied, old-fashioned scholars, who would soon seek to exploit her weaknesses.
Amused, he casually offered this guidance to spare her embarrassment.
Chen Jiao, still naive, didn’t fully understand his concern but promptly responded: “Rest assured, Your Highness, I shall diligently study, sparing no effort to meet your expectations!”
Xie Xianqing smiled, nodding in approval: “Good, Chen Jiao shows ambition. Here is a book on water management. Take it home, read it, and write an essay on it for me. I will ask for your reflections in a few days.”
Chen Jiao’s smile vanished: … an impromptu assignment?
She had merely responded casually; now it came with homework.
Watching her expression shift from confusion to shock, Xie Xianqing, teasing, could not help but laugh.
Already a character, even after knowing her only a few days, he had laughed more than he had in months.
He looked at the stunned Chen Jiao and encouraged with a smile: “Work hard, Chen Jiao.”