Gu Lingwan’s gaze fell upon the Third Prince, Xiao Mucheng, whom he had met only recently. “You are all staring at me. Is something the matter?”
It was unnervingly creepy.
Xiao Mucheng replied, “We are making a bet. Whoever enters the hall first has to perform a birthday program for the Emperor.”
Gu Lingwan’s soft, pink lips parted in shock. After a few moments, he said, “This bet of yours is truly unprecedented. Your way of thinking is quite unique, and conveniently, it never affects your own interests!”
Damn it, a bunch of arrogant, bullying rich kids. Are they not just looking for someone to push around?
Gu Lingwan did not want to be a lamb waiting to be toyed with or slaughtered by them. He wore a smile, putting on an air of generosity: “Performing a program is not a big deal, but if the first to enter were the Empress, the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, or my husband, the Sixth Prince, would you also ask them to perform?”
Xiao Rongbing replied, “They are not here.” He then explained to Gu Lingwan, “The Empress is in poor health and rarely emerges. The Empress Dowager has also been unwell recently, and as for the Emperor…”
As he spoke, the group of gorgeously dressed royal descendants stepped aside, forming a wide and solemn passage. Looking down this path, one could see Xiao Lanjie sitting leisurely upon the throne, which symbolized supreme power and glory.
Xiao Lanjie gazed forward, his eyes finally landing on Gu Lingwan. With a faint smile, he said, “I am also a participant in this interesting bet. Today, I shall sit here and await the first person to step into this palace, looking forward to them presenting a spectacular birthday performance to add a touch of joy and celebration.”
Oh, wonderful! You bunch of big villains in the Xiao family have conspired together to bully me!
This thought was successfully intercepted by Xiao Yingxun, who had just walked in. He glanced at Gu Lingwan: In that case, I am also a big villain of the Xiao family.
The moment he stepped into the Honghua Hall, a prince known for his sharp tongue hurried to his ear to reveal the details of the bet. Xiao Yingxun merely lowered his eyelids upon hearing this and remained silent. He moved to the side, chose a suitable viewing spot, and stood quietly, looking at Gu Lingwan. His intent was clear.
Xiao Rongbing spoke up: “Little Lingwan, think about what kind of performance you want to give for the Emperor. We are all waiting with bated breath.”
Xiao Mucheng added, “The Princess Consort does not know martial arts, so he cannot perform a sword dance. He does not seem to know any musical instruments, and as for poetry or essays…”
“He does not know any of them,” the Seventeenth Prince, Xiao Zitang, said with a touch of arrogance. “I studied with the Princess Consort at the Imperial Academy. He was at the bottom of the class every time, and eventually, he even stopped attending. I suspect that even writing his own name right now would be a challenge.”
After finishing, Xiao Zitang laughed mockingly. The other royal descendants followed suit with jeers.
Xiao Yingxun stared expressionlessly into Xiao Zitang’s eyes. Under that profound, dark gaze, Xiao Zitang inexplicably felt a surge of panic. He dared not mock Gu Lingwan further, though he still waited for him to embarrass himself.
The other royals stopped laughing as well, though those with strained relations with Xiao Yingxun said, “The Princess Consort must perform a good program. Do not bring shame upon the Prince.”
His cohorts echoed immediately: “That is right. You are now the Prince’s spouse. If you have nothing to perform, it would be a huge loss of face for the Prince.”
Xiao Yanming, who had also learned of the bet, glared at the others and defended Gu Lingwan: “Are you not deliberately bullying him? You know full well that the Princess Consort did not attend school for very long. What kind of good program could you expect him to perform?”
Xiao Zitang retorted, “Whether or not the Princess Consort attended school is his own business, not something we forced. He simply could not endure the hardship. Besides, even seven or eight-year-old children can compose doggerel poetry. Since the Princess Consort at least attended the capital’s highest institution, composing a poem or two should not be difficult!”
He looked at Xiao Yingxun after speaking and subconsciously took a step back.
Xiao Lanjie continued to watch the scene unfold with a smile.
Xiao Yanming knitted his brows, about to speak, but Gu Lingwan interrupted: “Since all of you royal descendants are making a bet, there should be a stake.” He paused, “I propose that the bet be: if I can perform a program that satisfies everyone, I shall receive an appropriate reward. What do you think?”
Having said this, Gu Lingwan’s gaze fell upon Xiao Lanjie, waiting for the most powerful royal to make a statement.
Xiao Yingxun watched Gu Lingwan quietly, his gaze seemingly trying to pierce through the delicate, refined face to reach his inner heart.
After Gu Lingwan’s words, the royal descendants looked toward Xiao Lanjie, who was sitting on the throne. Since the Emperor was present, they had no authority to make such a decision.
Xiao Yingxun’s gaze shifted away from Gu Lingwan and toward Xiao Lanjie. However, his face, usually calm and ripple-free, now showed a hint of hidden anxiety.
Xiao Lanjie’s attention was entirely on Gu Lingwan. He nodded: “Well, the Princess Consort’s proposal is not wrong. I accept it.” He paused, “If the Princess Consort can perform a program that satisfies those present, he shall be rewarded.”
Gu Lingwan lowered his eyes, looking humble and compliant as he stared at the ground, as if he dared not look directly at the ruler of the nation. His voice carried a hint of anticipation and reverence: “Emperor, you are so wise and benevolent, I wonder what reward you would bestow upon Lingwan?”
His tone was full of submission, every word articulated with caution, fearful of giving the slightest offense. At this moment, he was like a delicate little white flower, appearing pitifully fragile under the majesty of imperial power.
Seeing him in this state, the worry in Xiao Yingxun’s expression grew deeper.
Hearing this, the other royal descendants showed expressions of disbelief and disdain, as if they had heard the greatest joke in the world.
Xiao Zitang was the most exaggerated. He curled his lips with contempt and whispered to those beside him, “Hmph! This fellow is truly clueless to say such arrogant things. Who does he think he is? He actually dares to demand a reward from the Emperor. He should think about what kind of person he is. Even if the Emperor truly intended to reward him, how could a useless, weak, and incompetent waste like him possibly have the ability to bear such glory?”
After finishing, Xiao Zitang could not help but sneer, his eyes filled with mockery. Those around him echoed his sentiments, and soon, ripples of laughter filled the hall.
Xiao Yingxun’s attention was not on them; he was waiting to see how Xiao Lanjie would answer.
Xiao Lanjie seemed to find the noise bothersome and coughed into his hand. The hall fell silent instantly. He then turned to look at Gu Lingwan and asked, “What reward does the Princess Consort want?”