“You fool!”

 

“Didn’t you know that Master Li is the eldest son of General Xuanwu’s family? He just came of age and still has no wife!”

 

“Oh…”

 

It was only at this point that some of the more straightforward people finally realized the book was completely fabricated.

 

However, it didn’t change the fact that everyone was now in awe of Li Wuling, showering him with compliments without restraint.

 

Li Wuling was practically glowing, as though he had eaten some kind of ginseng fruit, exuding an unmistakable arrogance.

 

Surrounded by admirers, he graciously responded to each compliment.

 

Standing slightly outside the crowd, Leaf Chuan remained relatively unnoticed, as no one paid attention to him—the “servant.”

 

This allowed him to notice that Liu Qingcheng and a few other young men had already slipped away, their faces twisted with resentment.

 

As they left, they shot a fierce, vengeful look toward Li Wuling.

 

There were only four words in their eyes: “This isn’t over!”

 

Leaf Chuan narrowed his eyes.

 

If his guess was correct, Liu Qingcheng’s family should be part of the peace faction…

 

Otherwise, with his status, there would be no need to come all the way here just to belittle a poem and boast about his talents.

 

Leaf Chuan was well aware of this.

 

To him, this poem was just a way to earn a nice bit of money.

 

But if this poem made it to the court, caught the Emperor’s attention, and was used for political purposes…

 

Things would no longer be so simple.

 

He decided then to stay low-profile.

 

Whatever faction they were part of, he had no interest in getting caught up in court politics.

 

Money, revenge, a beautiful wife, and concubines—these were the four unshakable principles that guided him in this world.

 

“Ah-hem…”

 

As he was lost in his thoughts, a soft cough interrupted him.

 

Turning around, he noticed “Young Master Xia” had somehow appeared at his side.

 

“You despicable man! How much did Li Wuling give you?”

 

Princess Yunxi lowered her voice, clearly irritated.

 

“What money? I don’t understand,” Leaf Chuan replied lazily.

 

On one hand, he wasn’t interested in the whole “cross-dressing” ruse to attract attention.

 

On the other hand, this was someone Li Wuling admired, so it was better to avoid any misunderstandings.

 

“Stop pretending to be clueless!”

 

“I know exactly how much Li Wuling is worth!”

 

“How can you help him deceive everyone? Aren’t you ashamed?”

 

Leaf Chuan furrowed his brow.

 

This person must be out of her mind.

 

She had figured it out, so why was she picking a fight with him?

 

Even if she wasn’t interested in Li Wuling, why should he be scolded for helping him?

 

But Leaf Chuan didn’t intend to argue with her.

 

After all, someone who could be friends with Li Wuling surely had a solid background.

 

In the capital, if you just happened to pass gas, you’d probably bump into a dozen noblemen.

 

As he was about to turn and leave, not wanting to engage any further, a voice called out from behind.

 

“Young Master!”

 

Leaf Ying’er came running over, her big eyes blinking.

 

“Are you finished, Young Master? I’ve ordered food at the restaurant. Please have something to eat.”

 

Looking at Leaf Ying’er’s sweet and delicate face, Leaf Chuan smiled.

 

Such a heartwarming sight.

 

A gentle and considerate maid like Ying’er was truly rare!

 

“It’s you?”

 

“You weren’t sold off?”

 

Princess Yunxi froze when she saw Leaf Ying’er.

 

Leaf Ying’er turned around, surprised, then smiled and said, “Oh, it’s you, Young Master!”

 

“Thank you for your kindness yesterday!”

 

“But Young Master, you misunderstood. My master is very good to me. Yesterday was just a misunderstanding…”

 

Princess Yunxi and her maid, Ping’er, were taken aback.

 

A misunderstanding?

 

Princess Yunxi carefully examined Leaf Ying’er.

 

Her complexion and energy were much better compared to yesterday’s distressed state.

 

She was now wearing a new dress—obviously from Yun Duan Zhuang, a well-known brand in the capital.

 

And on her face, there was a hint of makeup, clearly from the prestigious Zhu Yan Fang, a brand Princess Yunxi herself frequently used.

 

Leaf Chuan had not only bought her a new dress but also cosmetics.

 

Everything pointed to Leaf Ying’er’s explanation being true.

 

Could it be that yesterday was indeed just a misunderstanding?

 

“You…” Princess Yunxi looked at Leaf Chuan with suspicion. “You really treat her well?”

 

“Obviously,” Leaf Chuan rolled his eyes, finally unable to hold back, as he casually pulled Leaf Ying’er’s delicate shoulder toward him.

 

“Ying’er is my future wife. If I don’t treat her well, should I treat you well instead?”

 

Princess Yunxi and her maid, Ping’er, both widened their eyes in shock.

 

Future… wife?!

 

Ping’er stared at Princess Yunxi’s expression, noticing it was growing darker.

 

Leaf Chuan!

 

Princess Yunxi gritted her teeth.

 

Although she completely dismissed Leaf Chuan, this marriage was supposed to be a royal engagement.

 

But how dare he act this way? It was a crime against the Emperor!

 

“Young Master, you’re talking nonsense again…”

 

Leaf Ying’er’s face instantly turned crimson, lowering her head and hiding behind Leaf Chuan like a shy bird.

 

Anyone could see that the girl was more than willing.

 

“Say that again!” Princess Yunxi’s face had turned cold.

 

Leaf Chuan was utterly confused.

 

This person was definitely unwell.

 

He simply shrugged, gently cupping Leaf Yinger’s face in his hands and lifting it slightly, then planted a kiss on her soft cheek.

 

“My fiancée. Is there a problem?” Leaf Chuan said with an expression of mock surprise.

 

Leaf Ying’er was completely caught off guard by this sudden kiss, her heart racing. She couldn’t even find the words to scold him, hiding her face with both hands, completely embarrassed.

 

At that moment, Princess Yunxi felt her fury rise to new heights.

 

“Fine, just wait!”

 

Princess Yunxi gritted her teeth and turned to leave.

 

Ping’er quickly followed after her.

 

“Princess… wait for me!”

 

As they left the Scholar’s Hall, Ping’er was out of breath, smiling bitterly.

 

“What’s going on with you?”

 

“Leaf Chuan is so bold!”

 

“With the royal engagement in place, he dares to…”

 

Princess Yunxi’s anger only grew with each word.

 

Ping’er blinked, not understanding. “But… isn’t this a good thing for you? You wanted to break off the engagement anyway.”

 

Princess Yunxi froze, then forcefully replied, “It’s not about that. It’s… it’s about that Ying’er!”

 

“What about her?”

 

Ping’er was even more confused, chin in hand. “Leaf Chuan treats her badly, and you get mad. But he treats her well, and you still get mad. I don’t understand.”

 

“You! Hmph! Just make me angry already!”

 

Princess Yunxi stomped her foot in frustration and stormed off.

 

In truth, even she didn’t fully understand why she was so angry—she just knew she wasn’t happy.

 

……

 

In a private room on the second floor of Scholar’s Hall, Emperor Xiao Wu watched the entire scene unfold, his face darkening with every moment.

 

His precious daughter, his pride and joy, was publicly humiliated like this.

 

For a moment, murderous intent emanated from the old man.

 

Behind him, Lin Zhao was immediately on edge and cautiously asked, “Your Majesty, should we arrest Leaf Chuan and throw him into prison?”

 

Emperor Xiao Wu remained silent, not answering.

 

Across from him, Li Xuanwu simply gave him a glance, his expression calm, unfazed.

 

After a long pause, Emperor Xiao Wu’s anger began to subside, and his expression returned to calm.

 

“If we do that, wouldn’t it be an acknowledgment that my daughter is not as good as a common civilian girl, which is why we need to pressure him?”

 

“Your Majesty is wise!” Lin Zhao quickly fell silent.

 

Li Xuanwu’s eyes showed a knowing look.

 

The two old men had known each other for decades, and each understood the other’s temper all too well.

 

The reason Emperor Xiao Wu was worthy of Li Xuanwu’s loyalty was because of his broad heart and vision as a great ruler.

 

“Old Li.”

 

“At your service.”

 

“I’ll return to the palace and check on Yunxi. You handle things here. Have a word with Leaf Chuan.”

 

Li Xuanwu was momentarily stunned. “What do you want me to talk to him about, Your Majesty?”

 

“Make sure he participates in the imperial exam this year!”

 

Li Xuanwu was taken aback. “But… Leaf Chuan didn’t participate in the provincial or metropolitan exams, so he’s not eligible for the imperial exam…”

 

“Make an exception!”

 

Emperor Xiao Wu waved his hand dramatically. “Tell him he must be in the top three! Otherwise… hmph.”

 

Li Xuanwu was speechless.

 

The old man had lost his temper again.