Chapter 369: Virtue and Talent

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Even the emperor listens to Qiao Mai. Initially, they thought she was boasting, but now they believe her.

What kind of person possesses such skills?

A deity? A Taoist priest? Or maybe… they simultaneously had a thought – could she be a demon?

But looking at her, it doesn’t seem like it. The Crown Prince sneaked a glance at his mother-in-law and met eyes with Qiao Mai. He shuddered.

Quickly chanting in his mind, he pledged that when Ling’er married him, he would treat her well. He would have no concubines, not with a mother-in-law like that.

Consort Yu was immediately taken away after being forced to drink the poison. The other people were killed on the spot by the guards. The maids and servants trembled with fear and swore never to participate in the struggles of the harem again.

The concubines of Prince Shunqin all huddled together, behaving obediently.

Although Wang Jiaru was nothing to be afraid of, she had a formidable sister. At a critical moment, she saved Wang Jiaru’s life and also vented her grievances.

Look at how domineering and impressive she is. She even dared to take charge of the Prince’s mansion.

Even the emperor tried to please and flatter her. They were in awe. From now on, they would behave meekly for a peaceful life. They were all scared.

However, those who went through this incident finally understood the mystery.

There’s no need to guess randomly anymore; they learned that Qiao Mai relied on skills.

After dealing with Jiaru’s matter, the rest was left for them to negotiate. Qiao Mai rubbed her temples and vanished from the Prince’s mansion.

The emperor and empress returned to the palace with Eleven. Old Master and Mistress Wang insisted on taking their granddaughter back for recuperation.

Prince Shunqin could only agree, promising that when Jiaru recovered, they would all go together to welcome her back.

Old Master and Mistress Wang did not respond but took Jiaru back to Lucky Garden. If it weren’t for Qiao Mai supporting them, things wouldn’t have been resolved so smoothly.

Ling’er arrived home on the twenty-eighth, and upon hearing the incident, she was also furious.

No wonder her mother didn’t allow the Crown Prince to take concubines; having too many women in the house could be life-threatening, not to mention disgusting.

On the thirtieth night, the palace held a banquet to reward civil and military officials for a year of hard work. Yuan Jiaqi took his family to participate.

This time, the officials looked at their family with envy, awe, and reverence. Perhaps the incident in Prince Shunqin’s mansion had spread.

What kind of person was Madam Qiao to be able to handle Prince Shunqin’s mansion’s affairs?

Although they covered up this matter, Consort Yu’s family was uncomfortable. They lost a legitimate daughter. How could they not resent it?

So, in court, the family of the Minister of Revenue started making trouble for Yuan Jiaqi.

Appearing complimentary, they were actually looking for trouble.

“The emperor has decided to marry Princess Tianshui to the Crown Prince.

Presumably, Princess Tianshui must be virtuous and talented, right?”

Before Qiao Mai could respond, the empress smiled. “Being virtuous and talented is not enough. My son must also like her. Their hearts are connected, which is why the marriage was bestowed.”

“I wonder if Princess Tianshui can show us her talents. After all, we need to be convinced when she becomes the empress.”

Ling’er pursed her lips and looked at her mother. The empress looked at her, and Qiao Mai smirked.

“Ling’er, since everyone wants to see your talents, why not perform for them?”

“Mother, where should I start?”

“Your figure paintings are excellent. Draw a portrait for your future mother-in-law.”

“But I didn’t bring colored pens.”

Qiao Mai took a rectangular wooden box from her sleeve and another easel with clamped paper.

Ling’er happily walked over, set them up near the empress, and began drawing while sizing up the empress.

It was silent inside the hall. The emperor, unable to wait, came down to watch behind Ling’er. He nodded continuously while stroking his beard.

The Crown Prince felt eager. He also wanted to walk over and take a look.

Half an hour later, Ling’er took down the drawing and handed it to the

emperor.

“Please have a look.”

The emperor burst into laughter. “I’ve never seen such a vivid figure painting. It’s simply lifelike, unlike others that look fake. This one is alive.”

The emperor returned to his throne and handed the painting to the empress, who excitedly looked at it.

“Oh, what painting style is this? It looks so real.”

After examining it, she passed it to the Crown Prince. Holding it in his hands, Eleven gulped while looking at Ling’er, his affection for her increasing.

The portrait circulated among the courtiers, leaving everyone astonished at the unique painting technique that had never been seen before.

At this moment, Ling’er took the scroll of paper handed by Qiao Mai, holding a medium-sized brush, and wrote some characters.

Her writing fully showcased her skill, resembling a person with a lively spirit, creating ripples in the hearts of those who looked at it.

A young girl who could write such excellent characters must have dedicated considerable effort to practice.

Having showcased two talents in literature and painting, Ling’er joyfully approached her mother as Qiao Mai held a qin in her hands.

This qin was renowned from a certain era, bought by Qiao Mai at a high price for her daughter. It had been kept in Ling’er’s bedroom and was now brought out.

The Crown Prince gazed eagerly at his fiancée, longing for an immediate wedding so that he could embrace his dazzling wife and savor her fragrance.

The moment the qin strings resonated, the officials, who had been passing literary and artistic works, fell into silence.

First, a serene mountain melody purified their minds, followed by the soul-stirring “Ambush from Ten Sides.” The officials’ hearts were lifted from the comfort of their daily lives to the intensity of a bloody battle, breaking through encirclements.

While immersed in this excitement, Qiao Mai tossed a pipa to Ling’er.

Ling’er caught it and swiftly moved to the center of the stage, dancing to a lively rhythm.

The audience couldn’t help but feel the joy, and some even had the urge to join the dance.

The emperor and empress had never witnessed such a dance and musical composition before, making other women in the court envy.

Who composed this music? Who choreographed the dance? How is it so magnificent?

Qiao Mai looked at the foolish onlookers with a disdainful snort. These country bumpkins had wanted to see her daughter make a fool of herself. Now, let them experience and appreciate what real music and dance are!

Eleven took the portrait and the calligraphy, carefully rolled them up, and immediately sent them to the palace for framing. He wanted to hang them in his room to admire them.

He broadened his horizons today. With a mother-in-law like that, his future wife is undoubtedly exceptional.

After watching for a while, he suddenly felt inferior. To be honest, he was the Crown Prince thanks to his mother-in-law’s influence.

Without her, his leg wouldn’t have recovered. Naturally, he wouldn’t have become the Crown Prince, let alone marry such a good girl. Now, he felt dependent on the support of his mother-in-law’s family.

The stronger the Qiao family, the more he felt insignificant.

Qiao Mai looked at the Crown Prince, thinking, “What is this kid daydreaming about?”

Withdrawing her gaze, she thought, “I gave you my outstanding daughter. If you dare to treat her slightly badly, I will skin you alive.”

At this moment, Ling’er’s dance concluded, and she was slightly breathless.

With a protruding belly, Jiamei poured her a glass of fruit juice.

“Quick, have a drink and take a rest.”

“Yes, sister-in-law.”

Ling’er handed the qin to her mother for safekeeping and obediently sat, prompting applause to echo through the palace.

“The title of Crown Princess is well-deserved. She is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Amazing!”

The emperor chuckled. “Yes, the Crown Princess indeed possesses exceptional skills. She not only manages household affairs but also runs the prosperous embroidery shop. She excels in female arts as well. We won’t reward her with anything specific now. After all, the future rests in her and the Crown Prince’s hands. Haha!”

The emperor’s words clearly stated his position: no one should entertain crooked thoughts, as the next heir to the throne is indisputably the Crown

Prince..

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