Chapter 86: Do You Like The Lantern, Or Do You Like Me?
Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=3614052
This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Li Qiubai's words in front of everyone had a very obvious meaning. It was nothing more than: So what if she was a Little White Face? She was willing to spoil her.
The people around were so overwhelmed by the pampering in Li Qiubai's words that their teeth ached from the sweetness.
Even though, in the eyes of ordinary people, spoiling that "Little White Face" like this was not worth it, once they knew that one was willing to give and the other was willing to take, no one was foolish enough to bring trouble upon themselves.
No one had the nerve to say anything in front of Li Qiubai anymore about asking for a chance or anything like that.
Because of this, the resentment in Young Master Meng’s eyes finally faded a little.
The Princess was in a good mood. She took this opportunity to lean close to the Young Master’s ear. She lowered her voice and pretended to be puzzled as she asked, "According to your Yuzhou customs, if you accept the lantern I give you tonight, does it mean that you also have feelings for me?"
Hearing this, the Young Master immediately became annoyed.
"You..."
She was simply asking despite knowing the answer!
Did this even need to be asked?
Clearly, between them... they had already done even more intimate things...
Besides, ever since entering the capital, they had been through so much together. Now, she was not even going home, just to stay by her side in case anything happened to her.
Did she have feelings or not? Did Her Highness not already know in her heart?
In extreme frustration, the Young Master gritted her teeth and glared fiercely at the Princess. "Forget it, I do not want it! I do not care for it at all!"
That face, flushed with anger and embarrassment, looked even redder under the warm glow of the lanterns hanging all around.
Seeing this, the Princess felt her heart pounding wildly. She could not help but curl her fingers and press them against the Young Master’s flushed cheeks, gently stroking the burning skin beneath her fingertips.
"What, are you in such a hurry?"
Before the Young Master could stomp her foot again, the Princess had already withdrawn her hand. She restrained her smile and let out a sigh, pretending to be disappointed.
"Forget it. Since you are unwilling, then let us just leave it at that."
The Princess’ slightly lowered eyes looked completely like she was disappointed.
Meng Chang'an felt a bit stifled in her heart. She was struggling over whether to compromise and say something to comfort her, but before she could decide, she saw the Princess had already forced a reluctant smile.
"How could I not understand your feelings? It is just that I did not get to hear you say it yourself, that is all. It is nothing serious. It is my fault. I should not have forced you to answer."
If the Young Master still could not hear the hidden meaning in the Princess’ words, then she would truly be clueless about romance.
But she did not want to give in too quickly and lose face. After all, during the day, the Princess and Shu Yao had been so close and had a tacit understanding, which had made her unhappy for a long time. No matter how much she wanted to follow her heart and indulge the Princess now, she still put on an act, turned her head away, and let out a light snort.
"Tonight, I only want that one lantern. If Your Highness can get it, then we will talk."
Only then did the Princess break into a bright smile.
"You must not go back on your word."
With so many eyes watching, the most intimate action the Princess could do to the Young Master was to lift her hand and pinch her flushed earlobe, coaxing softly, "Be good and wait for me."
After saying that, Li Qiubai followed the flow of the crowd and went up the stage to sign up.
Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=3614052
This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
The streets of the bustling market were already crowded, and now, with so many spectators gathered below the stage, even more people were lining up to register.
In just a short time, nearly a hundred people were scrambling to sign up, including men and women, young and old alike.
To prevent the competition from becoming too chaotic due to too many participants, the judges invited by the organizers screened out those who were just there to stir things up and those who were not of the right age. After this selection, only a little over forty people remained on stage.
The remaining newcomers who could not sign up were placed in the next round of the competition.
Fortunately, Meng Chang'an and Li Qiubai had arrived early enough, allowing the Princess to make it into the first round.
This was just a small fun game, so it was naturally not as strict as the imperial examination.
The competition’s rules were straightforward. A bamboo staircase had already been built on the stage. The steps were narrow, allowing only one person to pass at a time. Below was the path, and above were the questions. The staircase spiraled around the central pillar of the stage, reaching a height of about ten stories. From the top, one could even overlook several nearby streets and the city’s surrounding river.
The bamboo staircase was divided into three sections, each roughly three stories high. Whether it was the difficulty of climbing the steps, the challenge of the bamboo slips hanging above, or the difficulty of retrieving them, everything was arranged from easy to hard.
Similarly, the point values of the questions in each section varied. From easy to difficult, the corresponding points also increased from low to high.
Each person could only climb the stairs once per turn and take one bamboo slip at a time. They had to bring it to the judges' table to receive the corresponding question and answer it on the spot. Answering correctly earned the corresponding points while answering incorrectly resulted in a deduction. If a participant failed to answer within the time limit, they would lose double the points.
During the process of retrieving the slips, participants were allowed to snatch bamboo slips from others. However, they could only make contact and not cause serious harm. Anyone who violated this rule would be immediately disqualified and handed over to the authorities.
If a participant damaged any property on the stage during the struggle, they would also be penalized with a point deduction.
The competition lasted for the time it took to burn one incense stick. The first half was for individual bamboo slip grabbing, while in the second half, participants could either continue competing alone or form temporary teams to cooperate.
These rules naturally included both literary and martial tests.
After all, facing such a tall structure, if one did not know some Qinggong, just climbing up would take up most of their time.
Moreover, without martial skills, one would not be able to dodge others’ attacks safely during the struggle for bamboo slips.
Even for those skilled in martial arts, avoiding damage to the objects on stage while fighting was no easy task.
At first, the Third Young Lady Ying did not understand why so many people were fighting over the bamboo slips.
It was not until she and another man both set their sights on the easiest question slip in the pile—a continuation of the Three Character Classic—that she could not help but engage in a struggle for it.
Are you kidding? Among all the slips closest to her, this was the only one she knew!
If she did not fight for it now, was she supposed to just stand there and wait to lose points?
Most of the fights on stage started for similar reasons, and soon, the competition turned into an intense battle.
The crowd below cheered loudly for their friends and family.
"Number twenty-seven, plus three points!"
By the time Third Young Lady Ying snatched that simple question slip, answered the question, and exchanged it for the corresponding points, the attendant had already flipped that person’s scorecard to fifteen points.
Compared to most people, who were still losing points, that person was far ahead of the competition.
Following the crowd’s gaze, Third Young Lady Ying finally realized that the contestant leading by a wide margin, number twenty-seven, was none other than the distinguished beauty she had encountered earlier—the one who indulged that little white face.
The beauty moved gracefully among the question slips, not bothering to carefully pick one like the others. She did not even glance at them. She simply plucked a slip at random and turned back immediately.
Only while maneuvering through the obstacles and avoiding those who tried to trip her up with Qinggong did she glance at the question slip. By the time she reached the judges' table, she had already answered the question with ease.
Third Young Lady Ying’s eyes filled with envy. In just the short moment she was dazed, that beauty had already gained another three points.
The people on the stage were fighting fiercely, and those below were also enjoying the spectacle.
It was the first time Meng Chang'an saw the Princess display her talents in public, and only then did she realize that what the Princess had said playfully back in the capital—that she was no less than the famous and stunningly talented Ling Xixi—had not been an idle boast.
At first, Young Master Meng was able to suppress the excitement in her heart, content to quietly admire the Princess' elegance on her own. But as the cheers and shouts of praise around her grew louder, she could no longer hold back her pride and excitement, joining the crowd in cheering for the Princess.
Little did she know that her exhilarated expression had already been noticed by someone standing in the best viewing spot of a nearby pavilion.
"Your Highness, the first half of the competition has ended. Here are the name plaques and question slips of the current top three. Please take a look. I have already sent people to investigate—aside from the one in the first place, the other two are from respectable families in the city."
However, the person by the window showed no reaction upon hearing this and simply continued leaning against the window, watching the competition outside.
The throwing dart in her hand, however, struck the redwood window frame again and again, forcefully carving out a small hole in the wood.
The attendant making the report couldn't help but feel uneasy. Thinking of the tangled grievances between these two, he feared that in a moment of impulse, his mistress might hurl the dart straight at the Princess below. Bracing himself, he cautiously advised,
"Your Highness, please reconsider… His Highness* has given orders—"
*referring to the Prince of Yu
At that, the person by the window finally turned her head slowly.
"Since when is it your place to instruct me on what to do?"
The chilling sharpness in her eyes sent a cold sweat down the attendant's back. Terrified, he immediately dropped to his knees and pleaded,
"I have overstepped… I beg Your Highness for forgiveness…"
Li Xinyi merely let out a cold scoff and did not truly hold it against him. She took the report he presented and flipped through it.
Aside from Li Qiubai, who held the top spot, one of the remaining two in the top three had once participated in the imperial exam, earning the title of Jinshi*. However, having no prospects for an official position, he returned to his hometown and took up the life of a wandering swordsman. The other was a frail-looking, long-suffering illegitimate son from the household of a minor gang leader in the city. He had been coaxed and tricked onto the stage by his companions, yet unexpectedly, he had managed to steal the spotlight.
*Jinshi (进士) was the highest and most prestigious degree in the imperial examination system of ancient China. Those who achieved this rank had passed the final and most difficult level of the exams, qualifying them for high-ranking government positions. It was a crucial step for scholars seeking official careers in the imperial bureaucracy.
"The usual procedure. Have Adviser Xu arrange for someone to approach these two in secret and test whether they can be of use. Also, for anyone who performs outstandingly in the latter half or displays remarkable talent, leave them to Elder Xu's arrangements. I have something to attend to."
After finishing the remaining matters, Li Xinyi took down the sword hanging on the rack beside her and left the room that overlooked the entire competition field.
The time of one incense stick passed quickly. After both rounds of the competition ended, Li Qiubai successfully secured first place as she wished and was the first to choose the fire phoenix-shaped lantern that Young Master Meng had her eyes on.
Third Young Lady Ying, because she had unintentionally helped Li Qiubai in the second half by dealing with someone trying to sabotage her, received Li Qiubai’s favor in return. She was able to form a team with her and managed to gain some extra points.
This allowed her to squeeze into the top ten and bring back a lantern.
The group of young ladies who accompanied her were overjoyed. They did not mind that this was a lantern left over from others’ choices. Instead, they excitedly circled around the large lantern delivered by the servant, praising it endlessly.
Seeing them happy, Third Young Lady Ying was naturally even happier. However, she knew well that the credit for obtaining this lantern was not hers. During the team-up, all she did was run errands to fetch paper slips, while the hardest part—answering the questions—was entirely handled by that person.
After stepping off the stage, she intended to seek her out to express her gratitude, but she saw that the elegant beauty had already taken the fire phoenix lantern and was leading a servant to present it to that little white face.
"Do you like it?"
The glow of the lantern illuminated the Young Master's eyes. Clearly, it was the lantern that had first captured her heart at first sight, yet at this moment, her eyes could no longer hold the massive lantern—only the breathtaking beauty before her, who had fought so hard to win it for her.
"I like it!"
The Young Master nodded her head vigorously.
The joy in the young girl's eyes was so full it was about to overflow.
The Princess' lips curved into a smile. Ignoring the bustling crowd around them, she gazed into the Young Master's eyes and asked, pretending not to know,
"Do you like the lantern, or do you like me?"
Author's Note:
I am back! As usual, let me start by kneeling on a keyboard to express my apologies...
In the past two years, I have been on the rise in my career. Work pressure is greater than when I first entered society, so I spend more energy on work. There is also less free time at my disposal every day, and it is basically not until ten o'clock in the evening that I have free time. On top of that, my body has had all sorts of minor health issues, so in these past few months, I prefer to have a good rest instead of working 24 hours a day + write. It is also difficult to do it for the sake of love like I did when I was young. No matter how cold the review is, or when no one reads it, I can finish it happily. Sometimes I feel sad when I think that writing requires more time and energy than my job and that three years of writing is not as good as a month’s income from my job. It’s especially sad because there aren’t many cute little ones leaving comments after I post it. Fortunately, I have adjusted my mood during this period. After all, this is my child, and it will definitely end well! Maybe it will be a little slower...I don't know if anyone can wait...
I am saying all this nonsense—not to play pitiful—but because I am afraid that after disappearing for so long, you all might beat me up. Wuwuwu...
I also just want you to leave more comments to make me happy! After all, at this point, the only thing keeping me going is the messages from you lovely little cuties who have stayed with me until now!
While I am at it, let me be a little greedy and beg you all to add my latest new idea to your collections, okay? A new idea! I have already started stockpiling chapters. Once I finish this one, I will start the next!
"After Being Possessed by My Nemesis, I Was Treated as a Licking Dog*"
*a bootlicker/or a simp
* The title has been changed to “After Entering The Nemesis’ Body”. Author hasn't started any new novel yet
The Demonic Sect leader Chu Yuxi was struck by heavenly lightning during a life-and-death battle with the Righteous Sect leader Jun Qinglan and was split into her own life-bound sword.
Meanwhile, her mortal enemy Jun Qinglan entered her body, using her shell to do as she pleased.
When Chu Yuxi’s subordinates humiliated Jun Qinglan,
Jun Qinglan, using her face, drew her sword: “In my heart, she is the unreachable bright moon. How can I allow you all to insult her at will?”
The "sword spirit" Chu Yuxi was stunned: What nonsense are you talking about??
When Jun Qinglan’s suitors came to rescue her,
Jun Qinglan, borrowing her identity, pointed her sword at them with cold disdain: “Just you? Do you think you are worthy of taking my person? Ask my sword first.”
The "sword spirit" trembled with excitement: I have no objections! Please take her away, I beg you!?
When Chu Yuxi's former beloved came to the door,
Jun Qinglan used her name to refuse face-to-face: "From now on, do not come looking for me again. If Qinglan knows, she will definitely be unhappy."
Chu Yuxi was furious: "Did you ask for my opinion when you cut off my marriage???"
"Also, what does your happiness have to do with me?"
By the time Chu Yuxi finally reclaimed her body, the cultivation world had already spread countless tales of her being a "licking dog"…
Master Chu could not bear the humiliation. Enraged, she directly sought out the culprit.
Chu Yuxi: “You ruined my financial path, tarnished my reputation, and cut off my love prospects. You want to leave after dumping this mess on me? We need to settle this account.”
Jun Qinglan: “We should indeed. Then why not let me compensate you with myself?”
Chu Yuxi firmly refused: “What use are you? To continue messing up my sect? No way!”
Years later, when Master Chu realized her own road to marriage had been full of obstacles because of that sentence, she regretted it deeply…
