Chapter 76 A Worthy Queen Mother

exist, someone whose mere presence seemed to transform the very air."What are you thinking about" Rong Jing lifted his head after laughing and his eyes were still filled with a deep smile."I was wond...Chapter 76: Fit to Be a Queen Mother

When Yun Qianyue heard the old emperor's voice outside, her lips twitched fiercely. She had just changed from pitying Ye Qingran to mourning for him silently. This kid was truly pitiful. The timing of this old emperor's arrival was really impeccable. Rong Jing, that guy, was really heartless! She admired him so much she could bow down with five bodies. Given how long he had been taking advantage of her and given how often she lost to him, it wasn't unreasonable for her to feel like she was spitting blood in frustration. Ye Qingran must be feeling the same way right now.

Ye Qingran was indeed feeling like vomiting blood as Yun Qianyue said. He glared angrily at Rong Jing and thought to himself, How lucky this bastard is! He managed to get caught red-handed by His Royal Uncle. Feeling angry and resentful, he shouted: "Royal Uncle, heaven knows I didn't cause any trouble! Just ask the little girl if you don’t believe me!"

"Well, well, he truly didn’t cause any trouble; since his arrival, he has been quietly sitting beside me!" Yun Qianyue generously supported Ye Qingran. She felt that she couldn’t let Rong Jing get away with treating him like this unjustly. This kid really hadn’t caused any trouble; what I’m saying is the truth.

"You’re being quite generous, but generosity isn't meant to be used in this situation," said Rong Jing indifferently.

"I wouldn’t believe a word that little girl says! I didn’t send you here for leisure. I know exactly what kind of scoundrel this little devil is!" The old emperor entered the room while speaking. Following him was the gloomy Xing王爺 (Filial King), who helplessly watched Ye Qingran; the worried Yun王爺 (Cloud King); and Night Tianqin, Night Tiandyu, and several ministers. Last in line were Leng Shuli and Lu Gonggong.

"Oh my reputation!" Yun Qianyue muttered to herself as she gave Ye Qingran a helpless look. Who could blame her for having such poor morals If others didn’t believe her, there was nothing she could do about it!

"Royal Uncle, you can’t talk like that! I really didn’t cause any trouble today. Why don’t you ask these people in the Study Hall" Ye Qingran kept glaring daggers at Rong Jing as he looked at the old emperor.

"Only if you have what it takes to make Young Master Jing look down on you, brat! Your father knows exactly who you are; now get back and rest!" This time, it was not the Emperor who spoke angrily but rather Duke De (德親王).

Ye Qingran immediately shut his mouth, a bit resentful.

"Go back to your residence for rest and reflection," said the old emperor sternly.

"…Yes." Ye Qingran looked as wilted as an eggplant and could only stuff the books back into Yun Qianyue’s hands. With a resentful look, he stood up and walked past the guards to the door. Just as he reached it, something occurred to him; he turned around and said to the old emperor, "Royal Uncle, don’t blame that little girl for hurting the pig's hand! He was the one causing trouble and looking for her trouble. It’s only fitting that he gets what he deserves. If I had arrived earlier, would you have expected me not to rip his head off That little girl was doing him a favor by just breaking his arm."

The old emperor looked at Ye Qingran but remained silent.

"Although I’ve been away from the capital for years, I know quite well about all the messy things that have happened here. Especially those people murdered by him and his men; it’s too numerous to count. Such trash should be killed a hundred times over! That little girl was doing him a favor not killing him. If you dare punish her, I can easily kill this brat. Just remember what I said—I’ll make sure everyone knows that such scoundrels deserve to die!" Ye Qingran’s words were directed at the old emperor, but his gaze was sharp and pointed directly at Xing王爺 (Filial King), full of warning as he defended Yun Qianyue without reservation.

Yun Qianyue felt warm in her heart. She thought that Ye Qingran was really good! He is a true friend, someone who stands by his principles and has integrity!

Xing王爺's (Filial King) old face turned ashen with rage; he trembled from anger and shouted, "Little Prince Rong!"

"What Filial Uncle, everyone knows what kind of person your son is. It’s just that no one wants to talk about it. Yesterday at the Martial Champion Conference, how did you assure His Royal Uncle Today, he comes out to cause trouble and hurt that little girl. I may not be a good guy myself, but at least I haven’t done anything as cruel or evil as him," Ye Qingran interrupted Xing王爺 (Filial King) without any mercy.

"Qingran!" Duke De (德親王) couldn't bear to see Ye Qingran scolding Xing王爺 (Filial King) in front of everyone; his voice deepened as he stopped him.

"I know that little girl the best. She never initiates trouble unless someone provokes her first." Ye Qingran glanced at Duke De, ignoring his disapproving look and continued to speak to the old emperor: "So Royal Uncle, you should be fair. Yesterday, you showed mercy on this pig who didn’t appreciate it; today he caused more trouble and bullied that little girl. Does he think the whole of Heavenly Capital belongs to your Filial王府 (Palace) Can he do as he pleases without any regard for rules or laws"

Ye Qingran's final words were heavy, causing Xing王爺 (Filial King)'s face to immediately change.

"Alright, I’m leaving. Who wants to stay in this damn study hall In the future, don’t expect me to come even if you invite me a hundred times." After saying all that, Ye Qingran felt relieved and left the Study Hall after giving everyone one last look.

He was extremely arrogant, completely fearless!

Yun Qianyue thought about how she could never be as arrogant as him! She had to live in fear every day, worried that without power or status someone would crush her like an ant. She dared not make a single move. But Ye Qingran was truly the definition of arrogance. Daring to speak loudly to the old emperor and leaving without even a farewell bow—perhaps there was no one else in the world who could do this besides him! Although Rong Jing also did not think much of the old emperor, he still didn’t want to leave any grounds for others to criticize him. But Ye Qingran really was arrogant. She thought that her reputation as Heavenly Capital's number one wastrel was hollow; it should belong to Ye Qingran instead.

"This brat!" Duke De (德親王) said with a bad expression, and then he looked at Xing王爺 (Filial King): "Brother Cold, this brat is just like that. Please bear with him! No one has been able to control him these years.

The Prince of Filial Piety was pale with anger but remained silent. His hands in his sleeves were clenched into fists. Especially after hearing Ye Qingran call Cold Shaozhu "pig," which seemed to imply he had a pig-like son who did not live up to expectations and could not refute the insult, this little devil's words also made sense; although he was lawless, he never harmed others, but his son committed too many misdeeds that were hard to hide. For a moment, he trembled with rage.

"This little devil is becoming more arrogant in front of me!" The old emperor wore an expression of helplessness as he scolded him and looked at the Prince of Filial Piety: "Cold brother, don't take it to heart over that brat!"

"Old minister understands this," the Prince of Filial Piety conceded under the scrutiny of both the old emperor and the Prince of Virtue.

He had long been at odds with the Cloud王府 because of Cold Shaozhu and Yun Qianyue's repeated conflicts. This time marked their complete enmity. Since the death of the Prince Regent Rong and his wife, the relationship between the Cloud王府 and the Rong王府 had grown distant due to Rong Jing's management, thinking that the Rong王府 would decline naturally, thus seeing no reason to befriend it. Unexpectedly, ten years after a severe illness, Rong Jing recovered and, even though he hadn't yet entered court politics, the Rong王府 flourished because of him. Both the reputation among commoners and the admiration from court officials made them wary of provoking him. From the help Yun Qianyue received in killing his secret guards and his defense regarding the testimony about Wansheng Lou, it was clear that Crown Prince Shi Jing supported the Cloud王府, thus making them allies.

Currently, only the Prince of Virtue's王府 remained friendly with the Prince of Filial Piety. He usually maintained close ties with him. But unexpectedly, Young Prince Rang had been bewitched by Yun Qianyue and openly defied him for her sake. Not only did the Emperor and the Prince of Virtue not reprimand Ye Qingran, but they also forgave him. If he didn't take this into consideration and offend the Prince of Virtue as well, the Prince of Filial Piety's王府 would be isolated by the three major王府s, even with the protection of the Emperor.

Therefore, despite his rage, the Prince of Filial Piety had no choice but to swallow it down.

"As long as you understand this is appropriate! That little devil even makes me helpless," the old emperor nodded in satisfaction that the Prince of Filial Piety was wise enough. After speaking, he looked at Cold Shaozhu on the ground and then turned to Yun Qianyue with a stern voice: "Yun girl, explain to me why you disabled Young Prince Rang's hand."

"He wanted to hit me with that hand, so I disabled it!" Yun Qianyue replied simply.

Why did he want to hit her The old emperor didn't scold Yun Qianyue for answering while sitting but asked sternly.

"This." She shook the book she was holding upside down. "He insulted me when I held this book upside down, and I retorted. He refused to accept it and came over to hit me. How could I let his pig-like hand touch my face Naturally, I disabled it."

"You're lying! Shaozhu would never…" The Prince of Filial Piety was furious.

“Your own son is a lecherous man; look at how emaciated he’s become. Who knows how many innocent women he's corrupted What's so unusual about him being driven by lust to cause trouble and offend me Before, I had martial arts skills that kept him from harming me. Now, seeing I don't have them anymore, he takes the opportunity to bully me. Yesterday, I didn’t even have the nerve to say it; today, I’ll tell my Imperial Uncle so you can see if I’m justified in self-defense. If my Imperial Uncle says I'm wrong, I won't argue a word. After all, justice will prevail. Let this be known! If my Imperial Uncle can't silence public opinion about how a lecherous man is being favored and punishing his victim, the Cloud王府 daughter who was bullied, then I have no objections!” Yun Qianyue cut off the Prince of Filial Piety's words, feeling she couldn’t appear weak anymore. Her speech, full of sharpness, turned the tables on the old emperor.

The Prince of Filial Piety had no response to Yun Qianyue’s accusation and could only yell: "You're lying!"

"Whether I'm lying or not, you can ask the people in town. How many innocent women have been corrupted by him" Yun Qianyue looked at him disdainfully, dismissing his objections: "I doubt you will get any answers anyway; you're a high-ranking noble with immense power, while those common folk are insignificant to your eyes like ants. When they see you, they’re as frightened as people who fear ghosts. They would rather run away than face you. Your cough can scare them into wetting their pants, so how could you get any useful information from them I advise you to save your breath. If my father were a lecherous man like him, the Prince of Filial Piety's reputation would have been tarnished long ago, and he would be dead. You still want to argue I’m embarrassed for you!"

The Prince of Filial Piety stared at Yun Qianyue, his face turning pale as he trembled but remained silent.

Yun Qianyue felt secretly pleased after insulting him and could finally understand why Ye Qingran was so smug despite being reprimanded by Rong Jing. She felt invigorated and wished to leave in a similar manner, but lacking martial arts skills and not having the imperial uncle's status like Ye Qingran, she couldn't be as bold. Feeling somewhat disappointed, seeing the Prince of Filial Piety’s face pale with shock made her feel better.

The old emperor could no longer bear it and coughed lightly before sternly saying: "Yun girl, I haven't blamed you for doing anything wrong; however, your sharp tongue is aimed at me now. Just like that little devil, you won’t admit to any fault." After speaking, he scolded her with a stern face: "How could a lady use such vulgar language Even wetting pants and saying dirty words in front of the emperor That's crude. It seems I was right to make you study here."

Seeing that the old emperor wouldn't blame her, Yun Qianyue wondered if it was Ye Qingran's or her own words that worked. Regardless, as long as they achieved their goal, it didn't matter who did it. She responded without caring: "Uncle Emperor, do we have the words 'pee' and 'fart' in our reading"

“Of course.” The old emperor replied.

"Then I used them appropriately since I learned these two characters today. We pee every day and fart every day too. Can anyone hold it Should we suppress the urge to fart Can Prince of Filial Piety do that Uncle Emperor can't either, right Even a sage cannot stop himself from peeing or farting. If you know these words but don’t use them, what’s the point in learning them Why not remove those characters then After all, as emperor, your word is law; just issue an imperial edict stating that 'pee' and 'fart' are forbidden, and I won't mention them again," Yun Qianyue continued to provoke him without showing any emotion.

The old emperor opened his mouth but was at a loss for words after she spoke.

"Haha, this little girl…" The Prince of Virtue laughed heartily before saying: "Even though she doesn't like reading, her logic is solid; scholars probably wouldn’t be able to argue with her."

“Just nonsense,” the old emperor tried to save face and joined in the laughter.

The Prince of Filial Piety was furious but couldn't do anything when the Emperor said he wouldn't punish Yun Qianyue. With his son's previous mistake and Ye Qingran’s warning, even though he hated her arrogance, he could only watch as she walked towards Cold Shaozhu with large steps. He looked at his red, swollen hand hanging limply in pain: "Shaozhu...

The emperor and Prince D was finally able to stop laughing and looked towards Cold Shaozhuo, who was lying on the ground.

"Your Majesty, this old minister asks for your command. I will take him for medical treatment right away. Although he is a fool, he has learned his lesson today. This old minister won't hold Cloud Qianyue accountable for her crime and hope Your Majesty does not blame my foolish son anymore! In the future, I will certainly teach him well." Prince Xiao said this with pain in his heart but admitted it all. He thought revenge might be sweet after ten years, so he would endure now and wait until one day Cloud Qianyue fell into his hands; then she would have a living hell.

"Didn't I send for the imperial physician Why hasn’t he arrived yet" The old emperor immediately looked at Cold Shuli when he heard this.

Cold Shuli was stunned by Night Qingran and Cloud Qianyue's words just now. When the old emperor asked him, he snapped back to his senses and quickly said loudly, "Cloud Qianyue is lying! My brother would never have any other intentions towards her. She is the person my brother hates most and wishes to kill; how could he make advances on her Your Majesty, please give your verdict in favor of my brother!"

"Princess Cold, you can't be mad at me just because you want to marry into the Crown Prince’s household! I remember all the bullying you did to me before. All these people here know about it too. Now that I have sworn not to marry the Crown Prince, what more do you want" Cloud Qianyue looked coldly at Cold Shuli: "You only care about the Crown Prince and are jealous of me. You wish for your brother to make advances on me, but who would believe a word you say"

"Y-You..." Cold Shuli was taken aback by Cloud Qianyue mentioning Night Tianqin; she blushed as she glared at her.

"Your brother could have been treated right away just now, but as his good sister, you stopped him and made him lie here to send for the imperial physician. This wasted time. In my opinion, it's not me who disabled your brother’s hand; it's you! All you wanted was to get the emperor to look at me so that he could punish me and send me to a cruel death in the prison. Then you would be happy because I wouldn't be standing in your way anymore and you can marry into the Crown Prince’s household. You didn’t care about getting his hand treated right away, only thinking of yourself as future Crown Princess." Cloud Qianyue said this and looked at Prince Xiao lazily: "Prince Xiao, what good children you have! I’m really impressed!"

After Cloud Qianyue finished speaking, she bowed to him with admiration on her face; it was truly infuriating!

The blood rushed up to Prince Xiao’s chest and he tasted a metallic taste in his mouth. He suppressed the urge and glared at Cloud Qianyue viciously before turning around and glaring angrily at Cold Shuli.

"That's not true! You’re lying, Cloud Qianyue… Father, I would never neglect my brother; I…" Cold Shuli was caught off guard by what Cloud Qianyue said. She looked pale when she saw everyone looking at her and some of them showed signs of enlightenment and disdain on their faces. In a panic, she began to explain.

"Shut up! You insensible girl who even neglected your own brother. Don’t talk to me anymore, go back to the manor!" Prince Xiao shouted in anger, ignoring his aged body as he picked up Cold Shaozhuo and staggered towards the old emperor: "Your Majesty…"

"Quickly take him to the imperial medical office!" The old emperor interrupted him and waved his hand.

Prince Xiao didn’t delay anymore, but took big steps out of the upper study.

Cold Shuli’s eyes filled with tears as she glared hatefully at Cloud Qianyue. She turned around crying and ran away; it was the first time she hadn't dared to look at Night Tianqin behind the old emperor.

After Prince Xiao left with Cold Shaozhuo, followed by Cold Shuli, silence fell in the upper study.

Cloud Qianyue put down the book that was upside-down and stood up. She picked up the basket on her arm and looked at the old emperor: "Uncle Emperor, I should go home. This is not a place for me to be. If I stay any longer, my life will surely be over. In order to save my life, I prefer staying in the manor rather than coming out again."

The old emperor’s eyes were deep and seemed to want to see through Cloud Qianyue. But after looking for a long time, he only saw her hanging her head fearfully. He stopped probing into it and said with a smile: "Little girl, you’re not the one who lost today but your behavior suggests that you are. Don’t worry; I will let you continue studying in the upper study as planned. Anyone who dares to cause trouble for you again can have their hands disabled by you, and I won't hold you accountable."

After finishing speaking, he glanced at the princes’ and princesses’ children along with ministers' sons present. They immediately hung their heads in silence; no one dared to look up. Without needing a warning from the old emperor, after seeing Cold Shaozhuo’s bloody scene today, everyone feared Cloud Qianyue so much that they wouldn’t dare provoke her.

"Little girl, is this better" The old emperor asked.

"It's勉強acceptable." After blinking her eyes, Cloud Qianyue reluctantly said a sentence before putting down the basket. She sat back at the desk and smiled at him: "I knew Uncle Emperor would be fair and wise! I finally realized how wonderful it is to learn characters today; therefore, I’ve made up my mind that even if you kick me out of the upper study in the future, I will never leave again!"

After Cloud Qianyue finished speaking, she heard a giggle from Night Tianyu who couldn’t hold back his laughter.

Night Tianqin had been furious with her earlier but seeing how lively and interesting she was now also made him laugh.

"Ha ha! Brother Emperor, this little girl is really a gem!" Prince D laughed loudly as he said to the old emperor: "No wonder my stinking brat looks out for this girl so much!"

"What a gem She’s just a naughty monkey!" The old emperor also couldn’t help but laugh and turned towards Rong Jing, who had been sitting at his desk reading quietly without saying anything the entire time: "Prince Shi Jing, I’ve really put you through it with this class."

"The Emperor overestimates me! It is my fortune to be able to contribute to the Heavenly Saint Realm."

The old emperor nodded and said with a sigh, "My Heavenly Saint can have Prince Jing—it's better than having an army of ten thousand! This is also a blessing for the Heavenly Saint and myself!" Then he turned to Jing Rong and said, "I was originally planning to go to the Pavilion of Books when I heard that Young Miss Leng had something to say. So I came over to see what it was about. Since there's nothing going on now, Prince Jing, please continue teaching."

"See you later, Emperor!" Jing Rong stood up and bowed respectfully.

The old emperor turned around and walked out. After taking two steps, he instructed, "Tian Qiong, Tian Yu, the two of you don’t need to go to the Pavilion of Books anymore. Stay here and listen to Prince Jing’s lecture!"

"Yes, Father Emperor!" Night Tian Qiong and Night Tian Yu bowed at the same time.

The old emperor led the way out first, followed closely by Duke De. Yun Wan looked at Yun Qianmo with a sigh before following behind him as well. Several ministers of both civil and military affairs hurriedly followed them, and in no time, all of them had left the Upper Study.

Night Tian Qiong stepped forward toward Yun Qianmo. When Yun Qianmo saw Night Tian Qiong approaching her, she immediately looked displeased.

"Your Highness Prince should take your seat at the top!" Jing Rong said indifferently. "If you sit in the back, how could I dare to sit up front" Then he commanded loudly outside, “Bring a chair for Your Highness Prince!”

Night Tian Qiong paused and looked at Jing Rong. "I came here just to listen to Prince Jing’s lecture; it’s fine if you treat me equally!"

"Prince Imperial Brother, there is still space next to Miss Qin. And this seat in the front row won’t disgrace your status either. Prince Jing doesn't need to have a chair brought over for you. Since I don’t have as high of a status as you do, I'll just squeeze in with Moon Sister," Night Tian Yu said as he walked past Night Tian Qiong toward Yun Qianmo. With his words, he already sat down next to Yun Qianmo at the seat that had been occupied by Qin Qingran earlier.

Jing Rong neither agreed nor disagreed and remained silent.

Yun Qianmo felt somewhat better seeing Night Tian Yu instead of Night Tian Qiong, and her expression softened a little.

"Prince Imperial, please take your seat!" Qin Yuning looked at Jing Rong before standing up to bow respectfully toward Night Tian Qiong.

Although Night Tian Qiong’s face was still not pleasant, he did not want to appear too concerned about Yun Qianmo by arguing with Jing Rong and Night Tian Yu. So he could only nod his head and sit next to Yuning.

"Is there anyone left who wants to speak on this topic" Jing Rong continued asking.

"On the topic of study This is quite new!" Night Tian Yu leaned close toward Yun Qianmo and lowered his voice, "Sister Moon, what book are you reading"

"Here, let me show you," Yun Qianmo passed him the book.

Night Tian Yu took it with both hands. As soon as he saw its contents, his eyes widened in surprise and he stared at Yun Qianmo as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Yun Qianmo ignored him but waited for someone to stand up and speak. She thought Yuning wouldn’t miss this opportunity to make a show of herself; even Qin Qingran had reacted less strongly than Night Tian Yu when he first saw the book, so she believed that Night Tian Yu’s resolve must be quite weak.

Night Tian Yu looked at Jing Rong with an expression of shock.

"No one else" Jing Rong raised a brow and asked. It seemed like he hadn’t noticed Night Tian Yu’s gaze on him.

"Prince Jing, can I speak" A young girl who was around Yun Qianmo's age stood up. She wore an exquisite dress in the palace style, clearly indicating that she was a princess.

"Princess Qi, please!" Jing Rong nodded calmly.

So this must be Princess Qi, Yun Qianmo thought as she looked at her and remembered Yuning mentioning that she had been her companion reader. The little beauty didn’t exude the arrogance of Princess Qingwan but was rather poised and gentle. She probably spent a lot of time with Yuning since their aura seemed similar; she must be someone who knows how to behave properly and is well-read and courteous. Furthermore, she looked slightly flushed and spoke softly while gazing at Jing Rong as though trying to hide it from him, but her efforts were in vain for Yun Qianmo’s eyes.

"Another bee that’s fixated on a peach blossom," Yun Qianmo muttered under her breath.

Rong Jing glanced at Yun Qianyue for a moment. The instant Ye Tianyu woke up, he leaned close to Yun Qianyue and said, "Little Sister Yue, what did you say about peach blossoms and bees"

"Nothing!" Yun Qianyue shook her head. She thought that even a person without martial arts like Rong Jing had such sharp ears; was he still human Did he know she would say this

“You and Viscount Rong were actually reading the forbidden erotic novel ‘Lovebird Pillow’ What great audacity! How did you manage not to be discovered by His Majesty and those old conservatives just now” Ye Tianyu lowered his voice and looked at Yun Qianyue in disbelief. He couldn't imagine what would have happened if he hadn’t come over.

“Didn’t you see that the book was upside down” Yun Qianyue reminded Ye Tianyu. Only an idiot would hold a book upright, waiting to be discovered!

Ye Tianyu quickly lowered his head and immediately turned the book around. He also looked around cautiously, relieved when he saw no one had noticed him. With a mischievous look at Yun Qianyue, he said slyly, "I searched for 'Lovebird Pillow' for such a long time but couldn’t find it. How did you and Viscount Rong each have one And they were all second-printed unique copies"

“How should I know!” Yun Qianyue gave Ye Tianyu a look that said she had nothing to say.

"You little girl, actually still keeping secrets from me." Ye Tianyu looked at Yun Qianyue woundedly. He then grinned and asked, "This book can make people fall in love and be infatuated. Little girl, has your heart of spring stirred again Otherwise why would you read this book Has Viscount Rong’s heart been moved by spring too"

“Nonsense!” Yun Qianyue snorted and said disdainfully, "This is also an erotic novel Don’t insult the genre!"

She was waiting until she brought over 'The Plum in the Golden Vase', 'National Colors of Heavenly Fragrance', 'Appreciating Flowers', 'Flowers Behind Curtains', 'New Tales Under the Lamp', 'Splendid Blossoms in Spring', 'Springtime on Jade Tower', 'Spring Dream in Red Mansions', and 'Nine-Tailed Turtle' ten major erotic novels to let these old-fashioned people see what a real erotic novel looked like. This 'Lovebird Pillow' was merely elementary, at best considered third-rate romance from the other world.

“This isn’t an erotic novel Little girl, have you read something even more scandalous” Ye Tianyu was shocked and stared at Yun Qianyue in disbelief.

“Uh-huh!” Yun Qianyue nodded.

Ye Tianyu snorted. This time it was his turn to be disdainful and disbelieving: "Little girl, go ahead and brag!"

Yun Qianyue’s eyelids flicked upwards as she looked at Ye Tianyu with an expression that said he wouldn’t understand. She then stopped talking, mourning silently in her heart. Her thoughts were lonely; no one could comprehend them! Heroes are always lonely—endure it!

Seeing that Yun Qianyue wasn't refuting him, Ye Tianyu carefully studied the expression on her small face for a moment before lowering his head to continue reading the book upside down. Although it was difficult, it didn’t stop him from enjoying the book.

"Scholars are said to possess seven qualities: literature, ritual, reason, wisdom, humility, virtue, and talent. Literature refers to ancient texts we study for our education. Ritual refers to proper behavior; we learn courtesy towards others in these books. Reason teaches us the truth of life so that we can reflect on ourselves. Wisdom is intelligence, humility is modesty, virtue is morality, and talent is ability. If one possesses all seven qualities, it is considered great goodness. It also means learning has practical value." Princess Seven looked at Rong Jing and summoned her courage to speak in a single breath before lowering her voice and asking tentatively, "Viscount Rong, do I understand correctly"

Yun Qianyue looked at Rong Jing but saw him not even lifting his head. She pouted and thought that no one acted as well as he did!

"Princess Seven, it’s not easy for you to have come up with this understanding. Sit down!" Rong Jing said more than usual.

Princess Seven was overjoyed upon hearing this; her delight showed on her face. She immediately bowed to Rong Jing and said sincerely, "Thank you, Viscount Rong!" With that, she sat down properly. Everyone around could sense her joy.

"Is there anyone else who wants to speak" Rong Jing asked again.

Yun Qianyue looked at Qin Yuning and thought that this beauty would finally make a move!

Indeed, the moment she glanced over, Qin Yuning stood up. She first bowed to Rong Jing before speaking in a gentle voice: "Learning is broad and comprehensive. It can be about books or listening; it can involve knowledge or observation. Using books as a mirror allows one to improve oneself and establish moral principles—this is the essence of learning. Listening teaches one to discern spiritual insights; recognizing events helps one understand worldly affairs. Observing improves one’s character by reminding them to introspect, guiding those who veer off course back onto the right path. Ancient sayings state: 'Enjoy ancient teachings to alert oneself and contemplate profound truths to clarify one's aspirations.' Learning accumulates knowledge, questioning discerns truth—daily accumulation enlightens one's mind and aids action while also enabling understanding of worldly matters and the distinctions between honor and disgrace, beauty and ugliness. Therefore, this is learning."

Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow in thought; Qin Yuning’s reputation as a talented woman wasn’t unfounded!

The corners of Princess Seven's lips twitched slightly as she looked at Yuning with a mournful gaze before lowering her head.

"Hmm, is there anyone else" Rong Jing nodded and asked again.

Qin Yuning hesitated for a moment, then gently said, "From learning to the ultimate goal, men are cultivated scholars who govern their country and family with talent that spans heaven and earth, while women are educated in etiquette within閨閣to support their husbands and educate their children. Men hold positions of power, aiming high; women stay inside the courtyard, cherishing their homes. Therefore, what a man learns and what a woman learns is different."

Yun Qianyue retracted her gaze, feeling that she had overestimated this beautiful young lady. It turns out she's content to be a housewife. However, it fits the female education she learned from childhood; she probably can recite books on women's rules and taboos by heart.

"I wonder if what Yuning said is correct Please give me your guidance, Prince Jing!" Qin Yuning softly asked.

"Miss Qin has such talent that she could befit a queen mother!" Rong Jing was silent for a while before uttering eight words.

As soon as Rong Jing spoke, the entire hall erupted in commotion!

Qin Yuning's small face instantly turned pale and bloodless; she couldn't believe what she heard, staring at Rong Jing with slight tremors in her body.

Night Tianqing silently admired Qin Yuning's talent but didn't expect Rong Jing to come up with such a statement. He was momentarily stunned.

The corner of Yun Qianyue's mouth twitched fiercely as she listened to the buzzing around her. She could imagine the weight of Rong Jing's words, especially given his reputation and influence among scholars across the realm. Within no time, these eight words would spread throughout the land. Haha, then there'd be some good entertainment to watch. Looking at Rong Jing, she felt that he had never seemed more endearingly sinister than now! She wondered what expressions Emperor Taizong and Prince Regent Si as well as all the court officials would have when they heard this statement.

"Qin Yuning has fallen into murky waters this time. It's impossible for her to remain clean anymore." Night Tianyu leaned close to Yun Qianyue, tsked softly in her ear and whispered, "Does she really qualify as a great talent Little miss, what did Qin Yuning give Prince Jing that he would support her like this"

Support Yun Qianyue wanted to cough but couldn't; feeling rather uncomfortable, she pushed Night Tianyu aside. "How could I know what Qin Yuning offered the weak beauty Probably it's your father Emperor Taizong who gave him a favor! Such a talented and beautiful lady as Qin Yuning wouldn't marry into any other family except the imperial one, would Emperor Uncle let her go"

Night Tianyu blinked thoughtfully at Yun Qianyue's words.

Ignoring him, Yun Qianyue continued to watch the spectacle. She imagined that Qin Yuning’s little heart must be shattered into pieces; she had yearned for her beloved to look at her differently but never expected a few light words from him would send her straight to hell. If I fell off a cliff, she thought, he wouldn't save me. Look, isn't this the same as falling off a cliff now Who knows if she could ever climb back up.

"Prince Jing is joking! Yuning has no such ability... it's just showing off in front of experts and not worthy to be on stage," Qin Yuning’s voice was trembling. She had imagined all sorts of things Rong Jing might say, but never expected him to say those eight words. In that instant, she almost fainted right there and then. She truly hadn't thought anyone would call her a talent fit for the title of queen mother! If only she knew beforehand, no matter what, she wouldn’t have stood up.

Though these words might be a joke from others, who would pay attention But coming from Prince Jing—the prodigy of the Celestial Saint—these words carried immense weight. If Emperor Taizong were to hear them, who besides the imperial palace would dare marry her At the same time, what did this statement mean It meant that Rong Jing had no interest in her at all and was actually rather cold-hearted. She didn't believe he couldn’t guess her feelings But with just these words, he seemed to place her on a pedestal only to drop her into hell. She almost couldn't hold back the tears but managed to restrain herself. She must stay calm if she wanted any chance of recovery.

"I never joke! Miss Qin, please be seated." Rong Jing smiled slightly and ignored Qin Yuning, turning to Night Tianqing with a question in his eyes, "What is your high opinion, Prince Regent"

"Miss Qin indeed possesses great talent! The title of the Celestial Saint's top lady scholar is well-deserved!" Night Tianqing glanced at trembling and sitting down Qin Yuning beside him before smiling at Rong Jing.

Rong Jing nodded, his eyes looking towards Yun Qianyue’s direction. Seeing her giving a "you're so ruthless" look to him, he curled the corner of his lips slightly and softly said, "Miss Yun Qianyue, please share your thoughts! Let's see what useful knowledge you learned today in this upper study"

Everyone turned their gaze towards Yun Qianyue, waiting for her response.

Yun Qianyue looked up at the ceiling, acting as if she would not tell them anything; it was a little arrogant and amusing.

"It seems you learned nothing. You truly are an idle rich kid who is ignorant and inferior to Miss Qin in every way." Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianyue and deliberately belittled her while praising Qin Yuning, then stood up, put the book back into the box, and gently said to everyone, "Let's end today's lesson here. You may leave now."

Is it over already Yun Qianyue retracted her gaze from the ceiling, looking at Rong Jing—wasn't it before noon

Rong Jing glanced at Yun Qianyue with a look that seemed to ask if she wanted to continue studying. Yun Qianyue immediately shook her head; he seemed to smile slightly and then looked away from her, stepping out of the upper study in an elegant manner.

Yun Qianyue quickly picked up the flower basket, snatched the book from Night Tianyu’s hand, stood up abruptly, took a step forward, and ran after Rong Jing out of the upper study.

The room was left with everyone staring at each other in silence.ow who it is It’s either Ye Tianyi or Rong Jing. Who else could it be” Nan Lingrui reached out to ruffle Cloud Qianyue's hair and said: "How come I never knew how stupid you were""There have been too...