Daily life in the academy

Bai Zhi awkwardly poured herself a cup of tea and was about to drink it, but then she came to her senses, put down the cup, poured a cup of tea for Yan Qingchen, and handed it to him.

"Brother Yan, have some tea."

Yan Qingchen shook his head, took it, took a sip, and put down the teacup, "Azhi, you live next door to me."

"Hahaha, okay." Bai Zhi used laughter to ease the embarrassment.

Mu Bailian glanced left and right and asked, "So, what were you talking about just now?"

It’s really a matter of which pot should not be opened.

"Nothing." Bai Zhi frowned and stuffed a piece of cake into his mouth. "Eat quickly, this cake is delicious."

Unexpectedly, Yan Qingchen asked, "It was Madam Cui who sent someone to look for Miss Chu, right?"

After Bai Zhi nodded, Yan Qingchen sneered, "It seems that our Queen Murong is sincere. She even sent Nanny Cui. I just don't know how long she can live."

It’s no wonder that the royal family is so awesome. He really speaks his mind!

Except for Yan Qingchen, the other three seemed to be very secretive.

"However, Chu Youyou did tell me something just now." Bai Zhi coughed lightly, and when he saw the three people looking at him, he continued, "There is an old maid from another family in her clan who retired from the palace. Two months ago, Master Chu secretly sent her back to the clan, claiming to be training her, but in fact, she was learning palace etiquette with the old maid. Her goal was to stand out in the prince's selection process."

"But... this garden party is not because of the Queen..." Wenzhe remembered what Yan Qingchen had just said and fell silent after saying only half of his words.

It is difficult to distinguish between true and false.

"It's so complicated." Mu Bailian supported his face with his hands and became worried.

Yan Qingchen didn't care: "What are you afraid of? The protagonists this time are my two cousins. There might be something interesting to watch."

Bai Zhi didn't know if it was her illusion, but she always felt that there seemed to be a hint of expectation in Yan Qingchen's eyes and words. This reminded Bai Zhi of the King of Qi she had just met. Now, when she recalled it, she always felt that the King of Qi's smile was a little deliberate, and he might not be as warm as he seemed.

In short, just stay away from it.

***

In a specially decorated room in the main courtyard, the noble ladies sat neatly in front of small tables. Including their maids, the whole room could accommodate more than 20 people but it did not seem crowded.

Matron Cui stood before the noble ladies and spoke at length, "The young ladies who are able to attend the garden party today are very fortunate. For the next five days, you will be able to spend every day with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Prince of Qi. Those with outstanding virtues may even become the future Crown Princess and Prince of Qi's Consort. But please don't be too happy just yet. This matron does not wish to see any of you try any unworthy tactics to attract the attention of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Prince of Qi."

"If I find out, you'll have to bear the consequences." Matron Cui's eyes were sharp as a torch, scanning each young lady's face. After seeing the expressions of surprise and uncertainty on their faces, she withdrew her gaze with satisfaction and smiled warmly. "However, even if the young ladies are not chosen by the princes in the end, don't be discouraged. There are still many young talents this time, such as Prince Yan, Prince Xue, and Master Xiao. If you can get to know them, it would be a good choice."

"I'm sure all of you ladies are tired from your early morning journey today. For this first day, please rest and get back into shape. Tomorrow, you will need to prepare one or two talents, either playing the musical instrument, chess, calligraphy, or painting. As for the performance time, I'll let you know tomorrow morning."

Nanny Cui was very satisfied with the serious expressions on the faces of the young ladies. This time, the Queen Mother instructed her to select virtuous concubines for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Prince of Qi, and she could not let the Queen Mother down.

But poor Queen, alas...

As people get older, their thoughts tend to wander. The young ladies were still waiting for what Madam Cui would say next, not realizing that her thoughts had already strayed too far. It was only after the palace maid Yunqing beside her coughed lightly a few times that Madam Cui's attention was brought back.

However, a moderate yet slightly sharp shout suddenly rang out from outside the house.

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Prince of Qi have arrived."

"Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Prince of Qi." Nanny Cui and a group of noble ladies bowed to the two princes.

Crown Prince Yan Minghe smiled and raised his hand: "No need to be so formal." His voice was gentle, refreshing like the sound of flowing water.

After hearing such a pleasant voice, many noble ladies subconsciously looked towards me. However, after seeing my appearance clearly, they blushed and lowered their heads to hide the infatuation rolling in their eyes.

"Your Highnesses, why are you here?" Nanny Cui came forward with a smile so broad that one could vaguely see white powder dripping in the creases of her face.

The King of Qi smiled and said, "My elder brother and I just arrived. We heard that Madam Cui and the young ladies were here, so we came to see them."

Madam Cui nodded hurriedly: "This time I am here to inform you ladies of the arrangements for the next few days."

The Crown Prince looked at the noble ladies, then averted his gaze after a moment and said gently, "Since Madam Cui has important matters to attend to, the King of Qi and I will not disturb her, so we will leave first."

"Yes, I respectfully send off His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Prince of Qi."

After the two left, Yuling whispered in Murong Wan's ear, "Miss, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was looking at you just now."

"Don't talk nonsense." Murong Wan scolded softly.

Yuling, however, was not intimidated at all and continued, "Miss, the master asked me to remind you at all times that you must achieve your goal this time."

Murong Wan lowered his eyelids and said in a deep voice, "I know, you don't need to remind me all the time." There was an imperceptible disgust in his tone.

Aunt Cui turned around and said, "Alright, ladies, please remember what I just said and have a good rest today."

After saying that, he walked out of the house with the help of Yunqing and left.

Chu Youyou deliberately found a seat in the corner, and after making sure that everyone had left, she immediately bent down and lay on the table. The maid Chunxi beside her pulled her up with a look of disappointment.

"I'm not being nosy, it's just these five days. You've managed to put on a good front, but I don't know how to explain this to you, Master."

Chu Youyou said nonchalantly, "Whoever wants to be the princess can do it. I won't do it anyway, so don't be afraid. Just put it all on me. I'll protect you, Miss."

"Yes, yes, my dear lady, you are the best."

Chu Youyou was pulled by Chunxi and accidentally bumped into Murong Wan. She glared at Chunxi first, and then quickly apologized: "Miss, I'm sorry, please don't mind my recklessness."

Yuling spoke first and said, "Be careful when you walk. If you hit the future Crown Princess, can you afford the compensation?"

What the hell? Chu Youyou was choked and stunned. Her hot temper was about to explode. Fortunately, Murong Wan calmed down in time and said, "I'm fine, Miss Chu. The maid's wife is quite aggressive. She offended you with her words. I apologize on her behalf."