The Sickly Regent Prince Who Was Abandoned as a Substitute Bride

At the referee's signal, ten beautiful women began to play simultaneously, their fingers dancing across the strings, producing beautiful sounds. The audience was immersed in the music, as if they were in a fairyland.

However, in this fierce competition, several contestants did not perform well due to nervousness or other reasons. Their fingers trembled slightly, and the notes they played sounded somewhat stiff.

In contrast, the performances of Dongfang Wan'er and Dongfang Mingzhu were exceptionally outstanding.

Dongfang Wan'er played "High Mountains and Flowing Water"...

Dongfang Wan'er's zither music was as melodious as flowing water, captivating all who heard it. Her fingering was skillful, each note perfectly placed, creating a refreshing and natural feeling.

Oriental Pearl's piano playing was full of passion and power; her superb playing skills allowed her to express the emotions in the music to the fullest.

But in the end, Dongfang Wan'er played faster and faster, her voice growing louder and louder, as if trying to drown the whole world in her music. Dongfang Mingzhu, on the other hand, was clearly struggling, her playing gradually falling behind Dongfang Wan'er's rhythm.

A sharp "clang" rang out as Dongfang Wan'er's zither string suddenly snapped. This unexpected turn of events shocked everyone.

"My God, Dongfang Wan'er has won again..." A gasp of amazement erupted from the crowd.

"Sister Wan'er is so amazing!" Qingcheng looked at the woman on the stage with sparkling eyes, her eyes full of admiration.

Su Yazhen smiled and patted Lu Qingcheng's head, whispering, "Our Qingcheng will be just as amazing as Sister Wan'er in the future..."

"Congratulations to Dongfang Wan'er for winning the first place! Dongfang Mingzhu and Lu Yanran have also advanced. Please take a short break. There are many more exciting matches to come..." the host announced excitedly.

Upon hearing this news, Li Sisi's face darkened, her heart filled with resentment and anger. She glared at Lu Yanran, gritting her teeth and muttering under her breath, "Damn it..." However, she knew that her strength was indeed inferior to theirs, and she could only silently accept defeat.

Next came the painting competition. Dongfang Wan'er picked up her paintbrush and began to paint without hesitation. Her brushstrokes were fluid and natural, each stroke carrying a unique charm, as if she were creating her own artistic world.

At the same time, Oriental Pearl also began to paint, focusing intently on creating a beautiful painting and demonstrating her exceptional painting skills.

Time ticked by, and finally, both artists finished their paintings. The scrolls were carefully collected and presented to the judges. They would meticulously evaluate each work and ultimately determine the winner of the competition.

A tense atmosphere filled everyone's hearts, and everyone eagerly awaited the judges' announcement. Finally, after exchanging their opinions, one of the judges stood up and announced to the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this competition has been decided... She is the eldest daughter of the Marquis's family, Dongfang Wan'er..."

Before she finished speaking, cheers and applause erupted from the crowd. Dongfang Wan'er became the center of attention, and people praised her exceptional talent. Dongfang Mingzhu's face turned pale; she stared at everything in disbelief.

"Wan'er is really amazing..."

"Hahaha, as expected of my granddaughter..." The old lady of the Dongfang Marquis's mansion laughed triumphantly.

"My money... my money..."

Those who bet on Dongfang Wan'er lost a large sum of money.

"How could this be? Impossible..." Dongfang Mingzhu's voice was filled with despair; she couldn't accept this fact.

"I want to see the painting..." Oriental Pearl suddenly stood up and made a request.

“Yes, we demand to see the painting…” The audience below the stage echoed, beginning to question whether the outcome was fair.

“Alright…” With the judges’ permission, the eunuch went up on stage and carefully took out Dongfang Wan’er’s painting.

When the scroll was unfurled, everyone was awestruck. Dongfang Wan'er's landscape painting was magnificent and awe-inspiring, as if the real mountains and rivers were unfolding before their eyes. The exquisite detail in the painting conveyed the power and beauty of nature.

"My God, did Dongfang Wan'er draw this? It's so beautiful, it looks just like the real thing..." someone exclaimed.

"How is this possible..." Dongfang Mingzhu's eyes widened; she couldn't believe what she was seeing. However, faced with such a beautiful painting, she had to admit that Dongfang Wan'er had won the competition.

"Now everyone agrees..." Emperor Ye Erxiao stood up from his seat and walked to the front of the stage. He smiled at the crowd, his eyes revealing his majesty.

"Your Majesty is wise!" the crowd shouted in unison, expressing their respect for the emperor.

Ye Erxiao nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Dongfang Wan'er and said, "Wan'er, your painting skills are truly amazing. According to the rules, I will reward you with a treasure to commend your talent."

Dongfang Wan'er expressed her gratitude...

Ye Erxiao had the eunuch take the items over...and handed them to Dongfang Wan'er, instructing, "This is what you deserve: one hundred taels of gold, a bolt of Shu brocade, and the title of First-Class Talented Woman..."

Dongfang Wan'er simply looked down on these things; this emperor was far too stingy… She thanked him again.

"This humble woman expresses her gratitude."

Ye Erxiao smiled slightly and waved for her to stand up.

Then, he turned to Oriental Pearl and said, "Pearl, although you lost this time, don't be discouraged. As long as you work hard, one day you will surpass others."

A hint of resentment flashed in Dongfang Mingzhu's eyes, but she still forced a smile and bowed her head in gratitude. Ye Erxiao nodded and returned to her seat.

The Emperor sat on his dragon throne, his face solemn as he looked at his subjects below. He then spoke, "Furthermore, I have another matter to announce. The second daughter of the Marquis's family, Dongfang Mingzhu, is virtuous and kind. I have decreed that she be given to the Regent as a concubine… In addition, Dongfang Wan'er will be given to the First Prince as his principal wife…"

Upon hearing this news, Dongfang Mingzhu suddenly stood up, unable to remain calm. She cried out anxiously, "Your Majesty, please forgive me! I truly do not wish to marry the Regent..."

Seeing this, Dongfang Zheng hurriedly stepped forward and whispered to his daughter, "Mingzhu, don't talk nonsense. Quickly thank the Emperor!" His voice was filled with urgency and tension.

However, Oriental Pearl's eyes were filled with tears, which she vehemently resisted. She bit her lip tightly, trying to suppress her grief.

Upon hearing Dongfang Mingzhu's refusal, Ye Jiuchen couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. The laughter grew louder and louder, echoing throughout the entire palace. He said mockingly, "Heh heh, utterly laughable..."

Upon seeing this, Ye Erxiao's face darkened. He shouted, "Ninth Brother, you've gone too far! How dare you be so rude!" His eyes were filled with anger and dissatisfaction.