Chapter 60: Plead

Chapter 60: Pleading

Princess Jiahe was instantly smitten with Wei Mingjin.

After the results of the imperial examination were announced, the Ministry of Rites, following the emperor's wishes, hosted a banquet at Qionglin Garden to fete the scholars of the current session.

Since Princess Jiahe had long declared that she intended to select a consort from the scholars of this year's imperial examination, she also attended the Qionglin banquet that day.

The Qionglin banquet was adorned with beautiful lanterns and gathered many guests. Among the numerous scholars, Princess Jiahe's eyes instantly landed on Wei Mingjin in the crowd.

That day, Wei Mingjin was dressed in simple robes. Apart from a crescent-shaped green jade pendant hanging from his waist, he was devoid of any other finery.

Yet, among the group of scholars, he stood out like a crane among chickens, making it impossible for anyone to look away.

And everyone in the royal family knew that Princess Jiahe was someone who could not resist a handsome face.

Upon seeing Wei Mingjin for the first time, Princess Jiahe was captivated by his looks. Her attendants, noticing this, immediately went to inquire about Wei Mingjin’s background.

After learning more, Princess Jiahe was even more pleased.

Wei Mingjin was not only exceptionally good-looking but also highly talented—he was the top scholar of the imperial examination.

It was no wonder Princess Jiahe was surprised. In the thirty years since the current emperor ascended the throne, among all the top three scholars of past examinations, aside from Cui Xun, the current Minister of Rites, who twenty-three years ago was appointed the *Tanhualang* (third-place scholar) by the emperor for his literary talent and handsome appearance, the others were either gray-haired, emaciated, or had dark circles under their eyes—none were particularly attractive.

Previously, Princess Jiahe’s declaration that she would choose a consort from this year’s scholars was merely a fit of anger spoken in a quarrel with Noble Consort Yun. Her attendance at the Qionglin banquet was just a formality.

After all, the appearances of past scholars were well-known, and Princess Jiahe had not held high hopes for the looks of this year’s scholars.

Unexpectedly, she encountered the pleasant surprise that was Wei Mingjin.

Princess Jiahe learned that Wei Mingjin had just emerged from the mourning period for his father the previous year, was unmarried, and had no prior engagements. She immediately rushed to Noble Consort Yun and declared that she wanted Wei Mingjin to be her consort.

Noble Consort Yun had initially agreed to ask the emperor to bestow the marriage, but before going, she asked one more question: "What rank did the person you fancy come in in the imperial examination?"

"He did quite well," Princess Jiahe suddenly became hesitant.

"If he did quite well, why are you being so coy? Just tell me his rank."

Only then did Princess Jiahe stammer out the truth: "Well, he accidentally ended up as the top scorer."

Upon hearing this, Noble Consort Yun nearly fainted.

Top scorer? Wasn’t that the *Zhuangyuan*? She knew her daughter had high standards, but she never expected her to take a liking to the *Zhuangyuan* of the current session at first sight!

"He won’t do!" Noble Consort Yun immediately refused. "Choose someone else."

"Why won’t he do?" Princess Jiahe grew anxious. "I’ve had my people inquire—he’s not married."

"Even if he’s not married, it’s still out of the question! He is the *Zhuangyuan* of this session, and a very young one at that. Although your father never allows me to interfere in court matters, I am well aware that he has always been eager for talent. Now that a young and exceptional *Zhuangyuan* has emerged, your father is looking forward to seeing him make great contributions in the court. How could he possibly give him up to be your consort? Put this idea out of your mind early."

Noble Consort Yun had always been gentle-natured, but this was the first time she spoke so decisively.

However, Princess Jiahe had been spoiled since childhood. Now that she had encountered a talented and handsome man without a hint of pretentiousness, how could she let go?

Since Noble Consort Yun refused, Princess Jiahe turned to beg her father.

The emperor usually doted on Princess Jiahe, but this affection was conditional on her not interfering in political matters and avoiding conflicts with state affairs.

Now, hearing that Princess Jiahe had taken a liking to the *Zhuangyuan* he favored and wanted to make him her consort, the emperor was naturally unwilling.

But the emperor did not directly refuse Princess Jiahe. Instead, he smiled and said, "It seems our father-daughter tastes align—we’ve taken a liking to the same person. This makes things difficult."

"Father, you’ve always thought I was playful and lacked seriousness. If you grant Wei Mingjin to me as my consort, I will immediately settle down. Father, I beg you, please grant me this wish." Princess Jiahe hugged the emperor’s arm and *sajiao*.

The emperor looked helpless and finally sighed. "You, you know just how to wrap me around your finger."

Princess Jiahe’s face lit up with joy. "So, Father, you agree to issue the marriage decree for me and Wei Mingjin?"

"Don’t be in such a hurry." The emperor glanced at Princess Jiahe, took a slow sip of tea, and then, rubbing the porcelain cup in his hand, said, "Marriage is a matter of mutual consent. It won’t work if only one side is eager. How about this: go ask Official Wei for his opinion. If he is willing to give up his official career to marry you, I will issue the marriage decree for both of you. How does that sound?"

The scholars who excelled in the imperial examination had all studied hard for decades, hoping to realize their ambitions after achieving success.

The emperor did not believe the *Zhuangyuan* he personally appointed would be so short-sighted as to abandon his official career for the sake of marrying a princess.

As it happened, he also did not want to be the villain who broke his daughter’s heart, so he pushed the decision onto Wei Mingjin.

Wei Mingjin had always been skilled at discerning people’s intentions. After arriving in the capital and achieving top honors, he became even more adept at gauging the emperor’s intentions.

Therefore, when Princess Jiahe eagerly came to him and explained the situation, Wei Mingjin directly and firmly refused: "Thank you for your misplaced affection, Princess, but I am coarse and unworthy of you. Please choose another suitable husband."

After saying this, Wei Mingjin left.

Princess Jiahe was accustomed to getting whatever she wanted. Now that Wei Mingjin had outright rejected her, she was stunned for a moment before bursting into tears and returning to the palace to find her father.

She was a princess! How dare Wei Mingjin refuse her!!! She was determined to make him her consort!!!

Princess Jiahe cried and *sajiao*, hoping her father would directly issue an imperial decree for the marriage.

But the person who had once doted on her now only said: "I can issue the decree, but only if Official Wei is willing to marry you."

Although her father said this with his usual kind and amiable expression, Princess Jiahe detected impatience beneath the kindness.

Princess Jiahe was suddenly alarmed. She realized that if she continued to make a fuss, not only would the emperor not issue the marriage decree, but she would also lose his favor. So she obediently stopped bothering her father with the matter and instead turned her efforts back to Wei Mingjin.

Soon, Princess Jiahe learned that although Wei Mingjin was unmarried, he had brought a young woman with him when he came to the capital for the examination.

Princess Jiahe instantly understood why Wei Mingjin refused to be her consort.

Afterward, Princess Jiahe repeatedly sent people to inquire about the young woman Wei Mingjin had brought, but she found nothing. So today, Princess Jiahe came directly to the Wei residence.

Princess Jiahe arrived at the Wei residence at 8 a.m.

Feng Mo had just finished changing shifts and was squatting in the corridor, shoveling food from a bowl, when he heard the bad news.

"Doesn’t Princess Jiahe know that the young master is on duty at the Hanlin Academy at this hour? Why did she come to the residence so early?" Feng Mo held his bowl and looked up in confusion.

"The princess said she didn’t come to see the young master today but to see Yiniang Xin."

As soon as Feng Mo heard this, he nearly tumbled headfirst into the flowerbed under the corridor.

Heavens! One living ancestor had already turned the residence upside down, and now another one was coming. Wasn’t this going to be the death of them?!

Feng Mo stood up, staggering as he hurried outside, and asked tremblingly, "Where is the princess now?"

"She’s already heading toward the main courtyard."

The moment he heard this, Feng Mo felt as though he saw the messengers of the underworld beckoning to him.

"Hurry, go notify the young master, hurry!!!" Feng Mo instructed in a trembling voice. Taking a shortcut, he sprinted toward the main courtyard while inwardly praying to Guanyin Bodhisattva, Buddha, the Jade Emperor, the Queen Mother of the West, and all the deities in the heavens.

In the end, it was unclear which god had smiled on him, but Feng Mo finally arrived at the main courtyard just before Princess Jiahe entered.

The servants outside the main courtyard were startled by Feng Mo’s frantic, panicked sprint while holding a bowl, and they all straightened up instantly in alarm.

To their surprise, the first thing Feng Mo blurted out was, "H-has the princess arrived?"

"Princess? Not yet."

Only then did Feng Mo feel his heart drop back into his chest. His knees gave way, and he collapsed to the ground, panting heavily as great big drops of sweat dripped from his forehead into the bowl.

It was only at this moment that Feng Mo realized he was still holding his bowl. He handed it to one of the guards nearby.

The guard, confused, took it and copied Feng Mo, holding it carefully.

Just as Feng Mo was about to scold him, he spotted a group of people heading their way.

The one out front had a round, moon-like face, adorned with jingling jewelry, and carried herself with the natural air of royalty.

Feng Mo shot to his feet, quickly got himself together, and hurried over with a fawning smile. "This humble servant pays respects to the princess. I have already sent someone rushing to notify the young master. Would Your Highness kindly proceed to the main hall and wait for a moment?"

"I am not here to see Wei Mingjin today. Step aside," Princess Jiahe said with clear displeasure.

Feng Mo dared not move. Thinking quickly, he replied, "Your Highness is of noble birth. It wouldn't be right for someone of your status to seek out anyone yourself. Why don't you have a seat in the main hall, and I will have Miss Xin brought to you?"

Princess Jiahe always followed her whims and never bothered with pomp and ceremony. If she were meeting anyone else, she would have entered directly since she was already at the courtyard gate. But today, she was meeting her romantic rival, and Feng Mo’s suggestion made sense to her.

As a princess, how could she lower herself to meet a commoner?

Wanting to keep up appearances, Princess Jiahe said, "Very well, let it be as you say."

"Yes, Your Highness. This way, please."

Feng Mo ushered Princess Jiahe to the main hall and seated her. Just as he was about to order tea and fruit, the princess interrupted him.

"This princess is not here for tea today. Do not think you can stall until Wei Mingjin returns. If I do not see that woman within fifteen minutes, I will have your residence torn apart."

Caught off guard, Feng Mo froze for a moment before hurriedly replying, "How would I dare to neglect Your Highness! Please wait a moment. I will have someone fetch Miss Xin right away."

With that, Feng Mo hurried out of the main hall and called over a servant.

"Send another person to rush the young master back."

The servant left immediately, but Feng Mo was still overwhelmed.

Even if someone rode like the wind to inform Wei Mingjin, there was no way he could return within fifteen minutes.

And judging by Princess Jiahe’s expression, if she did not see the woman within fifteen minutes, this spoiled princess would undoubtedly cause chaos in the residence.

Feng Mo anxiously paced the hallway, his mind racing, until he finally came up with a bold plan to buy some time.

Fifteen minutes passed quickly.

Just as Princess Jiahe put down her teacup and prepared to demand answers, Feng Mo hurried in from outside. "Your Highness, I have Miss Xin here."

As he spoke, a young woman stepped inside and bowed to Princess Jiahe.

The princess’s gaze fell upon her.

The woman wore a light green dress, her figure was only somewhat slender, and her bow was perfect.

Princess Jiahe spoke arrogantly, "Raise your head."

The woman complied, but her eyes did not meet the princess’s; instead, she kept her eyes downcast.

When Princess Jiahe saw her face, she was deeply disappointed.

She had assumed her rival would be a stunning beauty, which was why Wei Mingjin had refused to become her consort.

Who would have thought this woman would be so ordinary-looking?

Though her looks were ordinary, since she had caused Wei Mingjin to dare refuse a princess, she must have had some remarkable qualities.

Princess Jiahe did not dare underestimate her.

Thereafter, the princess adopted her most regal demeanor and sternly admonished the woman.

No matter what she said, the woman remained exceedingly humble and obedient throughout.

Seeing her so compliant, Princess Jiahe did not press further and finally said magnanimously, "Very well, you may rise."

"Thank you, Your Highness." The woman slowly stood up.

Perhaps her legs had gone numb from kneeling; as she rose, she swayed unsteadily. Feng Mo, standing beside her, quickly reached out to support her and instinctively said, "Be careful, Mingxia jiejie (sister)."

But the moment he spoke, he regretted it.

In the next instant, he noticed Princess Jiahe watching them with a probing gaze.

Feng Mo hastily withdrew his hand and stood with his head bowed.

Meanwhile, outside the hall, a servant was anxiously pacing.

There was trouble in the main courtyard—Miss Xin was causing a scene again, and they could not restrain her. He had come specifically to seek Feng Mo’s guidance.

But Feng Mo was currently in Princess Jiahe’s presence, and he dared not mention this in front of her.

Just as the servant felt as though his heart were frying in oil, Princess Jiahe averted her gaze.

Although she found Feng Mo’s action of supporting the woman somewhat improper, upon further reflection, since this woman was someone Wei Mingjin cherished, Feng Mo naturally would not dare let her come to harm under his watch.

Princess Jiahe dismissed the matter from her mind and prepared to leave.

Feng Mo breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly said, "Allow me to escort you, Your Highness."

But the moment they stepped out of the main hall, Feng Mo spotted a guard from the main courtyard standing anxiously in a corner, looking his way.

With Princess Jiahe still present, Feng Mo pretended not to see him. He planned to first see off the formidable princess before dealing with the situation in the main courtyard.

After all, the residence was tightly guarded inside and out like an iron barrel—there was no way Xin He, a frail woman, could escape.

But what Feng Mo did not know was that this time, Xin He’s goal was not to escape the residence but to meet Princess Jiahe.

The commotion of Princess Jiahe’s arrival had been too great; even though she had not entered the main courtyard, Xin He inside had heard the activity.

Later, when Feng Mo hastily sent someone to fetch Mingxia to the main hall, Xin He guessed that Princess Jiahe might have come because of her.

Since being brought to the capital by Wei Mingjin, she had been trapped day after day within the deep confines of this estate, like a caged animal. Now that Princess Jiahe had come to the residence, whether she was here for her or not, Xin He wanted to meet her.

So after Ming Xia left, she mentally kept track of the time, then chose an appropriate moment to once again attempt to escape from the main compound.

This time, Xin He did not try to escape stealthily as before. Instead, she directly pulled out the hairpin from her hair, pressed it against her own neck, and coldly told the guards: "If you dare to stop me, be prepared to have to clean up my body."

Now that Wei Mingjin was not in the residence, and Feng Mo was with Princess Jiahe, the other guards were like a disorganized mess.

Today, Xin He used her life as leverage to threaten them. They did not dare to use force and could only step back while sending someone to get instructions from Feng Mo.

But at that time, Feng Mo was solely focused on quickly seeing Princess Jiahe, this important guest, out of the residence first, planning to deal with Xin He's matter afterward.

As a result, while escorting Princess Jiahe, he happened to encounter Xin He, who had escaped from the main courtyard with a hairpin pressed against her neck.

When he saw Xin He, Feng Mo felt for a moment that he was seeing things.

Princess Jiahe, upon seeing the scene before her, was also stunned and looked at Feng Mo with a look of confusion.

Feng Mo opened his mouth to speak, but Xin He spoke first: "Now that the princess is here, do you still dare to stop me?"

As soon as Xin He said this, the servants from the main courtyard immediately looked at each other and turned to Feng Mo, waiting for him to make a decision.

But by then, Feng Mo was already pale and stunned.

Xin He ignored everyone else and directly greeted Princess Jiahe: "This commoner, Xin He, greets the princess."

Although Princess Jiahe was spoiled and stubborn, she was not a fool.

In an instant, she realized that she had been deceived by Feng Mo earlier.

"You worthless servant! How dare you deceive even me, the princess!" In her fury, Princess Jiahe raised her hand and slapped Feng Mo across the face.

Caught off guard by the slap, Feng Mo's head was still ringing when he heard Princess Jiahe cry out in pain: "Ouch, it hurts so much!"

The attendants following Princess Jiahe immediately gathered around, fussing with concern for the princess's hand while arrogantly ordering the Wei family servants to fetch ice.

Xin He said nothing.

"Princess, let's return to the main hall first. Applying ice will help with the pain," a female official advised.

Princess Jiahe shook her sore palm, tears welling in her eyes. She nodded meekly and glanced back at Feng Mo: "As for you, you worthless servant who dared to deceive me, kneel here and think about what you've done properly."

As she said this, Princess Jiahe looked at the sky and added a time limit: "Do not get up until you have knelt for a full hour."

Feng Mo could only obey.

Seeing that Princess Jiahe was about to turn and leave after dealing with Feng Mo, Xin He immediately called out: "Princess."

"My ears are not deaf. Follow me; I have questions for you."

Now that Princess Jiahe had given the order, naturally no one dared to stop Xin He again.

As Feng Mo knelt in the garden, he anxiously instructed once more: "Send someone again to get the young master!"

If Wei Mingjin did not return soon, they would no longer be able to keep Xin He trapped in the residence.

A large group escorted Princess Jiahe and returned to the main hall.

The Wei family servants had already brought ice. The female official wrapped the ice in silk and gently applied it to Princess Jiahe's palm, saying: "If the princess is angry and wishes to punish someone, just order your servants to do it. Why trouble yourself to do it personally? Using your hands to strike such worthless slaves is not punishing them—it’s giving them face."

"I was just too angry at the time," Princess Jiahe said, pulling her hand away to look at it.

Even after applying ice for a while, her palm was still somewhat red. Princess Jiahe said unhappily: "How is that worthless servant's face so tough!" Her hand still hurt quite a bit.

If she had known, she would have used a different method to punish him. Now, she didn’t know if he was in pain, but she certainly was.

The female official then said: "He deceived the princess first and then hurt the princess's hand. Making him kneel for an hour is letting him off too easy. If the princess is still angry, shall I send someone to slap his face?"

"No need," Princess Jiahe waved her hand and shook her head. "My hand doesn’t hurt that much anymore. Besides, as a princess, if I make a big deal over every little thing with a servant, it would be beneath me."

Xin He, who had been standing nearby and heard their entire conversation, mused internally: This princess may seem spoiled, but her heart is not bad.

"That person..." Princess Jiahe suddenly remembered Xin He.

Xin He immediately stepped forward and introduced herself: "This commoner, Xin He, greets the princess."

Princess Jiahe looked Xin He over.

With looks like Xin He's, she was worthy of being the reason Wei Mingjin refused to marry her.

Though Princess Jiahe thought this, she pretended to be disdainful: "Wei Mingjin refused to marry me, and I thought he had hidden some stunning beauty in his fancy house. But seeing you today, you’re not that impressive."

Xin He did not mince words with Princess Jiahe and got straight to the point.

"The princess is of royal blood; this commoner has no intention of competing with you. The predicament I am in at the Wei residence, as the princess has seen, is desperate. If the princess would be kind enough to rescue me from this suffering, I will disappear far away and never show my face to the princess or Young Master Wei again in this lifetime."

With these words, Xin He dropped to her knees and bowed deeply to Princess Jiahe.