Chapter 25

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Translator: Anne

Editor: Miqi

Proofreader: Ani

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Duma frowned and sighed, “Princess Qiao Chu, why do you think Princess Qiao Rong was the only one to show up?”

Qiao Chu frowned. She pondered for a moment before saying, “the competition will start soon and there’s no sign of the other concubine candidates. It’s likely that the palanquins have access to a different entryway. Qiao Mei asked her sister to take the lead, not only because she wanted her to show her face, but also because she wanted to invite the crown prince to accompany her. Otherwise, if they wanted to enter the mansion from the main gate, the palanquins wouldn’t need to stop in front of it, they would’ve been carried in immediately.”

Duma nodded, “the princess is a sensible person. Now that you’re aware of this, you should also know that even though the competition hasn’t begun, you’ve already lost. Everyone has powerful connections, how could you possibly compete?”

Qiao Chu smiled, “Si Da already said that a moment ago. Master… Qiao Chu only asks for a chance. I have never asked you for anything before. So, for the sake of old times, Qiao Chu only asks Master to let me into the mansion.”

Her eyes darted over to the crown prince’s palanquin before she turned sideways and looked closely at Duma.

Duma looked at her hands as she clenched and unclenched them. The calluses on the woman’s palms became visible. Whether it was herding livestock or cutting and gouging out grain, this peerless beauty had done it all.

He felt an ache in his heart. Qiao Mei had sent him to stop Qiao Chu knowing that he wouldn’t dare to betray her, and that it would break Qiao Chu’s heart. Apart from the princess’ undeserved reputation, Qiao Chu only had her mother, her two maids Si Da and Meiren, and him; her teacher in equestrian archery.

He remembered asking Qiao Chu why she had given Si Da and Meiren those weird names. She answered indifferently, saying two people sounded far too lonely, whilst four sounded much more lively.

He clenched his teeth and said, “Chu’er, if I let you go, I won’t be able to finish the task I was given—this Master would be disloyal. However, if I don’t let you go, I would be unjust, as you have shown such kindness to Master for all these years.”

“Master will make a pact with you. If you don’t report your name as Qiao Chu, the third princess of the Northern Lands, you can walk into Prince Rui’s mansion under the eyes of the crown prince and the public. Master will just pretend to not have seen you today.”

Hearing this, Si Da and Meiren were momentarily pleasantly surprised. But soon after, Si Da finally reacted and said angrily, “Duma, you can’t even decide between loyalty and righteousness? You’re clearly trying to make this difficult for our Master. In the Imperial Concubine Selection Competition, all the relatives of royalty and nobility must stay inside Prince Rui’s mansion for the emperor’s safety. Who would let a person of unknown origin enter?”

Meiren gave her a meaningful glance, and Si Da mentally scolded herself for being dumb. As long as Qiao Chu could get rid of Duma, who would care about their agreement once she reached the entrance? She could just take out the token, report her name and enter the mansion.

The Dongling Emperor had rewarded the lord with five beautiful jades and each were bestowed to the five princesses. Although the lord hadn’t given them personal escorts, this jade was a strong piece of evidence that could prove Qiao Chu’s identity.

The two of them became delighted, but soon noticed Duma’s gaze was fixated on Qiao Chu. He said harshly, “Chu’er, if you break our agreement—”

Qiao Chu glanced at the two girls and said softly, “since Master was the one to make such conditions, you must have the means to prevent us from cheating.”

Duma’s angered face slightly calmed, “I shall draw my bow in secrecy. If you dare to cheat, you mustn’t blame Master for being unjust.”

Si Da and Meiren were taken aback. Duma was an expert at shooting the leaves of a willow at a distance of one hundred steps¹. Although Meiren was highly skilled in martial arts, even before being poisoned, she wasn’t sure she could avoid his arrow! And now that she’d been poisoned…

If they didn’t follow his conditions, Qiao Chu would promptly be shot to death by Duma. But, if they did follow his conditions, it would be impossible for them to get inside! The crown prince was clearly within reach!

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¹Idiom meaning ‘to shoot with great precision.’