Chapter 26

Parsed with an automated reader. The content accuracy is not guranteed.

Translator: Anne

Editor: Miqi

Proofreader: Ani

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The two of them were about to refute, but they noticed the female official was already done aiding Qiao Rong into the mansion. On the other side, the crown prince’s palanquin was preparing to advance forward.

They were anxious. Qiao Chu lifted the veil that covered her face and quickly nodded at Duma, unexpectedly accepting his conditions.

Duma slowly released the dagger that had been prodding Qiao Chu’s waist. A man behind him promptly handed him a small bundle covered in cloth.

Si Da and Meiren looked at each other, smiling bitterly. Duma must’ve brought many people, all scattered about in the midst of the crowd. The man behind him probably handed him a bow and arrow. Could their Master really come up with a strategy?

At the front entrance of the mansion, Wang Mang clasped his hands together and bowed to Eunuch Mo. He was about to follow the crown prince’s palanquin as it was being carried in, when he suddenly heard, “Great Imperial Censor, please wait!”

Wang Mang was stunned, he stared at the three youths that were urgently stepping out from the crowd. The people were curious, one by one, they immediately directed their gazes toward them.

The crown prince’s palanquin ceased its advancement into the mansion.

Eunuch Mo glanced at Fan Rusu, who had walked up to the youths as they were being stopped by the imperial guards. He was about to question them, when he heard Wang Mang say, “let them come over.”

Seeing as Wang Mang’s eyes fell on the green clothed youth positioned to the far right, Fan Rusu was slightly surprised. He could see that the three youths were actually women dressed in men’s attire. And, in terms of appearance, the girl in green looked the most ordinary. Strangely enough, although she looked quite average, her eyes shone brightly like stars in a dazzling constellation. It was a pity those beautiful eyes belonged to such an ordinary face.

Those three were none other than Qiao Chu and her two maids.

Si Da was worried; she didn’t know what Qiao Chu was going to do. But Meiren had keen eyes and she noticed Wang Mang’s gaze sweep over the jade pendant tied to the tassel ribbon on Qiao Chu’s waist.

Meiren became even more puzzled. What Qiao Chu was wearing at that moment wasn’t the jade pendant the emperor had given her; the one that would help prove her identity as a princess, rather, it was the pendant they had stolen from a woman in Zhaoge. They had met the woman when they stayed at an inn. The woman told them that her family was so strict to the point she had never ventured out of the house before. But now, she had run off to go have some fun.

After they left the desert in a panic, they arrived at Zhaoge without any money. Qiao chu had said: steal it, we need to eat.

So they stole the woman’s jade pendant, along with some of her belongings.

Meiren was usually cold tempered, but when she heard Qiao Chu say the word “steal,” her nose constricted.

Afterwards, Qiao Chu didn’t allow them to pawn off the jade pendant for money, saying that the intricate carving was similar to that of the Imperial Family’s. The woman’s identity was unfortunately not as simple as it seemed, and the jade pendant shouldn’t be exposed to the public eye or it would certainly cause them some trouble. At that moment however, she had somehow unknowingly tied that same pendant around her waist.

Meiren was worried and anxious, but she saw Qiao Chu subconsciously touch the jade pendant, as if she wanted to take it off. She suddenly stopped and smiled, “Crown Prince, can you take us to see the Concubine Selection Competition?”

As soon as those words left her mouth, everyone, including Eunuch Mo and Fan Rusu, were surprised. They all wondered if that person still had the will to live. How could she dare make such a request to the crown prince?

At that moment, Wang Mang slightly opened the palanquin’s curtain and whispered something to the crown prince. From within the palanquin, the prince muttered to himself irresolutely, instead of being angry, he laughed and said quietly, “why should I grant your request?”

Si Da and Meiren were sweating anxiously, they saw Qiao Chu touch the jade pendant around her waist again. Qiao Chu frowned slightly, then opened her eyes and said apprehensively, “this lowly person has heard of the prince’s talents and wisdom, but does not know how lucky the crown prince is. How about this lowly person gambles with His Highness, the crown prince? If this lowly person is lucky enough to win the gamble, the prince will take us inside to see the competition, alright?”

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Jade pendant: https://images.app.goo.gl/sR3gvfyJR4DYwZEg9

(Sorry, Anne here, I’ve no idea how to insert photos…)