Volume One, Chapter Three: The Princess Has My Back!

Wang Caiwei read Qin Bao’s poem carefully. There was not a trace of ornate language or dazzling technique; rather, it was delicate and refined. Though it was indeed poetry, it unfolded like a vivid ink painting of flowers, grass, birds, and insects—teeming with life and profoundly captivating.

At that moment, Wang Caiwei’s eyes sparkled. She had discovered a treasure!

She hadn’t paid much attention to Qin Bao before, due to his plain attire. Now, upon closer inspection, she saw that he possessed sharp brows and bright eyes, a tall and upright figure, and a clear gaze, radiating a scholar’s elegance quite unlike the martial air of Liang’s warriors.

With a silent note of approval, Wang Caiwei spoke, “Mister Qin, your poem is excellent. I am impressed. Judging by your accent, are you from Xianyang?”

Qin Bao replied directly, “My father is Qin Sheng, Marquis of Changping, but we have severed our relationship.”

Wang Caiwei raised her brows. She certainly knew of Qin Sheng, though not for good reasons—rumor had it he favored concubines and neglected his wife, and the family’s reputation was poor.

Curious about the rift between father and son, Wang Caiwei asked, “What caused you to break ties?”

Qin Bao did not elaborate. “Trivial matters, not worth mentioning.”

Wang Caiwei did not believe him. No one would sever such ties over trifles. But since Qin Bao would not say more, she did not press the matter.

She waved her hand. “Sit. I wish to discuss something important with you.”

Qin Bao thanked her and sat without hesitation.

Wang Caiwei continued, “You are from the Qin family, not of humble origin. Are you aware of the Four Kingdoms Literary Assembly?”

“I know a little,” Qin Bao nodded, then explained, “The Four Kingdoms Literary Assembly is a gathering jointly organized by Liang, Zhou, Chen, and Yan. In its early years, it was always held in the imperial capital of Zhou, Shenjing. Later, as Zhou declined and lost its heavenly authority, it began to rotate among the kingdoms each year. Our Liang has participated for many years, always coming in last or second to last—never victorious.”

Wang Caiwei forced a smile, slightly embarrassed. Liang was in the northwest, Yan in the northeast—both were martial nations with valiant warriors, but their literary talents were weak, earning them the reputation of dragons and phoenixes lying dormant.

She quickly composed herself. “This year, Liang is the host, and the assembly will be held in Xianyang. As the host, we cannot finish at the bottom again. Unfortunately, those currently vying for selection, though somewhat learned, pale in comparison to the central Zhou. You have talent, and I intend to recommend you.”

Leaning forward slightly, her snow-white collar more prominent and dazzling, Wang Caiwei declared solemnly, “This is for the honor of Liang. Will you accept?”

Qin Bao could not help but notice her alluring presence, and his heart fluttered. He quickly averted his gaze and considered the matter. Should he triumph at this assembly, his name would resound in Liang, paving his own path.

He replied gratefully, “Your Highness’s favor is a kindness Qin Bao will never forget.”

Wang Caiwei smiled. “All I can do is give you the opportunity. Whether you can seize it depends on you.”

“Moreover,” she added, “to be officially selected, you must first defeat the other candidates of Liang. As it happens, all the candidates are competing at Yunhua Pavilion today. Come with me and participate.”

Qin Bao agreed and followed Wang Caiwei as she rose to leave. After a few steps, Wang Caiwei paused and scrutinized Qin Bao again.

He asked, “Is something wrong, Your Highness?”

She thought for a moment, then realized, “I knew something was off—it’s your attire. Xia He, take Mister Qin to bathe and change into new clothes.”

“Please, sir,” Xia He said.

Qin Bao hesitated, then accepted Wang Caiwei’s kindness and followed Xia He.

Watching Qin Bao depart, Manager Su voiced a concern, “Your Highness, I do not doubt Mister Qin’s talent. But is it not too hasty to have him participate in the Four Kingdoms Assembly?”

Wang Caiwei snorted, “Are you questioning my judgment?”

“Of course not!” Manager Su replied quickly. “I only worry he may embarrass Your Highness. As your recommendation, he represents the Princess’s House.”

Wang Caiwei answered confidently, “I trust him.”

Manager Su said no more and hurried to the front court.

Wang Caiwei waited quietly. Before long, Qin Bao returned, having changed. He now wore a fine brocade robe embroidered with a hundred flowers, a jade belt at his waist, and tall boots—radiating nobility, gone was his former shabbiness.

Wang Caiwei admired him. “Sir, you are truly handsome.”

“You flatter me, Your Highness,” Qin Bao replied.

Her mood grew ever lighter—meeting a man of exceptional talent and pleasing appearance was indeed a delight.

Elated, she said, “Come, let’s go to Yunhua Pavilion. Today’s literary contest—I intend to sweep all before me.”

Seeing Wang Caiwei’s excitement, Qin Bao couldn’t help but smile. This princess was quite intriguing!

He followed her out of Yu Hai Pavilion. When they reached the carriage, Qin Bao, mindful of propriety, intended to sit up front with the driver, but Wang Caiwei called him inside.

Arriving at Yunhua Pavilion, Qin Bao alighted first, then helped Wang Caiwei down. She led the way, with Qin Bao a half-step behind. As they reached the gates, they unexpectedly encountered Qin Youde.

Qin Youde’s face was still swollen. Seeing Qin Bao, he was surprised—his brother had transformed from shabbily dressed to an even more resplendent young gentleman than himself. Noticing Wang Caiwei’s beauty, jealousy and greed flashed in his eyes. He taunted, “Well, isn’t this my dear elder brother?”

Qin Bao ignored him and quietly said to Wang Caiwei, “Your Highness, this is Qin Youde, second son of Qin Sheng.”

Wang Caiwei nodded.

Seeing them whispering, Qin Youde’s jealousy burned hotter. He sneered, “You defied your father and were expelled from the family. I expected you to live worse than a dog or pig. Turns out I was wrong—you’ve sold yourself, clinging to a wealthy woman, and found yourself such a noble matron. You really are something!”

Having vented his spleen, Qin Youde barked, “Yunhua Pavilion isn’t a place for the likes of you. Get out!”

Qin Bao’s gaze turned cold. He bowed slightly. “Forgive me, Your Highness, but allow me to handle this.”

“Very well,” Wang Caiwei replied.

With permission, Qin Bao strode toward Qin Youde.

Chin held high, Qin Youde boasted, “This is Yunhua Pavilion. Do you dare cause trouble?”

As Qin Bao drew near, his leg whipped upward—crack!—striking Qin Youde’s head.

With a thud, Qin Youde collapsed, dazed.

When he came to, he was even more enraged. “Qin Bao, you damned mongrel, how dare you hit me?”

Qin Bao kicked him again, the blows landing with dull thuds, and Qin Youde’s screams echoed.

Wang Caiwei watched Qin Bao’s decisive actions with growing appreciation. Talent, looks, and resolve—an excellent candidate to introduce to her father.

At last, as Qin Youde begged for mercy, Qin Bao ceased and returned to Wang Caiwei’s side, saying solemnly, “Your Highness, Princess Changle, the matter is resolved.”

Qin Youde’s expression changed instantly. Princess Changle—the emperor’s most beloved daughter, powerful and influential. How had Qin Bao attached himself to the princess? Worse, he had just insulted her…

Terror seized him. He curled up like a quail, praying the princess would overlook him.

Wang Caiwei offered Qin Bao a sweet smile, then turned to Qin Youde, her gaze icy as a blade: “Qin Youde of the Marquis Changping’s household has acted with brazen ignorance and insulted me. Send him to the Office of the Prefect of Jingzhao for strict punishment.”