Qin Zhao watched as Qi Yan Su Luo and Shen Xue walked away, and said, "Shen Xue, go and see what those people are up to."
Shen Xue looked through the window and followed Qin Zhao's gaze. She replied, "Yes."
After Shen Xue left, the carriage continued on its way out of the palace.
Qin Zhao opened the curtain, taking in the fresh air while enjoying the scenery outside the carriage.
Changyu Street, just outside the South Gate, was usually devoid of people.
Only during dance parties, banquets, or other events held near the palace would this street come alive.
Beyond Changyu Street was Tai Ping Street, lined with meticulously decorated shops, restaurants, and peddlers mostly confined to the alleys.
On this calm street, a few commoners suddenly ran in the same direction!
Someone shouted, "I heard General Huo got into a fight with a prince from another country. Let's go and see!"
The idle bystanders, drawn to the commotion, followed along.
Qin Zhao instructed the coachman to follow suit.
At the street corner, a crowd had gathered around Huo Chengjin and another man bedecked in gold and silver.
Qin Zhao remembered this scene from the original book.
The one in conflict with Huo Chengjin was Prince E Le Deng of Chi Rong.
Chi Rong was a small country situated in the northern desert, built upon an oasis.
Although its population was small, the country was known for its bold demeanor. While there had been several minor conflicts with Yue, the two nations were generally at peace.
E Le Deng was likely representing Chi Rong to congratulate the emperor on his birthday.
The commoners were quietly discussing the reasons behind the clash between the two.
"Hey, what's going on?"
"It's that barbarian prince. He was flirting with a passing girl, but General Huo intervened, and they ended up fighting!"
"Doesn't he have any women in his own country? Daring to come to our land and cause trouble, he deserves to be beaten up by General Huo!"
"That's right!"
This scene was meant to be a highlight for the male protagonist as arranged by the author. Originally, Qi Yan Su Luo should have been present throughout the entire event.
However, due to certain circumstances, the situation did not unfold as in the original plot.
This was not difficult to understand because Qin Zhao himself was the biggest variable.
Huo Chengjin easily defeated E Le Deng, leaving him unable to fight back. Out of anger, E Le Deng called upon his subordinates to join the fray.
Yet, they were all repelled by Huo Chengjin, who showed mercy towards E Le Deng's men but dealt harshly with his own.
One by one, they fell to the ground, spitting blood and unable to rise again.
During their duel at the Chun Feng Tower, Qin Zhao had used a nerve-paralyzing poison to briefly gain the upper hand against Huo Chengjin.
Qin Zhao wondered whether, now that he had fully recovered and learned martial arts in this world, he could fairly defeat Huo Chengjin.
With this thought in mind, Qin Zhao lowered the curtain and instructed the coachman to continue the journey.
Upon returning to the residence, Qin Zhao began preparing a congratulatory gift for the emperor's birthday, devoting spare time to refining his staff techniques and swordsmanship.
With seven formidable experts protecting him, he didn't need to worry excessively about security issues.
However, personal strength was the greatest source of reassurance.
In the evening, Qin Zhao was painting in his study when he heard a knock on the door.
"Come in."
Shen Xue entered, announcing, "Your Highness, those people are the dancers who will be performing at the Longevity Festival banquet."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Qin Zhao's mouth.
Qin Zheng had arranged for Qi Yan Su Luo and the dancers to perform together, clearly intending to humiliate her.
This time, he had his own reasons for doing so.
Qin Zheng wanted to use this opportunity to remind himself that he lacked the ability to protect Qi Yan Su Luo.
But he never expected that he himself was the one behind this matter.
After the Longevity Festival, Qi Yan Su Luo would undoubtedly become completely reliant on him!
She wouldn't think about taking crooked paths or trying to control him anymore.
Or even seeking refuge with someone else.
"Good, you go to the palace and keep an eye on them, making sure that no one harms the most beautiful woman among them," Qin Zhao said.
Shen Xue replied, "Yes."
Sensing that Qin Zhao had forgotten about him, 502 spoke up, "Host, did you forget that in the original book, the male lead stole the spotlight during the Longevity Festival?
He gained favor from the Emperor and what he wanted was the female lead!"
Qin Zhao responded, "Of course, I remember. Why do you think I made a deal with Qin Zheng?
As long as the Empress Dowager appears at the palace banquet, I will win the bet.
At that time, I will request the Emperor to let Qi Yan Su Luo stay by my side.
There are many people who want Qi Yan Su Luo, and Huo Chengjin will have to wait in line behind me!"
Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was April 26th, the day of the Longevity Festival.
Qin Zhao was dragged out of bed by Ling Long early in the morning!
Qin Zhao tightly held the bedsheets in her arms and mumbled, "Ling Long, you're so cruel. How can you separate us? It doesn't want to leave the palace!"
Ling Long, with an expressionless face, pried open the princess's hand that was clutching the bedsheets and said, "Your Highness, you still have to get up, bathe, put on makeup, and wear elaborate palace attire. It will take quite some time.
If you're late, there won't be any parking spaces outside the palace gates!"
"I don't want to get up."
"Your Highness, you can keep your eyes closed, and I'll call more people to attend to you."
And so, Qin Zhao was carried to the Tangquan Hall, where her body was washed, dressed, and made up by the maids.
When Qin Zhao opened her eyes again, she saw her dressed up self in the bronze mirror.
The maids couldn't help but gaze at the princess, thinking to themselves, "The princess is so beautiful!"
Qin Zhao had the tailor modify this set of clothes based on modern attire, preserving the elegance while removing the complexity.
It wouldn't hinder her movements, and she could make big gestures without any problem.
After admiring herself in the mirror for a moment, Qin Zhao left the room.
She went to the study to pick up the well-prepared gift and entered the palace with Cong Han.
Upon reaching the South Gate, they found that, as Ling Long had said, the place was already crowded with various luxurious carriages.
To avoid congestion inside the palace, everyone had to enter on foot for this large-scale banquet event.
Qin Zhao could only have the coachman stop at a more distant location.
Qin Zhao and Cong Han walked among the flow of people entering the palace, surrounded by the nobles and aristocrats of the Yue Kingdom.
While walking, she suddenly heard a male voice calling out, "Imperial Sister."
Qin Lie approached and struck up a conversation with Qin Zhao, saying, "Imperial Sister, how have you been recently?"
Qin Zhao replied, "I'm doing well. Thank you, Second Brother, for your concern."
"When will Imperial Sister come to my residence as a guest? I will prepare fine cuisine and exquisite wine to entertain you."
"I'll come when I have time."
"Is Imperial Sister busy lately?"
"Yes."
Qin Lie's mouth twitched, and after a brief chat with Qin Zhao, he returned to Zheng Wanyun's side.
After he left, Qin Zhao heard a female voice in her ear, "Ninth Sister!"
In an instant, Qin Yu was embraced tightly!
Fifth Princess Qin Yu had a bold and spirited nature, and she loved hugging her sisters.
Qin Zhao allowed her to embrace him for a while and asked, "Have you hugged enough, Fifth Sister?"
Qin Yu shook her head and said, "The scent on Ninth Sister is so fragrant, I really like it!"
Qin Zhao remained silent.
The rose-scented perfume that Qin Zhao specially blended was indeed quite good.
Sixth Princess Qin Ling approached and tugged on Qin Yu's sleeve, saying, "Fifth Sister, it's time to go."
Qin Ling was jealous of Princess Zhaoyang for having the Emperor's favor, so her relationship with Zhaoyang was not good. She didn't even greet Qin Zhao this time.
Qin Yu's gaze shifted between the two sisters and finally chose to leave with Qin Ling.
Just as one act ended, Huo Chengjin's voice came, "Your Highness, what a coincidence to meet you here."
