A young man walked in. He was like a piece of warm, polished jade, his whole being seeming to glow. His brows were sharp as swords, his gaze cool, and his steps unhurried.
"Greetings, Your Highness!"
The Yun Family delegation, led by Third Young Master Yun, all dropped to their knees.
Everyone present bowed to the jade-like young man.
The Heir of the Yun Family held a royal position of extraordinary importance, far beyond anything Princess Yinqiu could match.
The Heir of the Yun Family waved a hand. "There's no need for such formalities. I just heard an absolutely marvelous poem. I wonder who wrote it?"
Xu Yi looked straight at the Heir of the Yun Family and clasped his fists. "The poems just recited were all written by Princess Yinqiu in the past. Your Highness will have plenty of chances to hear them in the future. But as for the wager we agreed on earlier, I wonder whether Your Highness considers it binding."
Everyone present drew in a sharp breath. Ambassador Hong looked at Xu Yi, his heart trembling. I truly underestimated this man.
The Heir of the Yun Family glanced at Xu Yi, then looked toward the curtain. "My people in the Yun Family keep their word. Whatever the wager, if we lose, we honor it. Princess Yinqiu, might I see you?"
"Your Highness arrived late and missed the auspicious hour. Let's leave it for another day. I'm tired, so I'll be going back first. Ambassador Hong, please look after His Highness."
After Princess Yinqiu's voice came from behind the curtain, two attendants called out, "The County Princess is returning to the palace!" The curtain stirred, then fell still.
Ambassador Hong's expression changed dramatically. He inclined himself slightly toward the Heir and said, "The County Princess is a