Chapter 96
The most surprised by this scene was undoubtedly the Second Prince.
He originally thought that Princess Ziwei's strength was about equal to his, or even slightly stronger, and that with his abundant family wealth, he would not be without a chance of winning in the competition.
But the strength that Princess Ziwei has shown so far has exceeded his expectations.
If he doesn't achieve a significant leap in strength before the competition, he'll likely have little hope of victory.
"It seems that even with my great-uncle's full support, I'll still find it difficult to win the competition..."
The Second Prince knew that the Daughter's Brew would only have a limited effect on improving his strength, at most increasing it by one minor realm.
However, the gap in strength between him and Princess Ziwei is probably not something that can be bridged by a single realm.
As he pondered, a ruthless glint flashed in the Second Prince's eyes.
"Looks like I'll need to get in touch with people on that side sometime..."
Before they knew it, the Starlight Net had reached the heads of the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince.
The starry net was about to be captured.
But just as it was about to reach the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince, it suddenly vanished.
The Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince were both taken aback when they felt the oppressive aura above them suddenly disappear. They looked up in surprise.
Then, a figure in bright yellow gracefully descended and landed on the arena.
Bathed in starlight, Xiao Minghuang's skin glowed, as if shimmering with a faint fluorescence, and a gentle smile graced her exquisite, flawless face.
Her every move seemed to affect the starlight.
Upon seeing such a beautiful and noble young woman, the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince felt a sense of shame and inferiority. They had dared to attack such a Celestial Person woman; they were truly ignorant of their own limitations.
At the same time, they realized that Xiao Minghuang's removal of the Starlight Net meant she had indeed let them go.
Otherwise, if the starlight were to collapse, they would surely die on the spot!
Thinking of this, the two immediately bowed and said respectfully:
"Thank you for your Princess Your Highness!"
"You two are too kind. Your strength is evident to all. In this battle, I only relied on a trick. If it weren't for the brilliant starlight tonight, which enhanced my strength, I would have been no match for the two of you working together."
When Xiao Minghuang said this, she did not lower her voice, and everyone present heard most of it.
"So the princess's martial arts technique can only be unleashed at its full potential on a clear night!"
"This matter is of great importance, concerning the future of our Great Xia. All of you present must not divulge it!"
"Rest assured, the princess is the future of Great Xia. We will not reveal a single word about tonight's events!"
Although everyone said so, today's competition will probably spread soon, and in a few days, the entire Southern Border will probably know about it.
On the ring.
The Fifth Prince and Sixth Prince both had complicated expressions. It wasn't because they thought Princess Ziwei had used tricks to defeat them.
How could such an important matter be said so openly in public?
What if someone takes advantage of this and does something underhanded in the future?
For example, if that shameless old man secretly kidnapped her to a dark, sunless cave, wouldn't she be unable to unleash her full power?
In an instant.
The two of them actually began to worry about Xiao Minghuang.
The Fifth Prince immediately said:
"Princess, this is not the place to talk. Please move to another place!"
Upon hearing this, the Fifth Prince echoed:
"Yes, Your Highness, please move aside. This place is crowded and dangerous; you must be careful!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Minghuang frowned slightly. She felt that there was something strange about these two people.
Just now, they both looked so arrogant, one of them vying with her for the Spirit Wine, and the other confidently challenging her.
Why did they suddenly become so well-behaved after one fight?
And he seemed genuinely concerned about her.
However, Xiao Minghuang didn't care. With a wave of her hand, she rolled the Spirit Wine into her sleeve.
"Alright, let's talk in the living room of the Prince's mansion."
At the same time.
A servant stepped forward and bowed respectfully:
"His Highness has ordered that the Princess come to the living room; he has important matters to discuss!"
Xiao Minghuang was about to head to the living room.
"Perfect, let's go then!"
The Fifth Prince and Sixth Prince also stepped forward, wanting to follow, but were stopped by the servants.
The attendant respectfully said:
"His Highness only invited the princess; the two princes, please rest at the other residence!"
"Um?"
The Fifth Prince and Sixth Prince were both taken aback, not understanding what was going on.
The attendant ignored them, gestured to Xiao Minghuang, and respectfully said:
"Please, Your Highness!"
Xiao Minghuang was also somewhat confused, not understanding what the King Wu'an was up to. She glanced at the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince and said softly:
"Please wait a moment, both of you. We'll discuss this when I return!"
At the same time, she winked at Wang Jin, who was standing to the side, and transmitted her voice:
"Eunuch Wang, please keep an eye on the Sixth Prince. He hasn't yet paid off the bet he lost to me!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Jin immediately replied:
"Your Highness, rest assured, with this old servant here, he won't be able to escape even if he grows wings!"
After receiving the reply, Xiao Minghuang felt relieved and followed the servants toward the living room of the Prince's mansion.
Xiao Minghuang glanced back and saw that the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Prince had not followed.
She looked at the servant and asked:
"What business does Your Highness have with me?"
The attendant did not stop, but respectfully said:
"Your Highness, this servant does not know."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Minghuang's mind stirred slightly. She knew that King Wu'an was on the side of the Second Prince, but even so, it was impossible for him to harm her in public.
If anything happens to her at the Wu'an King's Residence tonight, I'm afraid the Old Ancestor and the Emperor Xia will personally take action the next day and exterminate the entire King Wu'an's clan!
Therefore, Xiao Minghuang walked with light and slow steps, without the slightest bit of nervousness.
Inside the living room.
King Wu'an sat upright on the steps, dressed in casual clothes. He exuded a calm demeanor and did not appear particularly imposing; he looked more like a sprightly old man.
Upon seeing Xiao Minghuang enter the hall, King Wu'an rose, cupped his hands, and said:
"The princess possesses unparalleled talent, defeating Fifth Prince and Sixth Prince in a single battle. Such strength is unmatched throughout the entire Southern Border. She is destined for victory in this royal competition!"
Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang remained calm, but was puzzled. Wasn't King Wu'an a staunch supporter of the Second Prince? Why was he so eager to flatter him from the start?
Xiao Minghuang cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and chuckled lightly:
"Your Highness is too kind. Both of my elder brothers are rare geniuses. My victory was purely by chance!"
After exchanging a few polite words and taking their seats, the two began to get down to business.
"I promised tonight's winner, in addition to that cup of Spirit Wine, that there would be a special surprise. I wonder if the princess still remembers?"
Xiao Minghuang nodded.
"What could this surprise be?"
The words had barely left his mouth.
King Wu'an clapped his hands lightly and said loudly:
"Xiu'er, come out and greet Her Princess Your Highness!"
As soon as she finished speaking, a series of crisp footsteps were heard, and a girl who looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old came out. She was wearing a light green dress, her face was as delicate as a porcelain doll, and her eyes sparkled with a lively light.
A sweet smile played on her lips; she looked very well-behaved.
The young woman walked slowly to Xiao Minghuang, bowed slightly, and said respectfully:
"This humble woman, Xu Xiuer, greets Your Princess Your Highness!"
Xiao Minghuang nodded slightly. She recognized the girl; they had met briefly at the Training Ground and exchanged a few words.
"So, young lady, you're the prince's granddaughter? You're truly beautiful!"
A blush rose on Xu Xiuer's cheeks, and she lowered her head slightly, saying:
"Thank you for the compliment, Your Xiu'er. I am unworthy of such praise. Compared to Your Highness, my delicate Xiu'er is like a firefly compared to the bright moon and stars—truly insignificant!"
Xiao Minghuang smiled slightly and said gently:
"Miss Xiu'er is too modest."
At this moment, King Wu'an waved his hand and said:
"Xiu'er, serve tea to the princess."
"Yes."
A maid came over with a tray, and Xu Xiuer took the teacup and presented it to Xiao Minghuang.
Looking at Xu Xiuer, whose pretty face was slightly flushed and who looked shy, Xiao Minghuang frowned slightly, a strange and complicated feeling rising in her heart.
She had a feeling that the King Wu'an would make a request that would put her in a difficult position.
Xiao Minghuang took the tea, took a small sip, set it aside, and then looked at King Wu'an, saying:
"I've already met Miss Xiu'er. Your Highness, please speak frankly. It's getting late, Wanqiu is still waiting for me at home."
Upon hearing Xiao Minghuang mention Miss Lin, a flicker of emotion crossed the King Wu'an's eyes, but he remained outwardly composed and said:
"I have heard that wise rulers of ancient times needed many virtuous ministers to assist them, and could not favor one person exclusively. Since the princess is going to ascend the throne and govern the millions of people of Great Xia, she should broaden her horizons. If she is unwilling to accept new people, she will probably disappoint the people!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Minghuang sensed the hidden meaning in his words and smiled faintly:
"I am a man of principle, always faithful to my word. Your Highness, if you have something to say, please speak plainly. There's no need to keep us in suspense!"
A look of surprise crossed the King Wu'an's face. He hadn't expected the Princess Your Highness to be so blunt, showing him no mercy whatsoever. He then laughed and said:
"As expected of a princess, you are indeed straightforward. Then I will get straight to the point."
"The princess knows that the Second Prince is my grandson, so to outsiders, I have always supported him. Even the princess sees me as a rival in the struggle for the Second Prince."
Xiao Minghuang didn't speak, but her expression clearly conveyed her feelings.
Isn't that right?
King Wu'an gave a bitter smile:
"But the current situation is quite clear: the Second Prince's strength is no match for the Princess's. Therefore, I have no choice but to change course and support the Princess."
Xiao Minghuang frowned slightly. She hadn't expected the King Wu'an to say that, but she didn't speak. She simply waited quietly for the King Wu'an to continue.
King Wu'an continued:
"Although I am dull-witted, I have cultivated deep connections in the court and various localities for many years. Nearly 60% of the court officials and nearly 80% of the high-ranking officials in various regions are my protégés. If the princess is willing to accept my allegiance, then these people will stand on the princess's side unconditionally!"
"Once the princess ascends to the throne, whatever she wishes to do, I will fully support her without any hesitation!"