Xu Qi An steeled himself and stepped forward from beside the First Princess, cupping his hands in salute: “It’s a new composition by this humble servant.”

Suddenly, all eyes were on him. The Second Princess’s bright eyes scrutinized Xu Qi An.

The Crown Prince frowned slightly.

The Third Prince said with displeasure: “You’re just a Bronze Gong, what business do you have writing poetry?”

His words were relatively tactful, implying that as a martial man, how could Xu Qi An understand poetry?

“Tap, tap…” The First Princess’s jade-like fingers drummed on the table, drawing the attention of the princes. She spoke calmly: “His name is Xu Qi An, and his cousin is a student at the Cloud Deer Academy.”

What could this represent? For a moment, no one could understand the First Princess’s meaning, and she seemed to enjoy seeing her siblings’ confusion, though she maintained an air of indifference.

A smile graced her cool features: “The poem ‘Sending Off the Zhuyang Hermit’ is his work, as is the poem Linan recited earlier.”

The princes present wore expressions of disbelief, suddenly shifting their gazes to stare intently at Xu Qi An.

The original author of the famous poem “Sending Off the Zhuyang Hermit to Qingzhou at Mianyang Pavilion” was right before their eyes.

Yes, it was said that the poem was written by the elder cousin of a Cloud Deer Academy student, and Huaiqing had just mentioned that this Bronze Gong’s cousin was a student there… The Third Prince, most familiar with these rumors, immediately realized that Huaiqing’s words must be true.

This loyal dog who admires Huaiqing is the poet who wrote “Fragrance drifts as the moon turns yellow at dusk”… The Second Princess’s alluring peach blossom eyes gazed unblinkingly at Xu Qi An, her opinion of this Bronze Gong somewhat improved.

Xu Qi An was first greatly surprised, instinctively thinking that his encounter with Courtesian Fuxi had been closely monitored by the First Princess.

But he quickly understood. When the night watchman had followed him before, it was on Princess Huaiqing’s orders. Naturally, the First Princess would know about his affairs.

The Crown Prince questioned: “But I heard that the one named Yang Ling from the Imperial Music Bureau is a student from Langle County.”

The First Princess didn’t answer.

Xu Qi An had to explain himself: “This humble servant used an alias.”

The Crown Prince fell silent.

The Third Prince pressed: “That line of poetry just now sounded quite good. ‘After drinking, unaware the sky is in the water’… It’s quite evocative. One can’t help but want to know what follows.”

Born into the royal family, these dragon sons and grandsons had received the finest education. Even the Second Princess, who only liked dressing up and disliked studying, had been forced to read the classics for several years as a child.

With their solid cultural foundation and good appreciation skills, once the Third Prince changed the subject, attention returned to the poem. Knowing Xu Qi An’s identity now, they became even more expectant.

Xu Qi An slowly recited: “After drinking, unaware the sky is in the water; A boat full of clear dreams presses down on the Milky Way.”

“After drinking, unaware the sky is in the water; A boat full of clear dreams presses down on the Milky Way…” The Second Princess repeated softly a few times, feeling that these two lines painted a beautiful scene that only existed in nursery rhymes.

On a quiet night, she wore a beautiful dress, lying at the bow of a small boat, with a vast starry sky overhead and the water’s surface reflecting the Milky Way.

The boat drifted on the lake, creating ripples, as she slept peacefully.

Princess Linan’s heart skipped a beat.

The First Princess’s eyes flickered slightly, and she unconsciously moved her neck as if wanting to turn her head to look at Xu Qi An, but she resisted, maintaining her cool, white lotus posture.

An eerie silence fell around them as the princes carefully savored and tasted these two lines of poetry.

Unlike the Second Princess, the princes experienced a sense of detachment from the mundane world, a carefree and ethereal atmosphere.

The mood was relaxed, close to nature, carefree, free from the labor of official documents and the noise of silk and bamboo instruments, free from scheming and intrigue. At the same time, upon waking from the dream, there would be a slight feeling of melancholy in one’s heart.

“Excellent poem, excellent indeed…” The Third Prince slapped the table, his emotions high, feeling as if he had witnessed the birth of a masterpiece. This was an honor no scholar could resist.

“Is this a seven-character quatrain or a seven-character regulated verse?” asked the Seventh Prince, who was about the same age as Xu Qi An.

“That’s all, just these two lines…”

“!!!”

The princes were stunned, staring at him with complex and strange expressions.

“Don’t joke around,” the Third Prince said angrily, somewhat urgently and irritably. “What comes next? What comes next!”

His manner was exactly like that of a reader-driven mad by cliffhangers, finally having the chance to meet the author in person, suppressing emotions ready to explode at any moment, saying: I’ll give you one last chance, go write!

“It was an impromptu composition, there isn’t anymore…” Xu Qi An felt somewhat ashamed. This poem wasn’t from the nine-year compulsory education textbooks.

Of course, as a cultured person, he couldn’t have only learned the poems in textbooks. He usually collected some excellent poetic works, but he couldn’t remember them all, only the most essential lines.

This was just such a case.

“You, you…” The Third Prince pointed at Xu Qi An, too angry to speak.

The other princes looked on coldly, secretly supporting the Third Prince in dealing with this cliffhanger dog.

The First Princess rose at the right moment to defuse the situation, saying: “Xu Ningyan, accompany this princess for a walk.”

“How outrageous…” The Third Prince slapped the table, his anger not yet subsided, as he watched the two leave.

“What a pity,” the Crown Prince shook his head.

“Oh, I just remembered,” the Second Princess suddenly exclaimed, “I haven’t asked him how the investigation of the Sangbo case is going.”

It’s him! The Crown Prince narrowed his eyes. No wonder the name Xu Qi An sounded familiar. Reminded by the Second Princess, he recalled this minor figure.

…

The First Princess dismissed her guards and palace maids, walking side by side with Xu Qi An along the lakeside.

Xu Qi An instinctively fell half a step behind.

“What matter do you have with this princess?” The First Princess gazed at the calm lake surface, her voice carrying the quality of ice cubes colliding and the charm of a female voice.

“This humble servant has encountered some trouble in the investigation and all leads have currently gone cold.” Xu Qi An glanced at the First Princess, seeing her seemingly unconcerned expression, his tone became more sincere as he informed her about the saltpeter mine and the small flag officer’s silencing case.

“This princess already knows all of this,” the First Princess said, her beautiful face expressionless as she admired the scenery of the lake.

She already knows? Hmm, with the First Princess’s capabilities, it’s not difficult for her to know the information I’ve uncovered.

Xu Qi An bit his lip, deciding to reveal something more insider: “Why did the demon race want to blow up the Yongzhen Shanhe Temple? This is a point of doubt and also the breakthrough point for this case.”

First, verify if it’s the first-generation Jianzheng. If it is, then the range of possible collaborators with the demon race can be narrowed down considerably.

The First Princess withdrew her gaze, her beautiful eyes turning to Xu Qi An, speaking in a calm tone: “Indeed, there is a terrifying strong being or item sealed beneath the Yongzhen Shanhe Temple. And this secret is known only to Father Emperor.”

“…” Xu Qi An almost lost control of his expression.

The First Princess even knows this?

She has already realized that there’s a sealed object under the Yongzhen Shanhe Temple. Yes, after reading my investigation files, with the First Princess’s intelligence and wisdom, it’s not surprising that she could deduce this point.

However, Xu Qi An hadn’t expected the First Princess to speak so frankly about this matter with him, knowing that the secret of the Yongzhen Shanhe Temple was known only to Emperor Yuanjing.

“You are a rare talent. Are you willing to serve this princess?” Seeing Xu Qi An slightly moved, the First Princess knew he was shocked inside. She laughed lightly and extended an olive branch.

This was exactly what Xu Qi An wanted. His heart’s desire was unspoken until now. Since the First Princess was so accommodating, Xu Qi An immediately said:

“This humble servant will certainly serve the princess with utmost loyalty.”

Xu Qi An was very familiar with this routine. In his previous life, he had pledged allegiance to his superiors at the police station in the same way.

Of course, it was just a work alliance, mutually beneficial, not being a dog for imperial power… he added in his heart.

He believed that with the First Princess’s emotional intelligence and intellect, maintaining a relatively decent relationship shouldn’t be difficult.

The First Princess smiled brightly, dimming even the lake’s light.

“Tell me, what have you found out?” Princess Lotus’s tone and attitude had changed greatly, that vague sense of distance disappearing.

Xu Qi An considered for a moment, deciding to tell the truth. The reason was that having just formed an “alliance” with the First Princess, he needed to demonstrate his value.

To make the First Princess feel that this little brother was strong and impressive.

Moreover, he wanted to clarify the sealed object in Sangbo, which couldn’t be done without the First Princess’s help. Besides, it was the First Princess who first opened this topic and frankly told him this secret that only Emperor Yuanjing knew.

“According to this humble servant’s investigation, there is still a hidden hand behind Zhou Chixiong manipulating everything, who is also the one colluding with the demon race,” Xu Qi An said.

A strange light flashed in the First Princess’s eyes: “What makes you say that?”

Xu Qi An said: “Magistrate Zhao of Taikang County died in the dungeon of the government office this morning. I suspect he was silenced.”

The First Princess lowered her gaze, nodding as she thought.

Xu Qi An continued: “This humble servant has been puzzled about why the demon race wanted to destroy Sangbo, and why the hidden hand behind wanted to collude with the demon race. I had people investigate all cases related to Sangbo and discovered a very strange thing, pinpointing a specific time: five hundred years ago!”

At this point, he paused, giving the First Princess time to be shocked.

But he was disappointed. The First Princess merely frowned slightly before digesting this information.

Ci Jiu was right… This woman has unfathomable depths… Xu Dalang gained a deeper understanding of Xu Erlang’s warning.

Indeed, only those who are cunning truly understand the cunning.

“Five hundred years ago, the Crown Prince at that time accidentally fell into the water, then developed hysteria, and soon after drowned in Sangbo,” Xu Qi An said.

The First Princess showed a look of realization: “This princess remembers this past event.”

Xu Qi An nodded and continued: “And five hundred years ago, Emperor Wu revitalized the court and purged the treacherous officials. There was one person he couldn’t avoid – the first-generation Jianzheng!”

Hearing this, the First Princess’s beautiful face truly changed color.

Xu Qi An gazed at the First Princess’s flawless beautiful face and asked a series of questions: “Why did the Jianzheng feign illness? Why did His Majesty keep the sealed object in Sangbo a secret? Why hasn’t the thing below died after being suppressed for five hundred years? Why do the astronomers of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau know nothing about the first-generation Jianzheng’s past?”

Is this the distortion of human nature or the degradation of morality… Xu Qi An added: “Of course, this is just this humble servant’s speculation. But if we must find a strong person who fits the conditions five hundred years ago, none other than the first-generation Jianzheng fits the bill.”

The First Princess seemed to be shocked and didn’t speak for a long time. A gust of wind came, causing wrinkles on the lake’s surface. She sighed: “So, you sought out this princess to…”

“This humble servant wants to investigate some records that can’t be found outside,” Xu Qi An said. “This humble servant discovered a sealing formation in Sangbo, and there are Buddhist inscriptions on the formation pillars.”

“Buddhist inscriptions?” The First Princess’s hand, hidden in her sleeve, unconsciously flexed. She stared at Xu Qi An for a few seconds, then looked away, her tone calm: “Very well, after the banquet ends, this princess will take you to the Wenyuan Pavilion.”

Xu Qi An breathed a sigh of relief. After expressing his thanks, he suddenly heard silver bell-like laughter from behind, along with the sound of churning water.

Turning his head, he saw the Second Princess in her fire-red dress standing on the back of a strange beast, her hands gripping the horns on top of its head, swaying as she tried to maintain her balance, her silhouette graceful and charming.

The beast was snow-white all over, covered in fine scales, with a flat carapace on its back just right for someone to stand on. It was about three meters long, with sharp claws on its belly, looking somewhat like a dragon.

The First Princess turned around and explained: “This beast is called a Spirit Dragon, a unique spirit beast of the Central Plains. It has a gentle temperament and is said to have been the water mount of the ancient human emperors.

“It likes to feed on the purple qi of the human world, so it has been kept in the palace by successive dynasties, symbolizing the coming of purple qi from the east and the orthodoxy of the human race.” The First Princess added: “This beast has an innate ability to see auras.”

So that’s what I saw in the lake… Xu Qi An made a sound of acknowledgment. Purple qi was the unique fortune of nobles and royalty, and the fact that this creature needed to be nourished by purple qi indicated it was an auspicious beast.

The auspicious beast would sometimes raise its head, and sometimes skim along the water, causing ripples to spread in circles. The Second Princess smiled like a flower, giggling like a little hen, clearly enjoying herself immensely.

The princes watched with smiles, while the other two princesses ran to the shore, calling for Linan to come ashore so they could all take turns.

“Although the Spirit Dragon is gentle, it’s also very proud and will attack ordinary people who approach it. Lin’an is a princess, which is why she can play with it,” the First Princess said. Then, the corner of her mouth twitched, and she did something Xu Qi An didn’t expect.

She put her forefinger to her mouth and blew a sharp whistle.

Hearing the whistle, the Spirit Dragon raised its head high like a snake and turned sideways.

Everyone saw the Spirit Dragon stiffen for a moment. It suddenly became agitated, letting out a clear and loud cry from its throat, shaking its head and body as if trying to throw the Second Princess off, as if being ridden by the Second Princess was a very shameful thing.

“Ah…”

“Splash!” The Second Princess cried out as she fell into the lake.

The Spirit Dragon twisted its body frantically as it swam towards the First Princess, breaking through the water while continuously crying out, unclear whether it was excited or agitated.

Whoosh!

As it approached the shore, it leaped into the sky and then crashed down heavily, its head smashing into the bank, splashing up surging mud.

A few drops of mud splattered onto the First Princess’s pure white dress.

The First Princess was somewhat surprised. The spirit beast seemed particularly close to her today. The reason she whistled was not to summon the spirit beast but to attract its attention and make it turn its head, thereby causing the unsteady Linan to fall into the water.

Who would have thought the Spirit Dragon would react so strongly, directly shaking its head and flinging Lin’an away?

The First Princess’s style is quite similar to the students of Cloud Deer Academy… very scheming… My little brother is also this insidious and vicious… Oh, the First Princess studied at Cloud Deer Academy… Xu Dalang gained a deeper understanding of the warning about Xu Erlang.

Indeed, only cunning people truly understand each other.

The commotion on the water startled the princes, and the Crown Prince rushed to the shore, calling for the guards to rescue her.

“The Spirit Dragon seems to prefer Huaiqing.”

“Does this mean Huaiqing’s purple qi is stronger than Linan’s?”

“That doesn’t seem quite right… The Spirit Dragon isn’t very enthusiastic about us. Just look at how it bows and scrapes; I only saw it do that once when it faced Father Emperor as a child.”

“Huaiqing has gone over…”

The First Princess lifted her skirt and walked towards the Spirit Dragon with a gentle smile, intending to ride it.

Meanwhile, the princes and princesses, including the Crown Prince, were all watching this scene unfold.