Chapter 5: State Preceptor Bai Li

The first-floor lobby was a scene of clamor; ever since Meng Juese arrived, it had not been quiet for a single moment.

Meng Juese, however, turned a deaf ear to it all, acting as if she hadn't heard a word they said. In her past life, she had faced countless slanders, and she had long since grown accustomed to such things.

Chun'er looked at Meng Juese with some confusion. Ordinarily, if she heard such words, Meng Juese would have already burst into a profanity-laced tirade, yet today she acted as if she hadn't heard anything at all. If this was the case, then everything Chun'er had just done had been in vain. Thinking this, she gritted her teeth and spoke indignantly, "Miss, these people are going too far, actually describing you in such a disgraceful manner!"

Meng Juese gave her a slight glance. "It matters not. Let them say what they will."

"But Miss—" Chun'er started to speak, wanting to say something more, but she was interrupted by Meng Juese's voice again. "What? I am not anxious, so why are you anxious on my behalf?"

"Miss, this servant is only doing it for your own good."

"For my own good?" She narrowed her eyes slightly, looking at Chun'er's delicate face, and let out a light laugh. "You truly are a good servant—it's just that, since you are a servant, you should fulfill your duties as one."

Hearing this, Chun'er froze slightly, her expression shifting.

Meng Juese did not look at her, instead saying, "Alright, let us go up. I'm afraid this Miss Li has been waiting long enough." Having said that, she ignored Chun'er and walked straight ahead. Chun'er gritted her teeth and lifted her head, her gaze landing intentionally or unintentionally on a small loft in the corner of the second floor. In the next moment, she lowered her head and followed directly behind.

"Sister Juese, you've finally arrived." Just as they stepped onto the second floor, a soft, delicate voice rang out. Meng Juese looked over to see a woman dressed in a goose-yellow gown standing not far away.

The woman's hair was styled in a wind-swept bun with loose strands framing her temples; her eyebrows were lightly brushed and her eyes held a hint of spring. Her skin was as fine and smooth as warm jade, glowing with a greasy luster. Her three thousand strands of black hair were neatly gathered into a bun, with a single lock trailing down her chest. With light makeup, she appeared somewhat playful yet possessed a touch of fragility. Looking at her, Meng Juese couldn't help but sigh softly; she truly was a beauty.

Seeing Meng Juese's scrutinizing gaze, the pride in Li Yingxue's eyes intensified, only to dissipate completely in an instant, replaced by a look of innocent charm. She stepped forward and lightly pulled at Juese's arm. "Sister Juese, the Crown Prince and I have been waiting here for a long time. I thought you weren't coming."

Meng Juese frowned slightly and took an imperceptible step back to withdraw her arm. She smiled. "Since we made an appointment, how could I break my word?" As she spoke, she cast a brief glance at Qiao Chuqi beside her. "Speak, how shall this competition be conducted today?" Her gaze swept past the Crown Prince indifferently, as if she were merely speaking to a stranger.

Li Yingxue was stunned for a moment. In the past, hadn't Meng Juese always rushed toward the Crown Prince with excitement whenever she saw him? Why was she so calm this time? Qiao Chuqi was also slightly surprised; he had long been prepared to be pestered by her, and he hadn't expected this meeting to be so simple. However, this was, of course, for the best.

The atmosphere was somewhat stiff. Li Yingxue let out a light laugh and then spoke slowly, "Sister Juese, the Crown Prince said that for the sake of fairness, the rules for this competition shall be formulated by others."

"Oh?" Meng Juese raised an eyebrow. Did this competition require so many tricks?

"Yes, Sister Juese. The Crown Prince specifically invited the Imperial Preceptor to formulate the competition rules for us." Mentioning the Imperial Preceptor, a flash of fervor crossed Li Yingxue's eyes. That man was one of the most beautiful men in Dongjin; it was just a pity that he was not someone she could reach.

Listening to Li Yingxue's words, a blurry white figure suddenly flashed through Meng Juese's mind. Her brow furrowed slightly, but before she could speak, a crisp, clear scent drifted in from outside the door. "It seems Bai Li has arrived late—" At the same time, a tall, slender figure in white slowly appeared outside the door.

Meng Juese turned her head slightly, and upon seeing the newcomer, a trace of astonishment flashed across her eyes.