"Most amusing!" The emperor burst into laughter upon hearing this. He pointed at the competition area already prepared below the palace hall and resumed his imposing manner. "Go. Let me see your capabilities."
"This humble subject obeys your order." Cheng Xiran turned and walked towards the competition site. There was a sea of people. Without a doubt, it seemed that all the talented scholars and beautiful ladies in the capital had gathered here. Cheng Xiran slightly narrowed her beautiful eyes, and a competitive spirit burned brightly in her heart.
In poetry composition, essay writing, chess playing, and debating with numerous opponents, Cheng Xiran overcame all challenges and emerged victorious. Gasps filled the competition site. All one could hear were the gongs being struck and the referee's loud announcement: "In this round, Cheng Xiran wins!"
Standing on the victory platform, Cheng Xiran folded her arms. A gentle breeze blew, making her soft sleeves flutter. The gentle sunlight shone down from above, gilding her with a golden halo. Her delicate face was only the size of a palm, but her black eyes were extremely bright.
This appearance, combined with her talent, was deeply engraved in everyone's eyes.
"As expected, you've come out on top. You haven't disappointed me," the emperor said, highly delighted. He waved his hand, and immediately, a eunuch presented writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. The warm jade seal was placed beside the emperor's hand. "I grant you one request. Speak."
Suddenly, the words He Lianduo had said echoed in Cheng Xiran's mind. A calm expression appeared between her eyebrows and eyes.
"Your Majesty, this humble subject has no other desires. I only hope for a general amnesty so that Your Majesty can gain more popular support." These brief words made the emperor show a look of slight surprise, which vanished in an instant, replaced by admiration.
"Good! You've truly impressed me!" The emperor indeed issued the imperial edict immediately. Right in front of Cheng Xiran, the jade seal was firmly stamped.
As soon as the seal was stamped, the order was immediately carried out. The eunuch held the imperial edict and rushed out of the palace gate.
Cheng Xiran's beautiful eyes brightened, and her red lips curved slightly. She nodded in satisfaction. Now, she could go and tell He Lianduo this good news. As expected, once Cheng Xiran took action, there was nothing she couldn't accomplish!
"Miss, the Regent's Mansion has arrived," the coachman reminded her.
Cheng Xiran responded and quickly got off the carriage in a hurry. However, a carriage was unusually parked outside the mansion for a long time, catching Cheng Xiran's eye.
It was the exclusive carriage of the Regent's Mansion.
Curiosity welled up in Cheng Xiran's eyes. She stepped forward to take a look from afar, and the carriage was empty inside.
Forget it. I'll just go in and ask He Lianduo.
Cheng Xiran didn't pay too much attention. As usual, she was about to step into the Regent's Mansion when a sharp shout stopped her in her tracks.
"Stop! You all block her!" A girl's shrill voice suddenly rang out. Then, several maids blocked in front of Cheng Xiran, preventing her from taking another step into the mansion.
When did another girl appear in He Lianduo's mansion? Is he hiding a beauty?
A doubt welled up in Cheng Xiran's heart, but she didn't show it on her face. She slightly raised her chin, and her cold eyes stared straight at the girl who had spoken.
This girl had picturesque features, a petite face, lips that were red without makeup, and a voice as clear as a silver bell. She was truly a stunning beauty.
Cheng Xiran raised her delicate eyebrows. After sizing up Su Yunxiu from head to toe, she withdrew her gaze.
"I'm here to see the regent. You can ask Guard Zuo Yan in the mansion. I often come here," Cheng Xiran said politely, looking at Su Yunxiu, who was glaring at her, with a righteous expression.
Unexpectedly, after hearing her words, Su Yunxiu frowned angrily. She said, "I've never seen you before. What if you're an assassin? Xiaochun, show this guest out."