Chapter 182: A Great Wind to Carry the Princess to the Heavens

The Scholars’ Banquet came to a close, and word got out that the Princess wasn’t choosing a husband, but rather recruiting talented individuals to manage her fiefdom. Moreover, anyone selected would receive a thousand taels of gold.

A thousand taels of gold... This was an astronomical figure in the eyes of the common people. Even those scholars from poor families who had a little something to their name couldn’t help but be moved by it.

Those who hadn’t attended were beside themselves with regret, while those who had were kicking themselves for not answering the questions better.

The Princess Mansion had a terrible reputation, and its mistress was known for her vicious methods, but she was also extraordinarily wealthy and generous.

The seven men selected at the Scholars’ Banquet became the envy of everyone, enjoying a moment of unparalleled fame.

This was especially true for Liu Yan. Rumor had it that his spot had been stolen by an impostor. The Princess had not only killed the fraud in public but had also sent people to find Liu Yan, get him medical treatment, restore his place, and award him the gold.

Was the Princess really vicious? She was practically a living Bodhisattva!

For a time, all the talented but overlooked scholars from poor families began to hold the Princess Mansion in the highest regard, filled with longing.

They all hoped the Princess would host another Scholars’ Banquet, giving them a chance to showcase their academic talents. Even if they weren’t ultimately chosen, just attending would be a worthy experience.

Word was that even those who weren’t selected were treated to rare delicacies. For scholars short on cash, such fine cuisine was a temptation in itself.

Those who failed to be selected were disappointed, while those who hadn’t even attended were full of regret. And yet, not all of the chosen scholars were celebrating their good fortune.

When the three-day grace period ended, only five of the seven men had arrived.

Chen Quan and Meng Xuan had not come.

The five men sat there, filled with apprehension, terrified that Xiao Li would fly into a rage.

Lin Yici rose to his feet. "Your Highness, I know where Chen Quan lives. I am willing to go and try to persuade him."

Xiao Li looked up, her expression calm. "That won’t be necessary."

"I don’t believe in forcing anyone’s hand. I gave you time to consider, which means I also accept rejection. If they aren’t willing to begin with, someone persuaded to come would lack sincerity."

Lin Yici was astonished by Xiao Li’s magnanimity. Her broad-mindedness was truly something to behold. "But they took your gold."

A thousand taels of gold was no small sum.

Before coming to the Princess Mansion, Lin Yici and Tang Shuyu had been so destitute they couldn’t scrape together a single tael of silver.

The Princess had given them a thousand taels of gold, only to be left empty-handed. How could she tolerate that?

Seeing his pained expression, Xiao Li couldn’t help but chuckle. "It is the principle of paying a fortune for horse bones. I arranged this banquet, so I can certainly afford the expense. That gold was not for them; it was my pledge to all the brilliant minds and capable leaders in the realm."

"Those who pledge their fealty to me will be free to apply their talents to the fullest. You will not have to worry about money, nor will you be forced into corruption by hardship. Opportunity, wealth, and fame—I can give you all of it. But in return, I demand one thing: absolute loyalty."

Tang Shuyu, Su Ziqi, Shi Mo, and Liu Yan all rose to their feet in unison.

The future was a distant prospect, but the thousand taels of gold was already real and in their hands. As for Xiao Li’s promises, they were beyond what they had ever dared to dream.

"We pledge our lives in loyal service to you, Your Highness."

Song Junzhan watched them with a smile, understanding their feelings perfectly.

Princess Xuanyang’s charisma was enough to inspire anyone who witnessed it to lay down their life for her.

He drew his gaze from the five men and fixed it on Xiao Li. Then, just as they had, he bowed deeply.

From this day forward, he would walk alongside these five men. Together, they would ride the great winds and help the Princess ascend to the highest heavens.

Xiao Li was generous with her rewards, but she didn’t hold back when it came to putting people to work.

She handed them five official appointment notices she had prepared in advance.

"Someone is waiting for you outside. Go report to the government bureaus first. You hold no official position or rank; you will operate under the authority of the Princess Mansion as my advisors."

"From this moment on, you have only two tasks. First, dedicate all your time and energy to learning from the court officials. Learn how they handle state affairs and how they manage their subordinates. I have no need for officials who know nothing. Second, get a clear picture of the current court hierarchy. Do your utmost to uncover the methods and channels the court uses to manage its localities, as well as the various tax systems and the distribution of mineral resources."

"I have purchased the residence next door and will have it converted into your office. You will all live there. You are to leave at 5:00 AM and return at 3 p.m. each day. Compile what you see and hear, exchange information with each other, and hand everything over to Song Junzhan for final consolidation and coordination."

Seeing that they were still in a state of shock, Xiao Li flashed a wicked grin. "Gentlemen, enjoy these last few moments of freedom. And try not to cry later."

’The Princess Mansion’s money isn’t so easy to earn.’

’If you accept my rewards, you must create equivalent value.’

All five men couldn’t help but shudder. They all had a very bad feeling about this.

Four of the men took their leave, but Su Ziqi stayed behind.

"Your Highness," he began, mustering his courage. "Does my family background not concern you?"

Xiao Li scoffed. "The Su Family dared to send you here. Why would I not dare to use you?"

"However..." She raised an eyebrow, her eyes turning profound. "I am magnanimous enough to tolerate people, but I am also ruthless enough to kill them. Your way of thinking is different from the others, which I appreciate. I hope you won’t be the first to test my blade."

Su Ziqi’s heart pounded in his chest. He looked directly at Xiao Li. "I will never disappoint you, Your Highness."

Song Junzhan shot him a deep look, then immediately lowered his eyes.

’Of the five men, Su Ziqi was the most handsome and the youngest. He hailed from the prestigious Su Family, and despite his exceptional talent, he was neither arrogant nor conceited. His essays offered unique insights, and Xiao Li had praised him on more than one occasion.’

’Although I know I shouldn’t let my thoughts run wild,’ he thought, ’I can’t suppress the pang of bitterness in my chest.’

He was so lost in thought that when a hand waved in front of his face, he grabbed it instinctively, without a second thought.

The soft, delicate touch snapped him back to his senses. He realized he was holding Xiao Li’s hand and immediately let go as if he’d been burned.

"I have overstepped. Forgive me, Your Highness."

Xiao Li said, "I called your name several times, but you didn’t hear me. What’s on your mind?"

Song Junzhan would never dare to say what was truly on his mind. He pursed his lips nervously. "I was thinking about how I will work with the others. If there is nothing else, Your Highness, I will take my leave."

Watching Song Junzhan leave, Xiao Li felt a rare moment of confusion. ’Hm? My Little Immortal has something on his mind?’

***

Liu Xueyin and Prince Chen had yet to make an appearance, but Xiao Li knew they would show up sooner or later.

She wasn’t in a hurry to seek them out. Instead, she was secretly planning and building her strength, waiting for them to make their move. No matter what strange tricks they had up their sleeves, she would ensure they gained nothing.

However, she had never expected to be pestered by that nuisance, Lu Ling.

Xiao Li’s strike had not been light. Lu Ling should have been gravely injured, if not dead. Yet it had only been four days, and he was already up and about.

First, he went to the palace to see the Emperor, where he presented rare treasures. Then, right there in front of the Emperor, he asked for her hand in marriage.

Before news from the Emperor had even left the palace walls, Lu Ling had already hurried out, brought along pre-prepared gifts, and swaggered up to the gates of the Princess Mansion to request an audience.

’He must be counting on the fact that I wouldn’t dare kill him now that he’s made his intentions public.’

Naturally, Xiao Li refused to see him. But even after being turned away, he didn’t get angry. He even made a grand declaration, proclaiming that he would marry no one but Princess Xuanyang in this lifetime, and that he would be content to even die by her hand.

Xiao Li: ’...It wasn’t particularly harmful, but it was certainly disgusting.’