Chapter 1, Whose Heart is Secretly Promised?

The second young lady's life was smooth and gentle

I am Xu Da, a humble servant she said with her head bowed

She suddenly caught a glimpse of the plate on the table and was taken aback

My family's prince is naturally kind-hearted and treats everyone this way. Lin Xiu added, "The prince has instructed that the second young lady should wait at the north gate passage to escort him back to the residence."

Xu Da looked at him in surprise and replied: "A man"

This is her innermost thoughts; every time she sees him, she instinctively adjusts her clothing, presenting her best self to him

"Usually, the two princes are cloaked in their robes, making it difficult to discern their impressive physiques," said the Second Prince with a faint smile.

The Second Prince laughed heartily: "Xu Changfeng has not mentioned this daughter for ten years. If it weren't for the Emperor's consideration of the Xu family's father and daughter, how could there still be a road for Xu Da in the capital? I say, she is just a woman, after all. What can a beautiful woman do? You should know that. How about this, the two princes might as well have a competition; whoever wins will get Xu Da for one night." He said excitedly

Wen Yu Yi said: "Everyone claims that the beauties in this royal residence are among the finest in the Western Xuan, but from my perspective, while they are indeed beautiful, they look stunning in Western Xuan attire. However, once they are stripped of these deceptive garments, they inevitably lose some of their allure. On the other hand, Xu Da, based on my extensive experience with women, must possess a graceful and delicate figure once this misleading clothing is removed..."

Xu Da raised an eyebrow, refraining from commenting on Lin Xiu's so-called "future." Which proton does not wish to return to their own country? However, it is only after reaching middle age that one can go back. Li Rongzhi is amiable and approachable; he never speaks of matters that should not be discussed, and those around him also follow his lead, cultivating the habit of refraining from reckless speech.

Xu Da, I have heard that Lady Qin does not particularly like you, is that so

I am Xu Da, a humble servant she said with her head bowed

Her name is Xu Da

Wen Yu was taken aback for a moment and tapped his mouth with a fan. "It was a slip of the tongue on my part," he said sincerely, making one truly believe that he had spoken inadvertently

Master Yuan turned again to the young woman Xu Hui

Upon the utterance of these words, there was an uproar among all present

No worries, please go ahead, Master.

Thus, the two exchanged glances in silence, and finally, it was Feng Yu, who was responsible for the proton "household trivialities and personal safety," that forced Xu Da to step forward to mediate. Under Wen Yu's name, the accounts suddenly showed a shortfall of two thousand liang of Xuan currency, and that favored concubine joyfully entered the Beitang Proton Mansion, becoming the eighteenth wife

"... ... Xu Da?" He was taken aback. "Xu family ... ... Xu Da?"

The clouds flowing at the horizon resemble the sea, yet they remain within the territory of the Western Xuan Kingdom. It is likely that Li Rongzhi and Wen Yuyi are both pondering how she, mocked for her incompetence on the land of Western Xuan, will endure a lifetime

No wonder I immediately smelled the scent of seafood upon my arrival... It turns out every prince has it... The Western Xuan does not rely on the sea, and its seafood is not abundant. Even if there is some, it is said that the taste is far inferior to that of the Great Wei's seafood.

Li Rongzhi and Wen Yuyi stood up together and said: "Second Prince"

Li Rongzhi also smiled, his smile gentle and soft like the moon. He shifted the square plate filled with wine clams. "This was delivered to me by the merchants of the Great Wei this morning, with each stall receiving a portion. It has already cooled down, but if the second young lady does not mind, let us share it together."

I have already calculated the fates of the three young ladies in advance, and I am here specifically to see how they look. The master said with a smile, walking in front of the eldest daughter Xu, and expressed his admiration: The eldest young lady possesses the talents of a man of this era, and her character is resolute. If she follows the path of literature, she will surely be valued by the emperor in the future

Wen Yu glanced with her beautiful eyes and smiled, saying

Second Prince, I dared not speak in front of Xu Da while in the pavilion... Are you not quite interested in Miss Xu? If so... it has not been very good for you...

Xu Da's eyes sparkled as he clasped his fists and said, "I humbly obey the prince's command." What a good man he is! Li Rongzhi feared that she might remain in the arena; if the second prince were to act irrationally and trouble her again, it would be better to take her away together.

Lin Xiu's remarks subtly reveal Li Rongzhi's determination to return to the Great Wei, and even more so, this will happen in the near future

Another pair of deep and equally beautiful clean feet appeared in her line of sight, causing Xu Da to feel a slight pang of melancholy. Even the soles of the royal family are attractive, unlike hers, which, due to her childhood attempts to learn horseback riding, ended up with feet that resembled a coiled snake after falling from the horse, and can only be described in one word: ugly

"She is merely a woman." The Second Prince continued to smile.

Lin Xiu looked at Xu Da with sympathy, then glanced at her own prince, and said softly: "The Great Wei does not have wrestling, my prince is inherently kind-hearted and does not like to engage in physical confrontations with others"

Li Rongzhi slightly raised his eyebrows, yet he still did not respond.

Suddenly, Xu Da met Wen Yu's gaze and smiled as he waved her over to exchange a few pleasantries. It was unclear when this habit had formed, but for the past two years, every time he saw Xu Da, he felt the need to engage her in conversation to feel a bit happier.

Wen Yu smiled as she lifted her robe and sat down, lazily saying

Xu Da cried out in her heart: What a good man in heaven and on earth! Quickly drive this snake away! ... She is willing to work like a cow or a horse ... . ... I will definitely send a letter to Xu Zhi later, just to say that when my elder sister marries, the first choice must be someone who will not look at his sister-in-law indiscriminately

Li Rongzhi was taken aback upon seeing the object

She clearly saw Li Rongzhi wrestling in the center of the arena. ... His always smiling jade-like face, with crescent-shaped lips, a delicate nose, and graceful movements ... . ... as well as his unexpectedly sturdy physique. She blinked, politely averted her gaze, and looked towards the horizon to avoid the stirrings of spring feelings.

In the world, there are four nations: the Western Xuan, the Great Wei, the Northern Tang, and the Southern Lin, which are interconnected by land. The people are known for their fierce spirit and take pride in showcasing their talents. If the descendants of high-ranking officials and nobles possess talent, they refer to themselves as Xuan, adding the two characters of Western Xuan to their names. Over time, this has become a proud custom of the Western Xuan.

Xu Da instinctively stole a glance, only to see the man's feet standing on the sand before her, with toes round and smooth like pearls, the feet glistening, and the texture strong.

The young man in a brocade robe shielded himself from the wind with his wide sleeves, brushed aside the red drapery, and entered the crimson pavilion with a smile saying

Li Rongzhi's action of drinking tea came to a halt

Wen Yu took a sip of the clam soup from the bowl on the table. He smacked his lips and said with a smile

The second daughter of the Xu family has always been excluded from the center of royal power. He only remembers her appearance in childhood, and she was quite good-looking. Now -- "Lift your head."

Wen Yu Yi did not raise his head and softly reminded from behind him: "Second Prince, she is from the Xu family"

The Second Prince of the Western Xuan looked coldly at Li Rongzhi and snorted, "Does this level of wrestling really require me to guess the winner? ... Indeed, if such a role is to be played by a woman, it must be exceedingly interesting"

"Oh, oh, whose eyes are shining again?" Wen Yuyi said with a smile

Xu Da opened his mouth to speak, but Wen Yu Yi lazily continued to say

Wen Yu's expression was one of a smile that was not quite a smile. "Where is Qin Dayong? This wrestling event is almost entirely under the auspices of the Western Xuan royal family; can he afford not to keep an eye on it?"

Xu Da did not even blink, fully cooperating, and groped around but surprisingly could not find anything. After hesitating for a moment, she took out an object from the hidden pocket of her sleeve.

This shed belongs to Li Rongzhi, the vassal of the Great Wei, and the visitor is Wen Yuyi, the vassal of Beitang

For example, Xu Da

The Second Prince of the Western Xuan gazed down along her beautiful figure, his eyes wandering over the delicate skin at her collar, lingering with unfulfilled desire on her slender waist

Xu Da observed with a keen eye: "Second Prince, regardless of my humble position as the head of the Fengyu Lang, the teachings of the Western Xuan Holy Ancestor state that the children of the Xu family may marry freely within the bounds of propriety, and that the royal descendants must not interfere. Although I may lack talent and ability, I still look forward to the fateful union that you and I share. I kindly ask the Second Prince to show mercy and spare those noble youths who do not favor Xu Da."

"Last month, there was a burglary at Brother Rongzhi's residence. It is said that the burglar accidentally killed a servant in your household, and when he realized he could not escape, he bit his tongue and committed suicide, is that correct?"

The Western Xuan royal family and the common people are extremely fond of wrestling, often causing the capital to be deserted with tens of thousands of people during a match. Today’s wrestling competition will mark the end of several consecutive days of events. The inner tents have all been occupied by the royal family, while the outer area is a place where tickets are hard to come by for the common people. The attendant Lin Xiu hurriedly brought over chairs, placed brocade cushions on them, and served fresh tea, not daring to be negligent.

Those who are not exceptionally talented must not be referred to with the words 'Xi Xuan'

Yuan Tu displayed a peculiar expression as he looked at Xu Da

Xu Daxin's heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively avoided his father's piercing gaze, wishing to retreat behind Xu Zhi and Xu Hui, hoping to remain inconspicuous

The Second Prince remained noncommittal, scrutinizing Li Rongzhi. He curled his lips and said, "Whenever I see you, I always feel a refined elegance that is at odds with the Western Xuan. " Something flickered at the corner of his eye, and upon turning his head to look, he was slightly taken aback

From this point on, the women of the Xu family shall not be conferred the title of consort, regardless of gender, and without any unforeseen circumstances, their lives and fates shall be wholly dedicated to the Western Xuan

He glanced at Li Rongzhi. Li Rongzhi did not oppose his invitation to Xu Da. Indeed, it is wise for intelligent people to maintain a friendly relationship with Xu Da

Smooth and gentle, whether in the Great Wei or Northern Tang, is a good thing for a girl. The only drawback is her origin from the Western Xuan. The Western Xuan firmly believes in the phoenix rising from the ashes, and which descendant of the Xu family is not a person of talent? Those divine masters speak without regard for the occasion, determined to ruin the girl's life. Her fate is destined to be stable and unremarkable, her nature indecisive; not only is she not a person of great ambition, but she cannot even touch the edges of that phoenix, truly a pitiable little thing.

Lin Xiu and Bei Tang's servants entered the pavilion to assist in removing the clothing and unbinding the hair. The hostage, after all, was of noble birth, as he was a prince; his robe was only removed down to his waist, and his boots were also taken off.

Wen Yu nodded. "Interesting, interesting. I will also use the method of seeking peace from the Great Wei."

Each invited diviner, after calculating the natal chart of the eldest daughter Xu Zhi, took up their brush and filled a bundle of white paper with flowing script. Xu Changfeng glanced over one by one, looked at the eldest daughter Xu Zhi, and smiled faintly

Li Rongzhi then said to the Second Prince: "The Second Young Lady handles matters concerning the hostage residence very well. If it were to become a mere game reward, it would truly be a waste of talent and would also betray the intentions of His Majesty of the Western Xuan. In the Great Wei, men do not compete for rewards." He slightly bent his body and gently asked Xu Da: "Does the Second Young Lady have any personal trinkets with her?"

You are going to have to get used to this for a lifetime. The average lifespan of a person from Xixuan is about fifty to sixty years. Right now, you still have over ten thousand days left, and I would have long... long gone mad. Lin Xiu quickly stopped speaking, glancing at her with a silly smile, and changed her words: "If this were in the Great Wei, such oppressive behavior would never happen, but unfortunately, the second young lady is from Xixuan. My lord once said that if fifteen or sixteen out of the royal family members bully others with their power, then the royal family is in danger. In the future, my lord will definitely not allow such bullies to remain within the royal family."

Xu Da listened as the three people chatted and laughed, their voices gradually fading away, while the intermittent sound of Wen Yu's voice still reached inside the shed

The women of the Xu family entered the imperial harem solely for my possession, which is a regret of the Western Xuan dynasty

She swallowed and murmured

Xu Da's face turned pale. Being asked to strip and perform a wrestling match in front of a large crowd, she would rather take a knife and kill this second prince, and then flee to a life of exile.

The wind-blocking red curtain was drawn open, and from this angle, it provided the best view for watching the wrestling match

What is the use of having good eyesight? In terms of literature, I am not as good as Xu Zhi; in terms of martial prowess, I am not as good as Xu Hui. Is this pair of good eyes meant solely for looking at people one should not be looking at? Xu Da pondered sadly

It is indeed a humble position

Master Yuan Tu, this is the second daughter Xu Da

Speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao truly is waiting outside the door. Xu Changfeng had long sent an invitation to this white-haired divine master to visit, and upon seeing him arrive late, he was not angry but rather pleased. It was this Master Yuan Tu who had accurately predicted the course of his life, even foretelling the exact number of his three daughters, neither more nor less.

not yet

In the eyes of the people of the West, she is merely regarded as a glaring little pebble among the precious gems of the Xu family, destined to be looked down upon for fifty years

In an instant, the scene was filled with swirling yellow sand, the invigorating sound of drums rose, and the people were stirred into a frenzy.

The servants in the shed exchanged glances, secretly lamenting that their master was indeed a kind-hearted and soft-hearted good person

Indeed, there are certain matters and individuals that cannot simply be caught up with through diligent effort; from that moment on, she gave up

Wen Yu expressed surprise, "Is this a knot from the Great Wei? The knots of the Great Wei come in countless varieties. Last time, the women in my household gave me a bunch to carry with me, each one meant to ensure safety or bring good fortune. " This knot looks rather simple.

Adults... why not discuss it privately

Xu Changfeng, like other members of the Western Xuan sect, took advantage of his eldest daughter Xu Zhi's birthday to invite a multitude of diviners to predict the fortunes of the new generation of the Xu family

Indeed. The young lady has never been fond of martial arts; while her two younger sisters were still reciting poetry, she had already learned to write essays. Xu Changfeng listened as the master elaborated on the talents of the eldest daughter, her bright future, and how she would leave a lasting legacy in history, among other praises.

"... ... Xu Da?" He was taken aback. "Xu family ... ... Xu Da?"

Li Rongzhi did not turn back, while Wen Yuyi continued to play with his fan

"Four characters?" Xu Changfeng exclaimed. "Shorter than two lines of text?"

The Great Wei is located by the sea, and the variety of seafood is so abundant that one could not finish it in a day—this is what she heard from the merchants. She had also been warmly invited to dine on several occasions at the Proton's residence of Li Rongzhi, where she enjoyed various seafood dishes. Those seafood items were brought by merchants from the Great Wei, and indeed, some varieties were unfamiliar to her, with flavors superior to those from the Western Xuan. However, Li Rongzhi mentioned that they still could not compare to the freshness of the seafood in the Great Wei.

The speaker may be indifferent, but the listener is attentive. If it is mistakenly conveyed that the second young lady has affections for the Chief of the Guards, would it not tarnish her reputation

Xu Da followed his words, slightly raising her head, yet her gaze remained lowered. The palace guards had mentioned that the Second Prince treated Xu Zhi, who held a position in the palace, with considerable courtesy. When a man shows such courtesy and even deference to a woman, it naturally implies a degree of inappropriate intentions.

You ... ...

Li Rongzhi's eyes were crescent-shaped as she smiled

Xu Da's face turned slightly red. She smiled and sighed: "It cannot be said that way. If Your Highness's banquet were to invite others along, Xu Da's presence would only dampen their spirits; but if only Xu Da were invited... Xu Da fears that the ladies might misunderstand, and that would not be good"

*

In fact, her eyesight is much stronger than that of others. In her childhood, she believed that everyone could see distant objects clearly, but later she realized that not everyone could see as clearly... Just like now

Li Rongzhi smiled and said, "If a young lady were to appear on stage here, it would be quite inappropriate. If the Second Prince is interested, he may have the consorts in the Prince's residence give it a try."

Of course, Prince Li Rongzhi of the Great Wei was an exception. He was the most amiable hostage she had ever encountered... No, it should be said that his character was as gentle as jade, his nature noble and pure, as beautiful as orchids, without any sharp edges, only the gentle caress of a spring breeze, making one feel at ease and unguarded. He was the man who captured her heart the most among all she had known.

Li Rongzhi remained silent

Xu Changfeng cast an approving glance at the young girl Xu Hui, then turned to Xu Da. "Da'er, come here"

The Second Prince of the Western Xuan looked at the square plate on the table, then turned to Li Rongzhi. "Your Highness of the Great Wei, you truly excel in matters of human sentiment; every tent has such a plate, and even those inconspicuous little hostages who did not win have received one of these plates as well"

Wen Yu Yi set down his folding fan and smiled, saying: "If Brother Rong Zhi is willing to compete, I would certainly seek it with great eagerness."

Wen Yu's opinion was that the object was properly wrapped in thin, soft silk, which aroused his curiosity, prompting him to lean forward and take a look

These feet belong to the master of the silver-white robe. Although they are quite pleasing to the eye, Xu Da dared not raise his head to look at Li Rongzhi's bare upper body.

The Western Xuan Master has never lied, but currently, he is not among the top. Lord Xu, if we are to discuss the top Western Xuan Masters, it must be Master Yuan Tu. It is said that he is also in the capital now, why not...

Have you gone to see it

Li Rongzhi smiled with a slight curve at the corner of his mouth and said

Xu Da's noodle skin is pulled. Every time the Prince of the Northern Tang, this hostage prince, sees her, he always speaks such ambiguous words, and she can only turn a deaf ear.

Xu Daguang was appointed as the Fengyu Ling, with a salary equivalent to 1,000 shi. Although the title sounds impressive, it actually caused some concern for the Western Xuan Emperor for a time. The capital is considered the stronghold of the royal family, and every official is carefully selected, leaving no room for any unsuitable candidates to intrude, yet it happened to be a member of the Xu family. Thus, a relatively unimportant position was created, the Fengyu soldiers, who were responsible for minor matters in the capital's hostage office. For instance, a month ago, an ill-mannered thief broke into the residence of the Great Wei hostage and happened to encounter Fengyu Ling Xu Da dining inside. He promptly protected Li Rongzhi, and the thief, after mistakenly killing a Great Wei attendant, took his own life.

Li Rongzhi lightly rebuked "Lin Xiu"

"Where do you come from? Are there women hidden here?"

Feng Yulang specializes in matters that others consider trivial, which are usually under the jurisdiction of Qin Dayong, the Chief of the Capital's Security. If a major security incident occurs in the capital, as long as Feng Yulang is not otherwise occupied at that time, he will also provide support.

Sister-in-law has been suffering from the cold after childbirth, falling ill repeatedly. The elder brother has taken leave from the palace to accompany her for two days

The three sisters of the Xu family are devoid of emotions... Even if Xu Da were to commit a crime one day... Miss Zhi would probably not even blink an eye...

Li Rongzhi merely smiled faintly. In the arena, the bodies were engaged in a fierce struggle; suddenly, a strong man seized the opportunity in the melee, using his strength to lift the massive body and throw it out, shouting: "Go down!"

Li Rongzhi remained calm and turned to the servant, speaking gently: "You may go ahead and prepare the sedan chair. Once the event concludes later, the crowd will surely be overwhelming, so it is better to leave early."

Xu Da observed with her eyes on the nose and the nose on the heart. Previously, she was unaware of the thoughts harbored by the princes, but since she took office two years ago and had more interactions within the princely court, she discovered that the princes appeared to be very cordial on the surface. Regardless of any underlying hostility, they could act as if they were true brothers in public.

Xu Da carefully presented it between his hands. "I am currently engaged in official duties and carry no adornments on my person, save for this item. I hope Your Highness will not take offense."

Thank you for your hard work, Second Young Lady

Are you afraid that I cannot handle them? If I take another concubine tomorrow, how dare they say a word?

If you were not Xu Da, I would have welcomed you home long ago; otherwise, if you became less beautiful, I would not constantly have this thought. There is a significant sense of regret implied in these words

Xu Changfeng's expression changed slightly upon seeing the guests, each of whom was filled with curiosity, and he forced a smile as he said

One should marry Li Rongzhi

Thinking of this, she discreetly tugged at her sleeve, ensuring that the color she wore today would not make her skin appear too dark. Her complexion was slightly darker than that of the average Western woman, and if the color of her dress was not well-matched, she could easily be mistaken for a charred piece of wood struck by lightning

He walked up to Xu Da, bent down and smiled, "Xu Da, I see you have nothing else on you, just this, consider it your wish for my victory." A hint of pity passed through his beautiful eyes as he picked up the silk wrapped with a red knot and tucked it into his bosom

Li Rongzhi looked over. That figure was too familiar; they had crossed paths frequently over the past two years, and their relationship was quite good. Seeing her brought him joy. He smiled and said, "So it is Miss Xu Er."

"Second Miss, the prince has sent me back to tell you that the Second Prince of the Western Xuan will not be returning. You need not kneel any longer... I believe the prince is being overly cautious."

If I truly intervene ... ...

Xu Da, feeling a myriad of reluctance, could only brace himself and step forward

Wen Yu raised her ink-black eyebrows, carefully observing her smiling face. "Is it a boy or a girl?"

No one surpasses Xu Zhi in determination, and no one surpasses Xu Hui in ruthlessness. In her youth, she witnessed a thief break into the Xu family's villa; Xu Hui did not even blink, and without inquiring about the reason, he executed justice on the spot, while Xu Zhi stood by, watching with an expressionless face.

Once the servants had all left, Wen Yuyi nonchalantly remarked, "Brother Rongzhi indeed knows how to be a good person. I was merely alluding to the fact that the beautiful Mrs. Qin is jealous of Xu Da's looks. Where did your thoughts wander off to?"

On the thin paper, there are only two lines of text

Xu Da could only feel the serpentine gaze of lewdness entangled around her. She was not foolish and understood what the Second Prince was thinking at that moment. ... In any case, whatever he thought was his own business and had nothing to do with her ...

Brother Rongzhi, may I borrow a seat to watch the wrestling? I am currently facing the wind and getting a face full of dust.

Although Li Rongzhi watched with great enthusiasm, such violence was contrary to his nature, and it wasn't long before he appeared distracted, sometimes unable to bear to look away.

Someone among the guests sensed that something was amiss and stepped forward to smooth things over by saying

"No, no." Xu Da patted her dress, stood up, and smiled, saying: "The prince is kind-hearted and still cares for Xu Da. Xu Da is immensely grateful."

Li Rongzhi's eyes were as clear as water, and with a smile, he took the red ribbon and turned to the Second Prince of Xixuan. He said: "In the Great Wei, it is common for men to ask beautiful young ladies for adornments to ensure the smoothness of competitions. Today marks my first wrestling match in Xixuan, so naturally, I must seek safety in the Great Wei manner."

Li Rongzhi stepped forward and looked towards the arena. "Does the Second Prince have any thoughts on winning the selection?" It seemed he was unaware that he had interrupted the gaze of the Second Prince of Xixuan.

"Eat, eat, look at your expression, even I, the prince, dare not compete with you for it." He glanced at Li Rongzhi and laughed, "No wonder I have invited you several times to my residence for dinner, but you have always declined with a sense of guilt, yet you go to meet Brother Rongzhi instead... Brother Rongzhi, your methods are quite impressive."

"What is there to see with two big men pushing and shoving each other while naked?" Wen Yuyi said, but still watched with great interest, adding a comment: "If Western Xuan women were to play naked in a wrestling match, that would be quite a spectacle. This prince would certainly enjoy it every time and would not miss a single opportunity."

He looked up and down several times and sighed, "The general of the underworld can only be this woman"

Xu Da's legs had long since gone numb, and she could not help but sit on the ground. Just as she looked outside the tent, she saw Lin Xiu rushing into the account.

It is only Xu Da.

The young man named Li Rongzhi, graceful and elegant, said with a smile

"To serve the Western Xuan with loyalty is the fortune of a straightforward child"

Many things are just so magical; a person with a smooth fate can also bring smoothness to those around them. Brother Rongzhi, do you also find this incredible?" Wen Yuyi smiled and sighed, "Alas, beautiful one, why are you called Xu Da?

"Alas!" Wen Yuyi exclaimed, "Speaking of fate and fortune, isn't it so? Brother Rongzhi, you have been in Dejin for twenty-three years, and I just happened to miss the good show two years ago. That year, when the invitation from the Xu family reached my hands, I, being fond of lively events, went to see what this Western Xu family was all about. When Old Yuan Tu spoke of Xu Da's life being smooth and gentle, I glanced at Xu Changfeng's face, and lo and behold, it was practically turning green; it's a pity that at that time, young Xu Da didn't dare to utter a word. In the blink of an eye, she has transformed into a beauty!" Wen Yuyi's eyes sparkled with laughter as he gazed intently at the beauty watching the wrestling match.

Bei Tangwen smiled mockingly and looked around. By the side of the venue, there was a familiar figure with a long knife. His beautiful eyes lit up, and he said with a smile: "Brother Rongzhi, do you see who that is?"

All the servants acknowledged this

This item is not very good to consume in large quantities at once; it is better to distribute it. If the Second Prince likes it, the next time the merchants from the Great Wei bring it, I will ask them to send a few more portions to you.

Li Rongzhi smiled faintly and said, "Since the Second Prince is interested in watching the wrestling, why would he willingly drag innocent outsiders into it?" After speaking, he turned to Wen Yuyi and asked, "Brother Yuyi, can you compete with Rongzhi?"

"Nothing can escape your gaze." Li Rongzhi smiled kindly and turned to Lin Xiu, saying, "The wind has stopped, let's open the curtain."

Subsequently, after the various diviners calculated the destiny chart of the young girl Xu Hui, Xu Changfeng took over the densely written paper, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes as he turned to look at little Xu Hui

"Who said that a person must attain fifty in their lifetime?" she shook her head and sighed. Originally gazing at the horizon, the sound of drums thundered, and she could no longer suppress her emotions, her gaze drifting and drifting, eventually landing on the imposing and majestic male figure in the center of the venue...

Xu Changfeng glanced lightly at Xu Da and said, "Master, feel free to speak candidly."

Until Xu Da

Wen Yu Yi and Zhao Li Rong Zhi, filled with enthusiasm, said: "Let us see who can receive Xu Da's blessings."

Have you ever noticed that since Xu Da took office as the Fengyu Ling, there have been few incidents involving hostages?" Wen Yuyi seemed to be speaking to herself, her voice deliberately lowered so that the servants could not hear.

Xu Da turned to meet Li Rongzhi's warm greeting, and a smile blossomed from the depths of her heart. She squinted her eyes in laughter and said, "It's not hard at all, not hard at all; this is all part of my duty!"

Xu Da was taken aback for a moment, then immediately smiled and said, "How could there possibly be someone in this world that everyone likes?"

Before leaving, Lin Xiu looked at her with pity and said, "Second Miss, the situation in the literary education is quite difficult."

Wen Yu looked at her efforts to conceal her greedy expression and laughed heartily

Only four characters

Indeed, it is quite rare to see Xu Da appear at the wrestling competition. Given such a distance, can you guess how I recognized her? Miss Xi Xuan loves to wear a long, flowing gown, and although she is reluctant to reveal even a hint of herself, her waist appears exceptionally beautiful. There are no phoenix embroidery patterns on the hem of her dress, which is precisely the key for me to identify her. Wen Yu Yi was admiring Xu Da from the perspective of appreciating beauty. Clearly, that waist and the way she walks beneath the flowing gown are so beautiful; how could no man have noticed?

Wen Yu sighed, saying, "With my frail body, isn't it just asking for trouble to engage in wrestling with others?"

"Xu Da, if you hesitate for a moment, he will stab you with a knife. Do you want to die or does he?" Xu coldly reminded her, recognizing her reluctance and fear.

It is only by forcibly breaking it apart that one can piece together two aesthetically pleasing lines of text

It is likely that the young lady's future prospects are boundless

"Let us go, let us go," Wen Yuyi said with a smile. "If we embarrass ourselves, please do not laugh, Second Prince."

The Second Prince of the Western Xuan smiled and said, "A gentleman as refined as orchids, you get along well with everyone. Even the palace maids, who are mere interludes in the court, speak of you in private as this orchid gentleman. I see that even Xu Da, the unaccomplished one from the Xu family, must be enchanted by you. Kneel down.

Li Rongzhi smiled and said, "The second young lady is a very good girl; the prince should be careful with his words in the future." He turned to glance at the servants in the tent and gently said, "You haven't heard anything today, understood"

Li Rongzhi smiled gracefully. "Very well, I kindly ask the prince to show some mercy."

The Second Prince of Xixuan raised his eyebrows. "It seems that the Prince of Dawei is unaware of the subtleties involved. Indeed, it is quite pitiful that you have remained alone all this time, without any contact with women. I have heard that due to the ancestral teachings of Dawei, you are also not allowed to father any children in Xixuan, correct? Meanwhile, Prince Beitang enjoys great fortune in Xixuan, surrounded by numerous wives and concubines."

Last month, Bei Tang Zhi Tong escaped from the back garden of a certain wealthy household in the capital by climbing over the wall. He was in disarray, his clothes in tatters, and reeked of cosmetics. The back garden happened to be adjacent to the chamber of the wealthy household's favored concubine, and at that moment, Xu Da was hiding from the rain under a tree. His sudden leap nearly crushed her

Xu Da, upon hearing this, slowly knelt down

"Who dares to speak?" The red curtain was lifted, and a young man from the Western Xuan, dressed in a bright red robe embroidered with phoenix patterns, entered the tent. He said, "I heard that Prince of the Great Wei is preparing a sedan chair. There is a banquet at my residence tonight; why did you leave first?"

"Haha, it cannot be said, it cannot be said." Although he said this, there was a satisfied smile at the corners of Xu Changfeng's eyes and brows

This would often lead her to reminisce... Whenever her cravings struck, she would slightly indulge in fantasies directed towards the Great Wei.

Li Rongzhi merely smiled without speaking

The future of this third young lady

"Who are you? Are there women hidden here?"

The Second Prince remained noncommittal, continuing to scrutinize Li Rongzhi. He curled his lips and said, "Whenever I see you, I feel a refined elegance that is at odds with the Western Xuan." Something flickered at the corner of his eye, and upon turning his head to look, he was slightly taken aback

At that moment, his expression changed, and he repeatedly glanced at the calculations of the nine divine masters present, all of which were remarkably similar. He instinctively cast a glance at the five-year-old Xu Da.

At first, she was indeed resistant, but over time... she came to accept it. The innate talent of an individual is what allows them to be ordinary; even if one strives to learn, their literary and martial skills will still fall short of others.

"Just based on him? In terms of appearance, family background, and knowledge, he is utterly inferior to me. Even Brother Li Rongzhi..." He looked at the composed Li Rongzhi and smiled, "Aside from being more virtuous than I am, there is nothing in which he surpasses me!"

Li Rongzhi looked at the Second Prince, while Wen Yuyi gently lowered her eyes and played with the handle of her fan

Xu Dali's eyes sparkled with emotion as she gazed at Li Rongzhi. If she had a tail, it would have been wagging in delight at this moment

After Ling Xiu departed, she lifted the red curtain and focused her gaze on the two individuals competing in the center of the arena

When he took the paper that bore the name of the second daughter, Xu Da, he felt a slight sense of curiosity; the divine master had indeed written this quite swiftly this time

"Really?" The Second Prince snorted. "You two are underestimating yourselves. Since you are unwilling to compete, Xu Da, come with me to watch this final match. You are not yet married, so I will find a match for you. The final match consists entirely of noble youths, all of whom have impeccable backgrounds. Whoever wins will take you away.

Li Rongzhi cast a faint glance at him

She stood there rigidly, unable to move. Although she tried her best to appear calm on the surface, her heart was in turmoil, completely shaken and at a loss for words

"Our prince has certainly had interactions with women, but he values his purity and self-respect..." Lin Xiu outside the shed could not help but interject.

That year, she was five years old, coinciding with the gathering of diviners from various regions of the Western Xuan in the capital. The Western Xuan places great importance on diviners, firmly believing that the brilliance and splendor one is destined to have in life are recorded in the marrow of the soul from the very moment of birth

Although the world is primarily divided into four major nations, there are also smaller countries struggling to survive in the gaps between them. Since a century ago, when the four nations advocated for peace through the exchange of hostages, the capital of the Western Xuan has hosted hostages from various countries. Naturally, the hostages from the smaller nations do not receive the same level of respect as those from the four major nations, among which Da Wei and Bei Tang are two.

Lin Xiu, who was waiting outside the shed, stole a glance and was momentarily taken aback

As Xu Da bent down to enter the tent, he smiled and said, "The name bestowed by my mother, Xu Da cannot change it either."

The Western Xuan nursery rhyme humorously likens the spring breeze to a temperamental child, and indeed it is not unfounded. Lin Xiu, why are you not quickly moving a chair for Prince Beitang

The Xu family members each have their own affairs to manage. Although she has heard some things, she did not say much about it. Moreover, since she moved out of the Xu residence two years ago, she has had little contact with the Xu family. If Xu Zhi had any matters to address, he would not seek her out.

She generally holds an open-minded perspective and views the male form with pure appreciation. However, she does not wish to be seen by Li Yongzhi as a mere second to the Second Prince. Her pure admiration might easily be misinterpreted as having ulterior motives, which would be a grave injustice to her.

Xu Da was born into a prestigious family, with seven generations of ancestors who were all remarkable figures. They either became the pillars of the court, dedicating their lives to the service of the Western Xuan dynasty, or valiant generals who shed their blood on the frontiers.

She smiled nonchalantly and said, "It's fine, one just gets used to it, one just gets used to it"

For example, Xi Xuan Xu Zhi. For example, Xi Xuan Xu Hui

Xu Changfeng could not hide his joy. The writings of the previous divine masters were all quite subtle, but Yuan Tu directly revealed the truth, which greatly enhanced his prestige. The last general of the underworld from the West Xuan was only twenty-five years old when he passed away fifty years ago. Although this is the fate of the underworld generals, having a female general from the Xu family would undoubtedly be an unparalleled honor, adding a significant achievement to the Xu family's legacy.

Li Rongzhi remained noncommittal, gazing together with him towards Xu Da

The spring breeze is strong, stirring up the fine sand.

A certain emperor once mentioned by chance