Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 1019 - 1017_1

Chapter 1019: Chapter 1017_1

Xiao’er recited the "Lessons for Women" word for word, smoothly and fluently, as if she had been memorizing it backwards all along.

"Xiao’er, you didn’t memorize the "Lessons for Women" backwards, did you?" Fifth Princess asked in amazement.

"How can that be, I only read the "Lessons for Women" once, but my ability to think in reverse is quite good!" Xiao’er shook her head, she would not waste time reciting the "Lessons for Women" backwards.

Hearing this, everyone stared at Xiao’er like she was some kind of monster. Could she really memorize the "Lessons for Women" so effortlessly after reading it only once? What kind of person was she!

"She really lives up to her reputation!" Madam Gu nodded approvingly towards Xiao’er. She was a famous talent herself, capable of composing poetry at only nine years old. Her husband was an Imperial Master with profound knowledge and could memorize any text after reading it once or twice. However, compared to Xiao’er’s ability to memorize a text perfectly after one reading, she admitted that she was inferior.

"I’ve always known that Princess Rui is extraordinarily intelligent with exceptional memory capacity, but I didn’t realize just how exceptional it was! Truly admirable." The Eldest Princess couldn’t help but praise.

Although the Empress Dowager did not like Xiao’er, other ladies with clear intentions also began to express their admiration.

Since Xiao’er was the wife of Prince Rui, to praise Xiao’er was to praise Prince Rui, and everyone would gladly do so!

Although the Empress Dowager held an almost god-like status, the rules dictated that she could not involve herself in the affairs of the court, she could only exercise her power within the harem and among those of her rank. Yet, Prince Rui was different. He was accomplished in both literary and martial arts, holding significant power, winning his favor could greatly benefit their husbands.

Princess Rui dared to stand against the Empress Dowager only because she has Prince Rui, who adored her dearly, standing behind her!

"Your praises are too generous. My memory is just a gift from heaven, nothing more." Xiao’er modestly replied.

Indeed, she was blessed with an eidetic memory from birth, but she didn’t think it was anything to boast about. She just considered herself fortunate.

"Princess Rui, that is too humble." the others chimed in agreement.

The Empress Dowager was near the point of rage, why were these people so eager to flatter Xiao’er, knowing full well she disliked her? Had they no regard for the Empress Dowager herself!

Xiao’er caught the Empress Dowager’s gaze, she was glaring at her with murderous intent.

Xiao’er bowed, "Empress Dowager, I have accepted my punishment and will retire now!"

The Empress Dowager’s plan to humble Xiao’er had backfired and only left her more furious, she decided not to engage in a battle of wits with Xiao’er anymore.

She thought to herself; let’s just focus on the main subject. She aimed to find a concubine and sent her directly to Prince Rui’s Mansion, she’d like to see how Xiao’er could deal with that!

"Princess Rui, besides the "Lessons for Women", you should also recite the "Classic of Filial Piety" when you get back. Now, you may retreat! Given my age, I won’t bother arguing with you anymore.!" The Empress Dowager played the part of the magnanimous one.

"I am fully aware of Empress Dowager’s magnanimity. I will heed your instructions. By a fortunate coincidence, I have also read the "Classic of Filial Piety" and can recite it by heart. Would Empress Dowager like to test me?" Xiao’er knew how to keep up the formalities as well.

The Empress Dowager was taken aback!

Humph, what’s so impressive about having an exceptional memory!

After saying her piece, Xiao’er retreated to her seat.

Seeing everyone had assembled, the Empress Dowager said, "The other day when I was strolling in the Imperial Garden, I noticed the flowers blooming magnificently. I thought, such beauty should not be enjoyed alone. Sharing the joy with everyone is much better. So, I decided to hold this flower-viewing banquet. Seeing so many beautiful young ladies here has caused the flowers in the Imperial Garden to pale in comparison! It reminds me that no matter how much I wish otherwise, I am not young anymore!"

"Where are you getting this from! You are the most noble flower in the Imperial Garden! When people see us sitting together, they think we are sisters, not mother and daughter, isn’t that right?" The Eldest Princess laughed as she asked the other guests.

"Yes, I remember seeing the Empress Dowager for the first time ten years ago, and she hasn’t changed a bit since then. I would really like to learn her secrets to maintaining her youth!" The wife of the Duke of Zhen chimed in with a smile.

That’s some masterful flattery! Thought Xiao’er.

Sure enough, the Empress Dowager was visibly pleased by the compliment, "You always know how to bring me joy! My hair is turning gray already!"

"I am simply stating the truth! Over the years, managing the affairs of the Duke’s Mansion has turned half of my hair white. I am really curious how the Empress Dowager, who manages the entire harem, still remains so youthful. Your beautiful hair is even prettier than when I was a young girl!"

Xiao’er: "..."

The talent of twisting words is truly unmatched!

Fifth Princess glanced at the Duke’s wife and a trace of iciness flashed in her eyes. Ten years ago! Ten years ago, the current Duke of Zhen had intentionally conspired to murder her elder brother, thereby inheriting the Duke’s title. Otherwise, how could this woman, now the Duke’s wife, have had a chance to meet the Empress Dowager or manage the Duke’s Mansion!

Fifth Princess thought about Jiang Yuheng. He had gone through so much, from memory loss, to serving as personal guard, to heading off the bandits, just to reclaim what rightfully belongs to her. Her pent-up anger for the Duke’s wife could not be contained. She tightly gripped her handkerchief, worried she might lose control and slap her!

Xiao’er, sitting next to the Fifth Princess, was the first to notice her abnormal behavior. Xiao’er stretched out her hand to cover the Fifth Princess’s hand, signaling her to calm down.

Fifth Princess gained her composure, took a deep breath, and gave Xiao’er a slight smile: "I need to use the restroom, want to join me?"

Xiao’er nodded, she knew that Fifth Princess wanted to ask her for some news.

Fifth Princess asked the Empress Dowager for permission, who was in a joyful mood, and she nodded her head, waving them to leave.

The two of them left their seats and walked towards the lake in the Imperial Garden.

Fifth Princess had not received any news from Jiang Yuheng in several days, so she wanted to ask Xiao’er if she knew how things were progressing.

She had learned from her father and her sixth brother’s conversation yesterday that the troops sent by the Imperial Court had arrived in the northwest and located the remnants of Xiyue Country.

However, there was no news from Jiang Yuheng, and she wondered if they had successfully eliminated the bandits.

The two arrived at the pavilion in the center of the lake, leaving their maids by the lakeside.

As the pavilion was located in the middle of the lake, they did not need to worry about anyone overhearing their conversation. Therefore, Fifth Princess spoke directly: "Counting the days, Brother Jiang should have arrived. Has Sixth Brother received any news?"

"Yes, their troops have also reached near Yueluo Valley. Rest assured, those bandits are no match for Young Master Jiang. I believe he will return to the capital soon. It seems like it’s time for me to start preparing your dowry! Some people just can’t wait to get married!" Towards the end, Xiao’er playfully teased the Fifth Princess, hoping to lighten her mood a bit.

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