Tearing the Prince's Clothes after Withdrawing Marriage
Chapter 330 - 329 I Want an Identity

Chapter 330: Chapter 329 I Want an Identity

In the archway of the garden, two figures stood.

The butler Qi and the old General, Lord Qin.

At this moment, there were tinges of mist in the eyes of Lord Qin. Despite his advanced age, he was nearly moved to tears by the scene before him.

In the small garden not far away, Chu Qianli stood in front of Qin Xiao, coaxing him like one might coax a child:

"Come on, keep going, faster, a bit faster, that’s right, don’t limp, your leg is healed now, let go... Yes, that’s more normal, right, just like that..."

Qin Xiao, who at first could only shuffle step by step, eventually started to quicken his pace.

"Ali, look, am I not limping anymore, I’m not limping, am I? How about it? Ali, what do you think?"

"Very good, you look very handsome walking like that, right, no limping, that’s right, very handsome... so handsome it’s to die for, you could pick up girls as soon as you step outside."

"What does ’pick up girls’ mean?"

"It means... you can go and attract pretty girls with your charm."

"Nonsense, I never allure young ladies, it’s always the young ladies who allure me."

"Yeah, right!"

"It’s true!"

...Butler Qi raised his hand and wiped his eyes.

They felt sour and astringent, and he wasn’t even sure if tears had fallen.

How long had it been since he had seen the third young master smiling so happily?

Ever since the battle at Phoenix Mountain, the third young master had come back limping, he had never really smiled.

Every time he smiled at others, it was a forced effort, just to reassure everyone, to tell them not to worry about him.

But the more he did this, the more heartbroken and distressed those around him became.

Now, the third young master was finally smiling again!

Lord Qin also took a while to compose himself before he started walking over.

Qin Xiao was still practicing walking.

In fact, he wasn’t incapable of walking, but before, he could only walk with a limp.

Every time he tried to straighten that leg, sharp pain would shoot through his calf.

The agony made it completely impossible for him to maintain a normal walking posture, and even if he managed to do so, he couldn’t take many steps before reverting back to his limp.

But now, things were different; though normal walking still caused some soreness and fatigue, at least, it wasn’t painful.

"Xiao’er, is it really healed?"

Although the old man was moved, he still had some worry.

Qin Xiao slowly walked towards him, each step was unhurried, but, at least his posture was correct.

Gone was the despair-inducing limp.

"Grandfather." He bowed with his hands clasped, his face flushed with the redness of the sun, casting a dazzling glow on his naturally tan complexion.

"My leg, it is truly better."

He couldn’t help but look back at Chu Qianli.

Chu Qianli also walked up to the old man and nodded, "It looks like it’s almost completely healed, but he still needs to adapt slowly, we can’t rush this."

"Slow recovery is still recovery, that’s all that matters."

Lord Qin’s eyes warmed up again.

His grandson now exuded an aura of sunshine, the same bright and optimistic young man he once was.

Finally, he had come back.

How wonderful, truly wonderful!

On that day, Chu Qianli was asked by the old man to stay back, and while Qin Xiao continued practicing walking in the courtyard, Lord Qin asked Chu Qianli:

"Little Lili, what would you like?"

"Can I ask for anything?" Chu Qianli knew that the old man wouldn’t feel at ease unless she asked for something.

Since that was the case, she might as well ask for what she truly desired.

"Of course!" the old man promised without hesitation.

Chu Qianli thought for a moment, then said, "I would like an identity."

... A few days passed, and the day of Prince Yexuan’s selection for a concubine arrived.

It is said that the topic for the first round of the competition was impromptu by Prince Yexuan.

"Horse riding over mountains and ridges?"

The Emperor’s face immediately showed difficulty.

These young ladies, one by one delicate and fragile, it’s already difficult enough to traverse mountains and ridges, let alone ascend a mountain on horseback—this is practically demanding their lives.

"Xuanxuan, this is a consort selection, not a General’s recruitment. Such harsh requirements, don’t you think they’re a bit too severe?" The Empress Dowager was also very worried.

Today is the first test of the consort selection, and both had arrived early at the designated location.

Unexpectedly, the selection proposed by Feng Yexuan was this.

This truly is an unprecedented way of consort selection throughout history.

Feng Yexuan sat expressionlessly, seated on a chair, his gaze fixed on the mountain range not far away, his demeanor indifferent.

"Didn’t Father say that the method of selection is for your son to decide? I am here today, and if Father finds this method inappropriate, your son will leave," said Prince Yexuan.

"To choose a consort, it would be better for Father and Great Ancestress to choose."

"No, no, no, it’s Xuanxuan’s consort who is being selected, naturally, it should be Xuanxuan who makes the decision."

The Emperor sighed silently and glanced at Eunuch Qing.

Eunuch Qing quickly ordered the erection of a tent to shelter the three from the scorching sun.

Fortunately, despite the fierce sunshine, this season doesn’t feel hot at all.

Deep autumn, it’s already quite cool.

Feng Yexuan sat in his chair, sipping tea.

The young ladies participating in the selection arrived one by one.

Yu Linglong arrived; Chu Feiyan had already come early.

Princess Pingyue of Longteng Country, Long Ziyue, that Chu Qianli wanted to meet, also arrived.

She had an aura of refreshing vigor about her.

It’s not clear what today’s contest would be; this attire is her usual day-to-day.

Chu Huaiyu arrived by carriage, with Han Zhan and Xiaoya personally escorting her.

The Grand Tutor also came, naturally, but stayed outside waiting, not daring to come over and disturb.

Han Zhan’s eyes lacked luster, just glancing around subconsciously after arriving.

He didn’t catch sight of that figure.

It was unclear whether he was disappointed or relieved.

Time was almost up; why had Chu Qianli still not arrived?

"It seems some people know they will definitely not be selected, hence their reluctance to come." Xiaoya said with a smile on her face.

That Chu Qianli didn’t dare to show up, registered but didn’t come, truly is as they say: ugly people are always causing trouble.

"Perhaps she just can’t be selected, not even passing the initial Empress’s test," commented Xiaoya, truly happy.

Though Chu Qianli, a deserted wife, could not possibly compare with their young lady, still, she always had a kind of fearful feeling towards Chu Qianli.

She couldn’t say exactly why she feared her.

But she did fear her.

It was best if she didn’t come!

Chu Huaiyu turned her head and glanced at Han Zhan beside her.

His face showed no particular expression, as if what Xiaoya said had nothing to do with him.

Only then did Chu Huaiyu feel relieved and glanced at Xiaoya, "Mind other people’s business less."

Xiaoya nodded. She knew what was taboo, and it was just as well not to mention the name Chu Qianli.

The appointed time was drawing near.

Feng Yexuan put down his teacup, his eyebrows knitting together slightly, seemingly a little impatient.

The Emperor coughed lightly, and Eunuch Qing immediately announced, "Today’s competition will have the young ladies..."

"Wait."

Suddenly, an elderly but strong voice intruded into everyone’s ears.

"Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, my little girl wishes to participate in the selection. I wonder if Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager could make an exception and let her register on the spot?"