9: Chapter 9: The Poem Shocks the Princess and the Deputy Chief Steward! (Part 1)

The next morning, Zhao Zilong changed into the official robes of a Fuzheng Division clerk and arrived before the Princess's Residence.

This was his first time here. The Princess's Residence did not cover a large area; from the outside, it looked much like the estate of an ordinary wealthy merchant.

"The Princess's Residence is actually so simple; it's a bit unexpected."

Cai Wenjing was still wearing the same robes as yesterday, standing before the Princess's Residence at this moment.

"Greetings, Deputy Director."

Zhao Zilong walked over and greeted Cai Wenjing.

Since he would have to rely heavily on this Deputy Director in the Fuzheng Division in the future, Zhao Zilong behaved very respectfully.

As for the Director, although Zhao Zilong wasn't good at reading faces, he could roughly sense that the Director didn't seem like a good person—or at least, she seemed difficult to get along with.

"Clerk Zhao, good morning."

Cai Wenjing put on no airs and smiled faintly.

She scrutinized Zhao Zilong for a few moments, finding that this Clerk Zhao's temperament today was worlds apart from before.

He seemed to have become younger.

Moreover, compared to his previous honest and simple image, the current Zhao Zilong exuded an aura of vigor.

To be precise, it was vitality.

"Perhaps it's because he became a martial artist."

Cai Wenjing speculated.

"I have kept the Deputy Director waiting; it is my fault."

Zhao Zilong said politely.

"Let's go in; don't keep the Princess waiting too long."

Cai Wenjing didn't mind that Zhao Zilong arrived later than her, speaking in an easygoing manner.

Zhao Zilong followed Cai Wenjing into the Princess's Residence. The two guards at the gate did not block them.

Upon entering the Princess's Residence, there was first a courtyard where some bamboo was planted; the environment was very elegant and tidy.

If he hadn't been told, Zhao Zilong really wouldn't have been able to tell this was the Princess's Residence.

Seemingly noticing Zhao Zilong's confusion, Cai Wenjing asked, "Does Clerk Zhao know why the Princess's Residence is so simple?"

Zhao Zilong shook his head slightly.

Cai Wenjing said, "Qingyang County is Princess Qingyang's fief. A Princess Manor was supposed to be built, but because the national treasury was tight, the Princess was unwilling to waste money on large-scale construction. So, she bought this estate here in Qingyang County instead."

"The Princess said that by being frugal, she could provide a few more full meals for the people of the world."

"She is a woman and cannot do much for the people of the world, but she must do what she can."

"The Princess is truly noble; I am full of admiration."

Zhao Zilong spoke from the heart. It was not easy for a member of the royal family to love the people so much and put it into practice.

Cai Wenjing sighed slightly. "The Princess's virtue is indeed admirable. However, compared to her status, this residence is indeed a bit simple. For this reason, many people mock her in secret, believing it demeans the royal dignity."

Zhao Zilong, however, disagreed. "The Princess cares for the people and seeks their welfare. Never mind that the environment here is decent; even if it were worse, she should certainly not be mocked."

"The Princess enjoys poetry and literature and has a tranquil temperament; she doesn't much care for the luxuries of life."

Cai Wenjing seemed to hold Princess Qingyang in high regard. Zhao Zilong could see the look of admiration in her eyes whenever she mentioned the Princess.

Moreover, Zhao Zilong noticed that there also seemed to be a faint trace of sorrow.

As they spoke, Cai Wenjing led Zhao Zilong to a pavilion on the west side of the estate.

"This is where the Princess reads every day, and all her books are kept here. Today, I need Clerk Zhao to help the Princess properly organize and pack them into crates."

"Is the Princess returning to Daye City and taking these books with her?"

Zhao Zilong asked casually.

Cai Wenjing said, "They are to be taken away, but not back to Daye City. They are going to the Northern Barbarian Court."

"The Northern Barbarian Court?"

Zhao Zilong was slightly surprised, and then something occurred to him. He asked, "Is the Princess being married off to the Northern Barbarians?"

The sorrow on Cai Wenjing's face clearly deepened as she said, "Winter is setting in, and the Beiguan River will soon freeze over. At that time, the Northern Barbarian armies can cross the river to attack Beiguan City. With the Imperial Court's current national strength, it's impossible to hold them back. Once we lose, the Court will have to cede cities, pay indemnities, and send the Princess for a political marriage."

Zhao Zilong said, "Since they know they can't win, why fight?"

Cai Wenjing said, "The current Empress is a strong-willed person. Although the Daye army's chances of winning against the Northern Barbarians are slim, the Empress wants to try. If we win, everyone will be happy."

"After all, the Empress does not want to easily cede cities and pay reparations, let alone marry off her own elder sister to a far-off land."

Zhao Zilong shook his head helplessly and said no more. He couldn't get involved in royal affairs yet.

However, the thought of Daye City ceding territory, paying reparations, and marrying off its Princess left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Since he had transmigrated to Daye and wanted to hold the power of the world and rest his head on a beauty's lap, then Daye was his home and country. He couldn't watch Daye be occupied by barbarians just like that.

Only, it seemed he could do nothing right now.

Anxiety was futile, only adding to his own troubles.

...

Cai Wenjing knocked on the door, and after a moment, someone opened it from the inside.

It was a young woman wearing an emerald-green dress, looking delicate and lovely.

"Miss Wenjing, you're here. The Princess is inside waiting for you."

"Caiwei, how is the Princess's mood today?"

Cai Wenjing asked with concern. Over the past few days, the Princess had not been in a good state, having no appetite and losing a lot of weight, which was heartbreaking to see.

The maid Caiwei's expression darkened slightly as she said, "The Princess hasn't eaten for two days and speaks very little. I really don't know how to persuade her anymore. Miss Wenjing, please try to comfort her today. If this continues, I'm worried the Princess will fall ill."

"I understand."

Cai Wenjing sighed softly and then said, "Caiwei, this is Clerk Zhao from the Fuzheng Division. He's here today to help the Princess organize and pack her books."

"Thank you for your hard work, Clerk Zhao."

Caiwei said very politely. Zhao Zilong nodded slightly. "Greetings, Miss Caiwei."

---

Princess Qingyang, Zhu Yunxi, was writing something behind her desk. Hearing the movement, she stopped her brush and slowly looked up.

"Princess, Miss Wenjing and Clerk Zhao are here."

Caiwei said softly.

"Wenjing, Clerk Zhao, please have a seat. Caiwei, serve the tea."

Zhu Yunxi was very easygoing, putting on no princessly airs at all.

And her voice was extremely pleasant to the ear.

Zhao Zilong and Cai Wenjing sat down.

Zhao Zilong occasionally glanced at the Princess's profile.

In her snow-white dress, her temperament was tranquil, gentle, and virtuous.

She was exactly the type Zhao Zilong liked.

He didn't know how many times he had dreamed of marrying such a woman.

"Clerk Zhao, what are you looking at?"

Caiwei came over to serve tea and, seeing Zhao Zilong staring at the Princess, felt slightly displeased and couldn't help but speak up to remind him.

Zhao Zilong snapped out of it, feeling a bit embarrassed, and gave a small smile.

Cai Wenjing whispered, "Clerk Zhao, the Princess is easygoing, but do not do anything out of line. Offending royal dignity is a serious crime."

"I understand."

After that, Zhao Zilong didn't dare look again and just kept drinking tea.

Zhu Yunxi finally stopped her brush and slowly stood up.

Cai Wenjing also stood up, and Zhao Zilong followed suit.

"What was the Princess just writing?"

Cai Wenjing asked.

Zhu Yunxi said, "I've been reading Talented Scholar Song's poems these past few days. Feeling inspired, I thought I'd try writing some myself, but they aren't much to look at."

Seeing Zhu Yunxi's somewhat haggard appearance, Cai Wenjing said, "Princess, some things cannot be changed, so do not overthink it. You should take care of your health."

"I heard from Caiwei that you haven't eaten for two days. If this keeps up, your body won't be able to handle it."

"Wenjing, I'm fine. You don't need to worry."

Zhu Yunxi clearly did not want to discuss the matter further. She looked at Zhao Zilong and said, "I'll have to trouble Clerk Zhao today."

Zhao Zilong said, "To be able to serve the Princess is my blessing; it's no trouble at all."

Zhu Yunxi nodded slightly and said to Cai Wenjing, "Wenjing, let's go sit outside for a while."

"Clerk Zhao, I'll leave this place to you."

Cai Wenjing gave her instructions and then left the book pavilion with Zhu Yunxi and Caiwei.

"A beautiful woman often has a tragic fate. Though born into the royal family with wealth and luxury, she is still a person of misfortune."

Zhao Zilong sighed softly, composed himself, and began organizing the books to pack them into crates.

There were over a thousand books here that needed to be organized by category; the work was not easy.

Outside the book pavilion, Zhu Yunxi and Cai Wenjing were chatting. It was clear the two had a very good relationship.

Caiwei also chimed in from time to time. The three of them were like sisters, with no distinction between princess, official, and maid.

After chatting for a while, Cai Wenjing mentioned she had important matters to handle at the Fuzheng Division and took her leave.

"Caiwei, let's go back inside."

"Princess, with Clerk Zhao handling it, you shouldn't worry about it. You should get some rest. I'll have someone prepare some food for you."

"No need, I have no appetite."

Zhu Yunxi said, "I'm afraid Clerk Zhao will be busy for a long time by himself. I can help a bit if I go in."

"Alright then."

Caiwei knew she couldn't persuade the Princess, and besides, only when the Princess was busy would she stop overthinking.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have had only Zhao Zilong come to organize the books; the Princess also intended to organize them personally to find something to do.

The two walked toward the book pavilion. Just as they reached the door, the mistress and servant both froze.

The look of displeasure on Caiwei's face grew stronger and stronger.

"And this is supposed to be the number one talented scholar of Daye? What a load of crap."

From within the book pavilion, Zhao Zilong's disdainful voice could be heard.