Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!

In the last month of the lunar year, the major cases that shook the Capital City had all been settled. Just as the New Year was approaching, Xie Xun suddenly left. He only took two changes of clothes, some loose silver pieces, and a horse, leaving behind a letter that said he was invited by General Shi of Huai State and he wanted to go out and explore.

This made Duke Ping extremely angry. Why not explore elsewhere, why go to Huai State?

Could Shi Yuan be a good person!

He wanted to personally lead people to catch that rascal back, but he encountered the Old Emperor who wanted to hold a grand poetry gathering in the palace to select a husband for Su Juan, so he had to stay, thinking of vetting candidates for Su Juan.

In past years, there had never been a poetry gathering held in the palace, let alone widely inviting prestigious families from the Capital and other states and counties for a banquet. Smart people could guess it was for Princess Jinyang’s marriage.

It coincided with the New Year, and the Capital City suddenly became lively.

Su Juan met with the Empress a few times, simply saying if she didn’t find anyone she liked, she wouldn’t choose. Treat it like a usual poetry gathering, make friends widely, and win people over.

The Empress didn’t want her to rush into a decision about a lifelong matter, as it could lead to regrets later.

Therefore, she took the matter to the Emperor, who was overjoyed and agreed on the spot to let Su Juan have her own way. If indeed there was no suitable match, there was no need to rush.

Youths of marriageable age from distinguished families all over gathered in the Capital. Some came for the Princess’s title, some wanted to make an impression in front of the Capital’s nobles, paving the way for future officialdom. Some declined families thought even marrying a distinguished girl from the Capital would be good enough.

Soon various legends about Princess Jinyang began circulating around the Capital.

On the day of the palace poetry gathering, Liu Miaoying entered the palace early to accompany Su Juan.

"They say Ah Juan comes from the richest businessman in the Capital, full of talent, knowing a hundred words at three, writing poems at seven, and riding a horse with a spear at ten. They even say her beauty surpasses that of celestial beings..."

She recounted these words she had heard recently, laughing as she spoke.

The Empress was so amused that she couldn’t keep her mouth closed, looking at her granddaughter eating pastries, "Is what they say outside true?"

Su Juan, who rarely had leisure time, was sipping wine, "What’s spread outside is just rumors, I don’t have such capabilities."

[Though the part about surpassing celestial beauty is true.]

Liu Miaoying chuckled.

The Empress looked at her, "You always have a keen eye for people, be sure to look carefully today."

Switching the subject, she continued, "If you see someone you like, I will decide for you."

Liu Ze has just one daughter, certainly reluctant to marry her off, likely planning to take a son-in-law instead. If today there is a suitable match in terms of character and family, it would indeed be a good thing.

Liu Miaoying agreed with a smile, "In that case, I thank the Empress in advance."

...

After leaving the Empress Palace, Liu Miaoying finally spoke about something else, "Are you just wearing this? Today is for you to choose a husband, shouldn’t you change into something nicer?"

Su Juan patted her sleeves, "You know me, I never intended to choose a husband."

[Today I’ll just have a look. Maybe there are useful people who could be promoted in the future.]

Liu Miaoying couldn’t help laughing, "Ah Juan, you’ve really changed."

Nowadays, you are more driven, nothing like the old Su Juan who only thought about being lazy and sleeping.

Distinguished girls from the Capital also entered the palace, hoping to seize the chance to be viewed. After all, when a Princess chooses a husband, family background and character must be impeccable to even get through the palace gates, and they might also return with an ideal match.

When Su Juan and Liu Miaoying arrived, they didn’t let the Palace Attendant announce them.

At this time, many were engaged in loud discussions, treating the place as a ground to showcase their talents. Some were writing down poems they had just composed using the paper and brush provided by the palace, with such good handwriting earning much praise.

Liu Miaoying remarked, "That’s a young man from the Wang Family of Chu State. Handsome, and writes well."

Su Juan touched her chin, [The young man from the Wang Family of Chu State... His writing would be suitable for documentation.]

The Wang Family young man was thrilled. He wanted nothing more than to enter the Hanlin Academy!

Not far away, a dispute arose between two people arguing over whether Xu State or Jiang State was wealthier, both sides seemed to make valid points.

Liu Miaoying said, "The one in white is a young master from the Yuan Family of Xu State. We saw him once before; you praised him back then."

Su Juan nodded, [I remember this Yuan, suitable for business—surely a cunning businessman.]

Young Master Yuan was speechless, "..." The method of selling rice that day was your idea, who could be more cunning than you?!

"The one in blue is the young heir of the Laiyang Marquis Family from Jiang State, two years younger than you. Skilled in archery and riding, said to have hunted leopards, though he loves drinking in flower houses."

Su Juan narrowed her eyes, [Heir of Marquis Laiyang? He must get along well with Xie Xun then!]

The heir of Marquis Laiyang: "?"

Liu Miaoying remained silent, "..."

Curious, Su Juan turned to Liu Miaoying, "How do you know so much? Have you met them?"

Liu Miaoying replied, "I asked around recently, there’s a booklet in the market, even with illustrations, easy to identify."

Instantly, Su Juan gave her a thumbs-up and whispered, "Lend me that booklet later."

Though she was familiar with people in the Capital, she wasn’t clear about those from other states and counties. Having a booklet would make it much easier to recognize them.

However, Liu Miaoying directly took a small booklet from her sleeve, tossed it to Su Juan, and sat down to drink tea.

According to the booklet, Su Juan compared them one by one. In the booklet, family status, age, and whether there were wives or children at home were all clearly written. The illustrations were especially lifelike and recognizable at a glance. She marveled, "These portraits are really vivid! I wonder which genius painted them..."

Liu Miaoying glanced at her, "That person in your household sells these booklets for ten silver taels each. Now every noblewoman in the Capital has one, I reckon quite a few have been sold."

Su Juan: "?"

She silently thought, "..."

[This Shen Ruhui, I wondered why he kept claiming he was busy lately, always making excuses when I asked him to deliver messages. Turns out he’s been tinkering with these things.]

Liu Miaoying was slightly startled, wondering if the two of them would quarrel later over just a booklet.

Su Juan clenched her teeth, [At least half of that silver should be mine.]

Liu Miaoying: "..."

The two sat in a corner, sipping tea while scrutinizing the attendees. Some earned a few words of praise from Su Juan, while others were thoroughly criticized.

Who would’ve thought, even someone with family ties outside of marriage dared to come, truly audacious.

Those who initially thought of coming over for a chat now wished they could bury themselves in a hole, not daring to approach Su Juan at all.

Su Juan thought, Shen Ruhui’s booklet was indeed useful, ten silver taels was too cheap, setting the price at twenty wouldn’t be too much.

Liu Miaoying couldn’t even be bothered to respond, truly caught up in money.

At this moment, Shen Ruhui, who was holding his newly released booklet of unmarried noble ladies from the Capital, preparing to discuss business with the bookshop owner, sneezed loudly.