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Chapter 202: Chapter 202: Big Brother, Doesn’t Your Face Hurt?
Mr. Wang Qingchen looked at the book in Miss Zhan Lan’s hand and asked, "Does Miss Zhan also like ’Stratagem’?"
Miss Zhan Lan stopped walking and said, "Yes, is Mr. Wang here for this book?"
Mr. Wang Qingchen smiled lightly, "It is said that the strategies and debating skills inside are quite brilliant."
Miss Zhan Lan handed the book to Mr. Wang Qingchen, "Since Mr. Wang likes it, I won’t compete for what others love." 𝔫𝔬𝖛𝖕𝔲𝖇.𝖈𝖔𝖒
Miss Zhan Lan had already read the book, but felt that the content was truly fascinating and just wanted to review it again.
Mr. Wang Qingchen nodded, "How can I snatch what Miss Zhan loves? I know there are several books in the Book Collection Pavilion that share the same ingenious essence as this book, wouldn’t you be interested?"
Miss Zhan Lan immediately became interested as Mr. Wang Qingchen was devoted to studying books, more broadly read than her.
Miss Zhan Lan was also happy to look at the books he recommended, after all, in her previous life, Mr. Wang Qingchen was the most formidable strategist of Si Jun, and Miss Zhan Lan wanted to know where his ideas originated from.
Moreover, while Si Jun hasn’t yet won Mr. Wang Qingchen over, she also wanted to maintain a good relationship with him, so that it wouldn’t end up with Mr. Wang Qingchen becoming one of Si Jun’s people again.
"Thank you, Mr. Wang!" Miss Zhan Lan nodded.
Mr. Wang Qingchen suppressed the jubilation in his heart and re-entered the Book Collection Pavilion with Miss Zhan Lan.
Meanwhile, Mu Yan, having nothing much to do today, was coaxed by Bai Chen to come to Yunyin Academy. Hearing that Miss Zhan Lan had arrived at the academy early, he just let Bai Chen be mischievous.
"Big brother, accompany me into the Book Collection Pavilion, I can’t get in!" Bai Chen said as they walked.
Mu Yan cast a glance at him, "You... read books?"
Bai Chen sincerely said, "My mother urged me to read more, she’s the one who sent me here."
Mu Yan scoffed, "A ’mother’ still at sixteen or eighteen?"
Bai Chen smiled brilliantly, showing his eight white teeth, "Big brother knows me, I recently fancied a girl, and she likes poetry!"
Upon hearing this, Mu Yan turned around to leave, but Bai Chen grabbed him and said, "Help me pick a few books that can capture a girl’s heart instantly, the kind that immediately provides topics for conversation!"
Mu Yan was dragged into the Book Collection Pavilion by him reluctantly.
After helping him find a few books perfunctorily, Mu Yan suddenly heard a familiar voice.
Not far from them, by the window bathed in sunlight, he saw Miss Zhan Lan, chatting happily with a man.
The Book Collection Pavilion was empty, their voices soft, yet loud enough for him to hear the joy in Miss Zhan Lan’s voice.
Bai Chen, following Mu Yan’s gaze, said, "Yo, isn’t that the Top Scholar, Mr. Wang Qingchen?"
Seeing Mu Yan’s displeased face, he dared not tease any further, worried Mu Yan might kick him down from upstairs.
Mu Yan saw Miss Zhan Lan’s bright smile and Mr. Wang Qingchen’s admiring gaze towards her—all signs of a man’s affection for a woman.
He was very familiar with it.
Mr. Wang Qingchen even dared to have designs on Miss Zhan Lan!
Moreover, Miss Zhan Lan seemed to enjoy conversing with Mr. Wang Qingchen, as he had never seen her smile so brilliantly and beautifully.
Feeling stifled, Mu Yan said to Bai Chen, "Let’s go!"
Bai Chen, carrying a few books, followed; with Mu Yan’s long strides, Bai Chen was panting behind him, half-running, half-walking, "Big brother, wait for me!"
Mu Yan left the academy and barely restrained his steps.
Bai Chen calmed his breath and said, "Big Brother, Miss Zhan Lan will soon be heading to Heifeng Pass, are you really letting her go?"
Mu Yan replied solemnly, "She’s not a jade pendant hanging on me. She has her own dreams, and I do not need to interfere."
Mu Yan had the full capability to protect Zhan Lan and could’ve made her life smooth sailing.
But he only wanted to help her when she needed him, like sending charcoal in snowy weather.
It would be enough to just add icing on the cake during her moments of glory.
Seeing Mu Yan’s displeased look, Bai Chen didn’t continue to probe further.
Thinking of the smile Zhan Lan and Wang Qingchen shared during their conversation, rage filled Mu Yan. He turned to Bai Chen and said, "Is the newly honored top scorer recently idle?"
Bai Chen saw the coldness swirling in Mu Yan’s eyes and secretly mocked, See, just a moment ago you were sounding nice, saying Miss Zhan’s matters need no interference, how quickly you contradict yourself!
Big brother, your face must not hurt!
As a well-informed person in Ding’an City, Bai Chen chuckled and said, "I heard that since he became the top scholar, matchmakers have nearly broken down his doorstep, but he remains indifferent. He goes out for his studies every day, rain or shine."
Mu Yan glanced at Wang Qingchen and murmured, "The wedding night and the moment of passing the imperial exam, both are indeed beautiful moments in life."
It seems, the matchmakers are too limited in their abilities!
Mu Yan secretly calculated in his heart, then suddenly thought of something. His lips curved up looking towards the Imperial City, and he thought of someone that Wang Qingchen would never be able to refuse.
"You go back first, I have important matters that require a trip to the palace," Mu Yan said before getting into his carriage and leaving.
The corner of Bai Chen’s lips twitched, could it be that Mu Yan was going to the palace for the sake of his rival in love?
Mu Yan entered the palace where Emperor Xuanwu instructed someone to bring him to his own study.
Mu Yan generally disliked visiting the palace. If he was seeking Emperor Xuanwu alone, it must be for something important. The eunuch didn’t dare to delay and ran over to invite Mu Yan.
Emperor Xuanwu, who was meditating, put down his horsetail whisk and asked, "Does my royal brother visit for a specific matter?"
After bowing, Mu Yan reclined casually in the chair and said, "Today I am not here to discuss state affairs but rather to discuss the marriage of the princess."
Emperor Xuanwu looked at Mu Yan, "It’s rare for my royal brother to be concerned about Yaoyao’s marriage. She is indeed not young anymore and truly needs a suitable match. What do you think of the Heir of Prince Zhen Nan? The efforts of Prince Zhen Nan are commendable, and his son Bai Chen is not only talented but also aligns with my preferences."
Mu Yan smiled slightly. Prince Zhen Nan was the only one capable of balancing the power of the Zhan Family. Currently, Bai Qi, from Prince Zhen Nan’s lineage, is stationed at Heifeng Pass as the main general.
He commands one hundred and fifty thousand troops, an undeniable force. Emperor Xuanwu hoped to bind the imperial Si Family and the military Bai Family together through marital ties.
This would indeed restrain the military power of the Zhan Family.
However, Mu Yan knew that young Bai Chen disliked the lofty Princess Si Yao.
And Si Yao seemed to loathe the flirtatious Bai Chen as well.
The eunuch poured a cup of tea for Mu Yan. Opening the conversation, Mu Yan said, "The princess seems to not favor Bai Chen much. Your servant has observed another excellent candidate."
Emperor Xuanwu looked into Mu Yan’s eyes and asked, "Oh, is he from a prestigious family?"
Mu Yan gently shook his head, "He is not from a prestigious family, but his talents guarantee that he will achieve great things within a few years, and he is capable of serving as the Grand Secretary in the future!"
