MCSCPM -Chapter 183 Competing in Beauty

At the private residence outside the capital, Yin Qingyue was joking with Mei’er. Meanwhile, in the capital, at a general’s mansion, an entirely different scene was unfolding.

“Father, aren’t you worried about your daughter’s marriage? Other fathers have gone to the emperor, yet you just sit here!” Shangguan Jiaoran pretended to be upset.

“Prince Jing has returned. Handle it yourself! Must I go and formally propose?” General Shangguan said helplessly.

“Father, you’re a general of Beihao. Can’t you say a good word to the emperor and have me betrothed to Prince Jing?” Shangguan Jiaoran pouted and whined.

“This matter, you must fight for yourself. Many daughters of court officials would love to throw themselves at the prince. If you don’t act fast, don’t say I didn’t warn you!”

General Shangguan sighed. The young prince, already so accomplished at his age, was indeed impressive. He secretly hoped his daughter could secure a marriage with Prince Jing. In the future, it would give Jiaoran a stable life and allow him to focus on Beihao’s military campaigns.

With Prince Jing around, General Shangguan could remain at the capital, no longer needing to go to war. And with such a rare talent, the throne would likely belong to Prince Jing in the future.

“Father, I’ll prepare right away. I’ll snatch Prince Jing, and you can look forward to enjoying the good life!” Shangguan Jiaoran said excitedly.

Exactly as her father said, she had to act quickly. If someone else got ahead, it would be over.

“Someone, prepare a bath and fresh clothes!”

“Yes, miss.”

Shangguan Jiaoran knew well that if her father were not the general of Beihao, she would never have such confidence. In Beihao, lineage mattered greatly. Even ordinary women who admired Prince Jing could only watch from afar.

Only a girl like Shangguan Jiaoran had a real chance of marrying Prince Jing.

“Bring me that red rainbow dress!” Shangguan Jiaoran said as she donned a red outfit and rose slowly.

“Miss, you are beautiful; anything you wear will look good,” a maid quickly praised.

In the bronze mirror, a stunning face appeared, the fine brows drawn delicately. Shangguan Jiaoran’s lips were slightly pursed, the red hinting subtly. The red rainbow dress perfectly highlighted her figure.

“Prepare to depart for Prince Jing’s residence,” she said gracefully. She had already prepared everything. Prince Jing had gone to Xize only because he heard the women there were gentle and elegant. If he liked it, she would follow suit.

On the way to Prince Jing’s residence, cheers from women echoed everywhere.

“Miss, since Prince Jing returned, so many women have waited here daily for a glimpse. Will we even get a chance today?” a maid worried.

Looking around, most were ordinary women, hardly catching Prince Jing’s attention.

“Can these fools compare to me?” Shangguan Jiaoran sneered. With her beauty and status, how many in the capital could rival her? Even those higher in status were plain in appearance; those beautiful were of low standing.

“Of course not. Prince Jing will definitely be moved by seeing you,” the maid added.

“Naturally,” Shangguan Jiaoran’s eyes gleamed proudly.

Before Shangguan Jiaoran could step down from her carriage, the road to Prince Jing’s residence was already jammed with carriages.

“Miss, we’ll have to walk,” the maid said helplessly. The street outside the residence was already packed; moving forward would be like being squeezed into a meat pie.

“Seeing Prince Jing is worth it,” Shangguan Jiaoran said dismissively. Since childhood, her father had told her that winning a man was like going to war—quick and decisive action secured victory. A strategy taught by the general of Beihao could never be wrong.

A single crowded street was nothing.

“Prince Jing!”

“We want to see Prince Jing!”

Outside the residence, a large group of women shouted continuously. For Beihao women, this was normal. Most city women were independent-minded and would do whatever it took to see the prince, even risking everything for just one glimpse.

“Do you think shouting here will make Prince Jing appear?”

Shangguan Jiaoran’s voice cut through the crowd, and suddenly, silence fell.

“Do you have a way to see Prince Jing?” one woman asked in surprise.

“If I didn’t, would I be standing here?” Shangguan Jiaoran said word by word, radiating authority.

“Prince Jing won’t even see us; why should he see you?”

“Let me tell you why. You ordinary women, whether plain or outstanding, come here just to see Prince Jing. If you weren’t trying to climb high, why dress so extravagantly—for yourselves?” Shangguan Jiaoran’s words struck true.

In Beihao, Prince Jing was well-known. Young and already victorious on the battlefield, many dreamed of catching his attention, ignoring a key factor—lineage.

“Have you forgotten? Ordinary women cannot marry into the royal family, especially not someone as accomplished as Prince Jing. Without noble birth, you have no chance!”

“And who are you to marry into the royal family?” one woman mocked.

“Whether I can or not is none of your business,” Shangguan Jiaoran said, her almond eyes wide. These women were no match for her.

“You foolish women!”

Dressed in red, Shangguan Jiaoran walked elegantly to the gate.

“No one may enter Prince Jing’s residence without permission; trespassers will be executed!”

In an instant, sword light flashed, blinding her eyes.

“Bold servant, don’t you even recognize the general’s daughter?”

“No one may enter without the prince’s command!”

“Even if the emperor comes?” Shangguan Jiaoran smirked.

The guards hesitated. Taking advantage, she lifted her skirt, leapt into the air, and landed on a guard’s shoulders. With a swift motion, she was inside the courtyard.

“Good thing I learned some martial arts with father—today it comes in handy!”

Before the guards could react, she had vanished inside.

“Still standing there? Go after her!”

Outside, the crowd erupted:

“She actually got in!”

“So lucky! We can see Prince Jing!”

Inside the residence:

“Chu Jingcheng, where are you? Come out!” Shangguan Jiaoran shouted, but no prince appeared.

“Miss, Beihao values etiquette. Trespassing will only anger the prince,” Leng Feng teased, sword suddenly at her neck.

“Take it away! If I’m harmed, your life won’t be spared!”

“Before, you were so daring—why now?”

“Amateur skills can’t compare with yours, right?”

Shangguan Jiaoran turned, kicking at a weak point; Leng Feng released the sword.

“You little brat, still trying to fight me? Tell me, where is Prince Jing?” Shangguan Jiaoran pressed her sword to his neck.

“If I hadn’t allowed you, could you succeed?”

“Enough talk. Take me to Prince Jing!”

“The prince waits in the front courtyard.”

“Really?” She dropped her sword and ran to the courtyard, a streak of red.

Prince Jing sat in the courtyard, plucking his zither, the gentle breeze carrying the melodious notes.

“Even his back is handsome!” Shangguan Jiaoran marveled.

“No woman has ever dared enter my residence. Miss Shangguan is the first,” Prince Jing said with a smirk.

“Am I the first woman here?” The red figure approached.

“No.”

“Prince Jing is not only handsome but plays the zither well—truly rare!” Shangguan Jiaoran praised.

“Miss Shangguan, your skills are impressive.”

“Thanks, Prince Jing, but such minor tricks can’t compare with your battlefield prowess.” She stepped closer, longing to throw herself at him.

“Miss Shangguan, if nothing else, I cannot see guests,” Chu Jingcheng said, displeasure flickering.

No matter how beautiful a woman was, none could captivate him—his heart already belonged to someone.

“Since I’ve come, I must speak. Prince Jing, will you dine with me?” she said sweetly, seeking a yes.

“No,” he answered firmly.

“You, Chu Jingcheng! How dare you refuse? What will it take for you to go?” Shangguan Jiaoran’s tone changed from delicate to fierce.

“Leng Feng, see her out,” Chu Jingcheng ordered coldly.

“Yes, Your Highness!” Leng Feng grinned. “Even with so many women outside, the prince hasn’t glanced at any. Today, he gave you face. If it weren’t for your father, you wouldn’t have seen him.”

“Coward hiding in the residence—if you’re so brave, Chu Jingcheng, go out!” Shangguan Jiaoran’s flushed face showed her excitement.

“Miss Shangguan, go home. A carriage waits outside. The prince commands it.”

“Hmph, at least I saw Prince Jing today—not a wasted trip!” Shangguan Jiaoran smirked proudly.

“Indeed, normally women can’t even see the prince’s face. Today, you’ve feasted your eyes!” Leng Feng mocked.

“Just wait—your prince will be mine sooner or later!” Shangguan Jiaoran smiled coldly. If there was one thing she wanted, she would fight for it and get it. A mere man could never stop the daughter of Beihao’s general.