USWHC -Chapter 483 The Imperial Examination (Part 3)

Seeing that he was still standing there and hadn’t taken the book chest after a long while, Princess Lanxin couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. Even her voice turned slightly awkward as she asked, “Young Master Ji doesn’t like it?”

“Your Highness’s kindness, I deeply appreciate. It’s just that when I came, I already brought a book chest—it was made years ago by my late wife. Though simple and crude, it carries her heartfelt intentions. I’ve always wished to take it with me to the examination, as if she were accompanying me on the journey,” Ji Yi said, putting on a sorrowful expression and sighing for a long time.

Hearing this, Princess Lanxin’s heart suddenly tightened, her eyes instantly misting over. Yet she still spoke hoarsely, “Your deep affection puts us all to shame. It is I who have made things difficult for you, Young Master.”

As she spoke, she couldn’t help but turn to the maid angrily and say, “Why are you still standing there? Take the book chest back inside! Don’t make a spectacle of it here!”

Seeing this, Ji Yi quickly said, “I’ve troubled Your Highness—it is my fault!”

“No, it’s because I didn’t ask clearly,” Princess Lanxin replied hurriedly. Then she added, “Take out the set of wolf-hair brushes and the Duan inkstone from the chest and let Young Master Ji bring them along.”

Turning to Ji Yi again, she said, “These are just small items—surely you won’t refuse them?”

“Thank you for Your Highness’s reward,” Ji Yi sighed inwardly. There was no longer any reason to refuse these, so he had no choice but to accept them.

Seeing that he accepted them, Princess Lanxin’s mood immediately brightened. For some reason, her face lit up like the radiant sun as she smiled and said, “How about I send a carriage from the princess’s residence to escort you on the day?”

“No, no!” Ji Yi quickly declined again. “The carriages of the princess’s residence are too grand—I dare not ride in them!”

Hearing this, Princess Lanxin’s mood sank again. “You think I’m being too ostentatious?”

“Not at all, not at all. It’s just that I’m unworthy of such treatment,” Ji Yi hurriedly explained. Then, lowering his voice, he added, “There will be many candidates heading to the examination that day. If someone with ill intentions sees it, even if I perform well, I’m afraid no one would believe my results are genuine.”

“That makes sense. I hadn’t thought it through,” Princess Lanxin sighed.

“Your Highness’s thoughtful care—I truly appreciate it!” Ji Yi quickly tried to smooth things over, offering her a way out.

But as soon as he said this, Princess Lanxin’s cheeks flushed unexpectedly, and she even said shyly, “It’s good that you understand.”

At her words, Ji Yi felt as if he had been struck by lightning. Could it be that the princess was unhappy in life and was now looking to develop something on the side? He absolutely didn’t want that! He had always regarded Princess Lanxin as his future sister-in-law!

Cold sweat broke out across his forehead. In a small voice, he said to his “future sister-in-law,” “Please forgive me, Your Highness. The Imperial Examination is approaching, and I would like to spend more time studying…” As he spoke, he cautiously raised his head.

But Princess Lanxin seemed even more excited than he was. “Yes, yes! Last-minute preparation is better than none at all. I’ll be waiting to host a banquet in your honor after the examination!”

Ji Yi swallowed hard, then awkwardly took his leave. Since when had he become so irresistible? Why were the ladies of the capital one more enthusiastic than the last? Had he simply been in the wrong place before? Was the capital actually his lucky land of romance?

Just as he stepped out, he saw a figure flash past. That face was so gloomy it seemed almost frosted over, and Ji Yi immediately felt a headache coming on. Being liked by women didn’t seem to be such a good thing after all.

He quickly turned and followed, but the woman acted as if she hadn’t seen him and walked even faster.

Watching as she stormed into a room in a huff, Ji Yi swiftly slipped in after her. But the moment he stepped through the doorway, the door slammed shut with a bang.

“My foot!” Ji Yi cried out in pain. The woman finally showed a hint of mercy—though she didn’t open the door immediately, the hand pressing against it loosened at once.

Seeing this, Ji Yi grinned and dashed inside. The moment he entered, he pounced forward and said cheekily, “Wife, are you jealous?”

“How would I dare? Young Master Ji is quite the hot commodity now. If anyone’s to be eaten, it should be buns, not me!” Zhu Jie replied sourly.

Indeed, the one who had deliberately passed by Ji Yi earlier was none other than Zhu Jie. Her face was now dark as she said coldly, “Wasn’t your foot caught in the door? Why are you suddenly fine now?”