USWHC -Chapter 533 Coincidence (Part 3)

“The flowers at the Princess’s residence are truly gorgeous!”

“Yes! These flowers are no worse than those in the imperial palace! Princess, how did you manage them?”

“Do I even need to say? The gardeners at the Princess’s residence were specially chosen from the palace as part of my dowry!”

“Even if they’re palace gardeners, it’s not guaranteed they could cultivate flowers this outstanding. These are clearly more vibrant than last year’s!”

“You don’t know? The Princess’s residence is different this year—this place is a treasure spot!”

Hearing the women around her showering compliments, Princess Lanxin chuckled with satisfaction. “Yes! This year’s flowers are indeed more brilliant than in past years.”

“Perhaps it’s because the Literary Star fell on the Princess’s residence this year!” a girl said shyly.

“Exactly! The Princess has a keen eye for talent. I heard the top scholar was even rescued by the Princess on the street!” another girl added, her face full of envy.

Her words immediately drew more admiration from the girls nearby. One of them muttered softly, “Why didn’t I have that luck? I didn’t rescue a top scholar!”

“You hardly ever leave your house; how could you have met him? But our County Princess of Ping’an didn’t meet him either. How strange!” another girl said, turning to the proud County Princess standing nearby. “Right, County Princess of Ping’an?”

“County Princess of Ping’an? Even if I met him, I’d have handled it myself!” came a mocking laugh from another.

Hearing this, the County Princess of Ping’an frowned. “Who said I just ‘handled it’? I would’ve rescued him too, thank you very much!”

Clearly, no one believed her. Hearing her dramatic claim, everyone burst out laughing.

At that moment, a young man passed by in the corridor. He seemed drawn by the laughter from the garden and turned his head to look, but only glanced briefly before hurrying on his way.

Just as he was about to leave, Princess Lanxin called out clearly, “Ji Yi, come here!”

Ji Yi paused slightly, then lowered his head and walked over, bowing respectfully. “Greetings, Your Highness!”

Seeing him like this, Princess Lanxin assumed he was shy and smiled. “Top Scholar Ji, where are you off to?”

“The Emperor has summoned me. I’m about to enter the palace,” Ji Yi replied.

Hearing this, everyone widened their eyes. They were both excited at the appearance of the top scholar and surprised that, as rumored, he was indeed favored by the Emperor!

Their hearts began racing, but at that moment, a low voice called out, “Top Scholar Ji, you seem so familiar… Have we met somewhere before?”

Such a cliché pick-up line? Everyone turned to look, and froze. The shameless speaker was none other than the County Princess of Ping’an! This… was completely unexpected.

Ji Yi’s heart skipped a beat. Could it be that she remembered him?

“What’s this? Did County Princess Ping’an also hit Top Scholar Ji?” someone suddenly laughed, their tone anything but friendly.

“What are you saying, Miss Qin? When was I ever that fierce? How could I possibly hit the top scholar?” the County Princess of Ping’an said, clearly annoyed.

Although she was a county princess, Miss Qin, the granddaughter of Minister Wang, was not afraid of her in the slightest. Miss Qin sneered, “Not at all? A man passes by your carriage, and you insist he was trying to steal a look at your face and had improper intentions, so you beat him up. How many times has this happened?”

“Those men were all lewd scoundrels. What’s wrong with me hitting them? I don’t beat innocent people!” the County Princess of Ping’an said, hands on her hips. “If you don’t believe me, ask Top Scholar Ji—did I ever hit him?”

Ji Yi’s heart thudded. Well… technically she did hit him! But since she didn’t recognize him, he couldn’t admit it. He gritted his teeth and forced a laugh. “N-no, you didn’t hit me.”

“See? I told you!” the County Princess of Ping’an said, blushing but smiling, and playfully tugged at Ji Yi’s sleeve. She cooed, “But why do I feel you look so familiar? Did we meet in a past life?”

Eh? Even Ji Yi immediately understood what she meant! Everyone else widened their eyes in shock—they were all watching!