Rebirth of the Duke's Daughter and the Little Imperial Uncle

Chapter 17 Who's Scheming Against Whom (2)

After a moment's thought, the third sister-in-law suggested, "Since it's a competition, there should be some prizes to liven things up." The Empress nodded slightly in agreement, thinking that it was a good idea. So she replied, "Hmm, we can give it a try." For a moment, everyone was filled with anticipation for the upcoming competition.

Since this was a competition, prizes were naturally offered. Everyone was eager to show off their best skills, hoping to gain recognition. Of course, there were also some who were just there for the fun of it, such as Cheng Ying and Qin Yaoyao, who had no intention of participating. However, things don't always go as planned. Just as Qin Yaoyao was leisurely watching the show, an unexpected event occurred—she was called upon! Qin Yaoyao looked up in shock and discovered that the person who called her name was one of her mortal enemies, Tao Chunni. She was also one of He Yanxi's many admirers, but unfortunately, fate had played a cruel trick on her. It was said that three years ago, she had suffered a horrific experience at the hands of He Yanxi, and since then, she had only felt endless fear towards him.

Tao Chunni, born into the family of the Minister of Works, was the legitimate daughter of the Minister's wife. In her previous life, she had been fortunate enough to become one of He Mingwen's concubines. He Mingwen's interest in her stemmed from the fact that among the Six Ministries, only the Minister of Works had no connection to the Qin family, and he also had a strained relationship with her father. Thus, a treacherous plan was born in He Mingwen's mind. While meticulously plotting how to deal with Qin Yaoyao, He Mingwen also managed to scheme against Tao Chunni. Upon learning that Tao Chunni was going out, He Mingwen immediately sent men to ambush her, waiting for the opportunity to capture her. Then, he would step in at the opportune moment to play the "hero," staging a thrilling "hero saves the beauty" drama. Although the specific methods differed slightly, the ultimate goal was the same—to win the beauty's heart and gain her gratitude. Unfortunately, this time he did not succeed; I successfully thwarted his plot.

Tao Chunni, however, fell deeply in love with him after his heroic and selfless act of saving others. So, upon hearing the unbearable rumors of the past few days, she couldn't wait to confront him. She resolutely stood up, respectfully bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I would also like to try." The Empress smiled and asked, "Oh? And who would you like to compete against?"

Tao Chunni pondered to herself, recalling how the Third Prince had risked his life to save Qin Yaoyao a few days ago, only to have rumors inexplicably spread that damaged his reputation. The person who started these rumors remained unmoved, failing to stand up for the Third Prince—it was infuriating! Today, she was determined to teach this arrogant woman a lesson, to humiliate her in public, and to let the Third Prince see her true colors!

So, she bowed slightly again and said firmly, "Your Majesty, I have heard that the fourth young lady of the Duke of Qin's mansion, Qin Yaoyao, is a woman of outstanding talent. I dare to ask if I may have the opportunity to exchange skills with her." The Empress turned to look at Qin Yaoyao and asked softly, "Yaoyao, what do you think?" Tao Chunni was afraid that Qin Yaoyao would refuse, so she quickly turned to face Qin Yaoyao and said provocatively, "Miss Qin, do you not dare?" Her words were full of contempt and disdain.

Princess Zhaoyang kept her head down the entire time, as if everything around her was irrelevant. However, when a certain name was mentioned, she suddenly raised her head and looked directly in the direction of Qin Yaoyao.

Her eyes revealed a complex emotion, a mixture of curiosity and scrutiny. She thought to herself, "Is this his most beloved younger sister?" Carefully examining Qin Yaoyao, she couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty.

The woman before her was graceful and beautiful, a sight to behold. Princess Zhaoyang thought to herself, such beauty truly deserves to be called breathtaking; no wonder she has won the love and attention of so many.

Qin Yaoyao slowly stood up from her seat, her eyes fixed firmly ahead. Her tone was calm but tinged with a hint of provocation as she said, "Of course, that's possible, but a simple competition would be too boring. How about we add some stakes to make it more exciting? What do you think, Miss Tao?" She finished speaking with a slight, almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips.

Upon hearing this, Tao Chunni was taken aback, but she didn't back down, sneering and replying, "Hmph, what a joke! Why would I be afraid? Let's bet then, I want to see what you're really capable of! But I wonder, what will happen if you lose?"

Faced with Tao Chunni's question, Qin Yaoyao did not answer directly, but cleverly threw the question back to her, asking softly, "Then what are your plans if you unfortunately lose?" Her words revealed a sense of confidence and composure.

Upon hearing this, Tao Chunni was instantly enraged. Her eyes widened, and she shouted angrily, "This young lady has no reason to be defeated!" However, she was speechless when faced with Qin Yaoyao's conditions and did not know how to respond.

Qin Yaoyao gazed at Tao Chunni quietly, seemingly already aware of her inner unease. Then, she said unhurriedly, "If you lose this competition, you will have to pay me ten million taels of gold. I wonder if this offer will tempt Miss Tao?" As soon as she finished speaking, the whole place erupted in an uproar, and everyone was stunned by this huge sum of money.

Tao Chunni, her face flushed with rage, roared, "Qin Yaoyao, are you out of your mind, trying to extort me? What's the difference between your behavior and that of a robber?!" Qin Yaoyao, however, remained calm and unconcerned, replying, "This isn't about forcing anyone. After all, you initiated this conflict, wanting to compete with me. Since that's the case, you must bear the corresponding risks and pay a price. What, is Miss Tao backing down at the last minute, afraid to accept the challenge?"

Tao Chunni retorted defiantly, "Who wouldn't dare! And if we include the previous ones, would you dare?" Qin Yaoyao smiled slightly and replied, "Okay, then it's a deal!" Third Sister-in-law asked curiously, "So, what does Miss Tao want to compete in?"

Tao Chunni bowed politely and replied, "Your Highness, it is naturally a competition of painting skills." Just then, He Yanxi and the others arrived at the scene. Upon hearing that there would be a painting competition, everyone immediately began to discuss and speculate about who would win.

The Fifth Prince enthusiastically suggested, "Why don't I be the dealer, and everyone can place bets on who will win?" The Empress couldn't help but laugh and scold, "You mischievous monkey!" After hearing the discussion, Princess Zhaoyang realized that Tao Chunni's painting skills were second to none in the capital. She frowned and said calmly, "I've heard that Miss Tao's painting skills are the best in the capital."

The Fifth Prince immediately chimed in, "That's a bit unfair, isn't it? It's practically bullying!" However, Qin Yunji smiled and said, "It's alright. Wouldn't it be more meaningful to defeat Miss Tao in her area of ​​expertise?" Tao Chunni snorted and said confidently, "Hehe, it's still too early to tell who will win!" Then Qin Yaoyao shouted, "Let's begin!"

As the competition officially began, the betting on the other side also commenced in full swing. The Fifth Prince was the first to pull out a thick wad of silver notes, shouting loudly, "This is my ten million taels of silver, all bet on Miss Qin to win! Come, everyone, place your bets!" Before he finished speaking, the Fourth and Fifth Princes each placed a massive fifty million taels, showing their support for Qin Yaoyao. Cheng Ying, naturally not to be outdone, also took out fifty thousand taels of silver and placed it on Qin Yaoyao as well.

He Mingwen worried that Qin Yaoyao would be tempted by He Mingfeng's generosity, so he gritted his teeth and took out ten million taels of silver to bet on Tao Chunni's victory. Seeing this, others followed suit, placing bets ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands or even millions of taels, all without exception betting on Tao Chunni to win the competition.

In contrast, Qin Yaoyao's side seemed rather deserted. Apart from the Fifth Prince, Fourth Brother, Fifth Brother, and Cheng Ying, no one else had any confidence in her. However, just when everyone thought the situation was settled, a clear and loud voice suddenly rang out: "I bet fifty million taels of gold on Qin Yaoyao to win!"

These words caused a huge stir, shocking everyone present, who all turned their gazes toward the source of the sound. A dashing and energetic young man walked in through the doorway—it was He Yanxi. The moment Qin Yaoyao saw He Yanxi, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, her heart filled with joy.

It was this shout that seemed to pierce through layers of gloom, illuminating Princess Chaoyang's previously lifeless inner world. Her eyes instantly brightened and became vibrant, filled with anticipation and joy. For she had finally seen the young man she had longed for day and night, the one who haunted her dreams—Qin Yunqi! Could it be that he had come here specifically for her?

He Yanchen couldn't help but ponder to himself, a surge of indescribable excitement welling up in his heart.

The competition officially began immediately. Before long, both paintings were completed. With everyone present as witnesses, Qin Yaoyao, with her exceptional talent and exquisite skill, won the competition without a doubt and claimed the top prize. Tao Chunni could hardly believe her eyes. Her eyes widened, and she exclaimed in astonishment, "This is impossible!"

Seeing this, the Fifth Prince smiled slightly and said to Tao Chunni in a teasing tone, "Miss Tao, are you perhaps doubting the judgment of these gentlemen?" Upon hearing this, Tao Chunni turned pale with fright and hurriedly waved her hands to explain, "How dare I... how dare I question the abilities of these gentlemen?"

The Empress looked at Tao Chunni and said calmly, "In that case, please have Madam Tao prepare the silver as soon as possible and send it to the Duke's mansion." Although Madam Tao was full of helplessness, she had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Those who bet on Tao Chunni to win were now suffering heavy losses, but just then, He Yanxi spoke up, "I'll give my share of the money to Sister Yao'er." The Fifth Prince turned to his uncle and said, "In that case, do Fourth Brother Qin and Fifth Brother Qin also intend to do the same?" Fifth Brother nodded without hesitation, "Of course, she's my own sister!" The Fifth Prince looked around, first glancing at his uncle, then at Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother, and finally waved his hand nonchalantly, indicating that he didn't want his share either. He Mingwen did a quick calculation and found that the total amount of money was nearly ten million taels, which made him jealous, but also made him even more convinced that his next plan must succeed.

What He Mingwen didn't know was that his estimate was only one-tenth of the total. If he had known, he would have regretted it to the core.

Princess Zhaoyang lost interest in the rest of the competition, but the Empress, her mother, and Princess Pingyang, who had been watching closely, had observed everything. After exchanging a knowing glance, Princess Pingyang announced loudly, "The next competition is for men only, and the winner will become Princess Zhaoyang's husband!" Hearing this, Princess Zhaoyang felt a pang of unease, wondering whether Qin Yunqi would participate.

The match began swiftly amidst everyone's anticipation, but time slipped away like sand in an hourglass, each second weighing heavier on He Yanchen's heart. She eagerly awaited the boy's appearance, but reality cruelly shattered her hopes; her eyes welled with tears, threatening to spill over at any moment. Ultimately, victory indeed fell into Zhang Kai's hands, while those who knew the inside story were filled with anxious anticipation.

Qin Yunqi sat quietly below the stage, witnessing He Yanchen's transformation from initial anticipation to utter dejection, his heart aching as if being torn apart. Just as Zhang Kai thought victory was assured, Fourth Brother suddenly made a move. He shouted, "Me too!" and strode onto the stage, causing the Empress and the others to breathe a sigh of relief. He Yanchen's previously dull eyes brightened again, rekindling the flame of hope.

A new round of competition ensued, and Fourth Brother easily defeated his opponent with lightning speed, winning the match without any suspense. From the moment Qin Yunqi stepped forward until the end of the competition, He Yanchen remained incredulous, as if she were in a dream. It wasn't until the Empress solemnly announced Qin Yunqi's arrival as Princess Zhaoyang's consort that she snapped out of her daze. At that moment, her eyes met those of Qin Yunqi, who was kneeling in gratitude. She clearly saw his lips part slightly, and although she couldn't hear the exact words, she understood the message Qin Yunqi was conveying—Princess, I have come. He Yanchen fought back tears.