Chapter 1: Overview

May, summer, at the private estate of the Crown Princess.

In the backyard, Ta Y Tran leaned on a soft chair, closed his eyes and rested. Three or four maids stood around to serve, fanning him gently. The sound of the zither was gentle and melodious.

A palace maid came in and reported in a low voice: "Your Highness, the group of four young ladies from the Kien An Marquis's residence has arrived."

Ta Y Tran still had her eyes closed, her slender fingers gently tapped on the edge of the chair: "Call them here."

The fourth young lady of the Jiang Nhu residence of the Marquis of Jian'an's residence led a group of people dressed in brocade and fine food, followed by four or five students wearing the uniforms of the Imperial Academy.

The newcomer hurriedly saluted Xie Yizhen. Jiang Ru saluted and smiled as she walked to her side, softly reporting: "Your Highness, the person has arrived."

The woman frowned, opened her eyes and looked at her, saying: "Who?"

Khuong Nhu smiled and helplessly explained: "Your Highness, a few days ago, Your Highness heard us mention that there were some scholars in the Imperial Academy... who were very impressed. At that time, you said you wanted to take a look, that's why we brought you here today."

Ta Y Tran thought for a moment and nodded.

A few days ago, they told Ta Y Tran about the scholars who were recommended from all over to the Imperial Academy. The vast majority of them were poor scholars, but they were very talented and good seeds.

After hearing that, Ta Y Tran absentmindedly said that she wanted to meet him to broaden her knowledge, so today Khuong Nhu brought people to her mansion.

Four or five scholars lined up in a row, heads bowed and standing still, seemingly extremely tense. Xie Yizhen's gaze swept over them, eyes slightly lowered: "Why are you all shaking like quails? Isn't that interesting? Are you afraid I'll eat you?"

Ta Y Tran glanced at Khuong Nhu with a suspicious look: "You didn't force them to come here, did you?"

Khuong Nhu quickly said, afraid that she would misunderstand: "Of course not, as soon as they heard that they could see the nobles, they all rushed to come."

Ta Y Tran's eyes turned to the group of people again. Someone beside them softly shouted at them: "Quickly salute the princess! What are you all standing there for?"

Several people knelt down nervously, only the tallest man on the far left remained standing straight for a while before bowing to her. He was also the only one who was not afraid when he saw Ta Y Tran.

The other person had broad shoulders and a slim waist, a tall and sturdy figure, without the weak and fragile appearance of a scholar. He lowered his head, hiding his face, only vaguely revealing his angular features, smooth and sharp chin.

Ta Y Tran fixed her eyes on him, looking very surprised. The servant saw what he meant and quickly kicked the other person's knee. He only saw him move forward a step and then kneel on one knee on the ground.

Ta Y Tran slightly narrowed his eyes and ordered: "Raise your head."

The other person still waited for a while before calmly raising his head.

khuong Nhu was already sweating coldly, thinking to herself: This guy, is he crazy!

When the young man raised his eyes, he finally saw his appearance clearly. His eyebrows were thick, his facial features were clear, and he exuded a pure and somewhat arrogant aura. His phoenix eyes were long and narrow, cold eyes.

With this appearance, it is not an exaggeration to say that there is only one in a thousand people.

Ta Y Tran was very interested in observing him. She had met several people with outstanding appearances like the person before her eyes. Just one look and it was hard to forget, but it's rare to see someone like that hiding in the Imperial Academy, it's really interesting.

It's just that the other guy kept staring at her, making her a bit uncomfortable. How brave.

"What's your name? How old are you? Where are you from?"

She chose the poor scholar with no roots because it would be easy to control, but this person!

Just as Khuong Nhu was about to answer, Ta Y Tran suddenly raised his hand to stop her. Looking at the person kneeling in front of her, the corner of her lips slightly curved: "Speak for yourself."

The young man's voice was a bit low as he replied, "Xiao Lan, seventeen this year, from To Han Chau."

"Han Chau... not far from the capital."

Seeing that Xie Yizhen seemed interested in this person, Jiang Ru kindly introduced him, saying that although Xiao Lan came from the countryside, he was very talented, he was just recommended by the governor of Hanzhou to the Imperial Academy at the beginning of this year. He has a wealth of knowledge and several teachers at the Imperial Academy highly appreciate him. He will take the imperial examinations next fall.

Ta Y Tran was a bit surprised when he heard that. At only sixteen or seventeen years old, he already had such talent. There were not many people like him that could be found anywhere. Such a talent, in the future, his official career will definitely be smooth. But, why would someone like him not rely on the princes but instead come to her? This is truly abnormal!

But it seems that this person is quite arrogant and stubborn, doesn't like to use unspoken rules, and is afraid that he will offend a lot of people.

While Ta Y Tran was observing him, Tieu Lam was different from the others, he did not act obedient, cautious and timid, but calmly looked at her, secretly evaluating this noble eldest daughter of the Emperor.

Ta Y Tran's appearance is contrary to her personality, a pair of bright, elegant peach blossom eyes, a bright, vivid red mole at the corner of her left eye, and fair white skin, her stunning beauty makes people tremble, truly a rare beauty in the world, exuding the arrogance of royalty, at first glance you can see that she is not someone to be trifled with.

Since childhood, this face has had an irresistible charm, captivating people's hearts. However, she is a descendant of the royal family, and her temperament is erratic, so no one dares to touch her.

Feeling uncomfortable under Tieu Lam's attentive gaze, Ta Y Tran slightly frowned, not paying attention to him anymore. After saying "You guys play by yourself", she leaned back on the soft chair and closed her eyes.

The crowd and the remaining scholars left to go out and play. Only Wen Ying was left kneeling in the yard. No one dared to call him to stand up.

The palace maids still surrounded Ta Y Tran, playing musical instruments, singing, and serving tea and water, very attentive.

Wen Ying knelt on the ground for half an hour, everyone pretended not to see him.

After half an hour, Ta Y Tran finally opened her eyes, looked at him, propped her chin up and called out to the other team: "Come here."

Wen Ying tried to stand up, but was kicked by the attendant next to him, forcing him to kneel again, and could only crawl closer to Xie Yizhen.

Looking at it from a close distance, one could see that this face had no flaws. Although Ta Y Tran did not like his cold phoenix eyes, she really liked this look.

Such a person, once willing to follow, will be absolutely loyal.

Ta Y Tran asked softly: "Do you know what you came here to do?"

Tieu Lam's expression remained calm, his voice was cold and deep: "Does Your Highness really value me?"

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