Quick Transmigration: The Mad Beauty Refuses to Be the Scapegoat!-Chapter 404 - 26: The General Mansion’s Cast-Off Cannon Fodder Wife
But when he heard the poem from Jiang Lai’s mouth, the long-subdued passion in his heart seemed to boil again.
In her eyes, Tie Yi was a hero who could support the heavens and stand on the earth.
Just one simple sentence shook him more than a thousand praises from others.
After a brief silence, the Emperor suddenly stood up, unable to hide the appreciation and amazement in his eyes as he looked at Jiang Lai.
"Well, well! A good one indeed: ’Should Qin City have Fei, never would the barbarian horses cross Mang Mountain.’ Iron General, Da Wei is truly fortunate to have you!
Write down the entire poem and hang it in My Imperial Study Room so I may remind myself daily of the heavy burden ahead to expel the barbarians!"
Jiang Lai took two more steps forward, coming directly to Tie Yi, looked at him seriously, and whispered.
"Iron General, you are the hero of the world, and also my personal hero."
Tie Yi’s hands trembled slightly, and his gaze was filled with overwhelming emotions as he looked at Jiang Lai. He bowed his head, trying hard to suppress his feelings, and his voice was low and hoarse.
"Jiang Lai, what should I do with you?"
No way.
No way at all.
After holding back for more than ten days, seeing her for the first time he was completely captivated.
Jiang Lai is more formidable than thousands of troops on the battlefield, with just a smile or a frown, she could devastate him.
With the act almost complete, Jiang Lai turned around and saluted the Emperor.
"For this consort to receive Your Majesty’s recognition is a great fortune."
A roaring applause erupted from the audience, there was no denying it, the poem was excellent, crafted in just three steps, succinctly summarizing Iron General’s early life, and the last line left a deep impression on His Majesty’s heart.
With one poem, she earned ample face for her husband, ensuring the Iron General’s fame would be immortalized for generations.
"Truly, to marry, one must marry the virtuous. Jiang Lai’s poem truly secured Iron General’s status, and no matter what, His Majesty will no longer doubt his loyalty and achievements overshadowing the Emperor."
Several princes discussed in hushed tones.
The Eighth Prince was stunned for a long time, finally coming to his senses after Jiang Lai stepped off the stage.
Because Jiang Lai was walking towards him, smiling, apparently unaware, causing distress and guilt inside the Eighth Prince, wishing he could find a hole to hide in.
"Thank you, Eighth Prince, also thank the General for you."
The Eighth Prince was nervous and flustered, he wished he could beat himself up, such a talented girl had been unjustly maligned by him, and now she was thanking him, it was more painful than killing him.
"No, no, you don’t have to thank me."
The Eighth Prince was already incoherent; he most respected genuine scholars, and facing Jiang Lai, recalling his previous sordid plans, he was deeply ashamed.
Fortunately, at this moment, the Sixth Prince spoke to help him out of the awkward situation.
"Miss Jiang’s talent has perhaps always been in hiding, nourishing talents secretly."
Jiang Lai looked at him.
No wonder he was the male lead, among all the princes he was the most handsome, up close, his features were flawless.
"Since I am already married, I ought to do something for my husband. Speaking of hiding one’s talents, it’s merely spontaneous expression."
The Sixth Prince looked at Jiang Lai, his long and narrow phoenix eyes contained a hint of scrutiny, recalling the Wind and Moon Poems, there was even more admiration in his gaze.
"Miss Jiang can discuss both poetry and battlefield; there is no need for such modesty. Just think about what reward you want from His Majesty later."
Jiang Lai smiled, bowed, and left, returning to her seat and looking at Jiang Yu sitting not far away, with a hint of a smile in her eyes.
Watching her back, she remained upright, but stretched too tight, those around could easily see that this talented woman wasn’t as calm and composed as she appeared.
In reality, Jiang Yu’s heart was already filled with deep unwillingness and anger.
Just before, she was completely defeated by the seemingly worthless Jiang Lai.
Although everyone said each had their strengths, anyone who had read books knew that Jiang Lai’s poem, composed in three steps, far surpassed her in both diction and intent.
Jiang Lai deliberately humiliated her in front of everyone!
Appearing entirely harmless, yet constantly seeking to overshadow her and make her embarrassed!
Jiang Yu’s mind was in chaos, she could feel the stares from all directions, not the previous admiration, jealousy, or envy, but a disdainful scrutiny and an excitement for watching a spectacle.
Xu Ruling looked at Jiang Yu.
"Sister Yu, what’s wrong? Didn’t you rest well last night?"
Jiang Yu forced a smile, not daring to show any flaw in front of so many people.
"No, I just didn’t expect Jiang Lai to be so uniquely gifted; after getting married, she turned into a completely different person."
"It’s definitely the General who leaked the topic to her early on, otherwise, how could she possibly surpass you!"
Jiang Yu considered this possibility.
She could learn early from the Eighth Prince that His Majesty would certainly focus on Tie Yi, so how could Jiang Lai not know?
But, she hadn’t expected, how in just a few days, Jiang Lai got hold of such poems!
And where did the Wind and Moon Poems come from!
The following poetry contest, Jiang Yu paid no attention from beginning to end, until the announcement of the results.
"Each of you is a distinguished talent, opening My eyes, but My favorite is still Jiang Lai’s ’On Famous Generals.’ Jiang Lai, tell Me, what reward do you want?"
Everyone looked toward Jiang Lai.
The affair of the Marquis Mansion was known by all, both daughters of the Jiang family were so outstanding, ranking first and second, surely she would plead for the Marquis in front of His Majesty.
The Sixth Prince watched Jiang Lai, sure she would mention the Marquis’ affair.
It’s a muddled situation, at present no one dares to mention it within the court, led by Marquis Jiang, who along with a dozen officials had been thoroughly investigated. Let’s not mention corruption, but one thing was proven: Marquis Jiang privately organized a group of scholars among the public to compose proclamations against different factions.
This kind of disruption is something His Majesty detests the most, if Jiang Lai raised it now, she could indeed garner a good reputation, and His Majesty’s golden words would be hard to retract, but it would surely make him uncomfortable.
At most, the court would give some leeway, sparing the Marquis from prison, but for the rest of his life, he would have nothing to do with the court, His Majesty would never allow him to return to court.
But if Jiang Lai raised the issue, she would effectively force His Majesty’s hand, making it difficult for Tie Yi to maintain his standing with the Emperor.
Equivalent to exchanging Tie Yi’s future for the safety of the Marquis Mansion.
At this moment, Jiang Yu was gripping the table edge tightly, waiting to see Jiang Lai flaunt herself in front of everyone.
Surely she too wanted to protect the Marquis Mansion and curry favor in front of everyone, right? A child born of a concubine, who was she to make demands before the Emperor!
Just then, Jiang Lai spoke.
"Replying to Your Majesty, this consort indeed has a request, hoping Your Majesty could fulfill it."
"Speak and let Me hear."
"It’s about the General."
About the General? Not about the Marquis Mansion? What is Jiang Lai up to?
