Chapter 5 — The Crown Prince criticized me for not being worthy of the Eastern Palace, but the Martial General held my hand and wouldn't let go

Today he wore a dark-colored brocade robe, and the noble aura between his eyebrows was even more elegant than that night. After entering the garden, his eyes scanned the crowd. When it stopped on top of him, it clearly stopped for a moment. Then moved away again. After sitting down, from beginning to end he chatted with the officials next to him, not even looking at me once. On the contrary, On Nhuoc Huyen occasionally leaned close to him, whispering softly, his smile so sweet it was so sweet. The Crown Prince only responded indifferently, but never pushed her away. Halfway through the banquet, On Nhuoc Huyen suddenly stood up and patted his hands.

"Sisters, today I have prepared an interesting trick. I have just bought a new lapis lazuli screen, on which are inlaid all kinds of gems. Whoever can guess the arrangement of those gems, this screen will belong to that person."

Everyone got really excited. I sat in my seat, suddenly feeling a bad feeling in my heart. The glass screen was carried up. The arrangement of the gems on it is not at all complicated, just a very simple rule of arithmetic. I just glanced at the answer. Most of the ladies present also guessed it. But On Nhuoc Huyen's purpose did not lie in that screen. After everyone finished guessing, she smiled and said:

"Oh my, everyone can guess it. So let's add one more question, this one will be more difficult. Please write down the names of the flowers present in Phuong Hoa Vien today. Whoever writes the most will win."

Having finished speaking, she ordered the maid to give paper and pen to each person. I picked up the pen and wrote down. Of the flowers in Phuong Hoa Garden, I recognize more than half. Writing more than thirty types is not difficult. Halfway through writing, I suddenly felt someone looking at me. I raised my head. The Crown Prince's eyes are resting on my hand holding the pen. There were so many emotions in those eyes. There is also a kind of possessive desire that is hard to describe. I looked away and continued writing. After writing and submitting it, On Nhuoc Huyen personally checked it. Looking at my work, her face changed slightly in the blink of an eye, but quickly restored her smile.

"Sister Hoai Uyen wrote thirty-seven types, which is the most."

Everyone clapped. On Nhuoc Huyen stepped in front of me and pushed the glass screen towards me.

"Sister has won, this screen belongs to you."

Before I could refuse, she continued to speak. The voice is not loud. But every word is extremely clear.

"It's just a pity that although my sister is more talented at studying than others, her fate is not very good. If she hadn't been banned by His Highness the Crown Prince in the past..."

She suddenly stopped, as if realizing she had said something wrong, and quickly covered her mouth with her hand.

"Oh, I... I didn't mean it. Don't take it to heart, sister."

The whole garden fell into silence. All eyes were on us. Those eyes. Even sharper than a blade. It's pity. No matter how talented you are, so what? In the end, he's still the one being thrown away. I stood up. The Crown Prince also stood up. His expression was somewhat unsightly. He looked at On Nhuoc Huyen, his lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to say something. But in the end. He still did not publicly scold her. He just looked at me.

"Lady Hoac..."

"His Royal Highness."

I interrupted him and bowed to bow.

"Swallow flower Today was indeed very interesting. Thank you Your Highness for the treat. I'll take my leave first."

I turned around and left. He doesn't chase anymore. But just stepped out of the garden gate. I see a person. Hoac Van Tranh led his horse and stood under the tree across the street. Saw me coming out. He didn't ask a single question. Just quietly lead the horse in front of me.

"Why is the general here?"

"Chieu Chieu said that before she went out today, her face was not good."

He didn't look at me, turned around on his horse, and then reached out to me.

"Let's go, go home."

I look at that hand. Large, rough, with calluses on the knuckles from years of practicing swords. I put my hand in his. On the way back to the palace, Hoac Van Tranh did not say a word. It was not until he reached the palace gate that he spoke.

"In the future, if the Crown Prince invites her to the banquet, she can go if she wants to go. If she doesn't want to go..."

"I won't go anymore."

He turned his head to look at me.

"That On Nhuoc Huyen, does he aim at her every time?"

"She wasn't aiming at me."