Chapter 142: How Is He Not As Good As Ninth Brother?....
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
But Chu Jinling leaned in with a sly expression and whispered in her ear, “Don’t worry, I always write stories under a pen name. Besides you, no one knows it’s me who wrote it. After all, it wouldn’t be good if Father found out.”
Su Yingxue responded with a mocking snort, “You understand that the emperor will blame you if he finds out? Why don’t you exhibit a bit of self-awareness as a prince?”
What was a prince even supposed to be doing?
They could engage in scholarly pursuits, practice martial arts, and safeguard the realm.
If things didn’t work out, they could at least rely on their good looks to woo some girls!
Furthermore… even if it was a matter of power struggle, a prince should join in and stir up some excitement, right?
Otherwise, the emperor would be quite bored sitting on his throne!
Chu Jinling playfully wagged a finger at her and continued, “I have many siblings. I’m just the ninth in line. I can’t excel in both literature and martial arts. There’s already a Crown Prince, and my Third brother and seventh brother, are vying for the throne. 1 lack any advantage. The most I can achieve in this life is to enjoy the privileged status bestowed by my mother’s noble rank and live a carefree life!”
Su Yingxue was rendered speechless.
No issues there!
He possessed all the self-awareness that a prince wasn’t supposed to have!
“By the way, Auntie, you don’t need to worry. No one will find out about this. And if you’re willing to inspire me, I’ll share half of the book sales’ profits with you! I can also share all the inside stories I know about Jiang Du City!”
Chu Jinling blinked mischievously, resembling more of a mischievous spirit than a prince.
Su Yingxue rolled her eyes and let out a light snort. “Are you a prince, huh? How much money could you possibly make from selling books? 1 don’t even want it for free!”
“What?” Chu Jinling pouted, looking dejected. “You wouldn’t even accept several tens of thousands of taels of silver a year?”
Su Yingxue sprained her foot.
She turned around, limping back to Chu Jinling’s side, and assumed a serious expression. “Um… Your Highness, 1, Su Yingxue, am not someone who is motivated by money. 1 just want to make sure you enjoy writing. What kind of inspiration do you need?”
“Auntie, you’re too kind! I’ll give you an additional share of the book sales’ profits!”
Chu Jinling patted her shoulder like an affectionate brother. He recorded every word she spoke, even if it was fabricated as if he had stumbled upon a treasure trove.
As they took their seats together, Chu Jinling’s eyes continued to sparkle as he stuck close to Su Yingxue.
He followed Su Yingxue to her seat, and everyone’s gazes followed him.
Chu Xiuwen was the first to speak with a chuckle, “Marquis Su’s daughter is truly extraordinary. She seems to have captured our Ninth Brother’s attention! Over there is the women’s seating area, and Ninth Brother is not someone easily swayed!”
His words were a veiled jab at Su Yingxue, implying that she lacked propriety by openly attracting the prince’s interest. They seemed to be quite close.
Chu Chengye clenched his teeth and shattered the white jade wine cup in his hand.
Above them, the emperor took his seat with the concubines.
Chu Mingyuan had also heard Chu Xiuwen’s words.
When he looked over, Chu Jinling was still by Su Yingxue’s side. They were engaged in a lively conversation, their expressions filled with delight and relish.
The empress noticed the emperor’s furrowed brows and quickly added, “This Su family’s daughter truly lacks manners. The banquet is about to begin, and yet she’s still clinging to the prince, insatiable.”
“Mother, not all of the Su family’s daughters lack shame like Su Yingxue!” Chu Chengye’s face turned pale with anger.
As he looked at Su Yurou, who was seated behind Su Yingxue, he noticed her poised and gentle demeanor. She looked at him affectionately, bringing him a sense of ease.
However, when his gaze shifted to Su Yingxue, he couldn’t help but want to step forward and give her a proper scolding.
He wanted to ask her just how he, the highly regarded Seventh Prince, fell short compared to his Ninth Brother!