The Prince Wants to Assassinate Me Every Day-Chapter 38 - 39: Skillfully Overcoming Difficulties

After Ye Qichi finished speaking, it seemed as if the way everyone looked at her changed.

In all fairness, she truly had no intention of showcasing her "love" for Xiao Jinxing in front of his first love to perform. She absolutely had no intention of ruining their relationship; she was merely trying to protect herself.

After all, if the Emperor truly had the sincere intention of rewarding her, he wouldn’t have asked her what she wanted!

"The deep affection between husband and wife is truly gratifying to Me. But the words I speak are as heavy as nine tripods, I must grant the reward!" Xiao Zhanping declared with absolute authority.

At this point, if Ye Qichi continued to refuse, it would be equivalent to her not knowing how to appreciate the favor.

She quickly said, "This daughter-in-law thanks Father Emperor for his graciousness."

"What would you like?" Xiao Zhanping asked again.

Still, he asked her what she wanted, rather than directly rewarding her with something.

Ye Qichi bit her lip.

She was well aware that Xiao Zhanping was testing her, and this was also the first official meeting between her and the Emperor.

She figured that if she did not perform well this time, she would likely be permanently dismissed by the Emperor, and would perhaps never be allowed to enter the Imperial Palace again, possibly even implicating Xiao Jinxing as well.

Xiao Jinxing didn’t have much status in the Emperor’s eyes to begin with; if she were to provoke the Emperor, he would regard him even less.

But according to the plot, Xiao Jinxing should now be aiming to gain some favor from the Emperor. After all, merely relying on the Empress Dowager’s influence was not nearly enough for revenge.

Ye Qichi fell silent for a moment.

The others were also watching her.

Everyone seated here were cunning; they all understood what Xiao Zhanping meant.

But most people thought that Ye Qichi would not understand.

So they were also waiting to see a spectacle unfold. freewebnoveℓ.com

After all, for the Empress, Crown Prince, Imperial Concubine, and King Chu, whoever the Emperor disfavored, it would benefit them.

Disfavoring Xiao Jinxing, even slightly, would reduce one threat to them.

It was Bai Mowan who was somewhat anxious at that moment.

She was truly afraid that Ye Qichi would say something to offend the Emperor.

Now asking for a reward, asking too much would lead to the Emperor’s disdain, while asking too little would be a failure to give face to the Emperor.

This balance was truly difficult to grasp.

She hadn’t even thought what would be the most appropriate gift in such a short time.

She had not experienced this in her previous life either, so there was no preparation in advance.

Of course, her concern was not for fear that Ye Qichi would embarrass herself; she feared that Xiao Jinxing would be implicated.

Amidst this somewhat quiet and tense atmosphere.

Ye Qichi was actually waiting to see if Xiao Jinxing would help her.

This guy, even if not for her sake, should consider his own situation.

However, he was as still as Mount Tai without any movement.

Given Xiao Jinxing’s intelligence, he surely knew what kind of reward would be most appropriate to ask for now. It was either he didn’t want to expose his own strength or he simply didn’t want Bai Mowan to misunderstand, considering his reputation!

After all, Xiao Jinxing was extraordinarily talented from a young age, and everyone was aware of his abilities. They simply turned a blind eye since he did not pose a threat to them.

In other words, Xiao Jinxing’s silence was all because of Bai Mowan.

For Bai Mowan, he was truly willing to disregard everything.

Even the throne!

Ye Qichi took a deep breath inwardly, no longer expecting anything from Xiao Jinxing.

She slightly raised her head to look at Xiao Zhanping and spoke with neither arrogance nor subservience, "This daughter-in-law often hears His Highness speak of Father Emperor’s ink paintings that flow like dragons and snakes, like clouds and flowing water. If possible, this daughter-in-law would like to treasure one of Father Emperor’s ink paintings."

Upon stating her request, everyone was astonished.

It was an unassailable choice, the best possible reward.

An ink painting by the Emperor’s own hand could be considered worthless, or it could be deemed priceless. Moreover, Xiao Zhanping had always been proud of his ink paintings. Ye Qichi’s choice to ask for this as a reward was less of a request and more of a compliment, aligning perfectly with the Emperor’s vain heart.

Xiao Zhanping was stunned for two seconds.

Following that, he let out a hearty laugh, clearly pleased with Ye Qichi’s response.

"Call someone, prepare the ink and paper!" he commanded.

To write on the spot like this, he was obviously in high spirits.

Ye Qichi silently breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, she knew well the dispositions of everyone involved and could play to their preferences!

The way others looked at Ye Qichi now changed.

Especially Xiao Jinsen.

At first, he had always thought Ye Qichi would definitely "show her true colors," but her calm and composed response had caused him some inner turmoil.

Was this woman truly different from the rumors, or had Xiao Jinxing arranged everything in advance?

Even if Xiao Jinxing had made arrangements, Ye Qichi’s demeanor and poise couldn’t be changed overnight.

Bai Mowan was now looking at Ye Qichi, also with some thoughts running through her mind.

Initially worried Ye Qichi would embarrass Xiao Jinxing, she now felt a little uncomfortable seeing Ye Qichi leave unscathed.

In her eyes, Ye Qichi was supposed to be someone who was all form and no substance.

Suddenly displaying such intelligence made her feel somewhat threatened.

She bit her lip lightly, her eyes drifting unintentionally towards Xiao Jinxing.

Seeing Xiao Jinxing’s indifferent expression, with no emotional fluctuation due to Ye Qichi’s performance, the waves in her heart calmed a bit.

The depth of Xiao Jinxing’s feelings for her should not be questioned.

She should not be jealous of anyone.

At the Imperial Banquet.

Xiao Zhanping personally wrote a couplet, "Joyous candles burn twin flames, celebrating the union; a harmonious song sings of a fitting home."

The side banner read, "Auspicious time, perfect couple!"

A pair of well-wishing ink paintings, in reality, was an acknowledgment of Ye Qichi, setting down in writing his recognition.

This was an enormous honor for any royal daughter-in-law.

Even the Crown Princess Consort had never received such an honor, turning Gao Jingyi green with envy in an instant.

Ye Qichi quickly knelt down to thank him for his grace.

Taking the ink painting, she thought to herself that when it came time to leave Xiao Jinxing, she might be able to sell it for a good price!

The Imperial Banquet finally came to an end.

Ye Qichi’s tightly wound nerves finally began to ease a bit.

She pushed Xiao Jinxing back to the carriage to prepare to leave the Imperial Palace.

Suddenly, a palace maid approached, "This servant pays her respects to His Highness."

Xiao Jinxing looked at the palace maid, "Liu Li."

"At your service," Liu Li said with utmost respect, "The Empress Dowager heard of His Highness’s presence at the palace today and specifically instructed this servant to wait outside the banquet hall for His Highness to finish, and then to invite His Highness to the Empress Dowager’s quarters."

Xiao Jinxing nodded, "Alright."

"My respect to you, Your Highness the Princess," said Liu Li, bowing to Ye Qichi, then she took the handle of Xiao Jinxing’s wheelchair, and pushed him away.

Ye Qichi just watched as Xiao Jinxing left, not saying a word.

She stood there, stunned!

Bewildered!

So, in this unfamiliar Imperial Palace, where was she supposed to go now?!

And where had Xiao Wu gone off to?!

Madness.

Ye Qichi truly cursed Xiao Jinxing and his eighteen generations of ancestors!