Isolated town in northern border region

Five states stood side by side in the world. In terms of the vastness of territory, Chu was the largest. In terms of military strength, Chu was also second to none.

However, if we consider the state of literature and education, and the aspirations of scholars throughout the land, then Jingguo is the only one that truly deserves such respect.

Jing Kingdom, situated in the fertile lands of Jiangnan, has established itself as a nation based on civil administration since its founding.

All three generations of rulers valued literature over military affairs, established numerous academies, and recruited renowned scholars from across the land.

Over a century, Jing State became a sacred place in the eyes of scholars from all over the world.

It was even said that "there were no poor families in Jing Kingdom".

It's not that there are no poor people in Jing, but rather that as long as you have talent and learning, you can make a name for yourself in Jing.

Every spring and autumn, scholars from various countries flock to the area, some to study, some to travel, and some to seek official positions.

The cultural and political achievements of the Jing Kingdom were unparalleled in the world.

In the royal family of Jing Kingdom, Princess Minyue, Jiang Min, was a master of Confucianism in her time.

Jiang Min, only eighteen years old, has shown remarkable intelligence since childhood.

He could compose poems at the age of five, write essays at the age of seven, and at the age of ten, he was already debating with famous scholars at the Jingguo Literary Gathering, answering questions fluently and astonishing everyone present.

At the age of twelve, he knelt before the door of the renowned scholar Shen Guanchao for five days and four nights, finally persuading Shen Guanchao to break the school rules and accept him as his last disciple.

In just three short years, Jiang Min's talent and learning had earned the admiration of Shen Guanchao.

"I have hundreds of disciples, and in terms of talent and quick wit, none can surpass Min'er."

A year later, Shen Guanchao passed away, entrusting all his life's collection of books and manuscripts to her before his death.

From then on, the name Jiang Min represented the inheritance of the world's literary tradition!

In addition, Jiang Min also controls the largest intelligence organization in Jing Kingdom—the Caifeng Division.

The Bureau of Cultural Research had its people spread across five countries, with spies everywhere—in teahouses, restaurants, brothels, and post stations.

"Your Highness, a secret report has arrived from the northern border of Chu."

The maid tiptoed into the carriage.

Jiang Min put down the book in her hand.

It was a local gazetteer of a border state of Chu, and the edges were already worn out from being read so many times.

She took the secret report and scanned it line by line.

The bloody battle of Cangwu City saw ice spikes shatter the enemy, and five hundred corpses piled up into a mound of heads.

The Azure Wolf Cavalry rushed a thousand miles to reinforce the Northern Barbarian camp, launching a night raid and setting fire to the entire camp.

The Tengri Gelug Conference: Subduing the enemy without fighting;

Beneath the walls of Youzhou, three thousand elite soldiers faced off against tens of thousands of iron cavalry head-on.

Steel mills, cement plants, trade markets, land redistribution, road construction...

Jiang Min frowned slightly.

She had seen many capable generals before, and the Jing Kingdom also had its share of famous generals.

But someone like Xiao Lie, all alone, in a year, went from a lonely city to the entire northern frontier...

This goes beyond being merely a skilled warrior.

"interesting."

She folded the secret report and tucked it into her sleeve.

"Princess, are you truly going to marry into the State of Chu?"

The maid asked cautiously.

Jiang Min reached out and lifted the carriage curtain, looking at the capital of the Great Chu Dynasty that was right in front of her.

"The State of Chu has recovered its northern border and its strength has greatly increased. If left unchecked, Chu will surely become a major threat in ten years."

"This time, our mission to Chu is either to eliminate this future formidable enemy, or..."

She paused.

"Then we will bring Prince Ning, Xiao Lie, back to Da Jing!"

"But Princess, you don't need to offer yourself in return!"

Jiang Min smiled, but there was no trace of girlish sentiment in her smile; instead, it carried a hint of bitterness.

"I pride myself on being no less than a man, and I have studied diligently since childhood, but in the end, it was all just self-aggrandizement."

The news of Princess Jing's arrival in the capital swept through the entire Chu capital like a hurricane.

Countless scholars and literati longed to catch a glimpse of her beauty.

The second prince, Xiao Zhang, was no exception.

After being questioned in public by the Chu Emperor, he should have kept his temper in check, but when he heard that the Princess of Jing was a master of both music and painting and had extraordinary literary talent, his restless heart could no longer be contained.

In his view, if he could form a bond with the princess, he would not only have control over the cultural heritage, but also receive support from the Jing Kingdom. What would the Chu Emperor's suspicion matter?

"Someone, prepare a generous gift; His Highness wishes to pay a visit."

The staff around him were startled.

"Your Highness, you have just been reprimanded by His Majesty. It would be inappropriate for you to visit Princess Jing at this time."

"What's wrong with it?"

Xiao Zhang changed into a moon-white brocade robe, with a jade pendant at his waist and a folding fan in his hand, looking every bit the dashing and talented scholar.

"I went there not as a prince, but as a student!"

"I have long admired Princess Minyue's erudition and have come to seek her guidance!"

"Who can say no?"

The staff members were speechless.

The inn where Princess Jing was staying was completely surrounded by people.

As soon as Xiao Zhang's carriage arrived, he saw the sedan chairs of the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince.

He sneered. These two good-for-nothings are joining in the fun too?

"Please announce that I am Xiao Zhang, the Second Prince of Great Chu, who has long admired the Princess's talent and has come to pay him a visit."

The gatekeeper went in to report and came out a moment later.

"Princess, please invite the Second Prince inside."

Xiao Zhang straightened his clothes and went inside.

In the front hall, Jiang Min sat in the main seat, dressed in a light blue dress, without any makeup, her black hair as black as clouds, and only adorned with a white jade hairpin.

She raised her head and looked at Xiao Zhang.

Xiao Zhang was stunned.

It's not that he's never seen a beautiful woman before.

As a prince, what kind of woman hadn't he seen?

But the Jiang Min in front of us is not only stunningly beautiful, but also exudes an aura of detachment from the world.

Her eyes and brows exuded a heroic spirit, like a secluded orchid in a valley, neither coquettish nor vulgar, possessing a unique charm.

With just one glance, Xiao Zhang was captivated.

"Your Highness."

Jiang Min smiled slightly.

"I've heard so much about you."

Xiao Zhang snapped out of his daze and quickly cupped his hands in greeting.

"Your Highness, you flatter me!"

"I have long admired the learning of Grand Tutor Shen. Today I have taken the liberty of visiting you to seek your guidance. I earnestly hope that you will be so kind as to teach me."

Jiang Min didn't expose him, she just smiled faintly.

"Your Highness, you're too kind. Please have a seat."

He sat there for an hour.

Xiao Zhang originally intended to just put on a show, chat for a few words, and then leave.

But as soon as he opened his mouth, he realized that he couldn't keep up with Jiang Min's words at all.

He spoke of the Book of Songs, and the princess asked him about the differences between "Feng," "Ya," and "Song."

He spoke of the Spring and Autumn Annals, and the princess asked him about the differences and similarities among the three commentaries.

Every question hit his blind spot perfectly!

Sweat beaded on Xiao Zhang's forehead. He managed to put on a show of compliance, but his mind was in turmoil.

Only then did he realize that Jiang Min was not the kind of person who was just putting on airs with his little talent, but rather a person who had truly immersed himself in reading extensively and possessed profound knowledge.

When Xiao Zhang left the post station, his steps were unsteady and his face was flushed.

It's not anger, it's being moved!

If I were to marry Princess Minyue, wouldn't that mean my talent and learning would be comparable to hers?

Moreover, I heard that Jiang Min also controls the Jing Kingdom's Bureau of Folk Customs!

For the support of the Jing Kingdom, for the sake of the cultural heritage of the world, and even more so for Jiang Min himself.

I must marry her!

Upon returning to his residence, Xiao Zhang immediately summoned his advisors.

"This prince intends to marry the princess of Jing Kingdom!"

"You must find a way for me, no matter the cost."

The staff members looked at each other in bewilderment.

They didn't know what the Second Prince had gone through at the post station, but seeing his determined expression, no one dared to advise him.

For the next few days, Xiao Zhang went to the post station every day.

He didn't put on airs like a prince, but instead treated Jiang Min with the utmost respect, asking her for knowledge as a student.

Jiang Min did not refuse him; she received him politely and saw him off politely.

But Xiao Zhang could sense that Jiang Min had no romantic feelings for him whatsoever; at most, she was just a visitor of higher status.

But Xiao Zhang didn't care.

He believed that sincerity can move mountains.

He had people collect Shen Guanchao's unpublished manuscripts, copy them into a book, and personally delivered it to the princess.

He invited the princess to tour the historical sites and scenic spots of the capital, and at each place he could quote classical texts and speak eloquently.

He even began to reread Shen Guanchao's works, trying to catch up with the princess in terms of scholarship.

When the news reached the ears of the Chu Emperor, he gave a cold laugh.

"wishful thinking."

Zhang Quan, the envoy from Jing Kingdom, witnessed all of this and privately discussed it with the princess.

"Princess, the Second Prince's attentiveness is probably genuine."

The princess put down the book in her hand and said calmly.

"Sincerity? Where in this world is there sincerity?"

"If I had never become a disciple of my master, and had never taken charge of the Bureau of Folklore Collection, how could this Second Prince have been so sincere?"

"At most, it's just for a pretty face."

Zhang Quan looked at Jiang Min and sighed softly.

"Ah, Princess... so wise."

"But the Second Prince is currently riding high. If we start with him, our plan might be easier."

Jiang Min shook her head.

"How could it be easy?"

"Xiao Zhang? Just a skeleton in a tomb..."

"If I'm not mistaken, this is likely the work of that person from the Northern Frontier!"