Chapter 164 - 163: The Emperor’s New Clothes

Chapter 164: Chapter 163: The Emperor’s New Clothes

...

"What? You’re saying the person we sent was rejected?" In Prince Qing’s manor, Prince Qing’s eyes widened in disbelief.

’Has my Prince Qing’s manor fallen so far? The beauty I sent couldn’t even get selected for a competition run by commoners.’

"Y-Yes, that’s right," the steward replied awkwardly. Only then did Prince Qing realize it wasn’t a joke.

"It’s not like she was competing for the championship. All she had to do was make it into the top one hundred, and she couldn’t even manage that."

As Prince Qing spoke, his brow furrowed. "Have the rejected candidate come see me. I want to see for myself just how muddled my manor has become that we can’t even compete with a group of common girls."

Following the order, the rejected candidate soon entered the room, her steps light and her figure graceful.

But when Prince Qing saw her, he fell silent. The woman walked with a gentle grace, as if she didn’t stir a speck of dust. Her jet-black hair cascaded like a waterfall to her waist, and a few strands brushed against her fair, jade-like cheeks, adding a touch of charm.

The young woman’s eyes were long, slender, and gentle, like distant mountains shrouded in mist. Her gaze was so clear it seemed capable of piercing the secrets of one’s heart, unknowingly drawing you in. Her nose was high and delicate, and her lips were a natural, tender pink, as if colored without a touch of rouge.

She wore an elegant brocade dress, its hem swaying gently with her steps like willow branches in the morning breeze. The fabric was embroidered with delicate orchid patterns that perfectly complemented her disposition. She was like a fairy stepping out of a painting—untouched by the mortal world, Extraordinary and transcendent.

"This humble one, Li Yuling, greets the Prince." As the young woman spoke, her voice was like the song of an oriole emerging from a valley—crisp, melodious, and a delight to the ear.

Prince Qing: ...

After seeing the rejected candidate with his own eyes, a speechless Prince Qing rubbed his forehead. He glanced sideways at his steward, and though he said nothing, the meaning in his eyes was crystal clear.

’Seriously? Someone of this caliber was rejected? She couldn’t even make the top one hundred? Are you kidding me?’

Understanding the Prince’s silent question, the steward could only bow and say guiltily, "This old servant was incompetent and botched the matter."

Sighing softly, Prince Qing looked at Li Yuling and said, "Tell me, how did they make their selections? Was it a random draw?"

"Reporting to the Prince, they selected based on five criteria: appearance, disposition, figure, cultivation, and family background."

"In appearance, disposition, cultivation, and family background, I received a score of 9.8. But I lost out on my figure, scoring only a nine." Li Yuling’s voice held a hint of grievance as she spoke, enough to stir one’s pity.

’Her figure?’ Prince Qing’s eyes swept over her, seeing no problems at all.

"They... they said that I, Li Yuling, don’t possess one of the ’Ten Famous Vessels’ from that ancient book. Compared to the other contestants, I was considered unremarkable. So, after their ’merit-based selection,’ they rejected me."

’So we were rejected just like that?’ Prince Qing thought, exasperated.

"Prince, there’s still time," an old man at his side said with a bow. "There are still two days until the selection ends. We can try again and send in a few more people."

"You handle it. Just make sure you force someone in, one way or another." Prince Qing waved his hand weakly. He never thought the competition could get this intense, even for him. It was absurd.

The steward acknowledged the order and immediately went to make the arrangements.

The next day, as the dozens of judges looked at a new batch of contestants whose quality was no less impressive than yesterday’s, their legs instinctively felt a little weak.

’How are there still so many top-tier contestants?’

...

In the evening, Fang Can walked out of the training hall, his cheek slightly bruised after sparring for the better part of the day.

That old geezer had been a bit too ruthless. His final guillotine choke had nearly torn his head off.

"Young Hero Fang, are you preparing to head back?" Prince Qing’s voice came from the side.

"I’m about done training for today. I’ve gained a lot. I’ll go back and cultivate, then return tomorrow," Fang Can replied.

"Ahem. I heard you’re practicing that Yin God Technique, which requires one hundred virgins. I have a zither girl, trained since childhood, whom I can gift to you for your cultivation," Prince Qing said, his tone slightly awkward.

"Hm? That won’t be necessary." Fang Can waved his hand dismissively. "My followers are already arranging it for me. There’s no need for you to trouble yourself, Prince Qing."

’Of course I know that! If we could get someone through the official selection, would I need to resort to back channels?’ Prince Qing grumbled internally.

"This is a token of my goodwill. Young Hero Fang, please do not refuse. My zither girl has undergone rigorous selection since she was a child. She will certainly not disappoint you."

As he said this, Prince Qing’s tone was a little sheepish. She had passed *their* rigorous selection but failed to get through a preliminary round run by commoners. Who could he even complain to about that?

"Prince, the temptations of women can lead a man astray," Fang Can said seriously. "If it weren’t for cultivating the Yin God Incantation, I would not wish to have too much contact with them. I appreciate your kind offer."

Under Prince Qing’s helpless gaze, Fang Can turned and left Prince Qing’s manor without the slightest hesitation.

Taking a side path back to his own residence, Fang Can was stunned by the scene in his courtyard. It was like he had stepped into the Kingdom of Women.

Women were walking everywhere in the residence, each one beautiful enough to make people on the street stop and stare.

When they saw Fang Can return, the stunning woman at the lead looked over and said, "This humble one greets Lord Fang."

As she spoke, the beauty suppressed the joy in her heart.

The followers in the residence had already described Fang Can’s features—the most handsome one with white hair and red eyes.

But even though they had been prepared, seeing him in person still exceeded their expectations.

"Mm, thank you for your hard work." Feeling a little awkward, Fang Can clasped his hands behind his back. After a few words of small talk, he bypassed the flock of beauties and went back inside his house.

He strode quickly back into the main courtyard, where he saw Ye Qingshi snort lightly. "Satisfied now? The residence is full of women."

"I don’t feel much of anything. I’m already used to it," Fang Can answered honestly.

And it was true. While he was keeping his desires on ice, those women certainly weren’t.

Simple physiological reactions could be easily overcome. It was just a bit of beauty, nothing more.

"Now that there are so many of them, I’m actually starting to find it a bit troublesome," Fang Can sighed.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t handle it; with his current recovery abilities, he could keep going indefinitely. But it was just too time-consuming.

"Just keep on with your humblebragging," Ye Qingshi said, speechless.