I’m Competing With The Male Lead For A Woman[Gl] Chapter 119: Who is that person?

Xiao Jin accidentally caught a glimpse of the woman sitting next to the Crown Prince and almost thought she was seeing things. She couldn’t help but tilt her body slightly and look closely.

The woman sat upright and leisurely on a Huanghuali wood chair, draped in a palace-made brocade gown, the blue color resembling that of a lake, making her cheeks look even more pure and white.

In fact, her attire and appearance were not inappropriate in any way. It was just that her slightly furrowed brows and her affectionate gaze were too much like Chu Shao.

Upon closer inspection, there were still some differences. Although Chu Shao’s eyes often had a hint of a smile, they always seemed to be shrouded in a thin mist, like river water. Although they were clear and transparent, they always seemed to be separated by a layer.

The other person who resembled Chu Shao did not give off this feeling and appeared to have more human warmth.

Xiao Jin first ruled out the possibility of the male lead being in unrequited love and then sought out the trope of a substitute.

After all, the Crown Prince’s obsession with the country was clearly more important than a beautiful woman.

So, there was only one possibility left. Xiao Jin recalled the original plot while withdrawing her gaze.

Unexpectedly, as soon as she turned her head, she met Chu Shao’s eyes.

Chu Shao supported her chin and smiled at Xiao Jin, her tone gentle and slow, “What is your Highness looking at?”

As Xiao Jin looked into Chu Shao’s eyes, an inexplicable sense of guilt arose in her heart, and she coughed as a cover-up, “Nothing, just casually looking.”

Fortunately, Chu Shao had noticed Xiao Jin looking elsewhere since earlier. So no matter how Xiao Jin responded, she could still turn her head to look at the person that Xiao Jin had been staring at for a long time.

What a coincidence.

When Chu Shao looked towards the seat next to the Crown Prince, the person sitting there just happened to raise their eyes and give a fleeting glance.

Through the fluttering multicolored flags, the two seemed to be gazing at each other and also admiring the ceremony together.

With so many people in the arena, it was nothing to just look at each other. However, their actions caught the attention of the people around them.

Xiao Jin observed Chu Shao’s expression and found that apart from the initial surprise, she didn’t have any other reactions. It was as if she wasn’t surprised at all despite looking so much alike.

It didn’t make sense.

As for the other woman in the blue dress, when she met Chu Shao’s gaze, she just pursed her lips slightly, her eyes still shimmering with a gentle demeanor.

Xiao Jin looked at the woman’s every move and almost suspected that she was trying to imitate Chu Shao.

Except for the occasional sense of oppression emanating from Chu Shao and her dangerous smile, she had imitated her perfectly.

As the three of them were lost in their own thoughts, the Crown Prince, who was sitting beside them, was not averse to the situation and even stood up, raising his cup to Xiao Jin with a smile. “Third brother, I respect you.”

Xiao Jin sat expressionlessly in her wheelchair, raised her cup slightly, and replied.

At this point, Chu Shao had already moved her gaze away and said with a smile to Xiao Jin, “This Princess thought that Her Highness was watching the cavalry, but it turns out she was looking at the beauty.”

Chu Shao actually knew that the person sitting next to the Crown Prince was her sister, Princess Roujia.

In theory, when the Prince Yan Xiao Jin attacked the Yao Country, she was responsible for escorting the Empress Ning and Princess Roujia, so she must have seen the latter before. However, Chu Shao guessed that the current Xiao Jin sitting in front of her probably did not know this.

So she deliberately did not directly indicate Princess Roujia’s identity, and had a playful thought to see how Xiao Jin would respond.

Xiao Jin looked at Chu Shao’s gentle smile and chose to face the difficulty head-on, saying lightly, “I just thought she looked a bit like you, so I took a few more glances.”

Chu Shao stared at Xiao Jin with a smile in her eyes. “So, Your Highness, who do you think is more beautiful, me or that person?”

Xiao Jin suddenly remembered a person named Roujia.

Although she felt that Chu Shao was not someone who cared about appearances, she decisively answered, “Of course, Your Highness, the Princess, you are more beautiful.” Just kidding, Chu Shao is the original female lead. Already at the peak of beauty, who could be more beautiful than her?

At first, Chu Shao was a little stunned, then she smiled happily and said, “Your Highness flatters me. Although I know Your Highness is telling a lie, I find that lie very pleasant to hear.”

A lie? Xiao Jin frowned slightly, “Shao’er, what I said was the truth.” 

Chu Shao asked, “Your Highness, do you know who that person is?”

Xiao Jin answered honestly, “I don’t know.” 

“She is my sister, Princess Roujia of Yao Country.”

Xiao Jin did not feel surprised.

After all, they looked so much alike, having some blood relationship was reasonable.

Although Princess Roujia was beautiful, she was neither the female lead nor an important supporting character in the original text, so it was normal for Xiao Jin not to recognize her.

However, Chu Shao casually added, “She is also recognized as the most beautiful woman in the four seas and all nations.”

“The most beautiful woman in the four seas and all nations?” Xiao Jin was silent for a moment before asking slowly. 

Chu Shao nodded.

Xiao Jin’s mind was buzzing. She didn’t know who came up with these rankings, which seemed so boring, and the original author didn’t mention them at all.

Moreover, Chu Shao was clearly prettier than Princess Roujia.

Who picked this?

Probably someone with bad eyesight.

Thinking of this, Xiao Jin couldn’t help but speak the truth: “The person who ranked you must have never seen you before.”

Chu Shao smiled and said, “Naturally, they haven’t seen this Princess.”

Xiao Jin frowned slightly and asked, “Why?”

Chu Shao replied, “Because this Princess has not yet held the coming-of-age ceremony, and in Yao Country, only when the princess holds her coming-of-age ceremony will the Emperors of various countries be invited to observe the ceremony. At this time, the artist will draw the true appearance of the princess, put it into a scroll, and register it.”

Xiao Jin quickly traced the timeline in her mind.

By the time Chu Shao held her coming-of-age ceremony, Nan Jin should have returned.

But with the chaos in Yao Country, she probably didn’t have time to hold the ceremony for Chu Shao.

So the question arose.

Since Chu Shao did not hold the coming-of-age ceremony, where did the portrait of her that was inserted in the book come from?

Unfortunately, the original owner had already passed away, so Xiao Jin could not interrogate her soul.

She could only give a brief answer and continue to drink tea and eat.

At this point, Xiao Jin probably understood why the Crown Prince had kidnapped Princess Roujia from the original owner.

Most likely, he valued her royal bloodline and, once he found the Half-jade seal, could use her as leverage to pressure Xinyao.

In this way, unification of the world was just around the corner.

Thinking of this, Xiao Jin sighed softly.

No matter how noble one’s background, in the end, they were just a sacrifice in the struggle for power.

Just as Xiao Jin was lost in thought, Emperor Qi had already finished coughing and giving his farewell speech.

Although his voice was a bit weak, the atmosphere was right, and everyone raised their glasses and said some common phrases such as “Long live Your Majesty” and “Your Majesty is wise.”

These were all usual routines. The only difference this time was that not only could the women of the palace participate in the hunt, but even the wives and daughters of courtiers could show off their talents on the field. 

However, for someone like Xiao Jin, who was sitting in a wheelchair, it didn’t matter.

But when a eunuch walked over to Chu Shao with a set of armor, smiling, that was when Xiao Jin realized that Chu Shao probably had to participate too.

Although the number of female relatives participating in the hunt was too numerous to count, considering that Chu Shao was the female lead, someone might cause trouble if the female lead’s aura became too strong.

Xiao Jin furrowed her brows and asked the little eunuch holding the clothes, “Eunuch, is it necessary for the Princess to go?”

The little eunuch walked a few steps closer, nodded and bowed, saying, “Your Highness, it’s not really necessary, but you see… each prince’s mansion and every important person has sent someone…”

The words were hesitant, but Xiao Jin understood their meaning.

So it seemed that everyone invited here had to send someone to participate.

Although Xiao Jin resisted internally, she looked up and saw that Emperor Qi and Xiao Shuang were both looking over.

Looking ahead, the women from various palaces and mansions had already lined up, apparently waiting for Chu Shao. 

Under everyone’s gaze, Xiao Jin could only gesture for Ye Suyu to take the armor.

As soon as she responded, the others withdrew their gazes and began preparing for the hunt.

Chu Shao looked at Xiao Jin’s clearly unenthusiastic expression and smiled, “Your Highness, don’t you want me to go hunting with you?”

Xiao Jin nodded gloomily.

Chu Shao was surprised, but the smile on her lips deepened, “Is it because you can’t bear to be without me?”

Xiao Jin thought that wasn’t the case, but what she said was meaningful, “I’m afraid that there are ill-intentioned people who will play tricks behind our backs.”

“What do you mean?” Chu Shao knew that there might be danger, but her smile did not diminish.

Xiao Jin remembered the routines in online novels and listed them one by one, “For example, someone might put medicine in the horse’s feed the day before, and during the hunt, it will suddenly become restless and cause a commotion.”

As she spoke, she looked at the armor again, “Or they might tamper with our clothes, put some poison powder or something even less reputable…I won’t say anything more specific.”

Chu Shao looked at Xiao Jin in surprise for a long time before smiling, “Your Highness is really meticulous.”

Xiao Jin shook her head and said seriously, “It’s not that I’m meticulous, it’s that there are too many people with malicious intentions, and I have to be careful.”

“So Your Highness, what do you think I should do to protect myself?” Chu Shao asked curiously.

At this point, Xiao Jin finally smiled, “Before we came, I had already taken precautions against these people. I specifically had Juege bring a good horse from the mansion, and it usually eats the grass around the tent, so there shouldn’t be any problems.”

Chu Shao chuckled lightly, “What about the armor Your Highness mentioned earlier?”

“I definitely won’t use the one they prepared,” Xiao Jin lowered her eyelashes and whispered, “When we change our clothes later, Ye Suyu will quietly give you another set of armor, so there won’t be any problems.”

In order not to let the people around them hear, Xiao Jin leaned slightly closer to Chu Shao.

Chu Shao smiled, looking at Xiao Jin’s fine and long eyelashes, suddenly wanting to get close and lightly kiss her.

However, considering that there were too many people around, she ultimately restrained herself.

Xiao Jin was so good, better than anyone else. 

Chu Shao really liked her.

However, Xiao Jin was still thinking about whether there was any hunting technique that she had forgotten.

It wasn’t until the eunuch hinted subtly that time was running out that Xiao Jin allowed Ye Suyu to hand over the prepared bow and arrow to Chu Shao.

Before leaving, she whispered, “Try to walk where there are more people, and when hunting, you need to run slower…otherwise, your dark guards will be left behind.”

Chu Shao took the bow and arrow, with a gentle smile and a lot of patience, responded, “I understand.”

Xiao Jin watched as Chu Shao walked away and suddenly felt a sense of loss in her heart.

It seemed like something was missing, but also like there wasn’t.

Always feeling a bit empty.

She had never experienced this before.

Now that she felt it, she didn’t know if this feeling was good or bad.

Before Xiao Jin could figure it out, the sudden concern of Emperor Qi interrupted her thoughts.”Jin’er, is your eye disease better now?”

Emperor Qi turned his head to look at Xiao Jin.

Perhaps because of the wind and cold, his voice was a bit hoarse.

Xiao Jin came back to her senses and said calmly, “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Your child is fine now.”

Emperor Qi stared at Xiao Jin’s eyes for a while, then nodded and said, “That’s good. But I don’t know where my child found such a miraculous doctor who had such a magical effect, and you were cured instantly.”

“It’s a divine doctor, probably with some special remedies.” Of course, all the remedies were made up by Xiao Jin’s nonsense.

Emperor Qi seemed a bit hesitant, but since Xiao Jin had already said this much, he couldn’t ask any more questions.

He just sighed and said, “You are still young, so you should take good care of yourself and not treat your safety as a child’s play.”

“…”

Xiao Jin almost had the illusion that Emperor Qi might also have a caring side.

But illusions were just illusions.

Xiao Jin didn’t believe that Emperor Qi really cared about her.

He just casually picked some words and thanked him two or three times without any sincerity.

According to the protocol, at this point, she would also have to show false concern for Emperor Qi’s health.

Fortunately, at this time, the women had changed into their hunting clothes and were coming from a distance.

Xiao Jin breathed a sigh of relief, ended the conversation with Emperor Qi, and looked for Chu Shao’s figure in the crowd. 

Next, Xiao Jin realized that her search was unnecessary.

Even if Chu Shao was standing at the end of the queue, wearing a simple white outfit, she still attracted attention.

At this moment, Chu Shao was riding on a white horse with silver armor, wearing a suit of armor.

A faint smile appeared on her face, resembling a wandering adventurer on a distant journey or a young man who had just entered the world, free and unrestrained, with no intention of staying or leaving.

This was the first time Xiao Jin had seen Chu Shao like this, and she unintentionally stared at her for a long time.

If it wasn’t for the annoying person who appeared beside Chu Shao, Xiao Jin would probably have continued to stare without reservation.

The annoying person was not wearing armor, but rather a yellowish-white gown.

Normally, when Shen Shuang wore this outfit, it could barely be described as a silver poplar leaf swaying in the wind.

But at this moment, Xiao Jin felt that the other party should be a piece of egg custard pie, or a piece of dog-tail grass that was about to wither.

How dare she block her line of sight with her own efforts and still smile so brightly!

She was truly despicable.

Xiao Jin inwardly cursed Shen Shuang, who was trying to move closer to Chu Shao.

Her gaze happened to fall on the woman following behind Shen Shuang.

As she looked at the woman’s pale face and timid demeanor, she squinted her eyes slightly.

She always felt that this person seemed somewhat familiar. So, Xiao Jin called Ye Suyu over, pointed to the woman with her hand, and asked in a low voice, “Who is that person?” 

Ye Suyu looked in the direction pointed by Xiao Jin, saw the fragile figure, and looked back at Xiao Jin with a strange expression: “Your highness, don’t you know? 

She is the second Miss of the Shen family, Shen Guichen.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Translator’s note: Oh! She’s her sister. I thought she was some kind of replica. 😌 It’s good to know. I hope she will be an ally, not a foe.

TO BE CONTINUE…