Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 182 Xiao Nanyi Unravels the Nine-Linked Rings

The atmosphere in the imperial court was heavy and oppressive. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the gleaming marble floor, but it failed to dispel the tension that permeated the air.

With a seemingly gentle yet subtly sarcastic smile on his lips, Yamamoto Ichiro slowly rose to his feet and bowed to Xiao Jingchuan, who sat upright on the dragon throne, saying, "Your Majesty of Nanzhao, I have been staying in your country for many days and have been deeply impressed by the abundance of talent in Nanzhao. Today, I have brought a little trinket with me. I have heard that Nanzhao has many intelligent people. I wonder if anyone can decipher it, which would add some interest to this somewhat dull court."

After speaking, he waved his hand, and the servant behind him immediately presented a beautiful brocade box.

Yamamoto Ichiro slowly opened the brocade box and took out an exquisitely crafted nine-linked ring.

These nine interlocking rings are made of pure silver, gleaming with a cold light under the sunlight. Each ring is exquisitely crafted, and they are interlocked, exuding a mysterious aura.

"This is the Nine Linked Rings of my new Japan. Its craftsmanship is complex, and its solution is even more profound. I have witnessed the prowess of your ministers in your court. Today, I would like to see if anyone can solve it within half an hour." Yamamoto Ichiro's voice echoed in the court, with a hint of provocation in his tone.

These words caused an uproar in the court. The ministers whispered among themselves, their faces showing unease.

They knew full well that this seemingly simple nine-linked ring puzzle actually contained extremely high wisdom and skill, and was by no means easy to solve. If no one could solve it, wouldn't the Nanzhao Kingdom lose face in front of the envoy?

Xiao Jingchuan frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes. He understood that Yamamoto Ichiro was clearly deliberately making things difficult for Nanzhao Kingdom, wanting to embarrass them.

He glanced around at the ministers in the court and saw that everyone looked hesitant, and no one dared to step forward and try.

Just then, a clear child's voice rang out in the court: "Let me try."

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a little boy dressed in gorgeous children's clothes walking out from one side of the court with firm steps. He was none other than the five-year-old crown prince of Nanzhao Kingdom, Xiao Nanyi.

Xiao Nanyi's face beamed with a confident smile, and his eyes revealed an intelligence and determination beyond his years.

His hair was tied into an exquisite bun, with a small jade hairpin inserted in it, making him look even more lively and cute.

He walked to the center of the hall, bowed to Xiao Jingchuan and Yamamoto Ichiro respectively, and said in a clear voice, "Father, Your Excellency, let me untie this nine-linked ring."

Xiao Jingchuan looked at his son, feeling both gratified and worried.

What is gratifying is Xiao Nanyi's courage and confidence, but what is worrying is that he is still young. If he cannot solve the problem, it will not only embarrass himself, but also put the Nanzhao Kingdom in an awkward situation.

But at this moment, there was no better way. He nodded slightly and encouraged, "Yi'er, go ahead and do your best."

Yamamoto Ichiro looked at the innocent child in front of him, a hint of contempt flashing in his eyes.

He thought to himself, "Is the Nanzhao Kingdom so incompetent that they've sent a child to try and solve this nine-linked ring puzzle? It seems the Nanzhao Kingdom is going to make a fool of itself today."

He smiled slightly and said, "Young prince, this nine-linked ring puzzle is not easy to solve. Don't cry if you can't solve it."

Xiao Nanyi raised his head, looked at Yamamoto Ichiro, and showed a stubborn expression on his face: "Don't worry, Your Excellency, I will definitely solve it." After saying that, he reached out and took the nine-linked rings, walked to the table next to him, and sat down.

Xiao Nanyi held the nine-linked rings in both hands, examining them carefully. His eyes were focused and serious, his brows furrowed slightly, as if he were deep in thought. His fingers gently touched each ring, feeling their shape and how they were connected.

A hush fell over the court; everyone held their breath, watching Xiao Nanyi intently. The ministers were filled with both anticipation and tension, hoping that Xiao Nanyi could create a miracle and restore face for the Nanzhao Kingdom.

Xiao Nanyi took a deep breath and began to unravel the nine-linked rings. His fingers moved nimbly, sometimes gently pulling one ring, sometimes threading another through it.

His movements seemed casual, yet they possessed a unique rhythm. Every action he took made those around him hold their breath.

Yamamoto Ichiro's expression gradually turned grim. He had initially thought that Xiao Nanyi was just an ignorant child who couldn't possibly solve the Nine Linked Rings puzzle, but now, seeing Xiao Nanyi's skillful movements, a sense of unease welled up in his heart.

He stared intently at Xiao Nanyi, his eyes filled with doubt and surprise.

Time ticked by, and fine beads of sweat appeared on Xiao Nanyi's forehead, but his gaze grew increasingly determined. His fingers moved rapidly across the nine-linked rings, his movements becoming more and more fluid.

Suddenly, a happy smile appeared on Xiao Nanyi's face. With a "click," the last ring was successfully untied. The nine-linked rings were completely disassembled into nine individual rings in his hands.

"I've solved it!" Xiao Nanyi stood up excitedly, raised the nine-linked rings high in his hand, and shouted loudly.

A burst of enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted in the court.

The ministers all smiled with satisfaction, casting admiring glances at Xiao Nanyi. Xiao Jingchuan also smiled proudly, looking at Xiao Nanyi with a heart full of pride.

Yamamoto Ichiro's face turned ashen. He never expected that a five-year-old child could solve the nine-linked rings so easily.

His eyes were filled with resentment and shock, yet he had to admit that Xiao Nanyi's intelligence exceeded his expectations.

"The young prince is indeed exceptionally intelligent. Today, I, Yamamoto Ichiro, have truly witnessed the abundance of talent in the Nanzhao Kingdom." Although Yamamoto Ichiro was unwilling, he still had to bow and praise him.

Konan walked up to Yamamoto Ichiro, handed him the nine-linked rings, and said with a polite smile, "My lord, I have solved the nine-linked rings. Do you have any other problems?"

Yamamoto Ichiro took the nine-linked rings and forced a smile: "That's all. I admire the little prince's intelligence."

Seeing this, Xiao Jingchuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that Xiao Nanyi's solution not only saved face for the Nanzhao Kingdom,

It also allowed Yamamoto Ichiro to witness the strength and wisdom of the Nanzhao Kingdom. He stood up and said, "Today, Xiao Yi'er has brought honor to my Nanzhao Kingdom and allowed the envoy to see the splendor of my Nanzhao Kingdom. I hope that the envoy can truthfully report what he has seen and heard today back to His Majesty the Emperor of your country."

Yamamoto Ichiro nodded slightly, but inwardly he was thinking to himself, "The Nanzhao Kingdom may seem peaceful, but it is actually full of hidden talents and should not be underestimated. I originally intended to give the Nanzhao Kingdom a hard time, but I didn't expect it to be so easily resolved by a child."

It seems that once I return, I will have to report to His Majesty the Emperor and reassess our relationship with the Nanzhao Kingdom.

Xiao Nan Yi returned to Xiao Jingchuan's side. Xiao Jingchuan reached out and touched his head, saying softly, "Yi'er, you did very well. You are worthy of being the Crown Prince of my Nanzhao Kingdom."

Xiao Nan Yi looked up at Xiao Jing Chuan and said happily, "Father, I will work even harder to protect the Nanzhao Kingdom in the future."

Xiao Jingchuan nodded with a smile, his eyes full of anticipation.