Valiant Princess

Four: For better or worse

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Imperial Noble Consort Mei

(Ruby Lin)

Crown Princess Long Fenghuang has successfully made everyone shocked by her brand-new attitude. They can still feel that she is still that aloof and stubborn princess but, she is somewhat very distant and cold as well. The way that she currently acts is much more elegant and somewhat mature which is an enigma because she is just a 13-year old girl. Some even wonder how a mere fall can just change someone that drastically.

The Emperor smiles as he looks at his beloved older daughter, "Fenghuang, are you feeling much better now?"

"This daughter is feeling much better indeed. Imperial father… Imperial mother… Do forgive this unfilial daughter of yours. Consort mother, we sincerely apologize for causing you so many worries as well." She respectfully bows to each of them.

General Bing Xiaji stares at her and is quite irritated because, not even once, since she had arrived, ever look at him. She usually made a fuss whenever she saw him in the past. The tone of her voice changes as well. She talks politely but in a somewhat icy manner as well. Too bad she is wearing a veil, so he cannot see her face. It is not like he never saw her face before but this new habit of hers is somewhat dumbfounding. Why only now he thought to himself.

One of the nobles suddenly said in a loud voice, "Greeting, Your Royal Highness! This Duke does feel somewhat odd that Her Royal Highness is wearing a veil now which is not something that has been done before… What is with this sudden mysterious air?"

General Bing Xiaji smiles when he heard what the Duke had just said. Crown Prince Long Dongji stares at the Duke and trying to retort his words when his younger sister suddenly held onto his arm and whispers something to him. He then calms down and smiles at her. General Bing Xiaji suddenly feels a bit weird upon seeing these loving exchanges between the pair of imperial siblings, but he dismisses his feeling. After all, a feeling is only for weak people. Whatever the princess does is not a business of his.

Crown Princess Long Fenghuang then turns her head to stares at the presumptuous Duke, "Correct this princess if we are wrong but you are Duke Dachen1 right... The one whom nearly caused his whole family nearly exterminated due to his loose mouth several years ago. No one will say that you are a mute if you did not say anything. You are just a mere duke without any significant power. Speaks appropriately when you are only needed to do so."

The Duke suddenly looks very scared when he heard what she had just said. Princess Long Hua suddenly giggles but stop after her consort mother suddenly pinched her waist. Even Crown Prince Long Dongji is smiling upon hearing his younger sister venomous words but he cleverly covered his smile with the wine cup that he is holding onto. The Emperor and the Empress like everyone else in the hall are dumbfounded with the Crown Princess sudden damning words.

Empress Huihuang then looked at the poor and slightly trembling man and said, "Duke Dachen, next time please behave more appropriately, your family matters most. Especially your wife and children. Be wise with your words. It can be your blessings and curse as well."

Duke Dachen kneels and bow down profusely to apologize for what he had said but the Crown Princess just ignores him, she slowly lifted her veil and eat one of the cakes on her table, she then drinks a bit of tea soon after. One of her maids cleans her hand while the other maid had given her a silk handkerchief for her to clean her mouth. She took it and softly said thanks to them both. Crown Prince Long Dongji noticed it and smiled, he even softly patted her head. He knows that she is smiling even though she is wearing a veil, she then holds onto his hand while her other handpick one of the cakes and she gives it to him.

"You want me to eat it?" he asked.

She nods, and he happily directly eat it from her small hand. She then uses her silk handkerchief to clean his mouth. Crown Prince Long Dongji smiles even more and completely look like a fool in the process. All these years, his younger sister acted rather selfishly even when he showered her with all his love, attention and care. "Is it worth it?" he thought to himself. She is now reciprocating by acting like an adorable and lovable younger sister. Princess Long Hua giggles even more upon seeing both of her older siblings being lovable towards each other.

Crown Princess Long Fenghuang suddenly turns her head and said, "Younger imperial sister, maybe we should personally feed you as well. After all, it is not fair for us to spoil older imperial brother only..."

"No! No! No! We are fine really. We can eat on our own."

Princess Long Hua frantically decline her older sister request. She even blushes as she is looking at her older sister. Crown Princess Long Fenghuang suddenly laughs upon seeing her younger sister's funny reaction. There is no malice in her laughter, but her laughter feels so warm and inviting. General Bing Xiaji feels somewhat unsatisfied with this new development. He feels it will be hard for him to execute his plan now as his heart suddenly is very affected by the older princess. In the past, he never even once feels that way towards her. He does not know whether he should be happy with this new development or not. It must be the wine that affects him as he repeatedly convinced himself.

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Crown Prince Long Dongji’s outfit.

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General Bing Xiaji’s outfit.

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Princess Long Hua’s outfit.

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