Chapter 21: Self Taught Genius (1/2)

Bai Luochu didn’t like sweets but seeing the sincerity on the face of the Ninth Prince, she couldn’t find it in her to reject him. In the end, she replied softly, “Many thanks for Ninth Prince’s kind offer.”

Picking up a piece of dessert, she started nibbling on it. By doing so, she wouldn’t seem rude and she wouldn’t have to force herself to eat desserts she disliked.

Seeing as someone was willing to share his food, the Ninth Prince was delighted. He started narrating all the stories about the First Prince and pretty much told Bai Luochu everything he knew about his First Brother.

“My First Brother is the best older brother in the world! Not only is he great at settling daily political affairs, he is also extremely farsighted. My Master once said, “With proper planning, even in a small tent a thousand miles away, the victory of a battle is already certain.” Even though I have no idea what that means, First Brother is definitely the one with the most foresight out of all the princes.”

When the Ninth Prince spoke of the First Prince, he made it seem as though the First Prince was some sort of celestial being. With how the Ninth Prince described the First Prince, one would think that the First Prince was a perfect god-like character.

After stuffing a piece of dessert into his mouth, the Ninth Prince reached for another. Seemingly as though he recalled something, he continued, “My First Brother may be ruthless and decisive when it comes to politics. However, he is usually amiable and less stern to all of us. Even to the commoners…”

After hearing the Ninth Prince’s description, Bai Luochu developed an initial understanding of the First Prince. Thoughts started appearing in her mind.

The reason behind the Ninth Prince’s last statement… He probably doesn’t want me to develop a bad impression of the First Prince. He might be afraid that I have the impression of his First Brother killing wantonly. As for being amiable… It should be an act in order to uphold his reputation among the commoners. As for his pleasant behavior to the Ninth Prince… There is some brotherly love behind his actions. As for his actions towards those who are eyeing the throne… it should all be a facade.

Bai Luochu had a myriad of thoughts swirling in her mind but she still had to think about the Ninth Prince’s feelings. A smile appeared on her face as she responded, “The First Prince is truly a powerful and intelligent individual. This servant truly admires him. Many thanks to Ninth Prince for spending so much time to speak with me about the First Prince. I must have wasted much of your time.”

Patting his hands, the Ninth Prince continued, “It wasn’t a waste of time. There’s no need to be so polite with me… Actually, I’m really happy that someone will actually converse with me!”

Completing his statement, he swallowed the piece of dessert in his mouth.

Reaching his hand out for another piece of dessert, the Ninth Prince realized that there was none left. He had no choice but to stop eating as he clapped his hands before sweeping the scraps off the table.

He suddenly recalled something and turned to ask Bai Luochu, “Grandmother… The Empress Dowager’s birthday will be in three days. Will you be attending the banquet?”

Bai Luochu never liked those palace banquets. These so-called palace banquets were simply opportunities for the influential officials and imperial clan to interact with each other, allowing them to build up their connections.

In order for the influential officials to gain favors from the imperial clan, they had to be aware of the bottom line of each member. They would then search the various lands for rare treasures in order to present them at the opportune time. Doing so will allow them to stand out from the rest of the influential families.

Out of all the influential families, females would be schooled in proper etiquette and they would also learn the four arts. During the palace banquets, they would take the chance to display their talent, hoping to marry into the imperial clan or betrothed to other influential clans.

Everything was a game of chess that was carefully orchestrated by the seniors in their families.

These times of bright and splendid activities painted over the surging undercurrents were stuff that Bai Luochu was not adept at dealing with. With the absence of the First Prince, coupled with the fact that she was merely a personal slave, even if she wanted to attend, she would be kicked out before she could even take half a step into the palace.