1 Imperial Party (1/2)

Capital of Ming Kingdom

Two elegant carriages were headed to the palace. A few soldiers could be seen guarding the carriage as if the person inside is an important person. Onlookers would give it a sidelong glance. Once they saw the family emblem, a trace of disdain would show in their faces, but they didn't do anything else and continued on with their usual activities.

The person in the second carriage was a young lady wearing a flowing white dress. Her hair was tied up in an intricate braid pattern. Although she was wearing a veil that covered most of her face, people could tell that she is strikingly beautiful. With fair skin as white as snow. Large eyes brimming with life framed with eyebrows like willow leaves. Just a glimpse was enough to let them fall into a trance. When she reached maturity, countless men would undoubtedly fall into her charm.

But should they notice her hands, people would definitely raise their doubts on this little girl. Though her pair of hands was small, it had a unique roughness to it that was totally unfitting for a noble girl. One glance was enough to make them recognize that she used to live in the village as an ordinary girl.

Jun Hua shifted her head as she gazed outside. A fleeting light flashed in her eyes for a moment, before her face returned to a calm expression.

”Miss,” a soft voice called her back from her reverie. A young maid around the age of sixteen was looking at her miss' expression with worry.

Jun Hua, smiled reassuringly, ”I'm alright Xia. Just reminiscing…”

Xia stared outside. The roads were decorated with various lanterns and bustling people crowded the streets. Today was the emperor's birthday celebration hence a festive atmosphere filled the road. It is also for this reason that Jun Hua had to come back and prepare herself.

”Miss, do you miss the capital?”

The fourteen year old girl tilted her head slightly, looking like an innocent young lady who never knew the world. Xia knew her young miss is still practicing in putting on an act since she had to appear in front of so many officials.

”I don't. I honestly hate the capital. If not for avoiding trouble, I would never want to come back,” Jun Hua answered coldly. For a moment, even Xia broke into a cold sweat. Her master was not an ordinary girl so Xia had grown used to this behavior. Even so, she still trembled from the coldness that her miss sometimes emitted especially towards her enemy.

”We're here,” she suddenly announced, then hurriedly went outside to help Jun Hua climb out of the carriage.

Jun Hua held onto Xia's hand and walked down the steps in a deliberate manner. Her clear blue eyes glanced towards the enormous palace and a fleeting cold light flashed. She shifted her attention to the old man who had just stepped out from the first carriage.

Her grandfather, Jun Zhenxian used to be a general in his younger age. Now that he had retired from his post, he left everything to his only son. Although he had reached the old age, his oppressive and commanding aura still lingered.

”Grandfather,” Jun Hua greeted.

Jun Zhenxian smiled in response, ”Let's head inside.”

Jun Hua nodded and fell behind her grandfather. Her steps were slow but certain.

The eunuch announced their arrival in a loud voice.

On one side of the party, two young men were deeply engaged in a discussion, without regard to everyone else. Other people who wanted to curry their favor cannot even get close to them. Both men were well-known in their respective status, however their personality were completely opposite, which made people wonder how they could become close friends.

”Soujin, if you're bored, you shouldn't have come here,” one of them laughed. His handsome face and easygoing aura around him totally misguide people. This prince of the kingdom actually had such personality?

”Yan... are you throwing me out?” the other man asked calmly. The tone of his voice contained mockery, but the other party acted oblivious to it.