47 Competition (1/2)

Jun Hua met with Fan Lanying before going to their lesson the next day. Fan Lanying seemed really cheerful and happy about her lesson compared to when she needed to learn etiquette.

”You seem to be really happy.”

Fan Lanying nodded. ”Princess Hui asks me to accompany her to choose her jewelries. I have wanted to go outside for a while, so I'm happy.”

Jun Hua smiled. ”Then you better choose a good one for her.”

”Of course I will.”

After chatting for a while, Fan Lanying left to meet with Ming Hui. At first, she felt awkward to stay near the princess but after a while she started to enjoy it very much. Princess Ming Hui was really gentle and kind so Fan Lanying was truly happy to stay here.

”Princess Ming Hui, Fan Lanying has arrived.”

Ming Hui put down the book she had been reading and nodded to the servants. Fan Lanying went inside the room and greeted her formally.

”Let's go to the city.”

Fan Lanying nodded. ”Yes Princess.”

Ming Hui asked a carriage for both of them. Fan Lanying was surprised to see the princess allowed her to stay in the same carriage with her but she complied. Talking with the princess in the carriage was more fun than staying alone.

”Do you go outside often, Princess Hui?”

Ming Hui shook her head. ”I don't have a good constitution, so I rarely go outside. Staying in the palace has given me so much time for learning.”

Fan Lanying nodded. She had seen the princess' ability in poetry, etiquette, and much more. Even she herself had to admit that the girl in front of her was probably the noblest girl she would ever know. If only she knew how Ming Hui acted behind the scenes and the cold words she uttered towards her brother, she would never think this way about her.

”We have arrived.”

Nevertheless, Fan Lanying enjoyed her company and she could even talk freely to her. In front of Ming Hui, she didn't feel like standing before an imperial family member.

…

Jun Hua stayed on the class much longer than the other girls. Teacher Xun gave her additional pointers which allowed her to progress so much in a short time.

”Two days later is the birthday party. Tomorrow all of the girls will stay in their room to prepare themselves. You don't have to train again tomorrow.”