79 Simply Just Watch (1/2)

Hongyue gasped in delight at the Empress's generous offer. The eldest miss's face was slightly flushed, and her eyes sparkled. She looked like a child receiving her present, completely elated. She set the spoon in her hand down with a loud clank, and she stood up at once. Meanwhile, many of the ministers and court ladies were baffled by the sudden change in treatment. The girl they were once laughing at suddenly shot up in favor, this left a bitter taste in their mouths. Nevertheless, some of the more senior court ladies merely kept their heads down as if they knew of what would happen.

The eldest miss's feet made its way quickly toward the direction of the Empress. As Hongyue walked, she passed where the third prince was sitting. Just as the sleeve of her robe happened to brush by Jiayi's chair, her right wrist was suddenly gripped tightly by iron-like fingers.

Hongyue's feet stopped.

Jiayi's right hand had long abandoned fiddling with his teacup and was now on her wrist. His left hand was tightly clutching the armrest of his wooden chair. His hair had somewhat covered his eyes, and no one could read what he was thinking about.

Finally, he looked up, and Jiayi gave a forced smile to the Empress. The Empress narrowed her eyes. Why did he interfere? When did he become so bold?

”This prince thinks it's unfair for Hongyue to receive a gift. After all, it's probably a reused story she was probably told. It is unworthy to be praised,” Jiayi voiced dryly.

Hongyue clicked her tongue.

Nonsense.

She made the story by herself. What reused story? She purposely took the time to create it. Her eyes studied his face. Was this his way of trying to shield her? This wasn't the time.

Hongyue gave a short giggle, ”Third Prince, you're mistaken. This miss is too stupid to memorize stories told to me by others. This story is from a dream I had last night. Although I couldn't remember the full details, I made it up as I went.”

After her words left her lips, she could feel his fingers tightening painfully around her wrist. Hongyue's eyes turned dark. Was he this afraid of her going up against the Empress? She wouldn't have known if not for his increasing strength on her wrist. She flipped her hand with her sleeve and pinched his arm, leaving the pale surface with a dark bruise. Just because Jiayi couldn't go against the Empress, doesn't mean she, Hongyue, was backing down!

Jiayi's fingers didn't loosen. Instead, they squeezed harder and Jiayi's eyes darkened. Out of the times she chose to be playful, she chose this time.

She really couldn't afford to upset the Empress.

From her seat, the Empress cupped the side of her face with her left hand, her fingers set against her jaw gracefully, ”Since the eldest miss said she was the one who made out the story, then it's only right she gets a reward for her hard work. Why are you blocking her? Do you, perhaps, not like the eldest miss? That's no good. Be more accepting of normals.”

Jiayi's eyes darkened. This calculating woman!