Chapter 8 Only a Hint of a Smile (2/2)

Qin Yi nodded, ”I have. I gave the empress the pair of bracelets, as you wished. I've also accomplished the other matter, as you asked. But I worry that the Princess Hua Jing's wounds are too severe. She may not be fully recovered in time for her coming-of-age ceremony in a week. It would be a real shame if something went wrong with the ceremony.”

Yun Shang couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. ”Look at you. You've really got a lot of tricks up your sleeves after all.”

With Qin Yi's mention of Hua Jing's ceremony, Yun Shang couldn't help but recall memories of her own ceremony in her past life. In that life, she had fallen for a young attendee during the proceedings. She found him to be gentle and chivalrous, yet handsome and masculine. It had been Hua Jing herself who had convinced her to give in to her feeling for him. Yun Shang had been smitten by him wanting to get married immediately. She had even professed her love before the court. As a young maiden, just come of age, she had become the laughing stock of the imperial city.

Now, she finally knew why she had met him at that time.. A wry smile crept onto Yun Shang's face. She could finally see what was behind all of the accidents and drama.

In her previous life, she had been reckless because of her noble birth. Now, looking back, she could see the empress and her daughter's fingers on everything that happened.

She would not allow that to happen again.

”By the way, Qin Yi. I heard about an ointment that prolong the healing process. It is also said to itch terribly. Do you happen to know where I might procure such a thing?”

Qin Yi was slightly shocked at the princess' request. ”Your Highness is well informed. There is such an ointment. As it is, I am acquainted with an apprentice at the imperial hostile. He should be able to give us some by tomorrow.”

Yun Shang nodded. Her smile had gradually transformed into a grin. My dear sister, Hua Jing, she thought. You've always been so good to me…. I'd feel terrible if I didn't give you something to repay your years of kindness. Why not a present for your coming-of-age ceremony!

Yun Shang cocked her head to the side mischievously. ”Qin Yi, what do you think my mother and sister are doing right now?” delete

Qin Yi tried to suppress her laughter. After pretending to think for a moment, she said, ”My guess is they are just about to lose their tempers.”

Qin Yi guess turned out to be right. Inside the great hall, attendants walked quietly and spoke in muffled voices, trying to avoid the wrath of the two furious nobles.

”Mother, that wench must be behind this! We had that eunuch poison her food, but there was no effect! Perhaps he didn't follow the order!” Princess Hua Jing lay face-down on a bed, a maid fast at work on her injured derrière. At the though of teeth marks, she grimaced. ”Ouch! That hurts. Be careful back there!”

The empress had already changed her robes and washed the blood from her hands. No longer uncomfortable she sat on the end of the bed and pondered the events. ”I will find out who was behind it. In the meantime, how many times have I told you to act like a princess? No matter what happens you must show nobility, civility and class. Don't let anger ever take that away! This is the only way to get what you want in this life!

Hua Jing pouted. Just as she was about to speak, a eunuch's voice came from outside, signaling the Emperor's arrival ”…His Imperial Majesty and Her Highness, Yun Shang…”