"Thank you, two elder sisters."
Xue'er slightly curtsied.
Yu Jia pursed her lips and reluctantly let go of Xue'er's little hand. Then she walked in front of the other two and slowly descended the stairs with her maids. Yu Jia was only lively in front of those she was close to. Now she had resumed her elegant and dignified demeanor as a princess.
She watched as Xue'er skipped into the second - floor study.
After that, Yu Jia went downstairs with her companions without a worry.
Meanwhile, the Second Prince and the Third Prince entered the library with their own companions. They were all young gentlemen, a noisy group laughing and joking. They just passed by Yu Jia and her entourage.
The palace servants separated the two groups.
As was the custom, the companions had to pay their respects to the princes and the princess. Unexpectedly, after paying his respects, one of the Second Prince's companions looked over in Yu Jia's direction. He let out a surprised "Huh" and said, "Your Highness, where is that show - off among your companions?"
Show - off?
He was referring to Xue'er.
In the Elegant Hall, the courses the princess had to learn were different from those of the princes.
Although Emperor Jingxiang was not very emotional, he didn't want his daughter to be just a beautiful vase in the imperial court when she grew up. So he let Yu Jia study the Four Books and the Five Classics just like the princes. Naturally, as the princess's companions, they had to study together as well.
Therefore, they took some courses together.
Xue'er joined after the renovation of the Elegant Hall. Everyone knew that as the princess's companion and the youngest among them, they thought she was just someone the Marquis's Mansion had forced in. But within three days, Xue'er was praised by the strictest Master Zhang in class, which made others jealous.
How could a little girl outshine the princes and the princess?
Naturally, there were those who were dissatisfied.
The prince's companion who had asked about Xue'er was one of them.
Yu Jia was always generous in front of outsiders. Separated by the palace servants in the middle, she slightly curtsied to the Second Prince and said, "Brother, please keep your companions in check. He has no right to inquire about my people."
Although she was young, Yu Jia was full of courage.
The Second Prince frowned, imitating his father. He squinted his eyes and looked down on the people around him. He glanced at the companion who had spoken and let out a cold snort at Yu Jia. "You're already protecting your people so early. Don't drive her away after a few days of novelty."
"Brother need not worry about my affairs. Grandmother will take care of them for me."
Facing the Second Prince's sarcasm, Yu Jia didn't get angry. Instead, she calmly fought back.
The Second Prince opened his mouth wide in surprise. He didn't expect her to be so sharp - tongued. But Yu Jia just led her companions downstairs gracefully.
"Brother Second, Brother Third, Yu Jia takes her leave."
"Your Highnesses, we humble maidens take our leave."
As Yu Jia and her entourage disappeared downstairs, the companion beside the Second Prince let out a disdainful hiss. "The princess really puts on airs..."
Before he could finish his words, the Second Prince gave him a fierce look.
It wasn't that he was dissatisfied with the companion, but with Yu Jia.
The Third Prince, who was eight years old, was more calm and gentle. He didn't want to get involved in the conflict between the Second Prince and Yu Jia. So he led his companions and classmates ahead.
The Second Prince looked unhappy.
The companion who had spoken earlier lowered his head, his face as white as a sheet. He relied on the Second Prince's power and had to watch his every word and deed. He knew that the Second Prince didn't like anyone outshining him. He was sure that the Second Prince must hate Miss Wen.
He flattered with a smile.
"Your Highness, I've inquired. Although Miss Wen is the daughter of the Marquis of Yongyi, her mother was a widow and her father died early. She only got into the academy with the princess's favor. We can easily make her give up."
The Second Prince glanced at him sideways.
It was as if he was sizing him up.
His tone was full of dissatisfied authority. "What's my status? Do I need to argue with a four - year - old kid? If you're so idle, go copy books. Don't get in my way."
The companion looked embarrassed. He trembled his lips and nodded.
Then the Second Prince ignored him and led the others away, heading towards the study.
The companion stood there, his face gloomy.
He felt very bad.
If it weren't for that annoying kid who came out of nowhere, how could he have been disliked by the Second Prince?
Just then, he saw a small, white figure walking out of the study, carrying a stack of books and about to go downstairs.
His eyes narrowed.
There were no palace servants around her.
At the bottom of the library.
Yu Jia had just watched Master Zhang leave when she suddenly saw the emperor. She was shocked and quickly knelt down. The palace servants and companions behind her also knelt down to pay their respects.
"Greetings, Father/Your Majesty."
"Get up."
Emperor Jingxiang was tall, with a cold and solemn face. His black dragon - patterned robe hung on the grass. His temperament was cold and sharp. His deep eyes scanned everyone present. He asked, "Why are there so many people in the library today?"
He had just finished approving the memorials and wanted to come to the library to have a moment of peace.
But he didn't expect a bunch of kids to be making so much noise here.
"Your Majesty, Master Zhang's assignment for us today is to find a book we like in the library. He will ask questions in class tomorrow, so everyone has come to the library."
The companions were all timid. Yu Jia answered softly.
Emperor Jingxiang gave a faint "Hmm" and said no more.
That old Master Zhang advocated teaching through fun. He always liked to teach in an unconventional way. One day it was the library, and the next day it could be an outing outside the palace. Although he was old, he always liked new things. He had to talk to him.
Emperor Jingxiang liked quietness.
An He knew this very well. Looking at the nervous kids, he whispered to the emperor, "Your Majesty, shall I ask the palace servants to lead them all out? The library will soon be quiet again."
Emperor Jingxiang glanced at him and said nothing.
Was he such an excessive person as to drive away a bunch of kids to clear the place? He sneered and waved his hand indifferently. "Forget it. Return to the imperial study."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Return to the imperial study."
An He shouted the order. Just as he was about to call for the imperial procession, Emperor Jingxiang turned around and faced Yu Jia. His calm eyes swept over the group, as if looking for someone. Yu Jia's heart, which had just relaxed, tightened again.
What was going on?
Yu Jia's face turned pale. She felt goosebumps all over her body under the emperor's gaze.
The next moment, Emperor Jingxiang asked.
"Where's your companion?"
"Ah?" Yu Jia was stunned. "What companion? They're all here."
She was so nervous that she replied instinctively. Only then did she realize that Xue'er was not there. Facing the emperor's squinted eyes, she quickly replied, "Father, do you mean Xue'er? Xue'er went to the second floor to look for books. She'll be down soon."
"How is she?"
"Xue'er has been doing really well. Master Zhang often praises her for being smart and quick - witted." Pride flashed in Yu Jia's eyes, as if the praise was for herself. In her eyes, Xue'er and she had a life - and - death friendship. Praising Xue'er was like praising her own good judgment.
The emperor gave a "Hmm".
If she could be praised by that old master, it meant she was good.
The kids behind heard the emperor asking about Xue'er. They were both nervous and extremely curious. What on earth did Xue'er have that made the emperor mention her specifically?
Emperor Jingxiang saw his daughter's proud little expression.
He sneered inwardly.
He turned around and was really about to leave this time. But after walking two or three steps, a weak scream suddenly came from upstairs. Emperor Jingxiang looked up and saw a white figure floating like a feather from the second - floor railing and falling down.
Everyone was caught off guard.
But Emperor Jingxiang reacted the fastest. He took a quick step forward. His robe fluttered in the wind. He actually managed to catch the figure before it hit the ground.
The person in his arms was very light.
He looked closely. Xue'er's face was deathly pale and she had fainted.