An Eight-year-old Princess novel Chapter 122

Though Yun Shang promised to think it over, she wasn't prepared to give Prince Jing an answer. After considering for a while, she decided to visit Lady Jin first. She mounted her horse and rode to Laifeng City. As per an Imperial Decree, Fenglai Palace had been renamed to Laifeng to reflect his Majesty's love and affection for Lady Jin, who was now residing in the temporary imperial palace. It was late morning when Yun Shang arrived at the City.

The security at Laifeng Palace was very strict. It was challenging for Yun Shang to get in even with Madam Zheng's help.

Lady Jin was taking a nap in the begonia garden. She had been pregnant for many months, and now, her belly bulged. Yun Shang felt peaceful as she approached Lady Jin.

After a while, Lady Jin woke and was surprised to see Yun Shang. She smiled pleasantly. "Shang'er, why are you here?"

Yun Shang blinked and chuckled. "I haven't seen you in a long time, mother. I missed you, so I came to see if you were all right."

Lady Jin nodded. "It's very quiet here. I'm having a good time."

"Have you seen grandfather?" Yun Shang thought of Xiao Yuanshan, who lived in a nearby town.

"Yes. He is well." Lady Jin looked pleasantly calm.

Yun Shang didn't tell her about Prince Jing. Instead, she stayed in the temporary imperial palace with Lady Jin and took care of her for two days. After that, she decided to leave for the Imperial City. The delegation from the State of Yelang would arrive in a few days. She had to be there to witness Hua Jing lose her reputation.

On the last day of her stay in Laifeng Palace, Lady Jin talked with Yun Shang. "Although you said you are here to visit me, I can see that something is on your mind. Would you like to talk to me about it? I know you have had a tough time all these years, and there was no one for you to have a heart-to-heart talk with, but I don't want you to hide your feelings or worries all the time."

Yun Shang hesitated for a moment before she told Lady Jin everything about Prince Jing, from their encounter to the conversation they had several days ago.

After a short silence, Lady Jin said. "To be honest, I have known Qingyan since he was a child, so I kind of know his character. He might seem indifferent sometimes, but he is faithful to those he really cares about. You might also have feelings for him, but you will keep overthinking his intention if you are always on your guard. Don't you think it's kind of unfair to him?"

Yun Shang was lost in thought for a moment, and then she couldn't help but agree with her mother. After experiencing a tumultuous marriage in her previous life, she tended to keep her guard on. Moreover, Prince Jing was indeed an ambitious and resourceful person, so he always seemed to have some ulterior intention. If she were honest with herself, for the past few months, he had been of great help to her.

Lady Jin smiled at Yun Shang, "And considering the current situation, why would he care to plot against us? First of all, Prince Jing is more powerful than us. Besides, we might not even be qualified to be his opponent in tactics. What's more, you are beautiful and smart. Are you not confident enough to believe that you deserve his love?"

Yun Shang quivered and smiled bitterly. Those closely involved could not see as clearly as those outside. She was too involved to see through the appearances. Yes, all the reasons she had were merely excuses. The truth was that she didn't believe in herself.

"I understand." Yun Shang leaned on Lady Jin's shoulder and smelled a faint begonia scent. "Next time I see mother, I will have a little brother or sister. Do you prefer a boy or a girl, mother?"

Lady Jin smiled tenderly. "A girl maybe. She will have less pressure. I know your father needs a son, an heir. But it takes too much killing to inherit the throne, and Emperors are never able to follow their hearts. Girls might live a happier life in the Palace."

Yun Shang's eyes sparkled. She smiled. "I will protect my little sister or brother with my life. Don't worry, mother."

Lady Jin poked Yun Shang's forehead. "You are still a child yourself. But speaking of that, you are engaged now and soon, you will be married. My Shang'er has grown up."

All of a sudden, Yun Shang felt like crying, so she looked down and grinned. "I will always be mother's child."

Yun Shang got up early the next morning. When she left Laifeng Palace, she saw a luxurious carriage outside. Yun Shang chuckled. 'Mother was so considerate.' But her smile disappeared when she got in and pushed aside the curtain. "Uncle."

Prince Jing was sitting in the carriage and reading. Prince Jing looked up at her and said calmly. "Come in."

Yun Shang pushed aside the curtain and entered. As she sat down, Prince Jing passed her a cup of tea. "This was made a short while ago. The temperature should be perfect now."

Yun Shang nodded and took it. "Thank you, uncle."

"Go." Prince Jing said loudly to the carriage driver, who replied before starting the carriage as requested.

From the Palace gate, Lady Jin watched the carriage leave, and a relieved smile spread over her face.

"Will Her Highness be upset that you asked Prince Jing to escort Her Highness?" Madam Zheng was worried.

Lady Jin shook head and smiled. "Shang'er might still be confused about her relationship with Prince Jing. But she doesn't understand that only when you love someone, would you care so much about them. One day, she will figure it out. I hope she will live a happy life."

In the carriage, Yun Shang bit her lip and wondered how Prince Jing knew of her whereabouts. Did mother tell him? Why was he here?

Prince Jing didn't look at her, but he seemed to see through her. He turned a page and said flatly. "You just disappeared, and your maid was so worried that she came to me. I found that you are here after a little investigating. It has been eventful recently, so I came to pick you up lest you run into any trouble."

Yun Shang became anxious immediately. She had left without a word and had forgotten that she had snuck out of the Imperial Palace. If she were found out, it would be troublesome. Yun Shang pulled Prince Jing's arm and asked worriedly, "Does father know I'm here? Oh no! I didn't tell him in advance."

Prince Jing froze at her touch, but managed to answer. "I told him that I took you to Ning'guo Temple to pray."

Yun Shang withdrew her hand and sighed with relief. It wouldn't hurt if father knew, but if the Empress used this information against her, it would be bothersome. Praying at Ning'guo Temple with Prince Jing sounded convincing.

Lost in thought, Yun Shang didn't notice the disappointment on Prince Jing's face when her hand left his arm.

"Any updates from the Imperial City?" Yun Shang asked.

Prince Jing controlled his feelings and answered, "His Majesty appointed Grand Councilor Li as the emissary to receive delegations from the State of Yelang and the State of Xia. The Empress is no longer grounded, and a new Lady with the title of Zhaoyi joined the imperial household."

Yun Shang's mouth twitched slightly. It was as she expected. Since the Grand Councilor came into power, he was in charge of the reception for foreign envoys. So, when she knew that the State of Yelang and the State of Xia were sending delegations to Ning, she didn't expect to ruin the Empress and Hua Jing at once. She planned to ensure that her father would not trust them anymore, and then she would gradually take over Li Clan's power. At that time, neither the Empress nor Hua Jing would be a threat.