Chapter 41: The Fallen Noble Daughter and the Cold-Faced Warrior

Jun Zijin’s carriage drove slowly toward the South Gate of the Imperial Palace. As it approached the palace gate, the coachman pulled the reins tight, gradually slowing the horses down until it came to a steady stop.

Jun Zijin took a deep breath, lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, and cast her gaze toward the tall, imposing palace gate. Guards stood in rows before the gate, all clad in gleaming armor, their expressions stern and cold.

Because everyone was rushing to enter the palace at this time, the gate was somewhat crowded. At this moment, several carriages were lined up in an orderly fashion, waiting at the entrance. The coachmen were either sitting on the shafts waiting patiently or chatting in low voices to pass the time. The entire scene was quiet and orderly.

Some of these carriages were resplendent and magnificent, while others were simple and elegant, but without exception, they all signaled the noble and extraordinary status of their owners. Each carriage was engraved with a unique mark or pattern, allowing one to distinguish the family or faction to which it belonged at a glance.

Just as Jun Zijin’s carriage had finished lining up by the side of the road, a deafening neigh suddenly came from behind. Everyone turned their heads in astonishment, only to see two snow-white steeds with hair as smooth as silk pulling an incredibly luxurious carriage as they galloped toward them. The carriage was crafted from sandalwood, even the wheels were made of sandalwood and wrapped in a thick gold rim. The carriage body was carved with exquisite patterns and motifs, and the edges of the windows were inlaid with dazzling gemstones, shimmering with a brilliant light under the sun.

The wheels rolled forward, kicking up a cloud of dust. The two horses were like arrows released from a bow, charging recklessly without any intention of slowing down, forcing everyone to scramble to avoid them.

Whether it was the head of this carriage or the conduct of its owner, the ostentation and arrogance were simply staggering.

In the blink of an eye, this luxurious carriage had charged to the very front. With a single lash of a whip, it struck the frame of the carriage waiting to enter the palace, and a voice shouted angrily:

"Are you blind? How dare you not yield when you see this Princess?"

Jun Zijin had brought Hanxiao and Xiaohe out this time. Hanxiao was a sharp-witted and clever girl. Realizing that Jun Zijin had been away from the capital for several years and might not be familiar with current affairs, Hanxiao didn't wait for Jun Zijin to ask, but took the initiative to enlighten Jun Zijin and Jun Shuyan:

"This is Princess Jiahe of the Prince An Manor. Prince An is an idle prince of the imperial clan whose title is hereditary. However, he has no sons, and his only daughter, Princess Jiahe, is arrogant, domineering, and looks down on everyone."

"The carriage struck by the whip belongs to the Grand General of the State's manor. The eldest daughter of the General's manor is already married, so the one here is most likely the second daughter."

Just then, the carriage curtain was lifted, and a woman of about fourteen years old stepped down. The woman had delicate features and a spirited bearing. Although she was only around fourteen, she already possessed an extraordinary air, unlike those fragile, delicate young ladies.

"It really is the second daughter of the General's manor!" Hanxiao whispered.

"Oh, who did I think it was? So it’s the 'Cold-Faced Warrior,' the second Miss He of the General's manor," Princess Jiahe said, arms crossed, in an overbearing tone.

He Linger curtsied slightly, her voice crisp:

"Your Highness, this road into the palace is for everyone to use. We are all waiting in line. For you to ride so recklessly and commit violence, I fear it is improper."

"Hmph! I don't like the look of you, so what if it's improper? Your General's manor now relies solely on the Emperor's favor. Do you really think I'm afraid of you?"

Princess Jiahe was furious from embarrassment. As she spoke, she raised her whip, intending to strike He Linger again.

Jun Zijin’s heart tightened; she remembered this He Linger. He Linger was the legitimate daughter of the Grand General of the State's manor. The original owner's mother and He Linger's mother were bosom friends, and Jun Zijin and He Linger had been excellent playmates in their childhood.

On the day the original owner was driven to the villa, she had been pushed by Jun Zhidie into a stone lion at the manor gate, splitting her head open. He Linger happened to pass by, witnessed the scene, and stepped forward to argue with Jun Zhidie, which was the only reason Jun Zhidie stopped. It was He Linger who had bandaged the wound on the original owner's forehead. Later, when the original owner was sent to the villa, they lost contact—in reality, the original owner had lost contact with everyone.

Just then, Princess Jiahe’s whip was caught firmly in He Linger’s hand. Princess Jiahe pulled several times but could not budge it.

Just as the atmosphere became tense, a loud shout came from afar:

"His Majesty has decreed: no shouting or causing a disturbance at the palace gate. Violators will be punished."

Princess Jiahe’s expression changed. She wanted to pull her whip back, but it was still held in He Linger’s hand, so she could only glare fiercely at He Linger.

At this moment, He Linger suddenly let go:

"Since Princess Jiahe is in such a hurry, what does it matter if I let you go first?"

Before He Linger’s voice had faded, Princess Jiahe was seen stumbling back several large steps, waving her arms frantically to barely maintain her balance. She nearly fell flat on her face, looking extremely disheveled. Furious, Princess Jiahe opened her mouth to scream, but catching a glimpse of the imperial eunuch delivering the decree approaching, she forced the words back down her throat.

The crowd wanted to laugh but dared not. Even Jun Shuyan, who was usually lively in front of Jun Zijin, held back her laughter. He Linger straightened her clothes and sat back in her carriage, and the procession returned to its quiet and orderly state.

Jun Zijin’s carriage followed the procession, moving slowly through the long corridor. Tall, ancient trees were planted on both sides of the corridor, and sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows. Soon, they arrived inside the palace.

Everyone disembarked from their carriages and filed in. Jun Zijin and Jun Shuyan stepped down one after the other, smoothed their clothes, and as she raised her eyes, she saw the second Miss He not far away.

He Linger seemed to sense something and looked toward Jun Zijin’s side as well. When their gazes met, He Linger was stunned for a moment, then broke into a faint smile and walked toward Jun Zijin.

"Zijin, it’s been a long time." He Linger’s voice carried a hint of pleasant surprise.

A warmth surged in Jun Zijin’s heart. Just as she was about to respond, she heard a snide voice from the side:

"Oh, the fallen noble daughter and the cold-faced warrior have come together." It was Princess Jiahe, wearing a mocking expression again.

This Princess Jiahe truly did not learn her lesson. Jun Zijin looked up at Princess Jiahe, her eyes calm and rippleless.

He Linger frowned, about to retort, when Jun Zijin quietly tugged at He Linger’s sleeve, her cold voice sounding:

"Why bother with her? Let’s go in." She knew nothing of the Imperial Palace now and should not act rashly.

"Why fear her? Aside from herself, no one thinks she’s worth a damn!"

After saying this, He Linger took Jun Zijin’s arm, ignored Princess Jiahe’s ugly expression, and the three of them walked straight toward the Imperial Garden where the banquet was held, leaving Princess Jiahe stamping her feet in anger.

In the Imperial Garden, flowers were in full bloom and green trees provided shade. A gentle breeze brushed against the leaves, making a rustling sound. Amidst this beautiful scenery, a grand banquet was being held, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and liveliness everywhere.

Musicians sat among the pavilions and towers, playing melodious music. The sound of strings and bamboo was graceful and pleasant, refreshing the heart like a babbling brook. The dancers, dressed in gorgeous costumes, moved lightly like fluttering butterflies. Their dance steps were graceful and charming, and the colorful ribbons in their hands drifted with the wind, as if brilliant rainbows were dancing in the air. Their dance was beautiful and moving, like fairies descending to earth.

Because the Mid-Autumn internal banquet was also a reunion banquet, men and women were not separated into two different palaces. Men, women, young, and old were all in the Imperial Garden, with male guests on the left and female guests on the right.

By the time the three of them arrived, many people were already seated. Guests sat in small groups, enjoying the wonderful performances while tasting fine wine and delicacies. Laughter and chatter rose one after another, and people were immersed in this peaceful and prosperous time, seemingly forgetting all their troubles and sorrows.