The Flirtatious Beauty Decides to Steal the Princess - Chapter 18

Though slightly exasperated, Fu Qingyin still walked over and crouched down to examine Wen Ying’s ankle. Only after confirming it wasn’t sprained did she let out a relieved sigh.

“A sprained ankle would have been troublesome.” Having trained in martial arts for years, Fu Qingyin knew all too well that sprains were far more troublesome to heal than ordinary injuries.

Wen Ying allowed herself to be supported by Fu Qingyin, her voice small but clear as it reached the other’s ears.

“Father treats you and the common people poorly. It makes me unhappy.” Wen Ying didn’t consider herself a saint, but the ache in her heart was undeniably real.

A shadow flickered briefly in Fu Qingyin’s eyes before her expression returned to normal. She simply reassured Wen Ying it was nothing and helped her toward the embroidery pavilion.

The two walked in silence the rest of the way. Upon arriving, they heard lively chatter from inside, as though many people were gathered there.

Wen Ying instinctively tightened her grip. She disliked such an atmosphere or rather, the ideas instilled in her by Yun Chu had left her fearful of encountering the imperial concubines and princesses.

Had it not been for Fu Qingyin that day, she would have hidden away, never wanting Consort Xin to catch sight of her.

Sensing Wen Ying’s tension, Fu Qingyin turned to her, her voice gentle. “What’s wrong, A-Ying? Is there someone inside you dislike?”

Wen Ying didn’t actually know who was present, but the sharp, mocking tones made her uneasy, and she hesitated to approach.

Fu Qingyin sighed. While she could let Wen Ying avoid socializing today, as the girl grew older, she couldn’t remain timid forever. After all, these people were, in name, her family.

To help Wen Ying feel more secure, Fu Qingyin took her hand and gave her a reassuring look.

Her jade-like face softened with a faint smile, her narrow eyes brimming with warmth. Wen Ying was momentarily stunned by the beauty before her. She nodded blankly, ignoring the lingering pain in her leg from the stone pillar, and quickened her pace to stay close to Fu Qingyin.

By her side, it felt as though no harm could ever befall her.

“Greetings, Matron Gu.” Upon entering the embroidery pavilion, Fu Qingyin and Wen Ying first paid their respects to Matron Gu. Their manners were impeccable, leaving no room for criticism.

Yet someone deliberately sought fault. “Even a princess bows to a servant. How disgraceful,” came a mocking voice.

Wen Ying lifted her gaze toward the speaker, a young woman in a red dress. Her face was youthful, unlike the imperial concubines, and she looked familiar. Likely one of Wen Ying’s elder sisters.

“What are you staring at? Don’t you recognize your Third Sister?” The red-clad woman, Wen Yunrou, glared haughtily at Wen Ying. As she spoke, the jewels in her hair swayed, clashing garishly with her crimson attire.

The current emperor had nine children. Wen Ying was the sixth princess, though few paid her any mind. The eighth prince, Wen Yuan, had been the youngest son.

The first six children were all daughters, and each time the emperor saw them, his displeasure grew. Thus, Wen Ying’s birth brought no favor to her mother.

Only after Wen Ying was born did the imperial palace gradually welcome princes.

As a result, the eldest princes were barely in their teens, still immersed in their studies.

The princesses, however, were already grown, their ambitions stirring. Each sought to secure benefits for themselves, whether through leaving the palace or establishing their own residences, and the harem grew increasingly restless.

A strand of Fu Qingyin’s hair was lifted by the breeze, then quickly settled back. Wen Yunrou took the opportunity to study Fu Qingyin closely, suddenly recalling his identity: “You, you’re the hostage prince sent from Yi Qing Kingdom?”

Fu Qingyin nodded, waiting for Wen Yunrou to continue. A wry smile tugged at his lips hostage. What an ironic term.

Wen Yunrou sighed and reached out to pat Fu Qingyin’s shoulder, only to quickly withdraw her hand upon realizing how thin he was. Her round face showed a hint of displeasure: “You’re just like my foolish little sister, why are you both so skinny?”

This time, Fu Qingyin wasn’t trying to argue with her. He simply explained Wen Ying’s difficult circumstances in the rear palace, how she barely had enough to eat or wear. How could she not be thin?

“But she’s a proper princess! Even if she’s not favored, how can she be treated this way? You said she lives in Ninglu Palace now?” Wen Yunrou was shocked. Though she herself wasn’t particularly favored either, her mother’s presence ensured her life was relatively comfortable.

Were the servants really bullying Wen Ying just because she lacked a mother’s protection and the emperor’s favor? No wonder she looked so disheveled, like a little gray rabbit.

Had Wen Ying heard Wen Yunrou’s thoughts, she would have laughed she didn’t look disheveled at all.

Fu Qingyin hadn’t revealed Wen Ying’s residence, yet Wen Yunrou seemed to know immediately. Clearly, Ninglu Palace was often discussed among people.

Since Wen Yunrou already knew, Fu Qingyin saw no point in hiding it.

Before Wen Yunrou could say more, Wen Ying emerged from behind the screen, having changed her clothes. Her face radiated happiness, the dress had clearly brought her immense joy.

Wen Yunrou instantly recognized that the dress’s style wasn’t local, and the fabric appeared somewhat aged. Recalling Fu Qingyin’s earlier words, she pressed her lips together in silence.

“It looks beautiful,” Fu Qingyin said, offering Wen Ying his most sincere smile not an empty compliment.

Wen Ying, with her eternally childlike charm, wore the dress flawlessly, appearing utterly regal.

The waist pendant, crafted from exquisite sapphires, swayed gently with her movements, while several jade pendants chimed melodiously against each other, creating a picturesque scene.

“My little sister is the prettiest,” Wen Yunrou finally blurted out after holding back for so long. If only the dress were new.

Receiving praise from both, Wen Ying was overjoyed. She admired herself in the long bronze mirror, unable to tear her eyes away.

Sunlight streamed in through the embroidery room’s windows, bathing the pale blue dress in a radiant glow. The skirt shimmered brilliantly, its deep hues revealing the quality of its materials.

Even when Fu Qingyin had worn it, the effect hadn’t been quite the same. Born with an innate allure, Fu Qingyin could only temper his charm with shades of blue other vibrant colors only accentuated his magnetism.

Even on horseback, his heroic bearing and natural grace coexisted without contradiction.

After the time it took for an incense stick to burn, Wen Ying reluctantly changed out of the dress to preserve it carefully until the spring banquet.

Wen Yunrou had long since left the embroidery room, but Wen Ying lingered, insisting on dragging Fu Qingyin around the embroidery tower for a stroll.

On each floor, she introduced the names of the fabric colors to Fu Qingyin. Though Fu Qingyin already knew them, he was happy to indulge Wen Ying in this seemingly trivial pastime.

The weather today was truly splendid. When they reached the top floor, nearly the entire imperial palace lay spread out before them. Every corner indeed exuded opulence except for the direction of the Dewdrop Palace, which stood out as the only shabby spot.

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