"In extraordinary times, I cannot easily leave the Lady's side," Ying Xue said disapprovingly.
"I just want you to stay a little further away, so you don't disturb them," Yin Zhu poked Ying Xue's head. "You're like a quail, sitting there; it spoils the scenery."
Ying Xue, unconvinced, grabbed Yin Zhu and curled her fingers to tickle her armpits. "You, Yin Zhu, how dare you call me a quail? See how I'll deal with you!"
Yin Zhu laughed uncontrollably, repeatedly pleading, "Good sister, spare me, I dare not, I will never dare again."
Only then did Ying Xue release Yin Zhu. They sat together at the courtyard entrance, gazing with longing into the courtyard. "It's wonderful to see the Lady so happy."
"What, are you missing Young Master Jin?" Yin Zhu teased.
Upon hearing this, Ying Xue made a gesture as if to hit Yin Zhu. Yin Zhu quickly dodged. "Don't deny it. I've seen you lost in thought, looking at a pair of earrings. Young Master Jin gave them to you, didn't he?"
Ying Xue blushed. "Don't talk nonsense."
"I'm not talking nonsense," Yin Zhu leaned closer. "Ying Xue, have you ever thought about going to find Young Master Jin?"
Ying Xue shook her head. "It's impossible for me and him. I am the Lady's guard, and my life belongs to the Lady..."
Both fell silent. Xiao Man was now the Imperial Princess of Blue Moon, essentially placed on a blade's edge. Every step was precarious; a slight misstep would lead to utter ruin. As those close to her, they had no capacity to love someone.
"Do you miss him?" Yin Zhu asked softly.
"I do, but it's only a longing," Ying Xue said with great spirit. "Yes, I like Jin Rong, but the Lady is more important to me. Therefore, I only like him and sincerely hope he is happy."
Hearing this, Yin Zhu's eyes were filled with admiration. "Well said. You are indeed the Lady's most trusted head maid. Your awareness is beyond ordinary people!"
"Speaking of me, what about you?" Ying Xue looked at Yin Zhu. "Yin Zhu, in the future, what do you want to do?"
"Me?"
"Yes. I am the Lady's personal dark guard, and I can never leave her side in this life. But you are different. When you reach a certain age, you can marry and leave." Ying Xue nudged Yin Zhu with her shoulder. "There are quite a few outstanding young men around the Lady. Is there anyone you like?"
Yin Zhu rolled her eyes at Ying Xue. "You're talking nonsense again. The people around the Lady are of extraordinary status. How could I, a mere maid, covet them?"
"The Lady said, if you like someone, you must be decisive. If you hesitate, he will be snatched away by another girl, and then you won't even have a place to cry."
Yin Zhu poked Ying Xue's forehead. "Then why don't you go and snatch Young Master Jin away?"
"I wish I could snatch him, but I don't have the opportunity," Ying Xue said with a fawning smile. "You're different. If you fancy a man around the Lady, tell me. If I can beat him, I'll knock him out and drag him over for you!"
"Just shut up!" Yin Zhu spat. "Where has a young lady's modesty gone? What kind of girl snatches men in the street?"
Ying Xue rolled her eyes. "Sister Yin Zhu, have you forgotten that this is Blue Moon? There are plenty of girls who snatch men in the street. The Lady took Young Master Wen out once, and someone tried to snatch Young Master Wen away."
"Isn't that courting death?" Yin Zhu was surprised. "Didn't the Lady beat that person to death?"
"Although she didn't die, her life hasn't been easy either," Ying Xue said with a smile. Their Lady was quite vengeful. She usually exacted revenge on the spot. If she couldn't do it immediately, she would repay it a hundredfold later, like the mastermind hidden behind the scenes!
Yin Zhu seemed to recall something and looked towards the courtyard, her eyes holding a hint of worry. "It should be a good thing that the Lady and Young Master Wen have a good relationship... but Prince Qin is not an easy person to deal with."
"Even if he didn't kill the General, he and the Lady can never be on the same side," Ying Xue said wistfully. "They were enemies from the start, and one day, they will stand in opposition."
Yin Zhu was somewhat confused. "Why?"
"Because Prince Qin will eventually become the Emperor of Yusheng, and the Lady will become a stumbling block in his path," Ying Xue knew this clearly. Xiao Man's grand vision was not limited to Blue Moon; one day, she would confront Prince Qin. The Lady understood the outcome so well that she could be so decisive. And Prince Qin was never indecisive. Ultimately, they would tread the path of enemies due to their respective dreams.
Yin Zhu was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Ying Xue, do you know the whereabouts of the Young General? I heard the Young General also rebelled against Yusheng, and the Madam is pregnant. I wonder how they are now?"
"Don't worry, they are fine," Ying Xue said mysteriously. "It won't be long before you see them. But who is it you truly wish to see, the Young General, or someone else?"
Yin Zhu pinched Ying Xue, then turned and left, leaving Ying Xue with a slightly flustered figure.
The news of the Imperial Princess's mansion being attacked quickly spread throughout Bianjing.
At the morning court, Xiao Man arrived late. The Empress did not get angry and gently inquired if her mansion was safe.
Xiao Man's gaze swept across the people at the court. Lan Qin had already left the Imperial Capital to take over matters from Lan Bing. As for the Fourth Princess, she had not yet made up her mind. Xiao Man understood that the Fourth Princess had already made her plans.
Xiao Man's gaze shifted and landed on Lan Bing. Lan Bing, as a military general, was spirited and energetic. Seeing Xiao Man look at her, she immediately flashed a smile, a smile tinged with mockery.
"I hear the Imperial Princess has many enemies. Could the attack on your mansion this time be done by your past enemies?"
Xiao Man smiled. "Even a three-year-old child knows it was enemies who did it. Ordinary people don't have that much free time to attack the Imperial Princess's mansion for fun? You should know that assassinating an Imperial Princess is a capital offense. Besides those who are bold enough and harbor rebellious intentions, no one else would dare to commit such a beheading offense."
Lan Bing sneered, "Your own conduct is improper..."
"I heard the Fifth Princess is illiterate. I initially thought it was a rumor, but it turns out to be true," Xiao Man interrupted Lan Bing, speaking unhurriedly. "I've heard that the Fifth Princess keeps numerous male companions and is excessively debauched. I advise the Fifth Princess to refrain from such improper behavior, lest she fall into a ditch and capsize.
"Xiao Man."
"You dare to call this Princess by her given name? Fifth Princess, you have great audacity," Xiao Man said slowly. "Do you not respect His Majesty, or do you disregard the laws and customs of Blue Moon?"
Lan Bing choked slightly and looked at the Empress. Seeing that the Empress seemed to pretend not to see, she couldn't make up her mind for a while. At this moment, the Fourth Princess spoke.