Her guards

Chapter 156 Moving into the Imperial Palace
It snowed heavily on the eighth day of the first lunar month. Although the snow stopped the next day, it got even colder.

When Yang Hui got into the car wrapped in a cloak, it was hard to tell whether she was happy or not.

The cancellation of the annual palace banquet made her very unhappy.

However, the palace soon issued another decree, saying that as the princess's companion, he should attend the martial arts banquet.

But what's the point of a banquet held at the imperial palace? You can't eat or sleep well, and supposedly you have to ride horses and shoot arrows, which is cold and tiring.

Yang Hui was feeling annoyed when she heard a voice beside her saying, "Miss, bring a couple more sets of riding and archery outfits, they look especially good." Her anger flared up even more.

"What's the use of looking good! Can you even ride and shoot?" she said irritably. "Don't dress so nicely, it'll be embarrassing if people see you."

Mo Zheng smiled: "I grew up in the countryside and I've hunted rabbits and things like that."

Yang Luo snorted: "Miss Hui, you should worry about yourself. You're neither good at academics nor at martial arts."

Lady Ding'an, who was already having a headache, became even more annoyed and scolded, "Stop arguing!"

After a scolding and a few words of advice, he put the two of them on the carriage. They were to arrive at the imperial palace today, attend the banquet tomorrow, and not return until the day after.

Two carriages carrying two young ladies and two maids, escorted by five servants, left the house. The Lady of Ding'an regained her peace and quiet, but became even more agitated.

Unexpectedly, in the end, only the couple couldn't go.

"My lord, will nothing bad happen?" asked the wife of the Duke of Ding'an.

In the living room, Ding An was brewing tea when he heard this and said, "Something bad is definitely going to happen."

The Duchess of Ding'an, who had just sat down, jumped up abruptly, glaring and scolding, "Then how do you still feel like drinking tea?"

Duke Ding'an poured himself a cup of tea.

"Don't worry," he said. "Even if something happens, good fortune will help you turn misfortune into good luck."

After saying that, he drank the tea in one gulp, lay back in the rocking chair, patted his knees, and hummed a little tune.

Lady Ding'an was even more agitated. Her husband was indeed acting strangely. Alas, ever since Yang Luo came, nothing had been normal.

……

……

"Halt! Whose carriage is this? What are you doing, pushing and shoving!"

When the carriages of the Duke of Ding'an arrived outside the palace, the carriages were still crowded, even though there were imperial guards and eunuchs to guide them.

The car that Yang Hui and Mo Zheng were in slowed down.

Yang Hui urged the driver to hurry up, and the driver urged the horse on. They had only taken two steps when a woman's voice came from ahead and scolded them.

With a shout, the driver hurriedly reined in his horse, and Yang Hui almost fell over inside the carriage.

"You brat, what are you doing—" she yelled angrily as she lifted the carriage curtain. She glanced up and saw a chestnut horse beside the carriage, with a young woman on horseback wearing a red cloak and hood, her eyes sharp and piercing…

This face isn't unfamiliar.

Chai Wan'er.

Yang Hui's face stiffened, and she quickly pulled down the carriage curtain, but it was too late; Chai Wan'er had already seen her.

"Who did I think it was, so domineering and reckless? Turns out it's Miss Yang from the Ding'an Duke's Mansion, who dares to disregard the Empress and take the Grand Master of Ceremonies as her teacher—" she drew out with a cold laugh.

People passing by all looked over.

Yang Hui sat in the car and kept complaining about her bad luck. She was Miss Yang, but she was not a disciple of the Imperial Academy and she did not disregard the Empress!
It's all because of Yang Luo! She glared fiercely at the "Yang Luo" sitting next to her.

But then Yang Luo smiled and lifted the carriage curtain.

Just as Chai Wan'er was about to continue speaking, her eyes darted around and she saw a smiling face appear.

"So it's Miss Chai." Mo Zheng said with a smile, her eyes crinkling. "What a coincidence, isn't this what they call 'enemies meeting on a narrow road'?"

Those around them thought to themselves, "Wow, this Miss Yang isn't exactly polite."

However, that's a good point. Enemies have grudges, so Miss Chai's statement about ignoring the Empress is obviously slander and shouldn't be taken seriously.

Chai Wan'er gripped the reins tighter; this wretched maid became even more arrogant!

"Miss, Madam has already changed her clothes. Please hurry, you still need to pay your respects to the Empress," the maids riding nearby hurriedly reminded her.

Chai Wan'er loosened her clenched fist and looked at "Yang Luo" with a cold smile: "It's so good to see Miss Yang again."

Having said that, he spurred his horse forward.

The eunuchs had already cleared the way, and Chai Wan'er and her entourage rode swiftly into the palace.

The Chai family had a separate courtyard within the palace. Chai Wan'er dismounted, and servants who had already received the news came to greet her.

"Miss did well this time, avoiding a conflict with Miss Yang in public," the maid praised with a smile.

Chai Wan'er snorted: "If I clash with her on the road, she will definitely say that I am abusing my power and bullying others. She will then frame my aunt, the Empress. This wicked maid is very cunning."

She is not stupid.

Last time was a mistake; I lost my composure after being provoked by that lowly maid with just a few words.

We've already learned our lesson; we have plenty of ways to deal with this wretched woman. I was initially disappointed that Duke Ding'an wasn't qualified to attend the martial arts banquet and wouldn't get to see her.

Fortunately, the princess graciously granted this lowly maid the privilege.

With her deerskin gloves on, Chai Wan'er flicked the riding whip, the bright red whip gleaming with barbs in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Since that day, she has practiced whipping diligently every day.

When it came time for the martial arts demonstration, the woman surnamed Yang suffered a loss, and could only blame herself for not being skilled enough; she couldn't be accused of abusing her power.

You lowly servant, you'll be sorry tomorrow!
……

……

"Ladies, this is the princess's courtyard."

"Two people share a room in the palace, and everything has been prepared."

"Ladies, please do not leave the Princess Garden."

"The princesses also come here to stay with the young ladies."

"There are many men here for this martial arts banquet, so please, ladies, do not wander around to avoid causing any disturbance or disrespect."

Princess Garden was brightly lit, filled with the sounds of birdsong and bustling activity.

Just as the palace women gave this instruction, a man arrived at the princess's residence.

However, he is not considered an outsider.

"Dr. Ling."

"Brother Ling."

Upon seeing the young man standing in the front hall of the Princess Garden, the young ladies-in-waiting bowed in greeting.

Because it was the New Year, Ling Yu did not wear her usual green robe, but instead wore a deep red brocade robe. Her face was as white as jade, and her elegant temperament was more graceful. However, she still held a book in her hand.

He smiled and returned the greetings to the female companions, then his eyes darted around, searching...

"Senior Brother Ling."

Mo Zheng's voice came from inside, and she walked out with a smile, bowing to Ling Yu.

"Happy Chinese New Year, wishing my senior brother a Happy New Year."

Ling Yu smiled and said nothing more: "There's a small banquet tonight, and the teacher wants us to go together."

Mo Zheng responded with a yes, and said to Liu Chan, who had followed her, "Tell Asheng."

The maids were busy tidying up the beds in the palace.

Liu Chan nodded and urged her, "Go quickly."

Mo Zheng followed Ling Yu outside. Just as they reached the palace gate, Princess Heicheng slowly approached, surrounded by a group of palace maids.

The princess wore a New Year's palace dress with her hair styled in a high bun, looking bright and gorgeous, completely different from her school attire.

Upon seeing Ling Yu, she nodded slightly: "Brother Ling."

Ling Yu and Mo Zheng bowed and greeted the princess.

Before Princess Heisei could ask, Lingyu took the initiative to explain her purpose.

Princess Heicheng looked somewhat apologetic upon hearing this: "Father Emperor knows that the ladies who accompany us have all come, and he has prepared a few questions to test us. Taking advantage of the small banquet at Father Emperor's place tonight, I plan to write them down with everyone and then present them to Father Emperor and the court officials for their comments."

As she spoke, she looked at the girl standing behind Ling Yu.

"Miss Yang, why don't you come with us?"

Lingyu looked up and said, "The teacher will also ask questions, so it's the same if she writes over there."

Princess Heisei smiled slightly: "We all came together and will be evaluated together. This way, the other companion ladies will be less nervous. I hope Dr. Ling will understand."

Ling Yu frowned, about to say something more, when a finger gently poked his back from behind, stopping him from speaking.

Mo Zheng stepped out from behind him and nodded.

“Senior, I’ll stay with everyone,” she said, sounding a little nervous. “I’m also very nervous standing in front of the teacher.”

Ling Yu shook her head: "Write whatever you know, what does it have to do with where you are?" But she didn't say anything more, bowed to Princess Heisei and said, "Then I will do as Your Highness says," and walked away.

After Ling Yu left, Mo Zheng hurriedly stood in front of Princess Heicheng, asking with a mix of nervousness, curiosity, and trepidation, "Princess, was the question His Majesty asked difficult?"

Princess Heisei knew that this Miss Yang was extremely quick-witted, and sure enough, she immediately and smoothly changed the subject.

She has a sense of propriety and knows when to advance and when to retreat, which is the best thing about her.

Princess Heisei responded with a smile, half-seriously and half-jokingly: "It's difficult for some people, but it certainly won't be difficult for Miss Yang."

Mo Zheng smiled and said, "I will definitely do my best to live up to the princess's praise."

(End of this chapter)