After my father was sent to marry into the princess's household, I became the darling of the en

The official explanation for the attack on Lihuapo was that the hunter accidentally shot the target. The news was kept tightly under wraps, and not a single word was leaked out.

The Princess's residence immediately strengthened its security and sent the little princess back to the palace unharmed.

Xiao Mingyue went to Fengyi Palace in person, and no one knows how she explained things to the Empress. After that, the matter was put to rest.

But Shen Jingque knew in her heart that Xiao Changgeng's investigation had never stopped.

Meanwhile, another matter was quietly stirring up a buzz in the capital.

The new batch of ready-made clothes that arrived at Jinxiu Pavilion each had a silk label the size of a thumb sewn onto the inside of the collar.

A simple, plain-colored peony is embroidered on top, and the words "plain clothes" are outlined in fine lines next to it.

The handwriting is understated and elegant, but discerning Kyoto ladies can tell at a glance that the embroidery is of exceptional quality.

Xiao Changqi, on the other hand, arranged for people to disperse into various teahouses and taverns throughout the capital, intentionally or unintentionally guiding public opinion.

"The new batch of narrow-sleeved shirts at Jinxiu Pavilion are all made by a mysterious female tailor; their designs are exquisite."

"Her Highness the Princess is wearing Master Suyi's clothes."

The effect was immediate; the threshold of Jinxiu Pavilion was almost flattened by the footsteps that afternoon.

Five days later, Xiao Changqi hung up curtains for renovations in the heart of the East City, "accidentally" revealing the information.

"This store is a collaboration with the 'plain clothing' master."

In short, the elite social circles of Beijing were in an uproar.

Fan Suyao sat in the workshop flipping through orders. It wasn't even noon outside the window yet when her young apprentice came in with the third stack of inquiry letters, all asking questions like, "When will you open?", "Can I place an order in advance?", and "Do you accept private customization?"

Overjoyed, she forcibly suppressed her excitement and continued drawing the picture in her hand.

Light footsteps came from the doorway, followed by the sound of a folding fan being opened.

"How about it? Look at this number."

Xiao Changqi took out a piece of paper from his sleeve, unfolded it, and pushed it in front of Fan Suyao.

A row of numbers was written on the paper. Fan Suyao looked down and counted from the first line to the last line, then paused in her hand holding the letter.

"...Five days, that many?"

"And it's all been settled with real money," Xiao Changqi said, sitting down opposite her with an uncontrollable smirk. "I reckon the amount will more than double by the time the shop opens."

Fan Suyao folded the paper and placed it under the fabric sample book, picked up the order book again, looked at the first page once more, and then looked up.

"The Princess Shaoning's idea has been surprisingly effective."

Xiao Changqi snapped his fan shut, unable to contain his smugness.

"That's right, don't you even know whose sister she is?"

"I was praising your sister, what are you so smug about?"

Fan Suyao slapped his forehead with the order book, finally unable to resist, and tugged at the corner of her mouth, her voice filled with genuine admiration, "Those old foxes from the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce have been doing business for half their lives, and they've never come up with a method like this."

Xiao Changqi was hit, but instead of being surprised, he happily muttered to himself.

"Praising my sister is praising me."

Fan Suyao chuckled and sincerely handed over a letter she had written long ago.

"Once the store opens, bring her over. I'd like to thank her in person."

Xiao Changqi twirled his fan in his hand, accepted the invitation, flipped through it, and felt quite pleased with himself.

"Yes, sir!"

……

At this moment, Shen Jingque himself was sitting upright in a classroom at Qishan Academy.

Or rather, though physically present in the classroom, their souls soar in the clouds.

Master Cen's voice drifted in from the podium. Shen Jingque rested her elbows on her desk, staring aimlessly at the top of the big locust tree outside the window, her mind wandering.

System 001 sensed that the host was preoccupied and cautiously popped up with a message.

[Host, what are you thinking about?]

Shen Jingque replied inwardly, "I'm wondering if the Heavenly Dao has some strange hobbies in your book."

[...What strange hobbies?]

"A person who murdered his own sister to climb the social ladder is actually your chosen one?"

Shen Jingque shook her head with disdain, "Does your Heavenly Dao have a pica fetish? Do you just like this kind of poisonous husband?"

Just like all fairy tales end with "the princess lived happily ever after".

She even began to doubt whether the Great Yong Dynasty truly ushered in a golden age after Xiao Jingchen ascended the throne in the original book.

Would such a cold-blooded and ungrateful person really treat the people well?

System 001 was silent for a while, then emitted a series of aggrieved beeping sounds.

[Host, the laws of Heaven are not under my jurisdiction; I am merely a butler system...]

"Then shut up."

【……Oh. 】

Regardless, this incident has only strengthened Shen Jingque's resolve that Xiao Jingchen must never be allowed to take the throne.

At the same time, he also developed a strong protective instinct towards the little princess.

Xiao Jingshu was innocent and carefree, growing up surrounded by love.

As a result, they lack awareness of self-protection.

Although she is quick and agile and learns things fast, she is still just a teenage girl.

If Xiao Jingchen strikes again, it will be very difficult to prevent.

To fundamentally solve the problem, we need to address it from two aspects.

First, we need to find out if there are any troublemakers around her.

Secondly, she needs to have some ability to protect herself; even being able to escape would be ideal.

More importantly, we need to find a way to get the Empress and the Princess's residence on the same side.

……

After dinner, the orange lights in the front yard porch swayed in the wind.

Shen Jingque found Xiao Mingyue at the entrance of the flower hall.

"Mother."

Xiao Mingyue continued flipping through military reports, and hummed in agreement.

"I want to go to the palace to see Princess Huiyun this month."

Xiao Mingyue raised an eyebrow in surprise and turned to look at her: "You just sent her back to the palace a few days ago, and you're already in such a hurry to go?"

"She promised her," Shen Jingque smiled, pursing her lips. "They made a pinky promise, it wouldn't be good to go back on it."

Xiao Mingyue stared at her for a long time, her sharp eyes filled with a hint of inquiry.

When the princess came last time, she was clearly very reluctant to enter the palace.

Why did you suddenly bring it up now?

But Shen Jingque's expression was flawless, revealing nothing about her thoughts.

"Alright." Xiao Mingyue withdrew her gaze, picked up the vermilion brush again, and said, "I will arrange a time with the Empress."

Shen Jingque's smile blossomed, and she was about to jump up and cheer when Xiao Mingyue's voice followed.

"However, there is one point."

The pen stopped on the paper, and Xiao Mingyue turned to look at her, her gaze as sharp as a blade.

"After entering the palace, do not wander around, especially do not go deep into the inner palace, do not talk to strangers, and do not accept food from anyone."

Shen Jingque suppressed her smile, stood up straight, and nodded solemnly: "I understand, Mother. I will stay obediently within your sight and not go anywhere."

Seeing her serious expression, Xiao Mingyue's brows relaxed slightly, and she reached out and gently patted the top of her head: "Go ahead, and tell Lü'e to prepare two sets of clothes for you to wear to the palace tomorrow."

Shen Jingque obediently responded and turned to skip and hop outside.

Xiao Mingyue acted quickly, sending an invitation to the Empress the very next day.

The Empress's invitation arrived quickly, and it was written in a friendly tone.

"Shu'er has been talking about Princess Shaoning ever since she returned, and I have been waiting for her for a long time."