An Eight-year-old Princess novel Chapter 136

"The State of Xia, lying to the south of the State of Ning, is a prosperous country. Unlike the brave and battle-wise people of the State of Yelang, people of the State of Xia focus on achievements in culture and education. It is in a favorable geographical location surrounded by seas on three sides and a towering mountain on the fourth. Therefore, the country has been peaceful for hundreds of years. The seventh Prince is the seventh son of the Emperor of the State of Xia, and also the most brilliant son of the Emperor. He was made a Prince at the age of seven, but at twelve, he became severely ill. From then on, his health has been poor, and the Emperor gradually snubbed him and awarded the Empress's ninth son as the title of Crown Prince the year before last."

Standing before Yun Shang, Qian Yin held a piece of parchment and read through it slowly. Then she closed the parchment and spoke softly to Yun Shang, "The seventh Prince is seldom seen in public because of his poor health, and there is very little information about him. The information we found is almost universally known. Other news may take a little longer."

Yun Shang nodded and took the parchment, "Good, keep inquiring about him."

Qian Yin nodded before asking curiously, "Your Highness, I have seen the seventh Prince several times from a distance over the past few days. He is clearly a sick man, breathless for a moment at every few words. Such a person..."

"What? Do you think such a person is not a threat?" Yun Shang arched an eyebrow. She knew what Qian Yin was thinking. "When I first came back to the Palace, I believe the Empress and Hua Jing looked at me the same way. After seven or eight years at Ning'guo Temple, I didn't know the tricks in the Palace. And I was so weak that I coughed for a long time when I spoke. But it was their contempt for me that gave me a chance, " she answered. "You know, an outstanding member of the royal family is almost always the source of envy and hence, an obvious target. The person who knows how to keep a low profile is wise."

Hearing what Yun Shang said, Qian Yin understood and quickly replied, "I let down my guard."

Yun Shang nodded. At this point, Qin Yi entered. She wore a strange expression as she handed Yun Shang an invitation. Then she said, "Your Highness, this is Cangjue Qingsu's invitation to you. He said that he has just come to the State of Ning and wanted to invite you to be his guide when he visits the Imperial City."

Yun Shang's mouth twisted, and she wondered about Qingsu's intention. To visit the Imperial City? To be his guide?

Qin Yi inquired with concern, "Your Highness, now that you are engaged, you can't accept the invitation. But Qingsu is our guest. How should we reply to him?"

Yun Shang reflected on it for a moment, and then a mischievous gleam reflected in her eyes. She told Qin Yi, "Send the invitation to Prince Jing's Mansion and tell him that Qingsu wants to invite me to be his guide when he tours the Imperial City. But a distinction should be made between males and females. It is not proper for me to accept his invitation. And since Prince Jing is my fiance, I ask him to accept the invitation on my behalf."

A smile flickered across Qin Yi's lips. She nodded and said, "I get it."

Yun Shang then turned to Qian Yin and asked, "How about Princess Hua Jing and the Empress?"

"Your Highness, these past few days, Princess Hua Jing has been resting in her Palace, but her Palace is very lively. Several groups of people have visited her Palace, the Empress's, the Grand Councilor's, Qingsu's, and of course, ours. Even the seventh Prince of the State of Xia seems to have sent people there, " Qian Yin answered with a grin.

"Oh?" Yun Shang's brows lifted. "Just keep her alive. She's still useful, " Yun Shang said.

Qian Yin answered with a nod. Then a voice came from outside, "Your Highness, Lady Wang, the daughter of the Minister of Defense and War, asks to see you."

"Wang Jinyan?" Yun Shang stood. She was somewhat fond of the chipper girl. When Yun Shang walked out of the inner Hall with a smile, she saw Wang Jinyan standing at the door. The Lady entered as soon as she saw the Princess. "Your Highness, how are you doing? Am I disturbing you?" She asked Yun Shang with a cheerful smile.

Yun Shang raised her eyes and gave Lady Wang a smile. "You have disturbed me. Tell me, how should I punish you?"