CHAPTER 161: CHAPTER 161: THE SPOILED PRINCESS

That afternoon, Princess Ming Ruo was kicking up a fuss about wanting to go out to play, but was stopped by the guards tasked with enforcing the confinement at the door.

"Forgive me, Your Highness, but I cannot let you out. The Emperor has decreed that no one within Yao Tai Pavilion is allowed to leave without an imperial edict!"

"Nonsense! I refuse to believe my father would treat me and my mother so! Surely you are fraudulently passing off imperial orders! Let me out at once! I want to see my father!"

Princess Ming Ruo was now about four years old.

True to her name, she was raised to be exceedingly lively and beautiful.

Unfortunately, she was still often excessively indulged, hence her demeanor was quite in line with a princess’s airs.

She wasn’t one to casually reprimand or beat the servants, but those who served her lived in constant fear, not daring to offer any counsel that might overstep the mark.

Thus, her naturally slight temper as a young girl had been utterly spoiled into one of the utmost indulged capriciousness.

Her appearance resembled neither the Emperor nor Lin Guifei, but more of Commandery Princess Rong Kang.

Therefore, every time Commandery Princess Rong Kang visited, she bestowed great care upon this great-granddaughter.

If it weren’t for her status as a princess, she might have been taken home to be raised personally by her side.

The young princess was not very old, nor would her stature be that tall.

Yet when she was angry, servants knelt, filling the room.

This made her appear as though she stood apart like a crane among chickens.

Looking down at the subservient individuals with haughty disdain.

"I’ll say it again, move aside! Or don’t blame me for being rude!"

The guarding soldier’s face turned beet red.

He was just a minor pawn, unable to bear such responsibility.

To let her out meant defying the imperial edict, an offense punishable by death.

But not letting her out meant pitting himself against the princess, ensuring no peace in the future.

His face was filled with distress, almost wishing to kneel before the princess.

"Princess, I beseech you not to make it difficult for me; it’s truly impossible to let you through this palace gate. If you wish, I could pick some flowers for you from anywhere you’d like?"

"Hmph, who wants to see some lousy flowers? Today, I must get out of this door. If you dare obstruct me again, then I..."

Princess Ming Ruo glanced around and noticed the pile of rock formations not far from the gate.

Thus, she threatened, saying.

"Then I’ll throw myself to death on these rocks, and let’s see whether my father will annihilate your entire family!"

It must be said that Princess Ming Ruo, being so influenced by her surroundings, knew well how to manipulate others.

She often spoke of exterminating entire families in every breath.

Upon hearing these words, the guard, no matter how firm, dared not stop her.

Princess Ming Ruo, seeing his embarrassed and fearful expression, smirked in mockery, then walked out.

Before leaving, she addressed the trembling crowd behind her.

"If anyone dares to report today’s incident to my mother, beware of your life!"

The threat was unmistakable.

No one was foolish enough to pit themselves against her.

Thus they could only prostrate themselves on the floor, meekly replying.

"Yes!"

Those palace attendants serving her followed, gritting their teeth and stomping their feet.

They feared defying the imperial edict less than the possibility that something might happen to Princess Ming Ruo.

Not only would their lives be at risk, but Lin Guifei might even dig up their ancestors’ graves out of anger!

As Princess Ming Ruo strutted out of Yao Tai Pavilion.

The guards in charge of this place were in disarray.

Gritting his teeth, one guard ran straight to Princess Consort Yi for help.

For the princess had left Yao Tai Pavilion without permission, blatantly defying the edict!

Now, since Princess Consort Yi was in charge of the harem, she was summoned to preside over this matter.

Poor Lin Guifei remained unaware of the events, asleep in her midday rest.

By the time she learned of the news, it was too late.

Princess Ming Ruo, having left Yao Tai Pavilion, had no particular place to go.

So she wandered aimlessly.

The words she had uttered about going to see the Emperor were merely to trick the people.

She wasn’t foolish and had no intention of pursuing something impossible.

The landscapes and gardens in the traveling palace were meticulously designed.

Places where every step offered a different view, with various treasures of Da Wei relocated here.

Thus, if one leisurely observed everything, it could be quite entertaining.

But in the eyes of Princess Ming Ruo, it seemed rather dull.

"Princess, maybe it’s better for us to return. If someone sees us, then I fear..."

"What is there to fear? Is anyone bold enough to complain in front of my father?"

"That’s true, but we’ve been out for some time. If the Imperial Concubine finds out, things won’t look good!"

"Hmph, Nanny Chi, you think you can frighten me with my mother! Just do your job and don’t act arrogant in front of me! While my mother might tolerate you, I do not!"

Though merely a child, she exuded an aura that was daunting to face directly.

In Princess Ming Ruo’s presence, Nanny Chi was not like Nanny Chai before the Second Prince.

Scolded by Princess Ming Ruo, she immediately stood silently to the side.

Princess Ming Ruo relished this sovereign attitude, not wanting anyone flaunting their prowess before her.

Yet she was equally adept at putting on a show.

Always appearing sweet and endearing before Lin Guifei and the Emperor.

As the Emperor’s only daughter, she earned considerable affection.

Having wandered around in the traveling palace, Princess Ming Ruo hadn’t encountered anything particularly interesting.

In fact, she hadn’t had to come out today at all.

She just couldn’t tolerate anyone trying to restrain her, hence the intimidation of the guards.

Finding no amusement now, she decided to head back.

She hadn’t taken more than a few steps back when she saw Princess Consort Yi approaching with a mischievous smile, leading a group.

Dozens of guards quickly surrounded her and the accompanying palace attendants.

This scene startled Princess Ming Ruo for a moment.

But she quickly resumed holding her head high, looking at the approaching Princess Consort Yi without a trace of fear.

"Oh, I thought those guards were making things up, but it turns out Princess Ming Ruo truly is audacious enough to disregard the Emperor’s decree and dare to escape. What punishment should be given?"

"Princess Consort Yi, choose your words carefully. I didn’t grow up easily frightened!"

Hearing this, Princess Consort Yi let out a cold laugh.

To think Lin Guifei was foolish indeed.

Just a princess yet spoiled to such an arrogant state.

Never mind currying favor with the Emperor, if ever they intended to unite through marriage, they might just deliver a scourge!

Thus, she replied with a sarcastic smile.

"What a coincidence, I too wasn’t raised scared. Growing up in the palace, Princess might not have seen the horrifying aftermath of battles, but I have been to the Northwest and even seen the battlefield..."

That inherent aura of authority subdued Princess Ming Ruo for a moment.

Though pampered, she was merely a four-year-old child.

Standing before Princess Consort Yi, how could she possibly win a confrontation!