Chapter 8

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Chapter 8: Title

Gu Hengbo glanced at the clothes Gu Cheng sent her. She didn’t understand fabrics, but the cloth looked smooth and soft, and the color suited her well, elegant yet noble. For a moment, she suddenly missed the days of wearing T-shirts and shorts. She usually acted casually like a tomboy, and it was said that Yan Chufeng had pursued her because of her personality. She mocked him for being a masochist, looking for trouble. Now, it seemed quite ridiculous.

“Go to hell, Yan Chufeng! I curse you to have a child with no ability!” Gu Hengbo spat.

“Wow, the Second Miss has really recovered! Even her insults are now so refined,” a teasing voice called out.

Gu Hengbo looked at the person standing at the door. “Third Prince, what an honor! The little princess’s birthday is today. The palace must be busy, so why have you come to my humble abode?”

The visitor was the Third Prince, Lian Chen. He walked in with a smile. When he saw the clothes beside Gu Hengbo, he paused for a moment, then laughed. “Ah Cheng takes really good care of you. This is the best Lianyun brocade he brought back from Jiangying, and he’s treasured it highly.”

Gu Hengbo glanced at the clothes and said lightly, “Yes, it’s such a waste to wear it on me.”

Lian Chen raised an eyebrow. “I say, Meisheng, even though you were foolish before, every time you saw me, you’d grin from ear to ear. Now that you’re better, why do you look so long-faced?”

“So, the Third Prince likes women who drool?” Gu Hengbo replied nonchalantly.

Lian Chen was taken aback, squinting his peach blossom eyes as he appraised Gu Hengbo. “Did you know that today, this prince is taking you to the palace?”

Gu Hengbo felt a wave of disgust but answered honestly, “I didn’t know. My mother didn’t tell me.”

“You—”

“I need to change clothes now. Third Prince, please step outside.”

Lian Chen frowned at her unexpressive face. He was not accustomed to such treatment. “What if I don’t go outside?”

Gu Hengbo remained calm, pointing to a nearby chair. “Feel free, Third Prince.” As she spoke, she raised her hand to start unfastening her clothes.

Lian Chen looked at her as if she were crazy, pointing at her for a long time but couldn’t come up with any words. Finally, he fled in utter embarrassment.

Gu Hengbo shrugged, raising an eyebrow as she hummed a tune while changing clothes.

Just as Lian Chen grew impatient waiting, Gu Hengbo emerged in her new outfit. He glanced her way and frowned. “Is this your mother’s dress?”

Gu Hengbo looked at him. “Where’s my brother?”

Lian Chen paused. “Ah Cheng’s status makes it inconvenient for him to attend the banquet, so I came to accompany you instead. Shouldn’t you thank me?” He finished with a proud smile.

“Oh, then let’s go.”

Lian Chen watched her walk straight out and stomped his feet in frustration. “Hey, Gu Meisheng, do you have no conscience?”

“Sorry, I fed it to the dog,” Gu Hengbo’s voice echoed back.

Lian Chen stared in disbelief at her retreating figure, a strange glint in his eyes. Everything had changed. She wasn’t the same Gu Meisheng who used to bite her finger and call him “Brother Lian Chen” every time she saw him.

As Gu Hengbo reached the door, Madam Dou’s voice called out from behind.

“Daughter.”

Madam Dou grabbed Gu Hengbo’s hand nervously. “Meisheng, the palace isn’t like home. You must follow the rules and not act recklessly, understand?”

Gu Hengbo forced a smile. “Mother, what could I possibly do? As long as they don’t ask me to perform or anything, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

Madam Dou sighed. “That’s exactly what I’m worried about.”

“It’ll be fine. I’ll handle it as it comes. The Third Prince will help me, right, Third Prince?”

Lian Chen, who had been standing nearby, smiled and nodded. “Madam Dou, you have nothing to worry about.”

Gu Hengbo made a bunch of promises about coming back safe and sound, which finally eased Madam Dou’s mind.

The carriage came to a stop. Gu Hengbo ignored Lian Chen’s outstretched hand and hopped out, staring in awe at the grand palace. It was far more extravagant than she had imagined—golden and splendorous didn’t even begin to describe it.

Seeing her frozen in place, Lian Chen asked, “Hey, why aren’t you moving?”

Gu Hengbo snapped out of it and looked at him, slowly saying, “Your family is really rich.”

Lian Chen smirked. “Yes, we are. Why don’t you marry me? I can give you a life of riches and honor.”

Gu Hengbo shot him a sideways glance. “Is that all? If you marry me, I can give you a life of wealth and splendor too.”

Lian Chen gave her a strange look. “I’m starting to wonder if you’re even a woman.”

Gu Hengbo kept a straight face. “Isn’t that something you should know?”

Lian Chen’s mouth twitched, and he felt a little flustered. She… she…

The two walked toward Taihe Hall. At the entrance stood rows of guards with swords, and Gu Hengbo couldn’t help but be impressed. She’d only seen such grandeur on TV, but it was nothing compared to seeing it in person. Following Lian Chen, she tried to keep her expression calm. She’d been thrown into this strange world, and one unbelievable thing after another kept happening, leaving her no time to figure out how to handle it all. Now she was attending the little princess’s birthday party as part of the Prime Minister’s residence. She knew Madam Qin was trying to make her embarrass herself, but what a foolish plan. If she messed up, it would reflect badly on the Prime Minister’s residence too. Was Gu Yuanqing, that old turtle, really that clueless, or did he have some other scheme?

Before she knew it, Gu Hengbo had followed Lian Chen into the hall, which was already packed. Despite the crowd, the space didn’t feel cramped. Families of ministers mingled, palace servants stood in rows, and some were being led inside by attendants. As Lian Chen entered, the maids and eunuchs bowed respectfully.

Lian Chen glanced around. “We’re late. My royal brothers are already here. Huh? Even my royal sister is early.”

Gu Hengbo followed his gaze and saw a group of handsome young men surrounded by officials. Watching the sycophantic faces around them, she couldn’t help but scoff. It wasn’t just the princes being fawned over—just look at the old turtle’s smug face. His ego must be through the roof.

Noticing her cold expression, Lian Chen seemed to catch on. “You and Gu don’t get along, do you?”

Gu Hengbo looked at him. “What do you think?”

Lian Chen felt awkward. “Never mind.”

“Where should I sit?” Gu Hengbo asked.

Lian Chen scanned the room. “Sit with me. Gu Cheng told me to look after you, so we should stay close.”

“Fine. By the way, why didn’t I see my brother when we arrived?”

“There was some trouble at Tianzi Trading Company—something serious. That’s why you didn’t see him. Lately, he’s been really busy. A few of the companies have taken big losses.” Lian Chen sounded puzzled.

“Could it have something to do with that new trading company in the royal city?” she asked, recalling some gossip she’d overheard from the maids.

“It seems like that’s the case.”

While the two were chatting, a voice interrupted, “Your Highness, who is this young lady?”

The newcomer wore a blue fitted robe with dark phoenix patterns that shimmered subtly. Her hair was neatly styled in a palace updo, and her gentle eyes sparkled like water. With a graceful nose and beautifully curved red lips, her stunning features took one’s breath away. The elegant aura that surrounded her was hard to match.

As soon as Lian Chen saw her, his face lit up with a smile. “Royal sister.”

The person was Princess Lianhua, the eldest princess of Dongyin. She had arrived early and was chatting with the officials’ families. Upon seeing Lian Chen and the unfamiliar girl beside him, she walked over.

“Meisheng, this is my royal sister,” Lian Chen nudged the dazed Gu Hengbo with his elbow.

Gu Hengbo came to her senses and hurriedly prepared to greet her. “Meisheng pays her respects to Your Highness, the eldest princess.”

Lianhua smiled gently and reached out to support her. “Meisheng? You must be the second young lady of the Prime Minister’s residence?”

Gu Hengbo nodded. “That’s correct.”

Lianhua looked her up and down, speaking softly, “Today is Ruoyun’s birthday. You need not be too restrained; just enjoy yourself.”

Gu Hengbo felt pleasantly surprised. Although it was just a polite remark, she inexplicably liked this princess. She had heard that Lianhua was gentle and virtuous, and indeed, seeing her was better than hearing about her. Contrary to expectations, she did not meet Gu Hengbo with the cold ridicule like others had. This made her feel a bit comforted.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Lian Chen grinned and patted Gu Hengbo on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, royal sister. It’s Meisheng’s first time here, and I’ll take good care of her.”

Lianhua nodded and mentioned that she had some matters to attend to before turning to leave.