TGPSAC – Chapter 41

The sky gradually darkened. The Grand Princess’s carriage had already left the residence, heading for the Qifeng River.

The moment Yu Jiuzhou departed, the Emperor received the news. He asked Wang Hai, “And the Fuma?”

“The Fuma immediately sent someone to charter a boat.”

“This Chi Wan is quite wealthy. I’ve heard that chartering a boat is no small expense.”

Wang Hai hurriedly replied, “Your Majesty, the Fuma chartered a small boat, about this big…”

He gestured with his hands, leaving the Emperor utterly speechless. “Does she want Zhou’er to kick her into the river?”

Wang Hai was also a bit embarrassed. “Perhaps the Fuma is short on funds.”

How could Chi Wan be short on funds? Yu Jiuzhou gave her a monthly allowance of a thousand taels of silver. While not enough for a grand pleasure barge, it was certainly sufficient for a slightly larger vessel.

Hearing this, the Emperor shook his head. “The Fuma is just like me—penniless.”

“All the money the Empress rewarded her with, she used to buy supplies and donate them in Zhou’er’s name. She has such a rigid character, unwilling to take advantage of Zhou’er. But the Empress spoils Zhou’er too much. How could she let her humiliate the Fuma like this?”

Wang Hai stood to the side, not daring to speak. When the Emperor commented on the Empress and the Grand Princess, they were his wife and daughter. As a servant, it was best to just listen.

“Never mind. Wang Hai, send someone to tell the Fuma that all her expenses tonight will be covered by me.”

A father-in-law paying for someone to court his own daughter—this was truly a first.

Wang Hai could only think that, as someone who couldn’t have children, he didn’t understand this father’s way of thinking.

Forget Wang Hai; even Chi Wan was stunned when she received the decree. “Is His Majesty afraid I have no money?”

The young eunuch who delivered the message had never heard of such a thing either. He gave an awkward smile. “That is what His Majesty’s decree says.”

“Alright, then. Thank His Majesty for me.”

“Rest assured, Fuma. This servant will certainly relay your words.”

Seeing that the young eunuch was still lingering, Chi Wan asked, “Is there something else?”

“This servant will bring people to follow the Fuma’s boat and record all your expenditures.”

“Fine. Just follow from a distance. Don’t let Her Highness see you.”

Chi Wan was worried they would see through her plans. The farther away they were, the better.

She stood at the Qifeng River dock, looking at the numerous pleasure barges, the boats already cruising on the river, and the performers who had begun their shows on the banks.

There was also an abundance of food. She gave the stalls a quick scan and bought some dried meat, roasted meat, baked flatbread, and some sweet wine. With the food prepared, she returned to the dock to board her boat.

Chen Yuan had already chartered the boat and was waiting for her.

Chi Wan walked over and asked, “Which boat is mine?”

Chen Yuan pointed to a large ship, then gestured downward. “Fuma, it’s this one.”

Chi Wan’s gaze followed her finger, only to see a tiny ant of a boat next to the massive ship. It was like comparing a dinghy to a battleship; it looked rather petite.

Chi Wan gave an awkward smile. No wonder the Emperor had specifically sent someone with a message. Compared to the pleasure barges, or even other people’s leisure boats, hers was like a small infant standing at a giant’s feet—you could barely see it.

Well, it was already chartered. What could she do?

The boat was smaller than others, but it could accommodate three to five people without issue, though five would be a bit crowded. With just her and Chen Yuan, who would be rowing, it was fine.

The moment Chi Wan’s foot touched the bow, she sensed something was wrong. There was an extra person in the cabin. She retracted her foot.

She glanced at Chen Yuan, who observed how low the boat was sitting in the water. It was indeed lower than the empty boats nearby.

Chen Yuan gripped the hilt of her saber and boarded first. Chi Wan wasn’t worried about Chen Yuan. Judging by the breathing from the cabin, it was likely a woman—more like a Kun Ze than a Qian Yuan.

From the person’s breathing, she could tell it was somewhat heavy, weak, and powerless. They had probably been running and were very nervous, but they had no martial arts training. Chen Yuan could handle it.

As soon as Chen Yuan entered the cabin, she saw the person and immediately drew her saber, pointing it at them. “Who are you?”

“I… I’m looking for the Fuma.”

The Fuma? Chen Yuan narrowed her eyes at the little beauty before her. Had the Fuma been attracting admirers out here? If so, she would definitely have to report it to Her Highness.

Hearing that the person was looking for her, Chi Wan boarded the boat. She saw a girl in a green dress crouching in the cabin. She looked pure and lovely, like a girl next door, though her eyes held a certain resilience. Her gentle features gave her a harmless appearance.

But Chi Wan didn’t recognize this girl, nor was she in the original owner’s memories.

“Who are you, and what do you want with me?”

Chi Wan’s question stunned both Chen Yuan and the girl. She didn’t know the girl?

The girl also found it absurd. This person didn’t even know her, yet she had to seek her out. “I am Lin Qianduo.”

Lin Qianduo? Chi Wan raised an eyebrow. “So you’re Lin Qianduo.”

Lin Qianduo was speechless. She had thought the Fuma had seen her and had designs on her, but it turned out the Fuma didn’t even recognize her.

“The Fuma doesn’t know me?”

Chi Wan awkwardly extended a hand. “Hello, I’m Chi Wan.”

Staring at the outstretched hand, Lin Qianduo looked at her as if she were an idiot. “Are you trying to take advantage of me?”

Er… Chi Wan immediately withdrew her hand. Perhaps it was because she looked rather cute, but Lin Qianduo’s fear subsided, replaced by a bit of curiosity.

The future richest person in Jiangnan, a bona fide powerful Kun Ze. Even though her career had yet to begin, she already behaved differently from ordinary people.

“Is the Fuma just going to let her hold a saber to my neck?”

Chi Wan told Chen Yuan to put her saber away. “I didn’t think we would meet so soon.”

She had expected that they would only meet formally in a couple of days when Lin Buwei brought Lin Qianduo to see her.

Lin Qianduo sat down, and Chi Wan sat opposite her.

Chi Wan was holding a lot of food, and Lin Qianduo’s eyes kept darting toward it, her stomach letting out a “gurgle.”

“I came to find the Fuma on my own initiative,” Lin Qianduo said, forcing her gaze away.

She had only eaten breakfast today, and her stomach had long been empty.

Chi Wan selected two items from the food she was holding and placed them on the table. Then she poured herself a cup of tea, showing no intention of inviting Lin Qianduo to eat.

“Does your father know you’re here?”

Lin Qianduo visibly struggled with herself for a moment before reaching out to pour herself some tea. After downing a cup of hot tea, her complexion improved significantly.

“He does not.”

Forcing back her hunger, Lin Qianduo drank two more cups of tea to fill her stomach. “Today, my father returned home and told me that the Fuma has taken a fancy to me.”

“Cough!” Chi Wan nearly choked on her tea. “Is that what Lin Buwei said?”

“Yes. He said it was my good fortune that you’ve taken a fancy to me, and that I wouldn’t have to marry some old man as his second wife. But to me, being your mistress is worse than being an old man’s second wife. I will not be a concubine, nor will I be someone’s mistress. I will not do such a shameless thing.”

Lin Qianduo spoke with a righteous air, which indeed matched the character Chi Wan remembered from the novel.

If not for misplacing her trust due to a debt of gratitude, her life could have been much more vibrant.

Chi Wan raised an eyebrow. “Who told you I wanted you as my mistress? Did your father not tell you that I want you to be in charge of the business partnership between the Lin family and me?”

“Impossible. The Lin family has so many people, and I am not valued. I’m also a Kun Ze. There’s no way I would be chosen.”

To this day, Lin Qianduo still didn’t know what kind of business it was. Lin Buwei had only told her that the Fuma had taken a fancy to her and wanted to see her in a couple of days.

She had no room to refuse. To reject the matter, she had to start with Chi Wan. That was why she had snuck out of the Lin residence, hoping to make Chi Wan retract her request.

Chi Wan smiled. “I told your esteemed father that I only wanted one of his children. Furthermore, I don’t want a Qian Yuan, I don’t want a man, and I don’t want anyone under sixteen. After much consideration, your esteemed father was left with only you.”

“Wasn’t the Fuma hinting at him?”

“Yes.”

“You…?”

Lin Qianduo was stunned. Wait, you’re just admitting it like that? She had prepared a whole bellyful of arguments.

Chi Wan found an excuse. “I’m on good terms with your elder brother, Lin Zhiyi. You know that, right?”

“Yes.”

“I heard your name from him as well. He said you have a great talent for business, but it’s a pity you’re a Kun Ze, otherwise you would surely achieve great things.”

Chi Wan couldn’t possibly say she was a transmigrator who had read the novel and knew how amazing Lin Qianduo would become.

She could only attribute it all to Lin Zhiyi. And Lin Zhiyi had indeed mentioned that he had a very clever younger sister.

Lin Qianduo had a good impression of her elder brother; he was the only person in the Lin family she was close to. Hearing that her brother had mentioned her, she felt both angry and helpless.

She believed her brother meant well, but the speaker may be careless while the listener is attentive. So Chi Wan had heard about it and hinted to her father that she should become her mistress.

Lin Qianduo said firmly, “I will not be your mistress.”

“Who asked you to be my mistress?”

Chi Wan explained helplessly, “Your father misunderstood my meaning. I just want you to manage this business.”

“The Fuma trusts me that much?” Though she asked the question, it was dripping with distrust.

Lin Qianduo didn’t believe she would be so kind-hearted. To be precise, it wasn’t that she didn’t trust Chi Wan; she didn’t trust anyone who showed her kindness for no reason, especially a Qian Yuan. If it were a Kun Ze, she might have believed it.

There was nothing about her worth scheming for. The Lin family wanted to marry her off to an old official for his power. He was willing to marry her because she was young and reasonably beautiful, and the Lin family was wealthy.

What was Chi Wan after? Given Chi Wan’s status, the Lin family would be falling over themselves to give her money. There was no need for such a complicated approach.

So no matter how she thought about it, Lin Qianduo felt that Chi Wan had improper designs on her.

Chi Wan knew the other party wouldn’t believe her easily. “Lin Qianduo, you don’t have to believe me, but you can believe Her Highness.”

“Her Highness?”

Lin Qianduo was puzzled. What did this have to do with the Grand Princess?

Chi Wan cursed Lin Buwei inwardly for ruining her reputation. Now that Lin Qianduo was prejudiced against her, thinking she had ulterior motives, words alone wouldn’t be enough to convince her.

“Yes, Her Highness.”

Chi Wan pushed the food on the table toward Lin Qianduo. “This business belongs to Her Highness. It’s just being done in my name. Her Highness dislikes Qian Yuan and men, so the person who reports to her about the business in the future must be a female Kun Ze.”

“And you are only a temporary candidate. If you don’t perform well and displease Her Highness, I will replace you at any time.”

Lin Qianduo’s eyes lit up. “The Fuma is saying I can meet Her Highness?”

“Yes.” What, was Lin Qianduo a fan of Yu Jiuzhou or something?

Then Chi Wan saw Lin Qianduo fall into a thoughtful silence. She didn’t rush her, just waited.

Lin Qianduo was thinking that if she could meet the Grand Princess, Chi Wan wouldn’t dare do anything to her. She could complain to the Grand Princess.

Grand Princess Yu Jiuzhou was peerlessly beautiful, as pure and transcendent as the autumn moon. She was the number one Kun Ze in Great Zhou, coveted by every Qian Yuan in the world. It was a pity her Fuma was Chi Wan.

When Lin Qianduo was young, she loved to sneak out and wander around. Since she wasn’t valued at home, no one ever noticed she was gone. She knew some of the rumors circulating outside.

As for Chi Wan, she used to be a nobody. There were so many profligate children of nobility in the capital, causing all sorts of trouble every day. Chi Wan’s gambling habit, which led to debt collectors chasing her to her home, was hardly a major incident.

Then, suddenly, rumors started flying everywhere that Chi Wan was pursuing the Grand Princess. She had even scoffed at it.

Feelings should be expressed with propriety. If you truly liked someone, you shouldn’t cause such a huge commotion and damage their reputation.

But then, rumors spread that the Grand Princess was interested in her. Not long after, the Emperor issued an edict for their marriage.

She still remembered what the Grand Princess had said when she was a child: “My aunt married abroad for the country, navigating peace between two nations. My aunt is an envoy of Great Zhou, one person worth a thousand troops. Qian Yuan fight for the country, but we Kun Ze are not weaker than Qian Yuan.”

She had always kept those words in her heart. Kun Ze are not weaker than Qian Yuan. What a heroic statement.

The Kun Ze of Great Zhou were confined to the inner quarters, with no opportunity to work outside. But Lin Qianduo felt the Grand Princess was right. If given the chance, Kun Ze were not weaker than Qian Yuan.

It wasn’t just her; many Kun Ze regarded the Grand Princess’s words as gospel.

If doing this would allow her to meet the Grand Princess, then she had a choice. After all, she would rather flee the capital and become a refugee than be an old man’s second wife.

As a refugee, she had a high chance of dying. As an old man’s second wife, she would certainly die.

When push came to shove, Lin Qianduo would never marry alive. As for what trouble that would bring the Lin family, what did that have to do with her?

After thinking for a long time, Lin Qianduo finally said, “You guarantee that you want me to be the manager of a business, not your mistress.”

Chi Wan looked her up and down. “How do you think you compare to the Grand Princess? With Her Highness by my side, could I possibly be interested in anyone else?”

That was true, wasn’t it? But why did that sound so unpleasant?

Chen Yuan, who was rowing the boat, couldn’t help but smile. This Fuma was so unromantic. That was good, though. It saved her the trouble of having to report on her to Her Highness.

After spending time with Chi Wan today, she felt the Fuma was actually quite decent. Unless absolutely necessary, she didn’t want to speak ill of her.

After a while, Lin Qianduo finally said, “My father didn’t tell me what this business is about.”

Lin Buwei thought she was going to be Chi Wan’s mistress, so knowing about the business wasn’t important. All that mattered was serving the Fuma well.

Chi Wan frowned. This was not good. She wanted to entrust the business to Lin Qianduo, not someone else from the Lin family.

“As for what the business is, come find me with your father in two days. Also, I will have someone keep an eye on this business. This person will not interfere with your decisions, and they will also help you fend off those people from the Lin family.”

This statement thoroughly surprised Lin Qianduo. How could such a good thing fall into her lap?

“May I ask the Fuma, does Her Highness know of me?” Lin Qianduo thought, could it be that Her Highness knew about her?

Chi Wan glanced at her. “In the twenty-fifth year of the Shengyuan era, when cotton cloth first became popular and the common people didn’t know its value, you used your own money, plus Lin Zhiyi’s, to hoard a large batch. After people realized how good cotton was, the supply couldn’t meet the demand. You sold the cotton you had hoarded, turning one hundred taels of silver into a thousand.”

“In the twenty-sixth year of the Shengyuan era, you sent someone to Jiangnan with that thousand taels to plant mulberry trees. I’m guessing that was your escape plan?”

“The mulberry trees planted in the twenty-sixth year must have earned you quite a bit of money over the past two years.”

The sericulture industry in Great Zhou was very developed, not just for domestic consumption but also for export. Although there were many pirates in the East Sea, some nearby countries admired Great Zhou’s silk, tea, and porcelain, and were willing to risk the journey. A single successful trip could earn them a fortune.

After making a quick profit once, Lin Qianduo had sent someone to Jiangnan to buy land and farm. She should have several thousand taels of silver by now. She hadn’t taken any more risks, choosing instead to build her foundation steadily. Who would believe she hadn’t been planning to escape the Lin family all along? Later, when she did successfully escape, this silver became her starting capital.

As Chi Wan revealed all this, Lin Qianduo’s expression changed drastically. “How do you know?”

“It’s not that I know, it’s that Her Highness knows. That’s why she has taken a liking to you and wants you to manage her business.”

What she said was indeed what Yu Jiuzhou had investigated. To ensure her talk with Lin Qianduo went well, Yu Jiuzhou had told her all these things.

Chi Wan was also surprised. She hadn’t expected Lin Qianduo to have started her business ventures so early. As expected, even the childhood of a great figure was extraordinary.

Lin Qianduo’s face flushed with excitement. “Fuma, are you saying Her Highness has taken a liking to me?”

“Hm?” Chi Wan corrected, “Her Highness has taken a liking to your business talent.”

“Hehe.” Lin Qianduo giggled foolishly. What could be more exciting than your idol knowing who you are and valuing you?

Chi Wan had a million complaints in her heart. She had already guessed that Yu Jiuzhou was a regressor, which was why she had investigated Lin Qianduo in advance.

When Yu Jiuzhou learned that she had chosen Lin Qianduo, she hadn’t asked why. Didn’t that say it all?

“Don’t get too happy just yet. The fact that Her Highness has entrusted you with this important task must not be known to anyone. To the outside world, you are my person. In two days, when your father brings you to see me, I will find an opportunity for you to meet Her Highness.”

The person before her was a little fangirl of Yu Jiuzhou’s. To think she would have to use Yu Jiuzhou’s name to recruit her.

“Oh, right.” Chi Wan remembered what Yu Jiuzhou had told her. “Her Highness wants me to find you a place to live outside.”

Lin Qianduo immediately became wary. “What are you planning to do?”

“What can I do? I already said Her Highness wants me to find you a place to live. Of course, it’s to prevent the Lin family from holding you back. In the future, if the Lin family asks you to do anything, just blame it all on me.”

Chi Wan was speechless. She was just a scapegoat.

Lin Qianduo looked at her curiously. “You don’t seem like the rumors say.”

“You said it yourself, they’re rumors. How could they be the same?”

Chi Wan pointed to the food on the table. “Have something to eat.”

Lin Qianduo glanced at Chen Yuan outside. “What we’ve discussed cannot be known to others. Should we kill the one outside?”

Chen Yuan: “?”

Chi Wan: “…She’s one of us.”

“Oh.”

Although this Lin Qianduo was capable, she was also quite impulsive. But then again, regardless of whether one was a Qian Yuan or a Kun Ze, who would dare to take silver and start a business in their teens, unafraid of being cheated or robbed? Only an impulsive child would be so bold.

Chi Wan opened the cabin’s window curtain and looked outside. Many pleasure barges had already begun taking on guests. Once the guests were all aboard, the boats would depart, and they wouldn’t wait for anyone, showing no deference to any noble.

That’s what they said, but if it were a prince or a grand secretary, would they dare not to wait?

On both banks of the Qifeng River, there were acrobats, storytellers, opera singers, and various other performances Chi Wan had never seen before. There was even the iron-striking performance that had been popular online in her past life. The banks were lined with stalls selling everything imaginable. The ancient night market was much livelier than its modern counterpart.

As Chi Wan watched, Lin Qianduo finished eating and asked, “Fuma, why are you out alone? Why not with Her Highness?”

“Her Highness is out as well.”

“Then why aren’t you with Her Highness? Why charter your own boat?”

Chi Wan didn’t answer.

Lin Qianduo: “I know. Her Highness didn’t bring you along.”

“If you don’t know how to talk, you can choose not to.”

Hearing this reply, Lin Qianduo smiled, a very happy smile. She genuinely felt that Chi Wan was different from the rumors—no, different from many people. A very special person.

A short while later, Chen Yuan came in. She first glanced at Lin Qianduo, well aware that this person had wanted to kill her.

“Fuma, Her Highness’s boat is up ahead.”

Chi Wan immediately stepped out of the cabin. Not far away, she saw the character for “Qin” on a boat. This flag told everyone that the Grand Princess of Qin was here, and they should quickly make way.

Lin Qianduo followed her out.

Chi Wan: “? What are you doing out here? If someone sees us, we’ll never be able to clear our names.”

“I’m already on your boat. As soon as someone discovers this boat is yours, many people will be watching you. They’ll find out I’m with you sooner or later.”

Lin Qianduo had a point.

Chi Wan lowered her eyes and thought for a moment. “Chen Yuan, ram your boat into Her Highness’s. Use the opportunity to get Lin Qianduo aboard.”

“What about you, Fuma?”

“Me? I’ll go find Her Highness first.”

Before her words had even faded, Chi Wan dove into the river like a fish. Seeing her fluid movements, she must have practiced diving quite a bit.

But Chen Yuan and Lin Qianduo were both stunned.

“It’s so cold. Won’t the Fuma freeze to death?” Lin Qianduo shivered just looking at the broken ice on the water’s surface.

Chen Yuan dipped her hand into the river and quickly pulled it back. In such cold water, only those who practiced internal martial arts would dare to jump in.

Chi Wan was protected by her internal energy and didn’t feel the cold of the water much. In fact, the water was warmer underneath than on the surface.

Finding her position, she swam over quickly. As she neared the bottom of the boat, she was dumbfounded.

There were several black-clad figures under the boat. The group stared at each other, wide-eyed and awkward.

The black-clad figures: We’ve been exposed before the operation has even begun.

Chi Wan: What a coincidence.

Fearing their assassination plot was exposed, the black-clad figures raised their crossbows and fired at her. Chi Wan hastily dodged.

Chi Wan was very agile underwater. She immediately retaliated with her silver needles. As one of the figures swam toward her, she plunged a needle into the top of his head. At the same time, several more needles shot through the water, ignoring its resistance, and flew toward the remaining three figures.

It was difficult to spot such fine needles in the water, and their attention was focused on the man next to her. By the time they sensed the danger, the needles had already entered their bodies.

Chi Wan manipulated the needles, making them burrow through their bodies until they found their acupoints and pierced deep.

The four black-clad figures sank downward.

Meanwhile, the small boat collided with the large one. It had the distinct feeling of a porcelain vase trying to scam a tank. Everyone was stunned. All eyes had been on the large boat, where the Grand Princess was. Some were even thinking of composing poems to show off their talent, hoping to catch the Grand Princess’s eye and secure their future.

Seeing the small boat ram the large one, many people lamented that they hadn’t thought of such a method of getting attention.

Lin Qianduo looked at the expressions of the crowd and said with a smile, “If it weren’t for me, was your Fuma planning to use this method to attract the Grand Princess’s attention?”

Chen Yuan didn’t want to engage. “La la la, I can’t hear you.”

Lin Qianduo: “…You really hold a grudge.”

While the two of them attracted everyone’s attention, Chi Wan found an empty corner and climbed onto the boat in a few swift movements.

She had only taken two steps when several guards approached. “Who goes there!”

“It’s me.”

A guard stepped forward, saw it was Chi Wan, and immediately saluted. “Fuma.”

“Fuma, what is this?” Seeing her soaking wet and climbing onto the boat, who knew what she was up to.

Perhaps the commotion was too obvious, as people immediately looked over.

“Chi Wan? What is Chi Wan doing?”

“Look at her, she’s soaking wet. She must have just gotten out of the river.”

“Do you think she swam through the icy river to get on the boat, or did the Grand Princess throw her off and she just climbed back on?”

“Whatever it is, Chi Wan is really going all out for the Princess.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. The Fuma is loyal to the sovereign and loves the country, upright and incorruptible. She must have slipped and fallen.”

Chi Wan’s hearing was excellent, and she heard every word they said. Her expression remained unchanged, but inwardly she was a little embarrassed. Such a false reputation… she could really get used to it.

Such high praise. Keep it coming.

But it was quite cold after getting out of the water. Chi Wan waved her hand. “Where is Her Highness?”

“Her Highness is inside.”

Chi Wan used her internal energy to dry her clothes and strode into the cabin.

Chun Gui had already received the news and hurried over to greet her. “Fuma, how did you get into such a state?”

“Don’t ask. Have someone take me to change my clothes. There are four black-clad men under the boat. I knocked them out. Find someone to bring them up for interrogation.”

“Black-clad men? Assassins!”

Chi Wan gestured to her soaking wet clothes. “First, find someone to take me to change.”

Chun Gui quickly said, “Someone, take the Fuma to change her clothes.”

The Grand Princess’s private boat was equipped with everything, including clothes, of course. However, they were all Kun Ze women’s attire. She chose a set of white clothes. Looking in the mirror, she saw a beautiful face. Observing this face, which was almost identical to her own in her past life, she was quite satisfied.

Dressed in white, she looked ethereal and otherworldly, her eyebrows carrying a hint of heroic spirit. Her jet-black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, adding a touch of gentleness to her appearance. Her delicate features and eyes like clear springs captivated everyone who saw her.

In this world, Qian Yuan attire leaned more toward the styles of the Song and Ming dynasties. Female Qian Yuan had no restrictions and could wear anything, as long as they wore official robes for court and duty.

However, many female Qian Yuan disliked chest-baring ruqun skirts, preferring lanpao or round-collared robes. If they went out dressed as Chi Wan was now, they might be ridiculed. It wasn’t that they couldn’t wear it, but some people had sharp tongues, which led to few people dressing this way.

Chi Wan asked for Yu Jiuzhou’s location and strode in, only to see her sitting in the seat of honor, enjoying the dance of many beautiful women.

Just then, Chun Gui entered and forced a stiff smile. “These are the young ladies from the Music Academy. Her Highness summoned them so they wouldn’t have to accompany other officials.”

“Hmph.” Chi Wan walked up to Yu Jiuzhou, her tone somewhat sarcastic. “So many pretty sisters. Your Highness is truly blessed. With all these sisters here, I hope my arrival isn’t an interruption.”

Sis… sisters?

Yu Jiuzhou felt that the tea in her hand had lost its fragrance.

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