Chapter Two: Princess Jin'an

Leaving the Chengkun Palace, Guli happened to encounter the person she liked the least—her elder sister, Princess Jian’an.

Princess Jian’an was undeniably beautiful, her looks rivaling those that could topple cities, yet she was unlike Guli’s flamboyant allure. Where Guli’s every glance brimmed with irresistible charm, dazzling as the sun, Jian’an was gentle and lovely, her every movement dignified and graceful.

People would often say that Princess Danqing was a rose—captivating yet thorned with danger—while Princess Jian’an resembled a gardenia, exuding a faint and delicate fragrance.

Their personalities could not be more different. Both bore the title of princess, but Danqing was willful and spoiled, the cherished daughter of the Empress, showered with affection, the precious gem held dearly by all within the palace.

As for Princess Jian’an, she was refined and courteous, gentle and pleasant, adept at the four arts, yet her mother had passed away early, leaving her without support or standing in the harem. Her presence was barely felt, let alone honored.

Strangely, despite her gentle and dignified demeanor, the entire palace seemed to harbor a dislike for Jian’an. From the Emperor and Empress Dowager down to the lowest eunuchs and maids, all treated her with cold indifference. Guli herself always preferred to avoid her, feeling an inexplicable aversion.

Though she addressed Jian’an as “elder sister” out of formality, Guli never bothered with proper courtesies, much less with words of respect.

Now, seeing Jian’an approaching from afar toward the Chengkun Palace, Guli cast her a sidelong glance and gave a light, scornful snort. “Father is busy at the moment; he has no time to see you.”

Normally, Jian’an would never come to Chengkun Palace. A princess as invisible as she, always secluded within her modest chambers, would spend her days with embroidery or reading, her mind untouched by palace intrigue—how could she possibly seek out her father unbidden?

Guli’s curiosity was piqued, though her manner remained haughty and aloof.

Jian’an stepped forward and offered a slight curtsey, lowering her gaze and speaking in a soft, gentle voice. “I have something I must discuss with His Majesty.”

Because Guli never addressed her as “sister,” Jian’an, for her part, did not claim any sisterly intimacy either.

“I said, father has no time for you.”

Jian’an’s expression grew anxious, and she bit her lip despite herself.

To see the always composed and elegant Princess Jian’an show such emotion only made Guli more curious about her purpose in seeking out the Emperor.

Just then, the main doors of Chengkun Palace opened. Eunuch Fan, who served at the Emperor’s side, emerged and, seeing both princesses blocking the entrance, quickly bowed in greeting.

Jian’an hurried forward. “Eunuch, might I trouble you to announce me? I have a matter I must present to His Majesty.”

Eunuch Fan was surprised by Jian’an’s rare initiative to seek an audience, but he replied with some difficulty, “Your Highness, it is unfortunate, but His Majesty has just retired for his midday rest.”

Jian’an’s heart sank, disappointment plainly written on her face.

Seeing this, Guli’s curiosity only grew. She arched an eyebrow. “Tell me, what matter do you have with father? Perhaps I could help you.”

Of course, the offer was merely for show—her true aim was to satisfy her own curiosity.

Hearing this, Jian’an regarded Guli thoughtfully for a moment before biting her lip and shaking her head. Summoning her maid, she turned and left.

Guli had not expected to be met with such coldness. She stamped her foot in frustration and snorted after Jian’an’s retreating figure, “So be it, if you won’t say! As if it matters.”

Still unable to let it go, Guli beckoned her own maid and, fuming, instructed, “Go and find out what matter brought Jian’an to father today.”

Jasmine suppressed a laugh, bowed, and answered, “Yes, Your Highness.”