Banquet (1)

"Miss, it's time for you to get ready for the banquet now."

"Already Yun? It's only noon right now, there's still 6 hours till the banquet."

"There's a lot we need to do. You haven't even told me which dress and accessories you would like to wear!"

"Oh right..."

Last night Jing Ling was so absorbed into training 'silent blade' that she had forgotten that she had told Yun she would pick an outfit.

"Miss hurry!"

Yun dragged Jing Ling into her room. She had already filled up the wooden tub with hot water and flower petals.

"Please take a bath first. You're not allowed to come out of the water before 30 minutes have passed."

"30 minutes?!"

"Yes, and I will be setting up your clothes behind the divider so don't even think about tricking me like last time."

"Don't worry. I'll behave today."

Jing Ling entered the tub and sighed. The hot water made her sore muscles relax and the petals smell so good.

"Miss, what style do you like?"

"Hm? Oh. I would like something simple. I don't want to stand out at the banquet. It would be great if everyone forgot about my existence."

"Pft, with your looks and abilities how could you be forgotten. No matter what you wear you will definitely be the most beautiful tonight Miss."

"Hehehe. I didn't you had a crush on me, Yun."

"@#$@#" Yun became flustered. "What crush! Don't casually say these things out loud, Miss!"

"What? Does that mean you don't like me, Yun? Even though I like you so much that I couldn't imagine my life without you..."

"I didn't mean it like that. I also like you to Miss but I am just a servant and you're my master."

Jing Ling couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.

"Miss, you're such a bully!"

"Haha, alright. I will stop teasing you now."

"Hmph." Yun ignored Jing Ling and busied herself.

30 minutes later Jing Ling dried herself and was now standing in front of three gorgeous gowns. In the end, Jing Ling picked a light yellow hanfu with a light pink sash around her waist.

Since Jing Ling has yet to reach 15 years old, she opted to keep her hair down and have a simple braid. However, Yun did add some flower hairpins to complement her hanfu.

"It's fine Yun. I don't want to put makeup on."

"You have to!"

"Why? Every time I see those ladies with all that makeup on I feel like I'm looking at ghosts!"

"I promise you won't look like a ghost!"

"No! I will absolutely not put on that white powder!"

Seeing that Jing Ling was so stubborn about it, Yun gave in and Jing Ling only put on some blush and lip tint.

The whole Jing Family was already waiting outside when Jing Ling was prepared to leave.

"What took you so long Xiao ..."

Jing Zheng was going to complain but after seeing his sister, his voice slowly died.

"Wow, you look beautiful dear!"

"Thank you, mother. You also look beautiful."

"Fufu, thank you."

"Alright, lets head out now. We don't want to be late."

Master Jing Jun helped Lady Jing Ying onto a carriage in the front while Jing Ling walked towards a second carriage behind the one her parents sitting in.

"What are you waiting for you two and stop staring at your sister already!"

"No way! There's no way that's Xiao Ling. My precious little sister is a tomboy who is always training and covered in dirt...You! Who are you?"

Jing Lin rolls her eyes at Jing Cheng and proceeded to get on the carriage herself.

Master Jing Jun knocked his sons on the head. "Knock it off or we will leave you behind."

They boarded the carriage but throughout the whole ride, the brothers just stared at their sister and interrogated her.

"Xiao Ling, why did you put so much effort on your looks today? Zheng and I thought you would just go in your regular training clothes..."

"I thought about I thought about it but Yun wouldn't let me and even scolded me when I told her my idea."

"Still, you even have some makeup on and these accessories! We have never seen you wear makeup and jewelry before. Don't...tell me... you're doing this to impress the Crown Prince!"

"Gasp. How could you Xiao Ling! You're too young to be thinking about marriage!"

"Stop exaggerating. I've only changed my clothes and this has nothing to do with that guy. Plus, instead of paying attention to me, you two should worry about your marriages first. The other day I heard Father talking about setting you two up for an arranged marriage."

"No way... We're too young to be taken."

"Then you should use tonight's banquet to meet some nice young ladies. Look we're already here."

The two carriages stopped in front of the palace's entrance and Master Jing Jun handed their invitations over to the guard. A servant led them to a large hall that was already filled with people.

As they stepped into the room one of the guards announced their presence.

"The Jing Family had arrived!"

All the heads in the room and looked at them. More specifically they looked at Jing Ling.

"So that's the girl from the rumors?"

"She's definitely pretty but she looks too weak to be the champion. She probably used her relationship with the Crown Prince to win."

"Shhh, speak lower or else she will hear you."

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"Master Jing! You're finally here. Where's your wife?"

"Prime Minister Chun! She went to find her friends. I didn't expect to see you here tonight. How is your health?"

"It is the same as always. I have searched far and wide for physicians but not one of them has been able to cure my illness."

"I see. Is that why I haven't seen you during the morning court meetings anymore?"

"Yes but that is only part of the reason. Sigh, I am getting too old to take care of court matters now. I have been thinking of stepping down from my position. But enough of these depressing matters! I came to meet your daughter."

"My daughter? Ah, right she should be right behind me..."

However, when Master Jing Jun turned around to look for Jing Ling, she wasn't there anymore. Not only was Jing Ling gone, but his sons were also as well!

"Where did those damn brats go off to?"

"Haha, now-now Master Jing. It's a banquet, let the young ones have fun. I am sure I will get to meet her some other time."

Suddenly the guards announce the arrival of the princes.