Leaving the Prison

The rank of noble princess although not a very high rank for a woman in the Empire, it was an honorable title. In the past people achieved this rank by having done extraordinary contributions to the country. It wasn't too much to give to Zhao Xing for what she had done. Someone who had willingly walked towards their death to save the Crown Prince.

But still, who among the many young ladies were willing at this point to let this peasant from the mountains walk over them so easily?

Even though many weren't convinced they couldn't say much about it. She had after all boldly stepped out to save the Crown Prince. If put in the same situation, many of them wouldn't be able to even think straight.

Well the ones that weren't convinced were mostly the women, the officials and princes had nothing much to say about it.

The Third Prince eyes curved as he covered half of his face with a fan, he turned to his brother that sat not so far from him. The later also smiled. It was the Fourth Prince.

'My brother really works in unexpected ways.'

He had been well aware that his brother had once again escaped death. It didn't really surprise him much. This time it was his third brother's idea to do so. Too bad, they made a bet and he had won again, like he always did, he knew his Second Brother was just that formidable. What he didn't expect was that he would use this opportunity to raise one of his people up in the ranks.

He didn't care, it didn't matter. Today, Zhao Qing had begged him to come to the banquet, and he had refused, because she was still under punishment. But now he regretted it. Maybe if she saw how dedicated the man she loved was to another woman she would have a change of heart?

He chuckled, mocking himself. How can that be? To her, the Crown Prince was so pure and untouchable, no one could change him.

Zhao Xing had a lot to talk about when she returned to the Crown Prince's manor. She repeated the story even to Nuo Nuo who had been there with her.

Lan'er pouted, she really would have loved to come along. She thought about all the fun, and all the people she would have met, as well as all the gossip!

But it was the Crown Prince's order for only Nuo Nuo to go along with them, so she couldn't openly complain. But how could Zhao Xing not know what the little girl was thinking?

"Sigh, truly a pity you didn't get to come, but don't worry, in the future I'll definitely take you along with me."

Jiang Mama stood at the doorway listening to them as they spoke.

"Jiang Mama, if you were there you would be proud of me." She said boastfully.

Though she had been scared of the strict lady, she became quite fund of her after a while. She wasn't so bad, and she only did her work. And everything paid off. Zhao Xing was in a very good mood.

Jiang Mama couldn't help but smile. She had never seen such a jolly girl before in noble house, even on the streets, among the commoners it was hard to see someone who had all their motives written all over their faces like she did. It was a good thing she had the ability to control it when it was necessary.

But when she was among her people she was free and happy. Her happiness was quite contagious.

"Of course, this servant knows that Grand Tutor is very intelligent."

Zhao Xing smiled even more. Actually she knew she wasn't as intelligent as Jiang Mama said, she just watched too many period dramas in her world, and because their customs were similar, it was easy to pick up whatever Jiang Mama taught.

Zhang Zhengyang soon came to see her as well, they didn't have much time to see each other after the banquet because he had been summoned by his grandmother, the Empress Dowager, who hadn't attended the ceremony due to health issues.

When he did see Zhao Xing, he met her grinning from ear to ear as she sat at the table as if waiting for his arrival.

The Crown Prince didn't know how to react seeing her like this. He sighed, but Zhao Xing didn't let him speak. "Zhang Zhengyang I know my performance was flawless, quickly reward me."

Zhang Zhengyang didn't respond, "In the future you can't casually call me by my name anymore." He said, making Zhao Xing's brows crease.

"I don't care, maybe when we're with others, but when we're alone I won't." How could she call him by his title every time they spoke? It was too annoying, especially when he bullied her, should she still call him 'Crown Prince' and beg for his forgiveness whenever she was wrong. Of course not.

"Whatever." He didn't argue with her, he had more important things to discuss about.

"Zhao Xing, the eunuch might come between today and tomorrow to announce the privileges you would be receiving as a noble princess, by then you might no longer live in the Crown Prince's manor."

Zhao Xing was of course happy about this, and nodded.

Zhang Zhengyang wanted to shake his head at her stupidity. "This would mean that it would become harder for us to communicate with each other."

"…" She really didn't think about this.

"Then…then what should we do."

Zhang Zhengyang chuckled, "Of course you have to disguise yourself and come visit this prince."

Zhao Xing didn't look amused. What a silly idea. She didn't want to.

"Xiao Qi is on her way to the capital, I'll be giving her to you, she'll be the one to help you with your disguise every time you have to leave the Noble Princess manor."

"Xiao Qi? What about Brother Mo?" She and Xiao Qi were frenemies, but she was secretly happy that she'd be coming. But she wondered if brother Mo would too.

Zhang Zhengyang didn't answer her, "You'll know when the time comes."

'Tch, whatever.' Zhao Xing didn't bother with him, she'll soon be free when she left this manor, she'll take her two maids as well as her belongings and leave this prison!