With that, the emperor was left with no more words left to say. With his lips tightened into a thin line, he acknowledged the girl with a stiff nod along with an uncomfortable smile on his face. Seeing him nod, Hongyue smiled even brightly and clapped her hands in glee.

"Then...then since I got that right, do I get a reward?" Hongyue's voice was so naive, it was almost harmful to the heart. The emperor felt like he wanted to bash his head against the wall in frustration. He couldn't reprimand her, nor could he say anything else to scold her. How could someone teach a stupid person?

She...she wanted a reward for that?

The wise who developed an advanced usage of magic could be rewarded. The strong who saved a nation's people from hardship could be rewarded. She, who thought she could speak to spirits and called another servant fat, wanted a reward?!

Tell him, what reward would be fitting?!

A slap across the face?

His mouth opened and closed with no sound escaping his mouth. In the end, he still didn't have anything to say. It would be better for him if he didn't, lest she says something else that would anger him to death. He kept quiet and said nothing else. Next time, he wouldn't even bother to ask her anything.

******

Outside the royal palace doors, beneath the fiery glare of the sun, a cream-colored carriage appeared at the gates. Seeing the new arrival, the guards at the doors frowned. From each side of the palace gate, a guard came forward to inspect the passengers inside the transportation.

"Who is it?"

From the carriage, the small window curtain was raised up to reveal the face of a carefree Lan'er. The guards seemed surprised at the sight of the third miss. Their eyes opened wide, and their mouths were agape. Even without Lan'er introducing herself, the guards already appeared to know who she was. A warm smile crossed the face of one of the guards.

"Ah, it's the third miss of the Wei's Manor," The guards greeted politely.

Lan'er greeted back with a small nod, keeping an ordinary fan over her face as she moved her head. This little sign of elegance was enough to draw even more respect from the nearby guards. Behaving modest, the third miss tossed out some simple words to please them, "To be known by these gentlemen, this miss is honored."

One of the guards quickly shook his head at her words, "There's no need for such words. The third daughter of General Wei is well-known throughout the country for being the brilliant and the genius of the Wei Family. Who wouldn't have known? This servant is pleased to meet you."

Lan'er kept the smile on her face. However, each praise they added to please her only nourished the coldness in her heart. Each of the words they spoke was nearly a reminder of how she was a thief, how none of this respect should belong to her. The fingers on her left hand began to tremble, and she slid her hand under her sleeves on her lap to hide it.

The guard smiled warmly and carefully asked, "What brings the third miss of the Wei Family to the Palace?"

Lan'er gave a slight smile to the question and waved her hand lightly, "There has been no news from my sister for many days..." She paused, her mind racing. If the general wasn't able to bring Hongyue back, there was even less of a chance for her to do so. The best move for her was to act despaired. She tilted her head as in deep concern before continuing, "...I'm simply left worried for her."

The guard closest to the carriage couldn't help but frown. Being a lower servant to the palace, he wasn't given a lot of information due to his standing. Of course, that didn't mean there weren't rumors and gossip that floated about. Although he wasn't sure why the eldest miss of Wei's family was forbidden to see anyone, it was believed this was a power move to block the general. No matter how he respected the third miss, his orders were orders.

He couldn't disobey them.

He opened his mouth to give a refusal when he hesitated.

Although the orders were to be followed, the orders were also from a week prior. He had not received any new orders from his superior for this week. Was it possible the ban lifted by now?

He only knew the central objective was to keep anyone from taking the eldest miss away. Since this third miss was merely here for a visit because she was anxious, was it necessary to refuse her? He was doubtful of what to do.

"This guard is uncertain. Please, wait. I'll ask," With that, he stepped away and headed toward the inner court to get a messenger.

Lan'er nodded and turned her attention back inside the carriage. Staring at the figure in the seat across her, she opened her mind,
"Second sister, following me here, what is your intention?"