Seeing Hou Muci standing up for her, Lin Jun'er quickly stepped forward to stop her. Knowing that Muci always couldn't stand seeing her being bullied, she didn't want to escalate the situation because of her. "Muci, forget it. Let her talk as she pleases. Let's ignore her and go inside."

"Well, you two really are very close sisters. One of you pretends to stand up for your good older sister, while the other pretends to be understanding and tries to stop you. I've certainly seen a great show today." Zhang Ke was even more displeased by Hou Muci's retort, and her words became even more aggressive.

If Hou Muci was still mindful of Zhang Ke's status just now, she was truly provoked now. "Who doesn't know that you've been holding a grudge against your sister for helping you with a question you didn't know last time? I didn't expect you to be so ungrateful and repay kindness with enmity. Luckily, your sister is kind-hearted and won't hold it against you." Zhang Ke didn't want to think about that incident in the first place, and now that it had been brought up in public, he felt embarrassed and said even harsher things.

"That's hilarious! Do I, Zhang Ke, need Lin Jun'er's help? I just happened to be distracted for a moment. Some people just love to show off, always wanting to flaunt themselves. Besides, Princess Hou, you'd better watch out, or you might find yourself being stepped on to climb up the social ladder without even realizing it!" Hou Muci was furious at Zhang Ke's words and was about to teach her a lesson when Lin Jun'er stopped her. Just then, the matron sent by Wu Xila to lead them inside arrived. To avoid putting Lin Jun'er in a difficult position, she had no choice but to give up, while Zhang Ke rushed in first, following the matron inside. The other princesses who had been watching the commotion also followed one after another, leaving only Lin Jun'er and Hou Muci outside.

"Sister, what are you thinking? That Zhang Ke is going too far. He's even trying to get ahead of you. Why aren't you saying anything? The more you act like this, the more she'll push her luck next time." Hou Muci was still indignant about what had just happened. She had never liked Zhang Ke. He was always so arrogant and looked down on everyone.

Lin Jun'er sighed and said, "Mu Ci, you don't need to make such a fuss over me. If it gets to the princess's ears, it won't be good." When Hou Mu Ci saw Lin Jun'er's attitude, she knew that she had wasted her breath again. Her older sister was good in every way, except that she was too good. No matter how others treated her, she was always polite and humble.

"Alright, alright, fine, I'll listen to you. I'll definitely remember your teachings," Hou Muci agreed verbally, though inwardly she was quite dissatisfied with her actions. Seeing that Lin Jun'er's expression seemed a little off, she knew what she was worried about and comforted her, "Sister, don't worry. Someone as well-mannered, gentle, and sweet-looking as you will surely fall in love with Prince Hongzhou at first sight. Besides, you're much better than that Zhang Ke. Don't worry." Hou Muci hadn't wanted to attend the flower viewing party in the first place, but her father had insisted that she come, so she was forced to come and see these flowers that were all show and no substance.

Lin Jun'er, who was in a bad mood, felt a slight smile when she heard Hou Muci say this, and felt much better. However, Lin Jun'er was still worried that what had just happened would leave a bad impression on the princess if it reached her ears. Before leaving home, her father had told her that she must win the favor of Prince Hongzhou. Lin Jun'er's father, Lin Tianhai, had lost much of his position in the court, and he wanted Lin Jun'er to marry Hongzhou smoothly in order to improve his own position in the court.