After Xiao Liyan received the imperial decree, the emperor sent a nanny to the Xiao residence that afternoon. The next day, Xiao Liyan began learning various etiquette rules.

During her etiquette training, Xiao Liyan never left the Xiao residence, except for Nan Tianyi who came by once.

"Sigh, I've finally finished learning all these etiquette rules. It was so tough!"

As soon as the palace maids left, Xiao Liyan sat down on a stool and began to sigh.

"Ding ding ding"

"Congratulations on ending your two-month nightmare, sister!"

Xiao Shida walked in at the opportune moment, carrying a plate of hibiscus cake, and placed it on the table in front of Xiao Liyan.

"So you remember me," Xiao Liyan said, reaching out to pick up a piece of pastry and starting to eat it.

"Miss, someone from the palace has arrived."

Xiao Liyan, who was eating pastries, choked on them. "Cough cough..."

Xiao Shida quickly went to Xiao Liyan's side and began patting her back. With his other hand, he poured a glass of water and handed it to her.

"Drink some water"

Xiao Liyan looked at the water in front of her, immediately took it, and drank it.

After swallowing the pastry that had made her choke, Xiao Liyan began to ask questions.

"Didn't you just leave?"

"Miss, this is another group of people. Master wants you to go to the main hall immediately."

"Are you trying to kill me?! I don't want to learn manners and etiquette anymore!!!" Xiao Liyan put the cup on the table and followed the maid to the main hall.

However, upon arriving at the main hall, they found no one from the palace, only trays on the table and carried by the maids of the household.

"Father? Where is he?"

"Gone"

Xiao Liyan breathed a sigh of relief when she heard the person leave.

"Then what is this?"

Xiao Shida pointed to the things on the table.

"The palace made the clothes and accessories for your sister's birthday celebration on Sunday, when she will succeed as the High Priestess."

Xiao Shida walked to the table, looked at the contents for a while, and then walked up to Xiao Liyan and gave her a thumbs up.

"Sis, these things can crush you."

"Get out of here, or you can take my place???"

"Haha, are you kidding me? First of all, I'd have to be a woman."

Xiao Liyan patted Xiao Shida's arm.

"Take these to the young lady's room."

"yes"

In a short while, all the items in the main hall were taken away by the maids.

"Father, do you have something to say to me and Manman?"

"How come I didn't know Father was going to say something?"

As soon as Xiao Shida uttered those words, his father glared at him.

"You're so stupid, learn from your sister."

Xiao Shida shut his mouth

"How are Yuanyuan's preparations for the succession ceremony the day after tomorrow?"

"It's alright, the palace maids have already taught us everything."

After hearing this, Mr. Xiao nodded. "Where is Manman?"

"???"

Seeing Xiao Shida like this, Xiao's father really didn't want to say anything.

"Have you forgotten what the palace maid told you before?"

"Oh right, I remember now."

After saying that, Xiao Shida stopped talking, leaving Xiao Liyan speechless. "Then just say it!"

"Oh dear, it means I can't speak to you until your succession ceremony is over the day after tomorrow, and I have to stay by your side the whole time you arrive at the succession location."

"A dowry maid?"

"Pfft..." Mr. Xiao, who was drinking water, spat out a mouthful. "Yuanyuan, your description is so apt!"

After saying that, she looked disappointed again. "Sigh, if I had a choice, I would rather it be Yuanyuan's engagement ceremony the day after tomorrow. That would be much better than becoming the next High Priest..."

"Father, don't worry, I will protect myself."

Mr. Xiao glanced at Xiao Liyan but said nothing.

After a while, Xiao Liyan and her brother left. "Hopefully, Yuanyuan won't be targeted by them and those things won't happen."

——————

"What are you all dawdling about? Today is an important day!"

"The Emperor and his ministers are all going to attend, and you're still dawdling here? Don't you want to die?"

The head maid from the palace noticed the slow-moving maids...

"This servant knows her mistake."

"Quickly prepare the toiletries Miss Ganenal will need in a little while."

"Also, go and scent the clothes you'll be wearing later with incense."

"Also, you few who are going to Young Master Xiao's place, make sure his things are prepared."

Before dawn, palace maids and servants arrived at the Xiao residence and began directing the palace maids and servants.