Jiayin wasn't worried about her brothers getting cold, but the weather was definitely affecting their performance.
The third princess, holding a delicately carved hand warmer and wearing a white fox fur cloak, stood with Jiayin under the eaves, comforting her, "Don't worry about it. Your brothers are all very smart; they'll definitely do well on the exam. Besides, I've sent people to keep watch outside the examination hall. They'll report back as soon as there's any news!"
"Okay." Jiayin knew she was worrying for nothing, but she just couldn't help it.
"Who set the rules for this big exam? It's going to last nine days! Even though they give us three days and one night to replenish our food and water, it's still too much of a ordeal. People with weaker constitutions might not even survive, let alone take the exam!"
Jiayin complained, which made the Third Princess laugh and reply, "That's why we girls have it so good, we don't have to study or take exams!"
After saying that, she turned around and looked around. "Where's San Tiao? I fed him so many delicious things, why does he always hide? I can't find him even when I want to hug him!"
Jiayin couldn't say that the little fox was slacking off in the space, eating grapes and bullying the little green snake, so she tore off her fox fur cloak and laughed, "You use the fur of its own kind to make clothes, and you expect it to be close to you?"
"Oh dear, I forgot about that! No wonder San Tiao and I aren't close!" The Third Princess suddenly realized and quickly called for someone to change her cloak.
Taking advantage of this moment, Jiayin took the little fox out of her spatial dimension and promised it a bowl of smoked chicken strips. The little fox happily went to coax the Third Princess.
In early spring, brightly dressed young girls, snow-white little foxes, and laughing palace maids and eunuchs brought a rare touch of joy to the quiet palace walls!
Unfortunately, the good times didn't last long. Less than half an hour later, Shou Kang Palace sent someone to invite them.
"Your Highness, Princess, a noblewoman has come to the palace to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager would like to invite you two to sit down and have a chat."
The young palace maid, who had been ordered to fetch someone, lowered her head, looking very uneasy.
She was not favored in the Shou Kang Palace, otherwise such a task would not have been assigned to her.
After all, in the past few months, Jiayin had offered advice and the Third Princess had charged into battle, while the Empress Dowager had gritted her teeth in frustration; they had certainly clashed quite a bit.
Although they didn't openly break off relations, those with common sense in the palace knew the inside story and wished they could stay far away to avoid being implicated.
Sure enough, the third princess was having a great time when she glared at him, about to get angry.
Jiayin quickly gave her a wink, then instructed the little palace maid, "We'll change into a dress. You eat a snack first, and wait for us."
The young palace maid breathed a sigh of relief and naturally agreed.
Upon entering the bedchamber, the Third Princess impatiently put down the little fox, ordered a palace maid to help her choose clothes, and asked, "Jiayin, aren't you worried about your brother? How can you still have the mind to deal with that old woman? Just make up an excuse and say that neither of us is feeling well."
Jiayin wasn't in a hurry. She leisurely found herself a light blue dress embroidered with pale yellow forsythia flowers and replied, "Wait a minute, don't rush. Let's hear what's going on, just in case we have no choice but to go."
Before the Third Princess could speak, Shui Ling entered and whispered a few words.
"Princess, the guests from the Empress Dowager's side are all elderly noblewomen, two of whom are members of the imperial clan."
Jiayin nodded, having guessed most of it.
The third princess is almost of engagement age, and the empress is half-dead and hasn't shown her face in a long time.
Presumably because outsiders coveted Princess Shang, they set their sights on the Empress Dowager.
Originally, the Third Princess's marriage wasn't so sought after, since she had a domineering personality and wasn't favored by the Emperor.
But during this period, she suddenly became enlightened, restrained her temper, became filial to the emperor, and gradually saw the emperor more often, gaining more and more favor and rewards.
Outsiders, seeing this, also became interested.
However, their approach of going to the Empress Dowager was hardly a smart move.
As the third princess changed her clothes, she listened to Jiayin explain things in detail, and she became somewhat discouraged.
"I take back what I just said. Being a woman isn't good either. Who says a woman has to get married? Can't she stay single forever?"
Jiayin found it amusing, but not wanting her to be discouraged, she said, "You should be content. You've lived a life of luxury, and even if you find a husband, he'll have to fawn over you and live according to your wishes."
"You really should go out and see how pitiful other women are. Not only do they have to work hard, but they are also often beaten and scolded."
"If you feel sorry for yourself, how are others supposed to live?"
"Hurry up and get ready, we're heading to Shou Kang Palace. Be careful not to be too late and get sold out!"
The Third Princess stamped her foot, stepped forward, took Jiayin's arm, and walked out, complaining softly.
"Can't you just comfort me a little? You're always putting me down! If this keeps up, I won't like you anymore!"
Jiayin wasn't afraid of her tactic. "Then hurry up and stop liking me so I can go home and live here. You don't know how lucky you are!"
"If I didn't keep tugging at your tail every day, you'd probably be so arrogant and aloof from the world!"
The two bickered all the way to Shou Kang Palace, where they met the Empress Dowager and several old princesses and wives of marquises, and inevitably exchanged pleasantries and formalities.
Having received Jiayin's instructions and reminders, the Third Princess patiently listened to everyone's conversation and quietly analyzed how outstanding her grandson was, according to the old ladies.
Even though one of them had such a strong bias that they praised the spoiled grandson to the skies, she didn't get angry.
At most, he might roll his eyes occasionally while drinking tea.
Jiayin had originally been there to watch the fun, and was even looking forward to grabbing a handful of sunflower seeds to crack open.
Unexpectedly, she was also a favorite among several elderly women.
The Li family is now deeply favored by the emperor, with two noble titles in one family, and their business is thriving, with several shops making a fortune every day.
Moreover, the family is thriving, with sons growing up one after another!
Some were waiting to pass the imperial examinations and become the top scholar, some returned from sea with envoys from eight countries, and some didn't even blink when beheading the emperor's brother-in-law!
The Li family usually associates with and interacts with wealthy and affluent families.
Most importantly, he has the Marquis of Xinting as his backer!
Everyone in the capital knows that the Marquis of Xinting had already given his mansion to Princess Kangle!
Marquis Xinting is about to send troops to reclaim Jiangbei. The immense credit will then fall on Princess Kangle's head...
Marrying Princess Kang Le would be a much better deal than marrying a princess!
Some people started asking Jiayin questions about her age and preferences.
An old lady, whether she didn't take Jiayin seriously or was too impatient, actually asked the question directly.
"The princess is not young anymore, it's time for her to get engaged. I wonder what kind of young man the princess prefers?"
That's incredibly rude!
How can you ask a young girl such a question!
The Third Princess was about to get angry, but Jiayin pulled her back.
Jiayin wasn't annoyed at all; instead, she replied with a smile, "We've talked about this before when we're chatting at home."
"My godfather said that I can overlook other things when choosing my future husband, but I must find someone with a strong neck!"
"Otherwise, when he angers me, it's not enough for my godfather to just chop off his head with one stroke. He always has to chop him off several times until he's covered in blood and flesh before I feel satisfied!"
The old ladies gasped in shock upon hearing this, nearly fainting from fright.
Before long, they all took their leave.
Jiayin and the Third Princess naturally returned to Zhilan Palace. The Third Princess laughed so hard she rolled around on the bed, shouting how wonderful it was.
Jiayin was actually worried about her brother's exams and was feeling irritable, which is why she didn't give the old ladies a friendly look. Normally, she would always leave them some leeway.
But that's how things are in this world; if you want benefits, you have to take risks.
The old ladies couldn't possibly not understand this principle.
Just when everyone thought the day would pass by, during dinner, a royal physician suddenly broke into Zhilan Palace with eunuchs and maids whose mouths and noses were covered!
I've unlocked a new skill: typing on my phone while lying in bed! I promise daily updates, don't worry, everyone! Let's cheer each other on!
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