Chapter 7

"Beautiful."

Well, this is the third day before the banquet and there are numerous servants running back and forth with many things in their arms.

And I just arrived in Gu Mei Xiang's courtyard. Honestly, it is one hundred times better than my courtyard. This place is bright, opulent, and full of vibrant energy. There are also these authentic gold carved and intricate designs decorating the walls, vases, and pieces of furniture. The maids are even disciplined and well-mannered. I'm being given with absolute care.

Not.

If I had not known a bit of the story, I might be convinced that Gu Mei Xiang is doing a great job in helping her retarded older sister. But nah, this is just a facade.

"Princess, let's get you cleaned."

I could feel their disgust but it is constrained. Still, they are so tense in assisting me. Guess they also fear the Second Female Lead that much, huh? Fear that they would act out of line with how Gu Mei Xiang ordered them to treat me and would be chastised.

Contempt and belittlement filled their hooded eyes. Heh. As if you can hide it from me.

Let us see...

The previous two days I ate a lot, like really— a lot. They are all delicious for a starving woman like me. I'm a salty yet picky person, so tasting the foods I was given was so-so but who am I to complain? I'll just dig in and eat as I must. Beggars can't be choosers and they didn't forget to have me prepped up like a VVIP these days.

I don't know how ancient people do it, but my skin feels smooth— well not that smooth, but kind of smooth- smooth.

"..."

Whatever.

My long hair was also done quite well. A simple style doesn't seem to be so ordinary in their view as they braided my hair for hours in a complicated manner. So heavy. Thankfully, I have no lice. It'll be troublesome to get them out.

Nevertheless, this courtyard reeks of billions of dollars. Clean and lovely to the eyes. I could see some modernistic style in this place.

I think I skimmed a part where Gu Mei Xiang had transmigrated here when she was a baby.

"..."

Wait...

I tried to think further, racking my brains.

I didn't read that in another novel where the unfavored princess was loved and became interesting, right?

Gu Mei Xiang...

Gu Mei

Xiang...

Mei Xiang...

What was her identity before coming here?

"Yes!"

I remember!

"Don't move, Princess."

Oh sorry, buddy.

Definitely.

Now I know why I remembered Gu Mei Xiang being transmigrated in this novel as a newborn baby. It's because her way of transmigrating and coming out was eye-catching. Before Gu Mei Xiang transmigrated, she was unknowingly drugged and caged. The international entrepreneur fell from the hands of her adversaries.

They only released her when they knew she is no longer sane. In the middle of the streets in broad daylight, she ran like a madwoman shouting and singing. It's not that which caught my attention, it was because she was naked running. After a while, she was hyperventilating. Gu Mei Xiang's body can't take it anymore and she died at the park's fountain.

Don't ask me how in the world did she get in the middle of the street and then died in a park's fountain. It was written just like that.

Afterward, her mother, the Imperial Noble Consort Zhou Fei Fei was giving birth to her. At that time, the Consort was relieving herself. Yes, Gu Mei Xiang came out mixed with loads of shvt. Come on, isn't it something you'll remember? The author just made a bang of poop and a baby bag in one go. It was... appalling? Well, catchy for me.

Therefore, the great entrepreneur decided to study medicine so that the incident in her past will not happen again. Blessed and as mandated by the heavens or the author, she met an eccentric sought-after rarely-seen once in a lifetime doctor. We all know where that ends, right?

No wonder I, —Li Jia Ying was healed.

But was used.

I'll be doomed.

For now, let's see how we are going to survive.

It's a little bit of change trying to not get close to my dear sister. I just hope it will not rattle the story to an obvious extent at this moment.

"Bubbles. Hmm."

At least I should utter some words once a day and all the rest is acting like the good ol' me is goofing around, fumbling, and mumbling nonsensical words.

Sigh.

What is going on with that Grand Empress Dowager's mind? She probably knows I'm a retard. Although she favored my mother the Empress, I can't be of use to her. Why should I even attend if it will stain the view of the royal family from the outside?

Having a retard as a daughter that belongs to the Imperial family was absolutely shameful. Whether poisoned or inborn, it's not a good look when they want to show their power and authority.

Come to think of it, I haven't seen the Empress. Hmm, she must be like the Emperor. Why should I even bother thinking about her? Tch.

"It's almost done, princess. Please don't move too much."

"Oh."

So bothersome. To dress and adorn someone this long, true beauty is a pain in the arse.

I closed my eyes, wanting to gain a peace of mind. I've always had numerous things going on inside my head. Nothing changed even when I'm in this novel.

"Eeek!"

What is it now?

"Your... Greetings to the Grand Empress Dowager!"

What? Don't tell me?

My eyes quickly opened, dazedly staring at nothingness before frowning.

Retard mode is on. Eyes set on the opened door.

"Ahm."

Oh my...

The three sets of necklace that were hung on her old neck, clothing, and bearing it all screams extravagance. Tho, her makeup is thicker than a cosplayer.

But the way she intently gazes at me is quite like a rabbit being eyed by a predator.

Is this what authority feels like?

I tilted my head. Smiling goofily.

"Pretty gold. Gold beauty. Old woman really ugly."

"!!!"

Hehe.

"Im-Impudent!"

The Head maid shrieked and bowed to the Grand Empress Dowager.

"Please forgive this servant! This servant will properly teach her. Asking for the Grand Empress Dowager's forgiveness!"

Gee. I could feel this Head maid's murderous aura. It is like she is saying, 'Just so you wait.'

"You dare not ask to be punished?"

It was cold as if a snake was awaiting a moment to strike us all.

"This servant is to blame. Forgive me Grand Empress Dowager. My life should not be spared. This servant will accept any kind of punishment."

The Head Mai—I'll call her Baba from now on, kowtowed. Blood trickled her forehead while I just sat watching this drama evolve. Let's just go with the flow. I imitated their posture and kowtowed. Except, for having my forehead bleed.

"Forgive me? Forgive me!"

I uttered, looking up to the Grand Empress Dowager, gazing at her like a child. According to the rules, a person must never look at the esteemed Grand Empress Dowager if they were not ordered to raise their head. They will be condemned.

But, I'm a retard. Retard knows no rules.

So slap me, bvtch.

Just kidding.

I'm not a masochist.

"Bring that princess to me."

"Yes."

The way they hold me by my arms feels like a clamp had attached to my body rather than a pair of hands. They're so eager to exact their petty revenge.

"Ack."

You do not need to push me down to kowtow again.

"Ugh. Hurt."

"Raise her head."

"..."

The Head maid just tugged my hair to raise my head. The Grand Empress Dowager's gaze was cold. No, it's more like she is assessing me with her piercing gaze.

Opposite to my goofing face.

Eyeing me with an unfathomable expression.

My lips twitched.

"Thick white face. Not good. Not good. Pretty eyes."

"Truly a dim-witted imbecile."

Can't you go already? Why are you even here? Why should you confirm that I'm a retard when it's obvious, ah?

"Grand Empress Dowager, please punish us!"

"We haven't properly taken care of the Eldest Princess' discipline."

"..."

These golden-thigh huggers. I know you want me to join you. No, you want me to be the only one that'll be punished.

"Drag them out. A hundred slaps."

The eunuch and four of her servants came forward ready dragging the crying maids.

"Understood.

But...

"..."

But why are you just silently staring at me? Great grandma, can you just slap me and shout in front of me for being outrageous instead of silently doing that? It is chilling.

"..."

This silence is making me uncomfortable. I'm on edge. It is too compressed, thick, and a bit overwhelming. I have never been exposed so much being in front of an important figure like her.

"Grand Empress Dowager, please you've seen her. Asking the Grand Empress Dowager to not let her princess attend the banquet. It'll be a dishonor to your welcoming"

One of her eunuchs suggested.

That's right. Go on servants, convince this senile grandma.

"You dare talk?"

"..."

What an ancestor.

"Please forgive me."

And just like that, another silence had begun as I continue to goofily stare at her sometimes frowning. Nevertheless, her watchful eyes are unbending.

"Hm."

Eh?

Just 'Hm' and you are walking away?

"..."

Yep. The Grand Empress Dowager just walked away after she hummed at me. I do not believe she has this ability to read minds or discover one's soul. As soon as the great entourage was done with their 'procession,' they left. Phew. Thank goodness, my bed...yes!

"You!"

Keugh!

Baba suddenly rushed to me like a raging tiger pushing me down on the ground. I crouched in pain. Hah, that kick was not light, not heavy, but it hurts like I am about to break.

"You're such a pain. Thankfully, I bribed the Grand Empress Dowager's eunuch, and I wasn't punished!"

She laughed like a sadistic psycho looking down at me, proud of her achievement.

"What's with those eyes? Let me kick you again!"

Ugh!

"Say it! Say stop!"

I gritted my teeth as she continues to kick me again and again.

Must be a great view looking down at me, huh?

"Hm? Still looking at me with those eyes? Say it out loud!"

Tsk. Me, looking down at you? You are just too insecure! I lowered my eyes.

"Now you're looking away? That's better!"