Rou Xi's Woes

Rou Xi was saddened upon hearing her eldest sister's words. Because she has limited abilities, her two older sisters have never relied on her for anything. In fact, her marrying the emperor has been the first request Lou Yi had asked of her after they've realized that they can remember their past life. Moreover, this move, according to Lou Yi's plan, is for her protection.

She had always admired her two older sisters. Qian Yu had the martial prowess to protect herself and the people around her. Lou Yi, on the other hand, had the mental acumen that would even rival the ministers of the court. Only she had no attributes worthy of praise.

Err, no. If Lou Yi's words are to be believed, Rou Xi's greatest weapon is her ability to make people around her smile. She is innately cheerful and naive. It is for that reason that Rou Xi became the two women's safe harbor. No matter how much pressure Lou Yi and Qian Yu has to face outside, as long as the kind and soothing Rou Xi is with them, the two women feel that they won't go down the wrong path. They truly cherish their little sister, both in this life and in their past life, as she is a pure existence that they had always longed to become.

Rou Xi knows that her two elder sisters truly treasured her in the palm of their hands. And she knows what they can do, what hardships they've encountered, and even what sacrifices they've made - both now and in the past. Just thinking of those things made her heart hurt. That is also why she wanted them to gain a piece of their own happiness. If her Elder Sister can form a happy family with the general and live a blissful life, how good could it be?

Lou Yi observed her little sister's expression. Of course, she naturally has an idea of what is going on through that little head of hers. However, she just shook her head. Rou Xi will probably brood over this only for a while and she'll be back to her normal disposition soon. She decided to let her be.

"Let's not mind that anymore.", Lou Yi spoke in a solemn voice. "You can build your relationship with your husband slowly or however you want it. But the Tiger Seal should still be your priority. We can't afford to dilly dally. The longer we are unable to take the next steps to our plan, the more disadvantaged we will be. When that happens, there will be no husband to get along well with in the future for Qian Yu."

She isn't using fear tactics on her sisters. She's simply stating facts. Although they still have leeway on their timeframe, they'd be facing crunch time if they still don't move. There's just too much at stake if they fail - the Kingdom of Zhao, their crown prince brother's life, and even their very own lives.

Lou Yi closed her eyes to hide the turbulence that was starting to swirl out of control. Losing her head now won't do them any good.

When she opened her eyes, they were as tranquil as before. Seeing that Rou Xi is no longer reaching out for the snacks or the tea, Lou Yi decided it was time for them to leave.

Qian Yu walked them up to the manor's gate. As if there's no pressing matter on their shoulders, Qian Yu kept on teasing Rou Xi and even Lou Yi. The three princesses laughter can be heard.

"The servants we've brought over don't have a name.", Lou Yi told Qian Yu. "You should think of one for them. Their loyalty lies with you so it is only appropriate that you be the one to give them their names."

"Okay, I'll do that later."

"By the way, you don't need to go to the manor tomorrow for the bride's return ceremony.", Lou Yi said plainly before she entered the carriage. "You are technically the eldest one in our clan present here in the Kingdom of Xin so the bride's return ceremony would just be a ridiculous event for us."

"You just don't want to dress up for tomorrow!", Qian Yu jokingly accused her.

"You got that right!", Lou Yi nodded shamelessly. "Besides, it is better to spend tomorrow to cultivate the couple's feelings."

"That's right, Eldest Sister!", Rou Xi chimed in. "As long as you cultivate your feelings with Eldest Brother-in-Law, you'll be able to find your own happiness!"

"See, even Rou Xi agrees with me.", Lou Yi smiled while speaking those words.

Qian Yu chuckled helplessly at their words. While she didn't have any plans originally to ditch the tradition of returning to the family home three days after marriage, she also knows that her sisters have a point. The manor that they are staying here in Xin cannot be considered as their family home. Thus, there is no point in going back there. Just like what her sisters have said, she'd rather spend time with her new husband than going through all the trouble of preparing presents and dolling up.

"Fine.", Qian Yu voiced out her affirmation. "I will do as you say."

"Good!", Rou Xi clapped her hands happily. She then looked at her second elder sister, as if she is looking forward to being praised for a job well done.

Lou Yi just playfully snorted upon seeing that expression on her face. She patted her younger sister's head before turning to her elder sister, "Aside from spending it with your husband, make sure that you also do your part in searching for the Tiger Seal. That is more important."

"Yes, yes, Your Highness," Qian Yu agreed in a patronizing manner. "I will do as you say, Your Highness."

With a raise of her brows, Lou Yi regarded her sister's foolish antics before turning around to disappear inside the carriage. Rou Xi followed right behind her second sister only after she gave her eldest sister a tight hug.

Qian Yu watch the carriage disappear from her sight before she turned around to head back inside the manor - back to her husband who is probably waiting to interrogate her more.