Rejected because of her age

Seeing the two girls finally leaving, Ming Shu sunk to her own world.

She consolidated her resolve of not serving Jinghua more than she needed to. She was too petty to be a good leader, she only survived until now or later because of the Emperor's favor and the Empress backing. She was a desirable piece to have at your side if you desire the throne but a difficult human to deal with.

Although she was punished unjustly, Ming Shu wasn't angry with anyone in particular. She knew why the Young Misses united against her. And although she didn't agree with adopting such a low behavior like the Misses, she also wouldn't hold any hate for them. It was a waste of her time hold a grudge against those inferior to her. It was much better to spend her time thinking about her family and spend her time in happiness.

But that was only one thing that bothered her from the entire situation.

Wang Fangyi. The only daughter of the Wang Household and someone she considers as best-friend.

Besides those that made false accusations against Ming Shu, there was also a group that stayed silent and Fangyi was one of them.

Of course, she could have her reasons for not standing up to her, but Ming Shu couldn't lie that she was a bit sad with the situation. Fangyi was her best friend since she was a baby and they knew everything about each other... or so Ming Shu thought.

When she was showered with accusations she passed her eyes on all those present. She always did that in the past when a situation like this arises. This way she knew who could she ally herself and who would probably be against her at some point. It was when she was doing this that she found Fangyi beside some noble daughters that she didn't recognize. They seemed close to each other and were among those who had a neutral stance.

Once their gazes collided with each other, Wang Fangyi avoided her sight, like she was guilty or ashamed of being associated with her. Did perhaps thought that those rumors were true? Impossible, she should know that they weren't possible to happen, even the Princess knew that they were fake much less someone who knew her so well.

No, she needed to talk with Fangyi later and find out, what exactly happened, she refused to believe that her friend would betray her.

"What kind of sin must one do to be punished as such?"

Leaving Fangyi problem aside, Ming Shu raise her head to see the unwanted visitor. A boy about her brother's age in blue and silver robes stand in front of her. He had peach eyes and a white complexion. His face had an androgynous feeling and the tiny smile that seemed to be constant in his face could hook someone's soul.

"Offend the Princess"

"True she is known to be someone petty and arrogant. I guess it makes sense... well, it was truly unwise of your part to have Princess Jinghua humiliated like that"

"It would be even more if I didn't display my talent"

"Oh, how so?"

Ming Shu once again looked at the boy in front of her and opened a smile. She knew he was testing her but she had no qualms on telling her savior her thoughts.

"Before I explain, I must ask Si Second Young Master to forgive me for not greeting you properly. I owe you my life and you have my utmost thanks for having saved me before. About why I decided to play my best instead to refrain my self it was because of two factors. The first one is my unshakable backer. Even if the Emperor became upset no heavy punishments would befall me or my family because of only a display of talent that he asked for. Second if in the future someone knew that I had to refrain myself they could use this against my Father in court under the prerogative that I lied to the Emperor"

Si Yifeng was amused by the little girl in front of him. Wasn't she warned to not display her abilities so casually? She could be seriously targeted by many organizations because of her talents. This wasn't an outcome he was happy to see since he spent a part of his time to save her so that he could establish a connection either the Ming and Li families.

"Little girl, you shouldn't show your cards so easily"

"I trust that Si Second Young Master won't talk about it with anyone, after all, you wouldn't want my Grandfather knowing that you saved me with ulterior motives. You know how he abhors this type of people"

Si Yifeng raised both his hands.

"Okay, Okay, you win. I must go now. Here take my cape so you don't feel any cold"

Si Yifeng offered his white fox furred cape, but Ming Shu didn't take hold of it. This made him raise his eyebrow.

"Don't be offended Si Second Young Master. It would undesirable for both of if it was made to know that we were alone together when I was supposed to be punished and you... I don't know what were you suppose to be doing, but surely it wasn't meant to be here. Second, it would be troublesome to have rumors regarding both of us roaming"

"You are a child"

"Is not uncommon to be betrothed at a young age. 10 is actually quite ideal"

"Is no fun if you don't let me once you know? Fine, I'll take the cape. But remember you owe me a favor don't forget this"

"I must certainly won't"

'And even if I did you would remember me'

Ming Shu saw Yifeng leaving the plum forest grounds. Today she seems to be seeing a lot of backs walking away from her... it was quite depriving actually. She shook her head to drive away the negative thoughts.

She started to think about her conversation with Yifeng. She suspected that he had ulterior motives to save her, but she still let him the benefit of the doubt. But well... was just as she thought. He was probably paving the way for him later by attracting strong supporters.

'... the Imperial Family is really the most treacherous'

Si Yifeng. Second son of the Main Wife of the Si Household. Three years from now Ming Shu knee that news regarding this young boy would shock the entire Empire.

When Si Yifeng completed 18 years old, the Emperor announced that he was actually the Prince that was supposed to have died 18 years ago when the baby birthed by the Empress was declared to have born dead.

Just like that the seat of Crown Prince that was empty for 20 years was filled once again. This event also started the war for the throne.

Ming Shu smiled remembering how she was just refuse by Yifeng because of her age. Maybe she found the one that her family should support in the future for the throne.