Gu Jiao had no intention of lingering for small talk and so, did not respond.
"Since you are here to meet the Empress, why not accompany me?" said Gu Jinyu.
Just as Gu Jiao was about to say she wasn't here to meet the Virtuous Consort, a youthful, harsh voice interrupted her.
"So, YOU are the rustic lass from the countryside!"
Gu Jinyu's face changed slightly. He turned and bowed to a silk-robed young man, "Your Highness, the Fifth Prince!"
The Fifth Prince was seventeen this year, the same age as Gu Chenglin, but two months younger.
He inherited the Virtuous Consort's beauty and, indeed, stood out even among the already handsome group of royal princes.
However, his arrogant and domineering attitude did not particularly endear him to Gu Jiao.
Gu Jiao barely lifted an eyelid, just glancing at him indifferently.
Standing before them, the prince looked at her in surprise. "What kind of attitude is that? Why don't you bow when you see me?"