Chapter 3 Not Angry Anymore >-<

The snow in December was falling thicker by the day. Mo Thanh Thu leaned back leisurely in her chair, while her maid, Phương Nhi, gently lifted the curtain of fine silk.

"Highness, your letter," Phương Nhi said.

Mo Thanh Thu gently stood, taking the letter in her hand. She tenderly brushed her fingers against it, her touch soft and light. Under the flickering candlelight, her gentle demeanor was so captivating it was almost frightening.

"Still no results." Mo Thanh Thu mumbled to herself, her disappointment evident in her eyes.

"Indeed, the royal family is involved."

Her gaze darkened, and the corner of her mouth lifted in a faint, self-deprecating smile. Mo Thanh Thu was Tạ Duy Cơ. But Tạ Duy Cơ... was not Mo Thanh Thu. She didn't want to be a beautiful caged bird; she wanted to be a free one.

She lightly touched the spiderweb in the corner of the window. The cold Eastern wind blew in through the window gap, causing a shiver to run down her spine from the biting cold.

"Who have hurted you?" The voice that spoke was cold and melodious, like the sound of a bell.

" Highness, there's no need to worry. I was just careless..." Phương Nhi replied.

Mo Thanh Thu's eyes darkened.

"You even want to lie to me?" She asked, her voice gentle yet sharp.

Phương Nhi began to tremble. The thing that Her princess hated the most was being deceived, because it had hurt her countless times. Cold sweat broke out on Phương Nhi's forehead, and she immediately knelt down.

"Please, my princess, spare my life."

"It's all my fault," Phương Nhi continued, "This morning, when I brought breakfast to you, I accidentally stained the dress of Princess Trường Yên. Please, punish me, my Highness."

Mo Thanh Thu smiled softly and stroked her maid's head.

"I understand," she said. The gentler her tone, the more Phương Nhi felt afraid.

"Go back," Mo Thanh Thu gently commanded.

Just then, Lan Tâm rushed in from outside and reported: "Your Highness, Princess Trường Yên has invited you to Xuân Nguyệt Pavilion."

Mo Thanh Thu gently stroked a little black spider sitting on the window sill.

"Such a pity. My sister wants to punish me again so soon. What a shame... I guess I'll have to say goodbye to you soon," she murmured, affectionately caressing the spider.

With light footsteps in the snow, Mo Thanh Thu smiled and spoke softly, giving a formal bow, a Túc bái-the greeting used by women when meeting.

Tưởng Yên returned the bow, her voice elegant.

"It's been a long time. It seems that Thư nhi has learned more manners now."

Mo Thanh Thu smiled softly and tasted the pastries.

"Sister is too kind. It's because of your good teachings."

Tưởng Yên smiled sweetly, her eyes holding a hint of seduction.

"Recently, I've been learning archery. How about I take you to watch me practice?"

Mo Thanh Thu didn't answer, only smiling and nodding obediently.

Beneath the withered peach tree branches, tiny buds of red peach blossoms began to show. The New Year was approaching, and the palace was bustling. Everywhere, delicate lanterns hung, and the word "Phúc" (happiness) was posted on the doors, wishing for a prosperous new year.

In the falling snow, two young girls, around 14 or 15 years old, played together beneath the blanket of white snow. One was the Second Princess, Mộ Thanh Ca, and the other was Miss Khương Niệm, the second daughter of the Khương family.

Tưởng Yên gently performed a greeting. This was the first time Mo Thanh Thu had met this sister. Her expression was stern and cold, her eyes sharp and indifferent. She didn't seem like a princess who had been pampered from birth.

"A Niệm Niệm, it's been a while," Tưởng Yên spoke to the young girl hiding behind the Second Princess.

She forced a smile, but Mộ Thanh Ca's face darkened, as if she was about to lash out at any moment.

Khương Niệm, somewhat confused, pinched Mộ Thanh Ca's cheek.

"Don't be upset. It wasn't intentional."

The handsome girl puffed out her cheeks in an exaggerated pout.

"I won't accept your apology. Didn't you say only I can call you A Niệm Niệm?" she grumbled.

In that moment, A Niệm flushed and tiptoed...

"I'm not angry anymore >-<"

Mộ Thanh Ca's face turned red as well.

"I'll take you to eat some peach blossom cake," Khương Niệm said with a gentle smile, as warm as the spring sun. Mộ Thanh Ca nodded slightly, and in that instant, she turned her head and gave a subtle signal to the guard, Thập Nhất. Her expression darkened.

Thập Nhất respectfully returned the salute and bowed before leaving the Imperial Garden.

"The truth will become clear as time goes on," Mo Thanh Thu muttered to herself.