Chapter 29: That Was Their Most Beloved Broadsword

Young Lord Ji watched that departing figure and slowly raised his hand, plucking the strings of his zither. A deep, melodious note resonated behind her, causing Ji Yin to halt in her tracks. The music was truly exquisite, beyond compare.

After finishing the tune, Young Lord Ji suddenly waved his hand. The blade in Wuyan’s hand flew from its sheath, humming softly in midair before shattering into several pieces.

“Master!” Wuyan immediately knelt to the ground.

Young Lord Ji was furious! Yet he had no idea what mistake he had made. That blade was his most treasured possession!

Without a word, Young Lord Ji strode into the peach grove.

Wuyan was baffled: Why? Why? That was his beloved sword...

...

Before dawn, Shuang'er dragged Ji Yin out of bed.

“Master, wake up, wake up! The lord is taking you with him to court today.”

Ji Yin shut her eyes, barely able to keep them open from exhaustion.

Shuang'er, exasperated, dressed Ji Yin in the prepared elegant robes, then pulled the half-awake Ji Yin to the dressing table to arrange her hair, before escorting her to the outer chamber.

“Master, morning court lasts several hours. You should eat something first.”

Suddenly, a figure approached from outside. As Shuang'er was about to feed Ji Yin, she glanced at the newcomer and jumped in fright!

Ji Yun saw Ji Yin still dozing while seated, and his anger flared. He slammed his palm onto the table.

Ji Yin jolted awake, eyes wide with shock.

“Come with me!” Ji Yun barked, then strode outside.

Shuang'er quickly grabbed two buns from the table and thrust them into Ji Yin’s arms. “Master, eat these if you get hungry.”

“Mm!” Ji Yin grunted in response, yawning as she followed Ji Yun out of the estate.

Outside the gates, horses were already prepared. Ji Yin was now fully awake, mounting her horse and following Ji Yun.

Along the way, Ji Yun encountered many acquaintances. Whoever saw him immediately showered him with compliments.

Congratulations to the Imperial Advisor! Like father, like son—Young Lord Ji has awakened as well!

Ji Yun responded to each greeting.

To Ji Yin, these words sounded hollow, nothing but empty flattery. Few were sincere in their congratulations.

Only upon reaching the palace gates did Ji Yin realize she was not a court official and could not enter the audience hall. Nor could she enter the inner palace; her movements were strictly limited.

How long would she have to wait? Why couldn’t she have stayed home to sleep a few more hours, entering the palace only when the emperor was free?

Utterly exasperating! This wild, desolate place!

One day, when I am powerful enough, I’ll make sure to bring this damn imperial authority to heel!

Ji Yin had not finished venting her frustration when the sound of hoofbeats broke the silence.

A rider sped past her, then suddenly pulled tight on the reins. The horse halted, and the rider turned to look at Ji Yin.

“It’s you?” The Ninth Princess stared at Ji Yin in surprise.

“Who are you?”

“How dare you! In the presence of the Ninth Princess, you must kneel and pay your respects!”

Ji Yin cast a cool glance at the speaker, who immediately trembled in fear. That single look was fiercer than the emperor’s own.

“Do not be rude!” the Ninth Princess commanded. “All of you, step back! He is a friend of mine.” She dismounted and approached Ji Yin, her delicate face showing a hint of admiration.

Ji Yin vaguely recalled her—wasn’t she the girl who often accompanied the Chu brothers?

“Ji Yin, my brother has summoned you, hasn’t he?”

“Yes,” Ji Yin nodded.

“My brother won’t finish court for some time yet. Why don’t you come to my palace first?” The Ninth Princess, scheming as ever, didn’t wait for Ji Yin’s reply but grabbed her hand and led her toward the inner palace.