WWARNING: Extreme acts of violence and offenses, as well as mild language, may occur in this web novel. Viewer discretion is advised.
Imperial Palace, Throne Room during Noon
Okay, so she had to admit the prince was hot. But yes, she also had to admit he was a little disrespectful child. But that's what was so adorable about him. She could piss him off as much as she wanted and he'd throw an adorable tantrum. Zunzhong Xiao Shu was tempted to hug him right then and there at his first tantrum. His little antics filled the empty void in her heart that originally was filled with her cute little brother.
Before he grew up (, well he was 6 now, but still), Zunzhong Xiao Shu experienced the joy of being the older sister. Zunzhong Tai Yi was the young master of the Zunzhong Clan and at age 5, was pronounced to be a tactical genius. Of course, Zunzhong Xiao Shu herself has also been pronounced a tactical genius, at age 7 no less, but as her little brother was the young master… so he was snatched away from her for an entire year.
When she got the chance to see him on her 14th birthday, the adorable tot of a little brother had disappeared. His manner of speech, the way he held himself, and how he couldn't even recognize his dear older sister now, it was like she was speaking with a miniature version of her father! Which was bad because her dad wasn't cute and she was very certain he would never make mud pies from the clay by the garden ponds, or whine about how he'd never give her up to a fiance so she could take care of him forever.
Exciting pacing into her little brother's study room, she had joyfully shouted out her brother's name and went for a hug. To her dismay and shock, her little brother had dodged her attack and shouted, "F-fuqin (basically the Chinese equivalent of "mother")!? H-how are you still alive!?"
Being mistaken as their late mother… and he didn't even call mom mama (basically the Chinese equivalent of "mommy"), but fuqin now… Zunzhong Xiao Shu's heart was shattered into two. She had lost her cute brother for this no-nonsense workaholic!
But she was fortunate that the gods favored her. After the brother she knew was gone like the wind, she put even more energy into becoming a perfect lady as well as improving her cultivation. She was always working hard to become a lady of the court, her father wouldn't have it if she didn't, so it eventually became as easy as eating or sleeping. After being hailed as the Daughter of Heaven, she shortly had her first meeting with her fiance after.
The rumors said the prince was very quiet and ruthless, yet so handsome and caring. Which was ironic, as for how could someone be both ruthless and caring? Being hailed as the Daughter of Heaven had to have brought some auspiciousness with her and she was fortunate for it to be on the personality of her fiance, Long Bao Yu. When she first found out, she cried. Zunzhong Xiao Shu believed the Heavens had given her another chance to baby someone.
Although she quickly found out better to piss him off to get those childish reactions she was hoping for. And it was quite simple really, just act like the perfect lady! Unfortunately, she had to stop all his fun in order to get the pleasure of watching him whine and cry like a baby.
It was worth it, she had thought at that time.
Now, not so much. Currently, Zunzhong Xiao Shu is kneeling before the emperor and his family to discuss the annulment of the engagement. Because of Long Bao Yu had reached his limit.
If she knew that just being like normal would tick him off so much, she wouldn't have done it. But now it's too late.
"Your majesty, this humble servant wishes to have a second chance! My daughter is a very graceful and elegant miss, very capable and qualified to be the Imperial Prince's Consort. Please, anything she has done to upset the wangzi is purely accidental!" Zunzhong Xiao Shu's mother cried.
Where was father!? Zunzhong thought. The emperor isn't very happy now, his most favored general's absence made him lose face! If my engagement is annulled… father and Tai Yi will be very disappointed. And my heart will once again be deprived of the pleasure of sisterhood. Our clan will lose much of its reputation if it was heard that I was rejected by the Imperial Prince! If I fail this marriage, I shouldn't hope for another offer.
"Where's your dad?" The Prince asked by his father's side.
"I-I don-" The Miss of the Zunzhong Clan started.
"He is currently delayed due to his duties as a general. Apparently, he has just been notified of some new enemy information and has to rework his battle plans. We humbly apologize for his absence." The eldest miss of the Zunzhong Clan lied through her teeth.
"Very well then. Because of the unfortunate circumstances, let us reschedule to tomorrow at the same time. Dear, it's time for lunch and right after is an important conference with an allied dynasty. This matter can be talked over tomorrow when you've eaten your fill." The Empress suggested.
"Sigh, fine. Has the royal chef prepared anything?" The Emperor asked a eunuch. And after getting a positive answer, he happily left the throne room for the feast awaiting him.
She turned to look at the two misses of the Zunzhong family. "Please make sure your father is here tomorrow. There will be no excuses. Now you may leave. Zunzhong Xiao Shu, please take my son with you. I believe you may be able to resolve a conflict yourselves."
Zunzhong Xiao Shu and her mother bowed and left the throne room.
"Step-mother! Please, you're all jittery, I'll fetch for a maidservant to bring you home." Zunzhong Xiao Shu said to the Miss of her clan.
After she made sure her step-mother was safely in the capable hands of a maidservant, Zunzhong Xiao Shu turned around. "Wangzi."
The tall beautiful prince stood just a chi (a Chinese foot, 33 ⅓ cm) away from her with a dark expression on his face. "I'm not going to make it easy."
I know, idiot. But I'm not giving up. The girl thought.
She respectfully bowed before the Prince. "Wangzi, as our relations to each other will soon be no more than mere lord and subject, I would like to take you up on your previous offer of a duel."