"The Princess is really a weird character"
"No one in that family is normal Meimei. Let's join them before rumors about us being disrespectful and rude starts roaming"
Ming Shu grasped her sister's hand and led her to the horde of Young Misses in front of them. It didn't take long for them to find Mo Meihui, who seemed to be looking for someone.
"Big Sister Meihui here!"
"Finally find you two! Did that bratty Princess bullied you?"
"You are w-"
"We could handle it. Thank you for your concern Meihui"
Ming Shu threw a warning look to her sister. They needed to be careful about what they talk about the Princess.
"Who is worried about you? I only care if the cute Yunning was frightened"
Ming Shu could only roll her eyes to the insincere Meihui.
"Yes, yes. You only like cute little things and I am none of them"
"Is good that you know"
In this fashion, the three followed the group from behind. Ming Sho and Mo Meihui would constantly tease each other with sharp remarks while Ming Yunning laughed at the bickering.
"Just because she played a little better and gain a reward she thinks she is important"
"Right? It is nothing but a second rank officers daughter. What's worse the child at her side is just concubine born and dared to come here"
"Also did you who were they were walking with? The infamous Meihui. I heard that she didn't have a bit of etiquette and no friends"
"Birds if the same feather flock together"
"YOU-!"
Before her friend could do anything stupid, Ming Shu got a hold of her hand.
"Relax, let me handle it"
"Hmph"
Mo Meihui backed off to let Ming Shu handle these annoying flies. At her friend's antic, Ming Shu only shakes her head inside her mind. If she let Meihui take care of the situation probably the Misses that just antagonized them would leave missing from their body. Taking a step forward, she purred a benign smile.
"I couldn't agree with you more. The birds of the same feather flock together. For example, we are prettier than average, smarter than average and have a stronger backer than average. You, on the other hand, have... average beauty, average intelligence, and a somewhat strong background, the only redeeming features that keeps you together are your jealousy, which is higher than average, and the time you spend in taking care of others life instead of your own. You are truly a wonderful flock !"
"YOU WRETCH!"
"My, my, what a dirty mouth you have, and I do wish to remind you that your Father's job still relies on my Grandpa my Dear Miss"
Like ice-cold water was thrown at her, the Miss that was charging to lay a slap on Ming Shu face has the anger, that was burning like fire, cease.
Her companions saw her situation and were about to take her pains when a voice interrupted them.
"What is happening here?"
Both groups turned to the owner of the voice. Like they found their backer the flame that was dead lit up again.
"Princess you don't know but Ming Shu was making dirty remarks about you just now. We tried to defend you and the quarrel start"
Princess Jinghua was amused with what she was told. Of course, she knew it was a lie, but she wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to teach a little lesson to the prodigy, who she just recently decided to use as a retainer.
"Oh, is that true?"
Ming Shu deeply looked at the Princess and what she saw disappointed her. She thought that they could be friends. If that was really the case Ming Shu would do her utmost to help her with any problem that arises in the future. Alas, it seems that Her Highness only wants subjects.
Other Misses that were close and were watching, were also dissatisfied with Ming Shu and that concubine-horn sister of hers. All of them were older than the two by at least two years and like the group that was badmouthing the three, they were green with envy of their talent. Besides, they could already see that their parents would always compare them to the Ming Sisters in the future. This incensed the group of Young Girls further. So they decided to unite themselves with those who identified more.
In two minutes the story escalated to having Ming Shu badmouthing the Emperor and his government, a crime that would implicate the nine generations. Seeing that the situation was escalating more than she wanted, the Princess put an end to it.
"You guys do know that lying to the Imperial Family is a crime that can be punished with death right?"
Technically it was true, but the only member that metered was the Emperor. Unfortunately, all those Misses there didn't know an ounce of their laws and believed the Princess. They quickly went quiet and just waited for the Princess verdict.
"Saying that, although I believe you guys exaggerated the 'crimes' made by the Eldest Miss Ming she should have some guilt on it. Your punishment will be stay kneeled here until I end touring the other Misses to the plum forest"