Author's note: This is more of a passive chapter. Don't worry, Luna will show her arguing skills once more in the next chapter. Please leave in the comments whether or not you prefer a chapter like this or more of an action packed chapter.
-In the Imperial Palace-
"Greetings father emperor." The third prince kneeled. "Is there any reason for my summon?"
"Get up son. As you know the eldest prince and second prince passed on early. While the fourth and fifth prince are nothing but fatuous brats. You are the first in line for succession." The emperor said.
"Father please don't say that. You are still healthy. This son would never dare to think about the throne." The third prince knelt again.
"Aiya don't be so stiff. Get up, the floor is cold." The third prince got up. The emperor continued, "I know my health the best, it is getting worse. The court is uneasy. I want to name a successor as soon as possible to ease the court. The only option I have i you but I am afraid that selfish ministers may choose to support the other princes."
"This son will do his best to comply with father emperor's wishes. I will do my best to study to become an outstanding ruler." The third prince proclaimed.
"No No, I'm not talking about that. You are already outstanding enough both with the pen and sword. I'm talking about your influence in court. In order to really have stability when you take over, you need the support of the great general. Do you get what I'm saying?" The Emperor asked.
"Yes, son understands."
-Moon pavillion-
"Amber, accompany me out. I'm too stuffed in this mansion." Luna says.
"Yes miss." Amber replied
"Oh and get me a veil."
"Yes miss."
-Marketplace-
"Discount, discount, cheap jewelry here." A steet vendor called out.
"Kind sir....how much is this?" Luna asked.
"This is...." the streer vendor turned around. "Wow! What a beauty!" He thought. Even with a veil, the street vendor could still sense the peerless beauty underneath.
"Only 3 silvers miss." He replied.
"Can't you give a discount?" Luna asked.
-Meanwhile also in the marketplace-
"Your highness, why are we in the market?" The guard asked.
"Father asked me to meet my fiance. I can't just show up empty handed, can I?" The third prince replied.
"Your highness is so thoughtful, Lady Luna is so lucky." The guard said.
The third prince did not hear what the guard had said. He had noticed a pretty hairpin, golden and shaped like lotuses.
"That would make a perfect gift." The third prince thought.
Just as he walked towards the particular stall. He saw a lady come and pick up the hairpin.
-Back to Luna-
"I'm sorry. I really can't give a discount anymore. I won't be making money if I reduce the price anymore." The street vendor regretfully said.
"Not even for a beauty like me?" Luna asked.
"Miss please stop harassing the vendor for a discount. I'll take it if you won't." The third prince said.
"Hmph who are you to say anything. This hairpin I must bring it back with me." Luna stubbornly said.
"I change my mind, I won't ask for a discount anymore. I'll just take it for 3 silvers."
"4.. I'll take it for 4." The prince said
"5 silvers." Luna stubbornly refused to give up.
"6"
"7"
"8"
"9"
"First miss, i brought the dumplings you asked for." Amber said, while walking towards Luna.
"Amber, I've told you not to call me first miss. Just call me Lady Ching." Luna said temporarily forgetting about the prince and the vendor.
"Aiyah, this maid is stupid. This maid deserves to be punished."
"Stop being like that. I already told you not to apologize for every little thing."
"Yes miss. Sorry miss. Oops!"
Luna laughed, "You're so cute." She told Amber.
"Lady ching? Isn't the prime minister called prime minister Ching plus her maid called her first miss. Is she perhaps Luna Ching my fiance?" The third prince thought.
"Umm...sir? Miss? Are you still buying?" The vendor asked.
This brought Luna's attention back to the jewelry.
Just as she was about to open her mouth to add to the price
"Nevermind, you can have it." The third prince said.
Luna was shocked but not enough to keep her quiet.
"Don't bid if you can't afford to pay! Stingy man!" Luna shouted after the third prince, unaware of his identity. Luna payed and received the lotus jewelry.
"How pretty!" Luna's eyes sparkled as she looked at her newly obtained jewelry.