Unfortunately, for Jiang Cheng, who was way too simpleminded and a blockhead, Jiang Meng's face darkened almost right away as she jumped up from sitting, almost breaking her elegant image.
She was already back to her Palace after staying at the party for a little while after cutting the birthday cake. Her brothers and mother were engaged in conversations between noble lords and ladies, while she didn't like to take part in those snobby little young ladies talk about ribbons and butterflies.
Jiang Meng secretly despised them, but always skillfully hid her thoughts with a kind and flowery smile on her face.
'Stupid girls who don't know their limits.' Jiang Meng thought.
At least Rui, that girl who was accused of stealing her identity, was better than them. Since she was useful, Jiang Meng purposefully let her stay here, so that in case anything wrong were to happen, she can just push that girl forward.
Anyway, this is what she deserves for stealing her identity, right?
The thoughts that Jiang Meng harbored on her own weren't known by others. If it really went out, her image of an elegant and kind princess would fly out of the window!
"Princess, shall I do your hair?" One of the maids asked.
"Yes, please. Thank you for working hard." In an instant, Jiang Meng's brilliant smile blinds all the maids present.
"Oh my, don't say that, Princess. This is our duty to take care of you!" Even though they said so, Jiang Meng could tell how pleased they were.
This is all too easy.
Using her charm to advantage and winning everyone's heart, Jiang Meng can pull it off with just one smile.
The only variable in her calculation that happened would be that girl…
Not that she wanted to think of her right now.
Just as Jiang Meng leaned back on her bed, preparing to get a manicure while reading a book, Jiang Cheng broke in with loud noises.
At first, Jiang Meng was annoyed as she furrowed her eyebrows together. Who was so rude as to disturb her precious relaxing time?
But the moment her eyes fell on Jiang Cheng, her expression changed in an instant as she exclaimed with excitement, "Third brother!"
★★★
"What did you say?! Rui is leaving the Palace? Didn't I ask my father not to let her leave?!" Jiang Meng seemed shocked and anxious after hearing the sudden news, as she held and shook Jiang Cheng around.
"I heard that she herself asked Father to let her free, though I don't know if it's true or not." Jiang Cheng seemed confused by Jiang Meng's action contrary to his expectations, he scratched the back of his head as he asked her with a foolish smile, "Why are you freetting just because that girl is gone, Meng Meng? She didn't belong to this place anyway, now that she is gone, you don't need to worry about other things anymore."
It was right for Jiang Cheng to think that, but with those actions, Rui actually broke Jaing Meng's future plans that she made to be entangled around Rui, slowly catching her in an absolute trap.
Now that Rui was gone, how would she execute her plans?
Besides, what would that person say if they were to hear this happened?
After coming here, Jiang Meng would've kicked her away right then and there, if it weren't for that person's interference.
They told her that she needs to keep Rui alive, so that they can use that girl to their advantage in the future.
Now that she was leaving the palace, how would she respond?!
This can't happen!
"Brother, do you know where Rui is headed? I'm worried she wouldn't be able to stay out there for long with her fragile body condition!" Jiang Meng grabbed the guy's arm and squeezed them, her eyes tearing up from concern.
'What to do when my sister is so worried? Meng Meng is really kind, it's just that there are some people who don't appreciate it and even plan to harm her!'
Jiang Cheng shook his head as he looked at Jiang Meng with loving eyes, rubbing her head as he smiled, "You are so kind, Meng Meng. Well, from what I heard, she is heading for the East. I'm sure father is just sending her to exile, you need not worry too much."
"But…!"
"A, a! No buts! Aide Huang will take care of things regarding her. You must be tired after a long preparation and party, right? Get some sleep, I'll stay here and won't leave until you fall asleep."
Despite Jiang Meng's unwillingness, Jiang Cheng tucked her in and sat by her side, till she fell asleep.
"Good night, my fairy. Hope you have sweet dreams."
With a click sound, the door to her room closed as Jiang Cheng left. And in an instance, Jiang Meng opened her eyes as she sat down straight on the bed.
"Huff, so much for a stupid guy! Forget it!" Jiang Meng ruffled her hair as she took a tissue from the bedside table and wiped her forehead where Jiang Cheng left a kiss, her expression was annoyed, and the thought of Rui leaving the palace made her even worse.
"When a chess piece is no longer useful, I just need to discard it." Jiang Meng suddenly came to a conclusion as she stopped biting her nails.
Jiang Meng mumbled as she called someone.
"One."
"In an instant, a man in black emerged from the shadows, kneeling in front of her.
"Your Highness."
"Did she leave the Palace ground yet?"
"Not as of now."
Jiang Meng crawled down from the bed as she walked down towards the man, until she stood in front of him. Her eyes were blazing with a fire hidden within as she commanded, "As soon as she leaves, kill her. Then throw her dead body on the forest to let the animals feast!"
"Don't you remember? He said not to do anything reckless."