Daylight broke, and Shang Jin and Lang Yue left by car, while Tan Rou waited a while longer before leaving. She locked her hotel room and checked Lang Yueâs room out before heading to the palace. Fortunately, the palace was not far from the hotel they were staying at, otherwise Tan Rou would have had to take a taxi.
Halfway there, Tan Rou became increasingly suspicious; if it was the princess who invited her to attend a poetry gathering, then why hadnât the princess arranged a car to pick her up? Why did she have to walk? If this had been in her own country, and someone invited Tan Rou to an event, they would definitely have arranged transportation for her.
Thinking about this, Tan Rou felt annoyed. She decided she would ask Princess Samiyi for more money later; otherwise, she would be at a loss.@@novelbin@@
When she arrived at the palace gates, Tan Rou thought she might be stopped since no one had come out to meet her. Just as she was messaging Princess Samiyi, a guard at the gate suddenly spoke.
âHello, may I ask if you are Miss Rou?â one of the guards asked as he approached.
Tan Rou put her phone away and replied, âYes. Are you here on Princess Samiyiâs orders to pick me up?â
The guard replied, âIt was His Majesty the King who commanded it.â
Tan Rou furrowed her brows. His Majesty the King was really well-informed; they had just decided on this last night, and yet the king already knew.
However, Tan Rou wasnât too surprised because Princess Samiyiâs life was monitored by the king, and any events she planned were certainly known to him.
âOkay, please lead the way.â Tan Rou asked calmly.
The guard, with an expressionless face, turned and led the way, âMiss Rou, please follow me.â
Just when Tan Rou was about to enter, a luxurious car stopped in front of the palace gates, and a young woman in extremely gorgeous attire alighted. Why call her clothes gorgeous? Because among the array of gold and white garments, her bright red gown was particularly glaring.
As soon as the woman stepped out of the car, four or five guards rushed to greet her, rolling out a carpet and holding a parasol over her, as if afraid the beautiful lady would receive the slightest touch of sunlight.
Tan Rou was curious about the womanâs identity, and so took a longer look.
The guard in front of her, as if he had eyes on the back of his head, reminded her, âMiss Rou, please do not let your gaze stray to the side; those people are not meant for us to look at.â
Tan Rou disliked the way the guard spoke and retorted sarcastically, âIs the person over there of such great importance? If I recall correctly, shouldnât the most distinguished man in your country be the King?â
âAnd the most distinguished woman should be either the queen or the princess. The queen of your country has been long deceased, and the princess does not leave the palace. Hence, I donât see how the identity of that lady warrants such privilege that others are not even allowed to glance at her.â
The guard, sensing Tan Rouâs displeasure, apologized, âIâm sorry, I misspoke. But Iâd advise you not to provoke her; she is Duchess Monica, wife of Prince Busodi, a woman not to be trifled with.â
The current king only has one biological sister, and all other siblings are his cousins. Prince Busodi, the kingâs cousin and closest confidant, controls one-third of the mines in J nation, making him extremely wealthy.
Tan Rou had also looked up Prince Busodi. Known for his low profile, he seldom left his residence, and consequently, information about him online was scarce.
Better not provoke people you donât know, Tan Rou thought as she decided to go see Princess Samiyi first.
However, she intended not to provoke anyone, but someone was keen on provoking her. Just as she set foot to enter the palace gates, a maid of the duchess halted her.
âThe woman in the white long-sleeved shirt ahead, yes, you, stop right there!â the maid shouted at Tan Rou.
Tan Rou stopped and turned back to ask in J countryâs language, âWhat do you want?â
The maid appeared surprised, âEh? Youâre a foreigner?â
Tan Rou responded, âYes, I am a foreigner. What do you want? If you have no business with me, Iâm leaving.â
âYou canât leave.â The maid arrogantly pointed at Tan Rou, âDuchess Monica is here, and you have not yet come to pay your respects.â
Tan Rou stood still as if she hadnât heard her.
Very annoyed, the maid yelled again, âIâm talking to you. Did you hear me?â