One of the room doors was tightly shut, it was obvious it belonged to Jun Ning. The other door remained open, showing a small figure moving in and out, busily carrying items with no one helping him.
The distance was too far, so the Crown Prince couldn’t clearly see the person’s face. However, he could guess the person’s identity.
It must be the Ninth Prince of Bei Xia!
From the looks of the Ninth Prince’s room, it seemed almost filled. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵※𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮※𝓷𝓮𝓽
As for Jun Ning’s room?
It was daylight already, yet the door remained shut?
No doubt, there was nothing inside, completely empty.
The Crown Prince clenched his fist, frustrated, "My dear sister, even if you think you can’t beat that Ninth Prince this round and will lose, at least make an effort. Even if you lose, it’ll sound better when people talk. Just simply giving up ... what’s that about!"
"What’s it about? Obviously giving up on oneself!"
A voice suddenly sounded from behind the Crown Prince.
"What are you doing here?" The Crown Prince turned to look at the person behind, not looking pleased.
"Just because you, Crown Prince, can be here doesn’t mean I can’t?" The Eldest Prince retorted.
The Crown Prince didn’t answer, just snorted and left.
The sun slowly rose, fully illuminating Jun Ning’s room, finally waking her up.
She rubbed her eyes, threw aside the blanket, stretched, and lazily got up to wash, rinse, and brush her hair.
Previously, someone always helped her with these tasks. But now, with no one to assist, she had to do it herself. She spent quite a long time getting it done.
"Princess, your breakfast is placed at the door." The maid placed the breakfast outside with no issues, nothing added, then left.
Jun Ning opened the door, laboriously moved the breakfast inside, and began eating.
Today’s breakfast included spicy soup, pan-fried buns, and fried dough sticks, all her favorites.
It seems the Imperial Kitchen arranged it specially for the exhausting competition against Bei Xia’s Ninth Prince.
Jun Ning happily ate and then went outside.
Seeing the Ninth Prince still transporting cotton without having breakfast, Jun Ning kindly offered him a bun, "Ninth Prince, hungry? Have something to eat then continue?"
The Ninth Prince stopped, wiped the sweat off his forehead, and said stiffly, "Take it away, not eating."
At that moment, Jun Ning saw the Ninth Prince clearly. Once a noble and fair young lord, now entirely dirty, especially his face covered in grime, his features unrecognizable.
Jun Ning kindly offered her handkerchief, "Take a moment to wipe your face?"
"No need." The Ninth Prince glanced at the handkerchief, "I’m busy."
With that, he resumed carrying items.
"You didn’t want it yourself."
Jun Ning said, putting away the handkerchief, and instructed the guard to bring out a Taishi Chair from her room. She sat there sunbathing, watching the Ninth Prince carry on.
The Ninth Prince was extremely annoyed.
This wretched girl, fine if she gives up, but now sitting there annoying him?
The Ninth Prince released the items, approached Jun Ning, and pointed at her, "Hey, brat, go spoil things in your room, don’t sit at the door being an eyesore."
Jun Ning smiled, seeming utterly unconcerned by the Ninth Prince’s words.
She only said, "If you don’t look at me, I naturally won’t be in your way. But if you insist on looking, bringing trouble on yourself, I can’t help it."
"You... you really are sharp-tongued..." The Ninth Prince was almost infuriated, never encountering such a persistent girl.
"Hmph!" He fiercely flicked his sleeve, returning to carry his things.
Jun Ning continued watching him.
The Ninth Prince disliked Jun Ning watching him because he sensed that she wasn’t bored watching him, but observing his embarrassment condescendingly.
In no time, the competition was nearing its end.
Jun Ning checked the time, went into her room, tinkered around for about two quarters of an hour, then came out again. She continued watching the Ninth Prince as a little porter.
Emperor Yongning, ministers, Bei Xia’s envoys, and Northern barbarian envoys all came to witness the outcome of the two children’s day and night efforts.
The group came chatting and laughing, and unaware observers might’ve mistaken them for good friends.
Only those involved knew the depth of dialogues exchanged underneath.
Jun Ning’s call interrupted the group’s mind games.
Emperor Yongning waved to Jun Ning, "Jun Ning."
Jun Ning jumped off the Taishi Chair, quickly ran towards Emperor Yongning, intending to greet him. After all, with so many people present, etiquette couldn’t be ignored.
But Emperor Yongning reached out, hugged her in front of everyone, stopping her from greeting.
Looking at Jun Ning, the Emperor compassionately asked, "How did you sleep alone here last night? Sleep well?"
Jun Ning nodded, "Uh-huh, well."
"Was it cold inside? Was the heating warm?"
"Not cold, it’s quite warm inside."
Conversation between father and daughter was warm and cozy.
After listening for a while without hearing the Emperor mention the competition, Prince Bei Xia reminded, "Your Majesty, should we witness these children’s competition results?"
Emperor Yongning paused, looking at the little one in his arms, "You’re right, it’s time."
"Father, this round, Jun Ning will definitely win."
Jun Ning sensed her father’s hesitation and confidently reassured him, hoping to ease his worry.
Before Emperor Yongning could respond, the surrounding crowd burst into laughter.
This was the funniest thing they’d heard all year; it almost killed them with laughter.
Someone who had done nothing throughout, only giving up, how could they win?
Where did this Eighteenth Princess get the confidence to make such bold claims?
Jun Ning: "........."
Why is it every time she tells the truth, no one believes her?
"I’m not lying." Jun Ning puffed, saying.
"Hahaha... hahahaha..."
The crowd seemed not to hear her, continued laughing, their laughter growing louder.