Chapter 30: Is This Really Reliable?

As Ji Yin walked, she observed her surroundings. The imperial palace was not as extravagant as she had imagined, but everywhere exuded an aura of inviolable authority.

Directly to the east stood an exceptionally tall palace. From her vantage point, she could still see rows upon rows of white steps, their number unknown, leading up to the main hall.

Following Ji Yin's gaze, the Ninth Princess softly explained, "That is the Palace of Chonghua, where the officials debate state affairs."

Imperial power, after all, meant supreme dominance, the authority over life and death, to which all living things must submit.

Ji Yin regarded the grand palace, lost in thought.

"Ji Yin, let’s go!" The Ninth Princess took her hand and led her onward.

When they reached the princess’s own residence, the palace maids were startled to see her bring a young man inside.

Every day, the Ninth Princess rose and trained on horseback at the same hour as the emperor, hoping for the day her own awakening would come. Yet after three years of diligence, she remained an ordinary person.

Having witnessed Ji Yin’s awakening with her own eyes, the Ninth Princess had secretly resolved to make friends with her, to learn how she had awakened, and to attempt it herself.

The princess’s desire to awaken was an obsession that had become all-consuming.

"Your Highness, who is this young lord? This is the inner palace—entering without permission is a capital offense," the maid said anxiously, glancing at Ji Yin.

Ji Yin was momentarily stunned. Was the princess trying to get her in trouble? Entering the inner palace was a crime punishable by death?

"I brought him here myself. Who dares condemn him?" the Ninth Princess retorted.

Ji Yin couldn’t help but wonder if this princess could be trusted.

“Ji Yin, you must have come to the palace early and haven’t had breakfast yet, have you? Chun’er, hurry and prepare the morning meal,” the princess ordered at once.

In a short while, the table was laden with a sumptuous breakfast.

Watching the princess’s eager manner, Ji Yin couldn’t help but ask, “Your Highness, did you bring me here for something in particular?”

“I just wanted to ask if you felt anything special before your awakening.”

Ji Yin shook her head. “No, I felt nothing. You saw it yourself—I was forced to awaken. Chu Yu was about to kill me.” She finished speaking, sat down, and stuffed a pastry into her mouth.

“Then could you write down what you usually eat, what time you get up, when you go to bed, and so on? I want to try following your routine.”

Ji Yin was speechless.

This princess was truly adorably foolish.

…

When the morning court session ended, Ji Yun hurried to the palace gates to look for Ji Yin. Beiming Yu had already returned to the imperial study, awaiting Ji Yun and his companion for an audience.

But when Ji Yun reached the palace gates and found not a soul there, his heart sank. He quickly asked the guards on duty, “The young man who entered the palace with me this morning was supposed to wait here. Where has he gone?”

“Grand Preceptor, the Seventh Young Lord was taken away by the Ninth Princess.”

“The Ninth Princess? Where did they go?”

“It seems they returned to the princess’s own palace.”

Ji Yun’s mind reeled. They had barely set foot in the palace, and already the child had entered the inner palace without permission—unbelievable.

Without wasting another thought, Ji Yun hastened toward the imperial study.

When Beiming Yu saw Ji Yun return alone, his brows drew together slightly.

“Your Majesty, my charge has misbehaved. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness,” Ji Yun immediately pleaded.

“There is no need for alarm, Grand Preceptor. What has happened?”

“It seems Ji Yin met the Ninth Princess by the palace gates and went with her to her residence.”

Beiming Yu did not grow angry. Instead, he smiled. “As I understand, the Seventh Young Lord is still very young, and this is his first time in the palace. Ignorance is no crime.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generosity.” Ji Yun breathed a silent sigh of relief.

“Grand Preceptor, if I recall correctly, the Seventh Young Lord was born at midnight, yes?”