"Enough. Both of you, stop this unnecessary quarrel at once."
Master Jia-Hai's stern voice echoed through the hall.
"And you, Tian Xing," he continued, turning sharply toward the boy, "no matter how close you are as friends, you must never speak so casually to the First Princess. You should always remember her position and status."
Then his gaze shifted to Cai-Hang.
"And Princess Cai-Hang," he said, his tone firm but controlled, "how can you run so recklessly through the gallery? You are the First Princess of our country. Your behavior should reflect your dignity. Please conduct yourself properly."
Cai-Hang and Tian Xing lowered their heads at the same time.
"Sorry, Master Jia-Hai," they said together.
At that moment, Cai-Hang noticed the quiet girl standing beside Jia-Hai. She stared at her for a moment before speaking.
"Master," Cai-Hang asked curiously, "who is this girl? She looks... very familiar."
Jia-Hai laughed softly.
"Haha, of course she looks familiar to you," he said. "She is Bai-Xue, the daughter of Princess Huang-Ling."
"What?!" Cai-Hang exclaimed in shock. "She is Bai-Xue? Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
She quickly walked up to Bai-Xue, excitement shining in her eyes.
"Hello, Bai-Xue! Your mother is my aunt. The last time I saw you, we were both very young. You came to my house with Aunt Huang-Ling. It's so good to see you again!"
Jia-Hai nodded and began introducing everyone.
"Bai-Xue, this is Cai-Hang, the First Princess and younger sister of the Crown Prince. And this is Chal Tian-Xing, the son of General Chal Cue-Yan. General Cue-Yan and your mother were classmates—and very close friends."
He smiled gently.
"From today onward, Bai-Xue will also be studying here at the academy."
Tian-Xing's eyes widened in surprise.
"Oh! So you're Princess Huang-Ling's daughter?" he said. "That's amazing! And you're studying here now too—wait..."
His expression suddenly changed.
"But aren't you that useless trash everyone talks about from the outer regions?"
Before Bai-Xue could react, Cai-Hang exploded in anger.
"You're the trash here!" she shouted. "How dare you speak like that to my sister? Idiot! Pig! Don't you ever say something like that again!"
Tian-Xing panicked immediately.
"No, no! That's not what I meant!" he said nervously. "I only repeated what I heard from others. I'm sorry, Princess Bai-Xue. Truly."
He straightened himself and spoke sincerely.
"To be honest, I'm a huge admirer of Princess Huang-Ling. She's my role model. Please don't be angry."
Bai-Xue smiled faintly.
"I'm not angry," she said calmly. "Nice to meet you both."
Jia-Hai nodded in satisfaction.
"I'm glad you have friends here now," he said. "I can worry a little less about you."
Cai-Hang suddenly grabbed Bai-Xue's hand.
"From today onward, I'll take care of you," she declared confidently. "Oh, Master, you were showing her around the academy, right? Leave it to me!"
She laughed brightly.
"Come on, Bai-Xue. You must be bored listening to an old master anyway. Let's go!"
Before Bai-Xue could respond, Cai-Hang dragged her away. Tian-Xing hurried after them.
Jia-Hai sighed deeply as he watched them leave.
"Ah... children these days," he muttered. "None of them know how to behave calmly."
He then turned and headed toward his office.
"This is the archery ground," Cai-Hang said cheerfully. "And over there, horsemanship is taught."
She waved her hand dismissively.
"Boring. Come on, let me show you something better—the music room."
Tian-Xing groaned behind them.
"Wait! Wait!" he panted. "Slow down! How can you run so fast? At least walk like a lady!"
Cai-Hang shot back without stopping.
"Then stop moving like a turtle!"
They entered a room draped in beautiful pink curtains. Various musical instruments filled the space, and a cool, refreshing wind flowed gently through the hall.
At the back of the room was a clear river, where stunning lotus flowers bloomed gracefully. The curtains fluttered in the breeze.
On the opposite side of the river stood a young man.
His hair danced in the wind, and his elegant robes made him look almost unreal. He stood quietly, watching birds soar across the sky.
When he turned—
Bai-Xue froze.
Her breath caught in her throat.
She quickly stepped back and hid her face behind the flying curtains.
"That man is..." she whispered inwardly.
Xing Jiang-Lin.
"God... why is he here?" Bai-Xue cursed silently. "First the forest, then the Hell Black Market, and now here?! Damn it!"
She turned around urgently, searching for Cai-Hang.
Nearby, Cai-Hang and Tian-Xing were chatting with a group of girls.
Bai-Xue hurried over.
"Cai-Hang," she said quietly, "where is the washroom? I need to use it."
"Oh! Sure," Cai-Hang replied. "Come with me."
Behind them, Xing Jiang-Lin narrowed his eyes.
"Who is that girl?" he murmured. "Why do I feel like I've seen her before?"
As Cai-Hang led Bai-Xue away, Bai-Xue glanced back one last time.
Her face was hidden once again by the flowing curtains—but her red eyes were clearly visible.
Xing Jiang-Lin stiffened.
His eyes widened in shock.
"That girl... it's her."
He rushed forward, but by the time he reached the spot—
She was gone.
"I searched everywhere for her," he said darkly. "If she's truly here... I will find her."
"This is the washroom," Cai-Hang said. "Use it. I'll wait for you in the garden."
A while later, Bai-Xue stepped out and headed toward the garden.
Suddenly, a group of girls blocked her path.
One of them shouted arrogantly, "You! Who do you think you are? How dare you ignore our lady?"
Another sneered, "Have you no shame? You didn't even greet her!"
At that moment, Ning Ya-Ting walked forward.
"Lady Gu-Yang-Gong, please forgive her," Ya-Ting said politely. "She is my third sister, Bai-Xue. She's a bit slow. Please don't be angry."
She turned sharply toward Bai-Xue.
"Apologize," Ya-Ting ordered. "This is Lady Gu-Yang-Gong, the fiancée of Prince Jin-Lin. Don't embarrass me."
Gu-Yang-Gong smirked.
"Oh? So this is Bai-Xue?" she said mockingly. "Her looks are acceptable, I suppose."
She laughed loudly.
"But isn't she that useless trash? Hahaha! What is garbage like her doing here?"
She glanced at Ya-Ting with fake sympathy.
"First Lady Ning, it must be so embarrassing to have such a useless sibling. Still, you shouldn't have brought her here."
Ya-Ting forced a smile.
"I know, Lady Gu-Yang-Gong... but perhaps she deserves a chance to prove herself—"
Suddenly—
Bai-Xue stepped forward.
Her eyes turned icy.
"HAHA—IS THAT SO?" she said coldly.
"You really talk too much, Lady Gu-Yang."