An Eight-year-old Princess

Prince Jing asked Yun Shang to order some dishes, and then he added a few more. Wang Shunlai took the teacup that the Prince always carried with him, and went downstairs to make tea. A while later, Wang Shunlai returned. After putting the teacup on the table, Wang Shunlai whispered to the Prince, "Your Highness, I saw Xia Houjing of the State of Xia just now. It seems he is entertaining guests here. Some people at the banquet looked familiar. I once saw pictures of the Xia officers. One of them must be Lord Hua Guo of Xia."

Prince Jing raised his brows a little, "Oh?"

Yun Shang learned some information about the officers from the State of Xia, and knew something about Lord Hua Guo, too. He was quite influential in the court of Xia as many of his ancestors had been generals in the history of Xia. The Hua family had made tremendous contributions to Xia. Lord Hua Guo had a daughter, Hua Yi, the late Empress of the State of Xia. About two decades ago, the State of Xia was at war with the State of Yelang. The Emperor of Xia led the army to the battlefield in person, and brought the Empress with him as well. However, the Xia army was ambushed by Yelang soldiers, and the pregnant Empress was forced to jump from a cliff. Only a bloody head reminded when the Emperor of Xia found her, and there were many animal bite marks on her head.

The Emperor of Xia was so grieved that his hair turned white overnight. Lord Hua Guo also suffered after news of his daughter's death. He became ill. Although his illness was not so serious as to threaten his life, he could no longer lead an army and fight on the battlefield again. Although the younger generals from the Hua clan were also good fighters, they were not as good as Lord Hua Guo. Without the support of Lord Hua Guo, the Hua family gradually lost its glory as a military clan.

But... Yun Shang lifted her eyes to look at Prince Jing and saw a trace of confusion in his eyes. The Prince must also feel puzzled about Lord Hua Guo's visit to the Imperial City of Ning... in secret...

Prince Jing and Yun Shang planned to leave after dining, as Yun Shang wanted to pay Wang Jinyan a visit. She hadn't seen Wang Jinyan in a long time. Yun Shang had learned from the Prince that Wang Jinyan was unhappy as Lady Wang was considering finding a husband for her.

Jinyan's home. But when Prince Jing learned of her intention, he insisted on dining with her in this

toward the door, and almost ran into a person. But the Prince checked her in time. Yun Shang lifted her eyes and saw a familiar figure standing in the passage outside. By his side was an old man with grey hair. He

two men had just finishing dining as well.

Shang in this restaurant. Regaining his composure, he said with a smile, "What a small world! It is sheer

Hua Guo stared at Prince Jing with amazement for a long while. It seemed

out of politeness. Then he looked at Yun Shang, who had been watching the

Soon she realized that the Prince must mean her carelessness in almost knocking down Lord Hua Guo. Yun Shang lowered her

Then he lifted his eyes to look at Xia Houjing and Lord Hua Guo. After a moment the Prince asked with uncertainty, "Prince

Houjing admitted to Lord Hua Guo's identity honestly.

the Prince asked merrily,