Morning slowly dawned, revealing a beautiful girl still asleep in her room. The sunlight filtering through the window illuminated her delicate, serene face, revealing a natural, unmatched beauty. She was Lu Chen, the princess of the Lu Empire, a girl known for her goddess-like face but cold heart, the heir to noble blood, who was currently curled up lazily on her soft bed.
"Princess, wake up, it's morning," Jimin said softly, shaking Lu Chen's hand as he slept soundly.
"Ughh... Jimin, don't disturb my sleep. I'm still so sleepy," Lu Chen muttered half-consciously, pulling the blanket tighter around his entire body.
Jimin let out a long sigh. "Princess, you've been sleeping late for days. If you keep this up, the emperor will be angry," he said softly, smiling awkwardly.
Lu Chen merely snorted softly from beneath the blanket. "Let it go. Don't I enjoy annoying the old emperor? I just want to sleep a little longer today, Jimin," he said lazily.
Jimin could only shake his head slowly. Normally, the princess always woke up early without needing to be woken. Now, her demeanor was completely different. She lowered her head and said, "Princess, you should get ready immediately. You've been invited to breakfast by the emperor."
Lu Chen immediately opened his eyes wide. "What? You said… I've been invited to breakfast with the emperor? Is that true, Jimin?" he asked in disbelief.
"Yes, princess. The message came directly from the main palace. You've been invited by Emperor Lu Yan himself," Jimin explained.
"Why? It's so unusual for that old man to invite me to breakfast. Usually, he doesn't even want to see my face," Lu Chen replied sarcastically.
Jimin froze for a moment. He was shocked by such bold words. "Princess… be careful what you say. If the emperor hears, you might be caned," he said in a panicked tone.
Lu Chen laughed softly. "Caning? I'm used to his anger. Besides, I didn't do anything wrong. If he wants to scold me for sleeping too long, so be it. He'll probably just yell like usual."
Jimin swallowed, unsure of what to say. "Actually, we have a guest from the Wei Empire today, Your Highness. Therefore, the emperor has ordered the entire family to gather for breakfast."
Lu Chen tilted his head, seeming intrigued. "The Wei Empire? Why are they here? Is there some important matter?" he asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"It seems people from the Wei Empire have come to discuss the engagement between Princess Lu Yin and Crown Prince Wei Long, my lady," Jimin replied cautiously, lowering her head.
Lu Chen stopped in his tracks. He turned to look at Jimin with eyes as sharp as icy blades. "What did you just say, Jimin? The Crown Prince of the Wei Empire is engaged to Lu Yin? Is that true?" he asked coldly.
"Y-yes, my lady. That's the rumor circulating in the palace," Jimin stammered, afraid of the stare.
Lu Chen snorted softly and then said evenly, "Okay, then help me get ready, Jimin. I wonder what the Crown Prince of the Wei Empire looks like. He's said to be my sister's future husband, right? It would be interesting to see him in person."
Jimin looked at him in surprise. "Earlier, the princess seemed furious, but now she's calm and curious. Princess... you're truly unpredictable," he murmured softly.
Afterward, Jimin helped Lu Chen get ready. Even wearing a simple ivory-white hanfu, Lu Chen's charm remained captivating. She looked elegant, mysterious, and captivating. Furthermore, the thin veil that partially covered her face only added to her allure. She truly looked like a living legend.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Princess Lu Yin was standing in front of a large mirror in her residence, busily preening herself.
"Mom, do I look beautiful now?" she asked coquettishly to Empress Ning, who was sitting on a chair, watching her daughter.
Empress Ning smiled proudly. "Of course, my daughter. You are very beautiful today. Your beauty will be unmatched in the entire Lu Empire. I'm sure Crown Prince Wei Long will fall in love with you as soon as he sees you."
Princess Lu Yin smiled with satisfaction. "Hahaha, of course, Mom. Your daughter's beauty is truly extraordinary. No one can match her, least of all that bitch Lu Mei. He doesn't even deserve to be compared to me."
"Come on, don't speak carelessly, Lu Yin," Empress Ning gently reprimanded, though she deeply agreed with her daughter's words. "Now get ready. The Emperor is waiting for us at the main gate to welcome the guests from the Wei Empire."
At the main gate, Emperor Lu Yan was already standing proudly with a gentle smile on his face. As soon as Empress Ning and Princess Lu Yin arrived, they both immediately saluted.
"Greetings to the Emperor. May the Emperor be granted long life and eternal health," they said in unison.
Emperor Lu Yan smiled warmly. "Come on, there's no need to be so formal. I know you've been preparing everything since morning."
Princess Lu Yin smiled coquettishly. "But, Father, the rules of the Lu Empire must still be upheld. After all, I simply wanted to show my respect to your beloved father."
"Very well, very well. You are indeed my most courteous daughter," the emperor said gently. "Get ready, for your fiancée will be arriving soon."
Shortly afterward, the Wei Imperial entourage arrived. Among them were Wei Meixue, Crown Prince Wei Long, and the imperial guards. Emperor Lu Yan, Empress Ning, and Princess Lu Yin greeted them with great hospitality. The atmosphere was warm and courteous, filled with courtly pleasantries laced with smiles.
After all the guests were seated in the grand dining hall, breakfast began. A long table laden with delicious dishes—abalone porridge, honey-roasted chicken, lotus cakes, and fragrant jasmine tea—filled the room. However, the atmosphere was a little awkward as Empress Wei Meixue looked around.
"Emperor Lu Yan," she said softly, "I don't see Princess Lu Mei here. Is she not joining us for breakfast today?"
Empress Ning immediately chimed in with a fake smile. "Ah, that's not it, Empress Wei. Princess Lu Mei is probably still on her way here. I apologize if the delay has kept you waiting. The princess is just like that—a little… easy with her time. Once again, I apologize on her behalf."
His tone was polite, but there was clearly a subtle hint of sarcasm. Empress Wei Meixue simply smiled kindly, though her eyes seemed to read the subtle meaning behind those words. Emperor Lu Yan chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
"Ah, it's nothing. I'm sure Princess Lu Mei—"
Before he could finish his sentence, a eunuch's loud voice rang out from outside the room, breaking the silence.
"THE FIRST PRINCESS OF THE LU EMPIRE, PRINCESS LU MEI, HAS ARRIVED!"