Please Call Me Your Highness (GL) - Chapter 8

Dong Xiaoning still couldn’t stand the heat, especially in this era without air conditioning. Fortunately, Zhao Shanggong was capable—she managed to have ice and a variety of cooling tools delivered, allowing the Fourth Princess to enjoy a refreshing summer.

At the moment, Dong Xiaoning was munching on a chilled watermelon slice, with a plate of iced lychees on the table. Perhaps someone had seen her enjoying them at the recent family banquet—now, every few days, a few pounds were delivered.

Dong Xiaoning had once asked Zhao Shanggong about it, and received the reply: “These are all gifts from His Majesty.”

Though the emperor and empress were considered a unified entity, in practice, there was a clear distinction between them. Zhao Shanggong’s answer merely confirmed that Dong Xiaoning now, in name, had two mothers—but the maternal affection she could actually feel likely came from only one.

“Your Highness, the Second Princess has arrived.”

“Second Sister? Please, invite her in.”

Her words were full of warmth, but Dong Xiaoning didn’t so much as shift in her seat. It wasn’t until Dong Yanning entered the room that she tossed aside the watermelon rind and accepted a handkerchief from Xiao Fu, carefully wiping her hands.

Dong Yanning calmly surveyed the room, her gaze finally settling on Dong Xiaoning.

“Please, have a seat,” Dong Xiaoning said, lifting her hand slightly. A maid stepped forward with a cup of hot tea.

Dong Yanning sat down, clearly hesitant to speak. She picked up the tea in an attempt to distract herself, but it was too hot, so she had to set it down again.

After a long pause, Dong Yanning finally spoke slowly, “You seem… like a stranger now.”

Dong Xiaoning responded without hesitation, “Were we ever that close?”

Dong Yanning had no reply. That single question instantly reminded her of their past as sisters. The former emperor’s favoritism had driven a wedge between them. When things were most critical, they stood on opposite sides—enemies. In the end, she had watched coldly as Dong Xiaoning was exiled, even thinking the punishment was too light.

Such things naturally bred resentment. And at the root of it all was a struggle for power. Was anyone truly innocent? In the past, Dong Yanning never once considered Dong Xiaoning’s circumstances or feelings. But now, those thoughts came unbidden.

Dong Xiaoning, however, wasn’t thinking that deeply. Her retort had been purely reactive—Dong Yanning’s presence triggered a rebellious instinct in her. From Dong Yanning’s reaction, the words had clearly landed.

“Second Princess, would you care for some lychees?” Dong Xiaoning decided to be courteous, gesturing for Xiao Fu to bring over the plate.

Xiao Fu’s face betrayed reluctance—she nearly said aloud, “My Lady loves these. How can they be given away?” But she dared not disobey Dong Xiaoning’s order, and so, grudgingly, picked up the plate and carried it over to Dong Yanning.

Dong Yanning noticed Xiao Fu’s reaction and, deliberately in her presence, picked up a lychee and asked slowly, “Do you like these, Fourth Sister?”

She remembered well—Dong Xiaoning hadn’t liked lychees before, calling them a wasteful luxury. She had even proposed ending the tribute of southern lychees.

That could have been considered a benevolent policy, but since it was backed by the former emperor and suggested by the Fourth Princess, it was immediately deemed absurd by the current emperor’s supporters. They even accused her of “violating ancestral customs,” as lychees had been tribute since the founding emperor’s reign.

Now, Dong Xiaoning seemed to have forgotten all of that—just as some now said she had changed entirely.

What’s more, in the face of Dong Yanning’s pointed question, Dong Xiaoning simply responded with a calm, “Mm.”

It was indifferent, yet somehow seemed perfectly natural.

Dong Yanning peeled the lychee and tasted it slowly. Given her familiarity with tribute goods, she could tell it had been delivered to both the palace and this residence at the same time.

Xiao Fu’s face twisted as Dong Yanning ate it—she could barely hide her anguish, her eyes fixed on the lychee as if her very soul were crying out.

“Fourth Sister, this little maid you brought back from outside… she really lacks manners.”

“I like her.”

Dong Xiaoning leaned back in her chair, her gaze growing cold. “What brings you here today? If it’s nothing important, feel free to explore the grounds. I’m tired and don’t wish to entertain guests.”

“In that case, I’ll take my leave.”

Dong Yanning stood. Dong Xiaoning remained seated, not rising to see her off, nor instructing anyone else to do so. She simply let her go. Only Zhao Shanggong followed Dong Yanning outside.

“How has my sister been lately? Still unconscious most of the time?” Dong Yanning asked.

“Your Highness, the Fourth Princess’s daily routine is no different from that of an ordinary person.”

“She’s a Qianyuan. At her age, shouldn’t she have a Kunze by now? Have any arrangements been made?”

“Your Highness, this is a matter of great importance. Your servant does not dare make decisions on it.”

Dong Yanning felt this residence was far too small—just walking a short distance brought them near the main gate, leaving little room for a private conversation. After managing only a few words, they had nearly reached the entrance. She stopped, looked at Zhao Shanggong, and said calmly, “The Fourth Princess is no longer a child. Yet she only has a Zhongyong attending to her—that seems rather improper. As the chief steward of this estate, you ought to be more mindful.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness. This servant is grateful for the advice,” Zhao Shanggong replied with a respectful bow.

Dong Yanning turned and stepped through the gate, where a servant was already waiting with her horse. Mounting, she glanced back at the Fourth Princess’s residence. There was no plaque above the gate to indicate its occupant’s rank, but the armed guards with their formidable presence made it clear this was no ordinary household.

Zhao Minxi stood on the steps, watching Dong Yanning’s party leave. Only when they disappeared from view did she turn and head back inside. Dong Yanning’s words had certainly sparked some thoughts. Though Zhongyong had no descendants, she had siblings and a tight-knit group that protected their shared interests—she was not alone in the palace.

Still, with the situation uncertain, it was best to proceed cautiously.

By the time Zhao Minxi returned to the hall, her expression had returned to normal, betraying no trace of earlier emotion.

“They’ve gone?” Dong Xiaoning asked.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“I’m tired. I want to rest. Xiao Fu.”

“Coming, Your Highness,” Xiao Fu answered promptly.

Zhao Minxi watched as Xiao Fu helped Dong Xiaoning to the side chamber to rest. From helping her undress and remove her shoes, to gently covering her with a thin blanket, every movement was practiced and natural. Usually, the Fourth Princess was also quite indulgent with this maid.

Was this truly the kind of servant the Fourth Princess liked?

Midday naps required absolute silence, and Dong Xiaoning hated being disturbed during sleep, so everyone quietly left the room. Though cicadas usually buzzed noisily in the summer, none could be heard here—guards had already driven them away.

Xiao Fu leaned against a pillar in the shaded corridor, yawned, and prepared to take a light nap herself.

“Xiao Fu, may I ask you something?” Zhao Minxi approached with a pleasant expression.

“Zhao Shanggong?” Xiao Fu immediately stood, only to be stopped by a look and a subtle gesture. She noticed from the corner of her eye that the other attendants had intentionally moved further away, and a sense of wariness rose in her.

“Don’t be afraid. I’ve seen how well you serve Her Highness, and we… well, we often fall short. I simply wanted to learn from you.” Zhao Minxi sat nearby, adopting a humble tone.

“You’re too kind, Zhao Shanggong. I really don’t know that much. Her Highness is just very kind to me,” Xiao Fu replied with a polite smile, tinged with modesty.

“To be favored by Her Highness is a rare talent. I’ve never seen her treat anyone the way she treats you,” Zhao Minxi continued.

“You’ve served Her Highness before?” Xiao Fu asked.

“No, I haven’t served at her side, but I’ve been in the palace long enough to understand each of Their Highnesses’ temperaments,” Zhao Minxi replied with a smile. “Her Highness has changed greatly since returning. I worry about committing offenses unknowingly. I heard you were with her on the island these past years—is that true?”

“Yes,” Xiao Fu nodded.

“No one else was there? Normally, local officials would have sent people to assist her,” Zhao Minxi asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“I don’t know,” Xiao Fu shook her head. “When I met Her Highness, she was alone.”

Zhao Minxi’s expression shifted to one of understanding, her eyes reflecting sympathy and concern. She looked at Xiao Fu and said softly, “That must have been very difficult.”

Xiao Fu’s face took on a reflective look, and she nodded instinctively. Then, realizing something, she quickly shook her head.

“Such days will never return.”

“Truly?” Xiao Fu’s voice rose with emotion, slightly louder than intended. She quickly covered her mouth, glancing nervously toward the inner room, afraid she had disturbed Dong Xiaoning. Fortunately, nothing happened.

Zhao Minxi gave Xiao Fu a reassuring look but said nothing more.

Xiao Fu’s origins had already been investigated thoroughly. She had been rescued by the Fourth Princess during the journey to Hanxi Island—supposedly the daughter of a fisherman, the only survivor of a storm at sea. She had followed the Fourth Princess ever since.

Xiao Fu was naturally beautiful. Had she been born a Qianyuan or a Kunze, she could have captivated anyone. Unfortunately, as a Zhongyong, her allure was diminished. Likely, the Fourth Princess’s affection for her wasn’t just because of her looks—they had suffered hardship together.

Zhao Minxi pondered carefully, speculating on the type of person the Fourth Princess favored. Everything that had happened today needed to be truthfully reported—Dong Yanning’s remarks, as well as her own conversation with Xiao Fu. A few subtle edits could easily conceal Zhao Minxi’s personal intentions.

There was no need to force her way in now—doing so might backfire.

In that moment, in an unseen corner, a glint of coldness flashed in Xiao Fu’s eyes. Just for an instant, with the same face, she looked entirely different.