Water Reflects Peach Blossoms

Donghua told Jiang Ruan, "That is Princess Zhaoren, who was just conferred the title by the Heavenly Emperor. She is now being raised by Empress Lexu."

Looking at the little girl staring at the cakes, Jiang Ruan recalled the tragic scene by the Weak Water River: "I saw her by the Weak Water River. Back then, she was more lively than now, with bright black eyes. She had the innocence and cuteness of a child."

But now, the little girl sitting next to Empress Le Xu had a solemn and lifeless expression on her face. Only when her pair of black pearl-like eyes stared at the cakes did she reveal a child's desire.

Donghua withdrew his gaze from the little girl and recalled what happened by the Weak Water River. "The situation was so chaotic at the time that I didn't notice the child. I guess someone took her away while I was enduring the thunderbolt."

Afterwards, he was sent back to the Heavenly Palace by Sima Ming for treatment, so naturally he would not have the chance to notice this child.

"Is it because of Su Jin's clan that she was named princess?" Jiang Ruan asked.

"Yes." Donghua nodded. "To appease the other celestial tribes, to demonstrate the Heavenly Sovereign's benevolence, and to reassure the people, this child will live in the Heavenly Palace from now on."

The little girl was still staring at the pastries. When Le Xu looked at her, she quickly looked away, straightened her posture, and smiled at Le Xu. Although she was still young, she was already very dignified and there was no fault to be found in her etiquette.

Jiang Ruan, who had seen the innocent and lively side of little girls, felt that the little girls nowadays gave her the illusion of wearing a mask.

Le Xu beside her was so elegant and noble in every move that she could be regarded as a model of etiquette. After Le Xu looked away, the little girl's face regained its calm expression. After glancing at the snacks, she stopped looking.

Jiang Ruan felt depressed when he noticed this detail.

She seemed to feel the oppression under the rules of the Heavenly Palace for the first time.

She asked Donghua, "There are so many rules in the Heavenly Palace?"

Donghua said, "The Heavenly Lord has many rules under his command, but here at my command, there are no rules at all."

Donghua knew that Jiang Ruan was feeling sorry for Su Jin, but he had no intention of taking action. He was waiting for Jiang Ruan to make her own decision. If she wanted to help Su Jin, then he would naturally be her backer.

If he didn't want to, he, the abdicated ruler of heaven and earth, would have no intention of getting involved in the mess under Haode's hands, making Haode suspect that he was dissatisfied with him.

Haode's cultivation level is not high, but he is the first person he can find to work for the world. Although his strategy is not strong, every decision he makes is for the Celestial Clan and for the peace of the world. Having this kind of heart is enough.

As for the others, although there are some shortcomings, they can be gradually improved.

Another song and dance began, and the graceful skirt blocked Jiang Ruan's view of the little girl. Jiang Ruan withdrew his gaze, quite absent-minded.

Feeling a little thirsty, she picked up a cup of tea to drink. The moment it took a sip, she realized something was wrong. The spiritual wine from the Heavenly Palace had a refreshing feeling, but it was smooth when it entered her throat, without a trace of the strong taste that wine should have.

After just one bite, Jiang Ruan quickly put it down.

She had not forgotten the embarrassing scene in Bi Hai Cang Ling where she fell into a sleep for several days after taking just a sip of lotus wine.

When she put down the teacup, she saw a small figure in white quietly leaving the hall without attracting anyone's attention.

Jiang Ruan thought about it, stood up and followed.

Siming, who had just arranged to toast Haode Tianjun and got him drunk, came back and saw Donghua watching Jiang Ruan leave the hall. He asked, "The Emperor isn't following?"

Donghua propped his cheek with his hand. "Ah Ruan wants to talk to Su Jin alone. If I follow them, I'm afraid neither of them will feel comfortable."

Siming sat in his seat: "Princess Zhaoren is now being raised by Empress Lexu."

"You said it was now." Donghua shifted his gaze slightly towards Le Xu, who was sitting upright. "Who knows what the future will hold?"

Siming saw Donghua's deep meaning and said, "Of course. In the Heavenly Palace, even princesses are different. How can a princess registered under the prince's name compare to the princesses of our Taichen Palace?"

Donghua still looked towards the main hall entrance. "That depends on Ruan's opinion. If she likes it, having more children to keep her company would be a good thing."

Yes, yes, yes! It can also tie Miss Jiang's heart, making her always think about Princess Su Jin in Taichen Palace. If she returns to Taichen Palace more often, she will naturally see the Emperor more often. Siming secretly complained.

Donghua was not angry when he heard Siming's thoughts.

This was his original intention, and Siming was telling the truth.

……

Outside the Zichen Palace, Jiang Ruan searched the palace path for a long time and saw a small piece of skirt exposed at a corner.

She walked over and saw a little girl in a white dress, the attire of the heavenly palace, covering her mouth with her hands, looking at her with horror with her big eyes.

After seeing her, he suddenly relaxed his body, but he still didn't put down his hands.

Jiang Ruan stared at the little girl and originally wanted to say hello to her, but seeing her look, he suddenly didn't know what to say.

Seeing that the woman in front of her didn't say anything, Su Jin covered her mouth with both hands, chewed a few times and swallowed the snack that was choking her.

When she felt she had finished her snack, she put down her hand and asked, "Are you the mortal who ascended to heaven by the Weak Water River?"

Before she could finish her question, she burped and covered her mouth with her hands again, looking shy and embarrassed.

Jiang Ruan squatted down to stroke her back, and when some fairies passed by, he asked for a cup of tea from the tray they were carrying and gave it to the little girl. That was all right.

However, when Jiang Ruan asked the fairy for tea, the little girl immediately hid behind her, as if she was afraid of being seen.

After the fairies left, Jiang Ruan looked at Su Jin who was leaning out from behind her. She thought Su Jin, such a small figure, was very cute when she made such a gesture. "Aren't you a princess? Are you afraid of being seen?"

"My name is Su Jin." Remembering to introduce herself, Su Jin said, "I just arrived at the Heavenly Palace. Empress Le Xu taught me that as a woman, I must know etiquette and observe etiquette, and not let others feel rude."

"If the fairy maidens saw what I did just now and reported it to Empress Le Xu, I would probably be punished by copying books."

Jiang Ruan felt strange: "Aren't immortals supposed to focus on cultivation?"

"I don't know either." Su Jin spoke in a serious tone, "It's just that Empress Le Xu said that the Heavenly Palace is different from other places. As a princess, my every move should be a role model for the people of the Heavenly Palace."

Jiang Ruan: "So you took out some snacks and ate them secretly?"

Su Jin froze, mumbling an excuse for herself, "No, it's not... I haven't learned the dining etiquette of the Heavenly Palace yet, and I'm afraid others will laugh at me and upset Empress Le Xu."

Jiang Ruan felt distressed after hearing these words.

Su Jin should have grown up being loved and pampered by her parents, but something unexpected happened and her parents died at a young age. She was left to live with others alone. You can imagine how insecure she felt and how terrified she was that she had to depend on others for every move she made.

Su Jin was so sensible at such a young age that she wanted to please others in order to gain their love. It is easy to imagine what will happen to her in the future.