Reborn Daughter: The Young Lady Wants to Make a Trouble

The next day, Li Xueyue dressed up beautifully. Her hair was braided into an intricate hairstyle, like a blooming flower. Various small hairpins ranging from emeralds to pearls, as well as larger flower-shaped hairpins near the bun, enhanced its beauty.

Her hanfu was a flowing white woven with silver and gold, but the layer beneath the sleeves was sky blue, and every step she took offered a glimpse of her shoes in the same color.

Li Xueyue was filled with anticipation. She took her first step, stepped onto the bright red carpet, and walked forward. Each step was heavier than the one before. Although she was outside the throne room, she could feel that everyone's eyes were focused on her.

"Princess Wuyi Li Xueyue has arrived." the eunuch announced loudly.

Li Xueyue kept her head held high and looked forward, even as the ministers scrutinized her from head to toe, looking for flaws. She raised her chin and continued to walk toward the throne.

She met Yu Zhen's determined gaze, and Yu Zhen smiled a little wickedly at her appearance. Even from a distance, she was a stunning sight - a stunning sight that mesmerized anyone who saw her. No doubt the ministers were stunned. But she would not know that.

"Greetings to Emperor Hanjian and the Empress," she said, bowing her head. She was careful to get the angle of her bow right—not too low, but not low enough.

Li Xueyue was startled when she heard a slight cough, but she didn't look up.

"Princess Li, please get up." Emperor Jian of Han said.

He held back his cough again, but it came out anyway.

Li Xueyue raised her sight and looked up at him. Unlike her father, Emperor Han Jian looked exhausted and not in good health. His skin became dark due to illness, and his voice was a little hoarse.

But Li Xueyue knew that this man must have had a distinguished demeanor when he was young. Whatever disease he suffered from, this feeling must have been weakened. Her eyes rested on his well-maintained long beard.

"My God, I know the prince stayed in Wuyi longer than expected." The emperor said with a smile, but it sounded like he was laughing.

Li Xueyue wondered if it would be risky to go out without going to the bedroom to rest. He looked very ill. She saw a man standing at the end of the throne room out of the corner of her eye. It was an old man in plain clothes. Maybe he was the imperial physician?

"Princess Li, I have heard a lot about you." said Emperor Jian of Han.

Li Xueyue's expression did not change. She waited calmly and patiently for his next words. But her lips had a slight curve - whether it was natural or unnatural.

"Of course, I am curious about how a little woman like you could become a candidate to be sent to Hanjian through your own speech," he said.

"Why are you so silent?" he wondered aloud, giving an amused smile.

Li Xueyue could tell that he was testing her. His remarks were not provocative, but she heard the underlying threat. The emperor wondered if her temper was strong enough to keep her mouth shut.

"Hmm..." The emperor murmured, looking at the girl in front of him. Indeed, her beauty was just as rumored.

But that wasn't her best feature. It was her eyes, clear and sharp, like a reflecting pond. She allowed people to see only what she wanted them to see.

"Do you love the prince?" he asked suddenly, observing her reaction. There was not even a hint of retreat.

On the contrary, her eyes softened at the mention of him. The smallest smile appeared on her face. She didn't have to say it, but the words were written on her forehead.

The emperor smiled at this. "What kind of relationship do you want to have with the crown prince? Many women have said that their love for the crown prince is like a drop of water in the ocean."

These unexpected questions caught Li Xueyue off guard. It felt like she was being tested for the role of the Crown Princess. She knew that Yu Zhen had many admirers, but who would have the courage to say something like that? Still, she pushed the idea out of her mind.

"Your Majesty, that is not love, that is obsession. Love that drowns the ocean is not my intention."

She was surprised to find a loud laugh in the throne room. Emperor Han Jian listened to her words and was somewhat amused, but also somewhat moved. This was the first time she had said such words, but they were very poetic.

He watched the reactions of the ministers, all of whom were taken aback by her words. Some even seemed mesmerized by her voice, which was full of power and confidence.

"You also know that Han Jian does not favor his harem, but what will you do if the prince marries one or two more wives after you?" he asked.

Li Xueyue raised her eyebrows. What else should she do?

"Are you willing to be a flower that dies innocently in the palace after being replaced by a better flower?" he asked.

"Flowers don't die. They just wither and wait to grow back."

The emperor smiled at her words. Now he could see what qualities made her so radiant.

"I am delighted that a man of your intelligence will join the family," the Emperor declared.

Then the ministers began to talk among themselves. They whispered among themselves. They were curious and wanted to see how wise she was.

Li Xueyue's eyes widened. Did this mean that he recognized her? Her eyes fell on Yu Zhen, and he was the only one who saw her expression. He nodded slightly, and she was the only one who noticed.

"I hope you can give birth to a lovely child for the prince." The queen finally spoke.

She studied the woman in front of her. This girl was wise beyond her years and seemed to have had experience dealing with authority figures.

The corners of Li Xueyue's mouth twitched. She didn't want to be just a midwife. She wanted more than that.

"You seem hesitant," the Queen said shyly. "Why is that?"

“Your Majesty, is this all the value of a woman…?” Li Xueyue’s tone was very gentle, and she seemed to be hesitant about whether to ask such a thing. Even her expression showed her uncertainty.

The queen saw more than just behavior. She was stunned by the question and didn't realize how bold Li Xueyue was.

For some reason… this princess reminded her of herself – smart, but washed away by the cruelty of the palace.

The queen's red lips curled up into a smile. She was interested in seeing Li Xueyue's abilities.

If the little princess had made good use of the weapon between her legs and gotten what she wanted… maybe Li Xueyue wouldn’t have to live the same life as the queen, wanting to rule Hanjian through her children.

"What a unique question this is," said the Queen.

Li Xueyue smiled and lowered her head. "You are too kind, Your Majesty."

The Queen raised her brow. She threw a deliberate jab, disguised as a compliment.

Did the princess really not realize the insult? But then it dawned on her. When Li Xueyue raised her head, her eyes were gleaming with a fiery light, and she seemed ready to accept any challenge.

"Besides an heir, I look forward to what you can provide, Li Xueyue," she said.

Li Xueyue smiled brightly. She nodded slowly and curtseyed, knowing that the discussion was over.