Chapter 101: Stirring Up Trouble

At that moment, a graceful young girl dressed in elegant palace attire approached the seats reserved for the noblewomen opposite Duan Yu. "Father," she said softly.

The Empress glanced at Duan Zi and gently scolded, "Why have you only just arrived? Where have you been wandering off to?"

Duan Zi stuck out her tongue playfully and obediently took her seat.

Since returning, Yan Xu and Ye Ling's odd behavior had not gone unnoticed by the others at the Imperial Wind Academy.

Injured?

They exchanged glances with Murong Wuhen and quietly relayed what had just happened through a brief telepathic message.

A sharp glint flashed in Murong Wuhen’s eyes before he turned to the two elders, Li and Du.

The elders exchanged subtle glances but quickly concealed their concern.

Teacher Qi stepped forward cautiously and took the pulse of both, his expression darkening.

In a hushed tone, he said, "Indeed, they've been harmed by the aura of a far stronger martial artist, but fortunately, it was not fatal. A few days of rest and some healing pills should suffice."

Ye Ling snorted lightly, "If it weren't for that masked man, I would have already extracted the whereabouts of the ferocious beast."

Murong Wuhen raised his folding fan, signaling her to keep silent.

At that moment, the dance came to an end. The dancer, Shangguan Yun’er, stepped forward and bowed gracefully. "Your Majesty."

Duan Qing raised his hand with a smile. "Yun’er’s dancing improves with each performance. Such a welcome for esteemed guests is most fitting."

Shangguan Yun’er blushed shyly, then glanced at Duan Yu, only to find him not looking her way, which stirred a flicker of irritation within her.

"This is the daughter of the Duke of the National Guard, and the future Crown Princess of our dynasty, Shangguan Yun’er," Duan Qing introduced her to the Imperial Wind Academy.

The tone carried an unspoken implication, as if saying, "What do you think of this child?"

Elder Li smiled but was interrupted by a crisp voice before he could speak.

"Oh? Your Majesty, how strange. I thought I saw a little girl sitting here just now, but now she’s vanished?" Shangguan Yun’er looked toward the now-empty seat of Ji Tianxin behind her, sneering slightly before feigning surprise.

Shangguan Yun’er’s status was notable, which gave her the boldness to speak out in such a setting.

Her words successfully drew everyone’s attention to the vacant seat in front of the Ji family.

Huh? Where is Miss Ji San?

Normally, leaving midway wasn’t a big deal—everyone has urgent moments—but such matters should be handled discreetly, not so openly.

To do so openly changed the nature of the act.

It became a sign of disrespect toward the royal dignity, an unauthorized absence, an insult to the emperor, and a discourtesy to all present.

A child leaving early might be trivial, but Shangguan Yun’er’s pointed remark altered the perception entirely.

The emperor’s gaze fell upon the empty seat beside Ji Huai Li, his expression darkening.

Though the Ji family held a distinguished position, they were still subjects and must show due respect to the imperial family at such times.

Ji Huai Li was about to rise and explain, but was cut off by Shangguan Yun’er.

"Your Majesty, wouldn’t that little girl’s departure count as leaving without permission?" The fifteen-year-old’s words carried a hint of youthful cunning, delivered with casual indifference.

Ji Huai Li frowned. Why is the Shangguan daughter always stirring trouble?

At this moment, Ji Yucheng was rather amused, enjoying the unfolding drama, his mood noticeably lifted.

The other officials exchanged glances silently relieved that the little one had returned quickly after stepping away...