Chapter 82: You... You Go Sit in the Back

For a brief moment, the entire hall was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

The little girl picked up her chopsticks, seemingly about to take some food from a dish in front of her, her movements unhurried and calm. But when she noticed so many eyes fixed upon her, she lifted her gaze in innocent confusion.

“Is something the matter?”

Although Ji Tianxin didn’t particularly like the aroma wafting from the dishes, she knew that sometimes food that smelled displeasing could taste delightful. So she decided to try a bite, curious about the flavor.

To her surprise, as soon as she raised her chopsticks, the shadow that had been blocking her suddenly receded, and everyone in the hall turned their attention toward her.

Seeing that no one spoke, Ji Huailei’s expression remained dark and brooding, while Ji Tianxin frowned slightly, her voice soft and childish, “If you all stare at me like this, I’ll feel embarrassed.”

It was indeed uncomfortable to eat while being watched by so many people.

A chuckle escaped from Duan Yu, breaking the awkward silence.

His laughter lightened the atmosphere, turning it from tense to amusing.

The Sixth Prince joined in, followed by the Empress, the Emperor, and several royal relatives and nobles in the hall.

With laughter echoing around, nobody dwelled on Ji Tianxin’s supposed impropriety; instead, they found her bashful, sneaky attempt to eat utterly endearing.

It was truly the innocence of childhood, free from guile.

Such a beautiful little child, harmless and adorably soft, who could possibly bear to take offense?

She was, after all, only a child.

The Emperor laughed as well, his gaze full of affection as he looked at Ji Tianxin. “So this is the third young lady of the Ji family, Ji Tianxin?”

Ji Huailei thought to himself: Fortunately, His Majesty and these people lack discernment and cannot see this little troublemaker’s true nature.

He stepped forward. “Yes, Your Majesty. Please forgive my failure in raising my daughter properly, and pardon us for causing Your Majesty amusement.”

Duan Qing, naturally unwilling to hold a grudge against a child, waved his hand dismissively. “No harm done. Children ought to be innocent and carefree. But… do take care not to offend our distinguished guest today.”

He deliberately emphasized the last sentence.

Ji Huailei’s expression grew serious. “Yes.”

Duan Qing smiled at Ji Tianxin, who in turn glanced at him curiously before indifferently withdrawing her gaze.

This man was far less enticing to her than the delicacies on the table.

The Emperor frowned… It was the first time he’d been so thoroughly ignored…

He suddenly felt the urge to retract his generous words from earlier.

Duan Yu, however, was still watching Ji Tianxin, a smile tugging at his lips. This girl remained just as free-spirited as when he’d seen her in the street, unfettered in both mind and manner.

Even seated in a splendid hall, her presence brought a refreshing, elegant tranquility to the surroundings.

The Sixth Prince quietly nudged Duan Yu’s arm and whispered, “Big brother, do you know this little girl? Introduce me, won’t you?” The Sixth Prince, Duan Yan, was only twelve or thirteen—an age fond of playfulness—and seeing Ji Tianxin made him eager to befriend her.

Duan Yu glanced at him. “There are plenty of little sisters in the palace. Go play with them.”

“All right, Lord Ji, please take your seat,” the Emperor said with a wave.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Ji Huailei bowed respectfully, then took his seat with his family in the rear.

As the head of the Ji family and a general, Ji Huailei sat in front, the family members behind.

However, Ji Tianxin, having just settled beside her father, remained at his side and did not move, thus sharing the same table.

Ji Huailei lowered his voice, “Tianxin, you… sit in the back.”