Jiang Yuancheng dragged Jiang Yuanxi all the way to the residence of the Imperial Uncle.

As soon as the gatekeeper saw Jiang Yuancheng, he immediately went back and shut the main door.

Their master had given strict orders—under no circumstances was Jiang Yuancheng to be allowed inside.

Jiang Yuancheng was left standing outside in frustration.

“Open the door! I am Jiang Yuancheng!” He knocked loudly.

The gatekeeper held the door shut. “Fourth Young Master Jiang, the master has instructed us not to let you in.”

The mess their young master got into always had Jiang Yuancheng involved in some way.

Their master had repeatedly warned them—no matter what, Jiang Yuancheng was not to enter.

Jiang Yuancheng: …

Jiang Yuanxi stepped forward. “Let me try!”

Jiang Yuancheng thought to himself, Wang Hanqi is my good brother.

But now, even he was being kept out. What was the point of Yuanxi knocking?

“Open the door! Open up!”

A small voice came from outside.

“Who are you? Our master has said no one is to enter.”

“I am Jiang Yuanxi! Jiang Yuanxi!”

Jiang Yuanxi?

The Xihe Princess?!

The gatekeeper immediately cracked open the door and asked through the gap, “Are you really the Xihe Princess?”

Jiang Yuanxi nodded. “It’s me.”

Bang! The gate slammed shut again.

Jiang Yuancheng spread his hands. “See? They won’t let us in.”

But in no time, the sound of hurried footsteps came from inside.

The main doors swung open.

A beautifully dressed woman, heavily pregnant, walked out, followed by a large group of servants.

“Yuanxi, come in quickly!” Shi Ruomei called out warmly.

“Pretty Auntie!” Jiang Yuanxi beamed.

So the pretty auntie was Wang Hanqi’s mother.

Shi Ruomei happily welcomed Jiang Yuanxi inside, leading her in grandly with her entourage.

It was as if Jiang Yuancheng wasn’t even there.

At least the doors were finally open.

Jiang Yuancheng seized the opportunity to sneak in unnoticed.

Inside, Shi Ruomei had already arranged for a feast to be prepared.

Wang Hanqi circled the table, then turned to Shi Ruomei.

“Mother, is this… all for me?”

The table was full of meat dishes, all beautifully prepared.

His mother preferred vegetarian food, and his father wasn’t home, so it had to be for him.

Shi Ruomei pushed him aside and scooped Jiang Yuanxi into her arms.

“Yuanxi, do you like the dishes Auntie prepared for you?” Shi Ruomei asked with a smile.

“I love them!” Jiang Yuanxi looked like she wanted to hug the entire table and start eating.

Wang Hanqi watched in astonishment.

His mother had never smiled at him like that.

So this whole feast… was for Jiang Yuanxi?

Jiang Yuancheng suddenly appeared behind him.

Wang Hanqi immediately became wary. “You brought your sister here to steal my mother’s love, didn’t you?”

Jiang Yuancheng rolled his eyes and pointed outside.

“Your family wouldn’t even let me through the door. Do you think that’s possible?” He had only gotten in thanks to his sister.

“Besides, does your mother even love you?”

Wang Hanqi turned to glance at Shi Ruomei, then looked down.

“At least she did a few years ago.” Ever since she decided to have a second child, he had been getting scolded and punished more often.

“Tell me, why doesn’t my mother smile at me anymore?”

Jiang Yuancheng gave him a sidelong look.

Brother, have you ever thought about why your mother wants a second child?

Shi Ruomei was genuinely fond of Jiang Yuanxi.

Despite being heavily pregnant, she personally served Yuanxi, feeding her and picking out dishes for her.

“Madam, you’ve worked hard. Allow me to serve the little princess instead,” a maid nearby offered.

Shi Ruomei gently pushed her away. “No need. This is nothing.”

Besides, seeing the little girl eat so happily made her happy too.

She wondered how Chen Xinwan had raised such an obedient and well-mannered daughter. She should ask her for advice sometime.

She had heard that even the things couples used during their time together could influence the child’s temperament.

She just hoped that the daughter in her belly would be as well-behaved as Yuanxi—and not turn out like Qi’er, full of mischief.

Wang Hanqi, who had just received a glare for no reason, felt wronged.

I didn’t even do anything…

After Jiang Yuanxi finished eating, Shi Ruomei personally escorted her to the door.

Jiang Yuanxi touched Shi Ruomei’s belly.

Then she sat cross-legged on the ground.

She quickly drew a peace charm.

“Auntie, here.” She patted Shi Ruomei’s belly. “Stay safe.”

Shi Ruomei knew the little girl had special abilities, so she accepted it without hesitation.

A maid behind her whispered, “Madam, you should have someone examine that charm, just in case.”

The lady was due to give birth soon—she couldn’t afford to take any risks.

“No need.” It was just an ordinary charm. And since Yuanxi meant no harm, she might as well keep it.

Jiang Yuanxi left, full and satisfied, with two grumpy-looking boys following behind her.

Wang Hanqi complained, “Hey, you still haven’t told me why you wanted me to come out.”

Jiang Yuanxi was about to answer when a commotion broke out up ahead.

“You useless thing! You think you can take the imperial exam?”

Someone kicked Zheng Yu.

“You’re just as stupid as your father!”

Thinking back to the beating he took last time, Chu Hong was still furious.

He kicked Zheng Yu a few more times.

Zheng Yu got up, fuming. “A scholar doesn’t argue with fools.”

A clear insult.

Chu Hong exploded with rage and started throwing punches.

Zheng Yu stumbled backward.

“You dare talk back? I’ll beat you to—”

His words were cut off as someone caught his fist.

Wang Hanqi slapped him across the face.

“Chu Hong, you’re Sima Yi’s little lackey? You think you can act wild on my turf?”

Chu Hong hesitated when he saw Jiang Yuanxi.

It was this little girl who beat them all up last time.

He had healed quickly, but some of his friends were still bedridden.

“You… What do you want?” Chu Hong stammered.

Jiang Yuancheng helped Zheng Yu up. “You got beaten up and didn’t even fight back? And you used to hang out with us?”

Zheng Yu was speechless. “I can’t retaliate.” His father was struggling in court—he couldn’t make things worse for him.

Jiang Yuancheng gritted his teeth. Scholars are too weak, especially bookworms like Zheng Yu.

“Step aside. Let my sister handle this!”

The crowd recognized Jiang Yuanxi and hesitated.

Chu Hong puffed up his chest. “What are you afraid of? There are people watching this time! She wouldn’t dare hit us in public!”

Some of the hesitant young masters turned back.

Chu Hong didn’t believe Jiang Yuanxi would actually attack them in front of so many witnesses.

Jiang Yuancheng frowned. “Yuanxi, don’t listen to their nonsense.”

If they act cocky, just hit them.

Jiang Yuanxi rolled up her sleeves. In no time, she had taken them all down.

She stepped on Chu Hong’s face. “Call me boss!”

Chu Hong begged for mercy. “Boss! Boss! Please spare me! Waaah!”

He should never have gotten cocky. These people had no morals whatsoever.

So much for the gentle and refined Xihe Princess—what a scam!

Wang Hanqi sighed. Even my mother misjudged her…

Jiang Yuancheng pointed at Zheng Yu. “From now on, he’s under my protection. If I see you bullying him again, I’ll beat up your entire family!”

A true delinquent should act like one.

These wannabes had a long way to go.

With arms around each other’s shoulders, they led Jiang Yuanxi away.

Jiang Yuanxi, feeling like walking wasn’t impressive enough, pulled out Xuanwu.

“Transform! Be my mount!”

Xuanwu, looking miserable, shrank to a rideable size.

Jiang Yuanxi sat proudly atop her mount, basking in the envious stares.

Look—she really was the coolest one on the street!