Chapter 7

Entering Shangshu Fang was something that had been agreed upon long ago. However, Una Rhodes suddenly decided to leave home, which really worried Mrs. Rhodes.

After packing Una Rhodes’s belongings, Lady Rhodes still couldn’t bear to part with her. Holding Una’s hand, she earnestly said, “Una, you’ve never left my side since you were little. Don’t worry about spending money on your journey. Your mother has prepared everything for you. May everything go well for my child.”

Una Rhodes also had a few thousand silver coins from Lady Rhodes in her sleeve, which gave her some peace of mind. She persuaded her mother to go back without worrying.

It felt like a separation between life and death. Who would have imagined that Una Rhodes was simply going to study in a place less than half an hour away from home?

In her carriage, Una Rhodes traveled along the familiar Zhuque Street. Before long, she arrived at the foot of the imperial city.

Marilyn handed the badge of Rhodes Castle to the soldiers guarding the city gates, allowing her to enter the outer walls of the imperial palace without any problems. Although she had been to the palace many times before, this was her first time using the western gate, Una Rhodes. Previously, she always used the eastern gate, which was reserved for women entering and leaving the palace. It was a rather novel experience for her.

Lifting the curtain, Una Rhodes glanced at the palace walls outside. Having entered this “cage” as both a queen and a subject, the feelings were completely different.

The carriage came to a stop in front of the Shangshu Fang. With Monroe’s help, Una Rhodes got out of the carriage. She looked around at the building before her. It was elegantly designed yet imposing. Even the plaque hanging on the door was written by the retired emperor himself.

“Miss, let’s go report our arrival to the gentleman first. There’s still time to take a proper look around later,” Monroe whispered to Una Rhodes. The two entered Shangshu Fang together, not noticing Ingrid Johnson, who arrived a little later behind them.

Ingrid Johnson originally had only two servants with her. Aunt Fang stayed behind to watch over the palace. Now, the only person accompanying her to the academy was that mute maid. The two of them didn’t attract any attention as they entered through the gates of the Shangshu Fang.

In this way, the two of them happened to meet the gentleman by chance.

“Sister Chen, what a coincidence!”

Enid Johnson’s eyes lit up immediately. She leaned in eagerly and was the first to greet Una Rhodes.

“Sixth Prince, what a coincidence.” Una Rhodes nodded slightly as a greeting.

Always paying close attention to Una Rhodes’s expression, Enid Johnson certainly didn’t miss the fleeting glimpse of astonishment on her face.

Remembering Una Rhodes’ joke about taking him back to her mansion, Enid Johnson realized that Una Rhodes must be a woman who liked to flirt with men.

What might have been an unimportant face suddenly became quite significant in Ingrid Johnson’s eyes.

Una Rhodes had no idea that Enid Johnson had taken a liking to her. She was completely focused on her studies.

Princes didn’t need to take the imperial examinations. Once they reached adulthood, they would naturally be granted a title and their own territory, allowing them to be supported by others. Even those who were less intelligent could live without worries about food and clothing.

But Una Rhodes was different. Although her mother was part of the royal family, she married Glen Rhodes. In this sense, Una Rhodes wasn’t considered part of the royal household anymore. She was no different from members of other noble families. She had to strive on her own to achieve success in life. As such, passing the imperial examinations became extremely important for her.

Una Rhodes knew full well that, with her abilities, it was unlikely she’d make it into the top three. If she failed to qualify, it would be an embarrassment.

And since she has chosen this path, there is no turning back.

The next day, during class, Una Rhodes found out that it was not allowed to bring maids or servants with one. She had no choice but to go out alone with her books. As soon as she stepped outside the house, she ran into Enid Johnson, who was standing at the door.

“What a coincidence, sister!” Enid Johnson approached Una Rhodes in a friendly manner. “Why don’t we go together?”

Beautiful people are a pleasure to behold. Una Rhodes would never treat herself badly. She nodded in agreement.

Whether Ingrid Johnson did this on purpose or it was just a coincidence doesn’t really matter.

If not for Ingrid Johnson’s status as a prince, Una Rhodes really would have taken him back to Rhodes Castle to keep as a servant. He could do chores when needed, and just be around to serve otherwise.

Throughout the journey, Una Rhodes said very little. It was Enid Johnson who kept talking non-stop, sharing various interesting stories. Seeing that Una Rhodes didn’t even smile once, Enid Johnson realized she might have talked too much.

Then they stopped talking and went to school together.

The rest of the students had been studying here for quite some time. Only Una Rhodes and Ingrid Johnson were freshmen, so they drew extra attention.

“I heard that today is the day when the princess’s daughter arrives to start school?” Several nobles who weren’t familiar with Una Rhodes gathered together and began discussing her.

After all, if Una Rhodes had no intention of marrying, she would still be a decent marriage prospect. Moreover, Una Rhodes was raised as a noblewoman and kept hidden from the public. Now that she was appearing in public, there was much to wonder about.

The gentleman had arrived. They quickly sat down, looking toward the door with a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

Una Rhodes stepped forward confidently, raised her hand in a salute. Her silver crown and jade hairpin held back her black hair. With no makeup on her face, her striking beauty was somewhat subdued by her masculine attire, yet she still exuded a sense of grace and strength.

“Good day, dear classmates. My name is Una Rhodes. Please take care of me in the days to come.”

Una Rhodes certainly wouldn’t be stingy with her smile toward those who might cross her path in the future, or even become colleagues in the office. She immediately showed her goodwill toward them.

As Una Rhodes entered, Enid Johnson frowned at her smiling face.

Just now, he tried his best to please her, but Una Rhodes wouldn’t even give him a smile. Now, here she is smiling at a bunch of idiots. As a result, she seems even more contemptible in the eyes of these nobles.

“Ingrid Johnson.”

Leaving her name behind, Enid Johnson picked a seat near Una Rhodes, carrying her book with her.

No one seemed to mind this arrogant attitude of hers. After all, the surname “Jing” itself already revealed Ingrid Johnson’s status.

There were many students at Shangshu Fang. Princes and their tutors studied in Shangying Tang under the guidance of the Grand Tutor. Those from wealthy families who couldn’t accompany their princes in studying were taught by officials from the Ministry of Rites at the Imperial Academy, in the Shuxiang Tang.

The stark class divide made Una Rhodes feel uncomfortable, but she didn’t expect Enid Johnson to follow her.

“Why don’t you go study at Shangying Hall?” Una Rhodes asked in a low voice.

Seeing that Una Rhodes took the initiative to speak, Enid Johnson changed her cold attitude from earlier.

Having survived in the palace for so long, Ingrid Johnson naturally knew how to make use of her advantages—such as Una Rhodes’s stunning appearance and women’s sympathy.

“I don’t want to go,” her voice sounded disappointed. Ingrid Johnson had tears in her eyes, and her fair little face showed reluctance.

Looking up, Ingrid Johnson seemed utterly dependent on Una Rhodes. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she said, “I want to be with my sister. Sister Chen is the nicest person in the world to me.”

Rounding it up, pretty girl, I want to marry you.

Una Rhodes reached out to touch Enid Johnson’s hair. The soft texture made Una Rhodes want to keep touching it, but she managed to control herself.

A little liar who spouts lies isn’t worthy of her pity.

As soon as the man left, Una Rhodes was surrounded by people.

The man at the head smiled, revealing his white teeth, and looked down at Una Rhodes. “Miss Rhodes, how about we go to Zui Hua Lou for lunch together? I’ll pay for it.”

“Okay.” Una Rhodes put away the book on the table and happily agreed to have dinner with the other person.