I became the God Brother of the Regent King after Transmigration!-Chapter 93 - 74: Coming of Age

"Prince, the County Princess is so understanding, she will surely sympathize with you." The subordinate sighed.

The Prince, deeply emotional and loyal, is seen as a figure of steely resolve and tenderness. Although he is the Emperor’s elder brother and has fought on the battlefield for him, he is not trusted by the Emperor. Although his followers feel bitter, they can only follow the Prince with more loyalty.

Rong Shuo clenched the hilt of the knife, a flash of pain in his eyes, and said hoarsely:

"Sometimes, I would rather Baoyi be a bit less understanding. All I wish for my daughter is to grow up safe and healthy."

He had been unable to protect his younger siblings and now can only do his utmost to defend the borders of Dayan, for his home is his country.

As part of the imperial family, at least he is still alive and holds command over a significant force.

...

"Baoyi, tomorrow is your coming-of-age ceremony. Her Majesty the Empress will personally host a banquet at Yonghua Palace, and the families of officials of fifth rank and above are all attending to celebrate with you!"

In the imperial study, Han Xuan’er blinked with excitement in her voice, trying to pique the interest of the girl in front of her.

Rong Baoyi sat in her chair, staring blankly at the empty scroll before her, her usually confident eyes now dull and dim.

Han Xuan’er sighed toward Miaoyan upon seeing her like this; she too was at a loss.

A few days ago, the young prince had told them that his sister’s coming-of-age ceremony would be celebrated by the entire family, including Prince Rui and the Princess Consort. Who knew that just yesterday, an imperial edict arrived, and Prince Rui would have to return to the Southern Border the next day.

These past few days, Rong Baoyi had noticeably been happier than usual, even being particularly kind to the young prince, showing how much she had anticipated her coming-of-age ceremony.

Who would have expected such a turn of events... Han Xuan’er thought to herself, if this happened to her, she would hold onto her father’s leg, crying for three days and nights, insisting to go to the Southern Border with him!

Rong Yunhao pulled at his sister’s hand: "Sister, let me tell you a secret, I’ve prepared a big surprise for you tomorrow! And Mother will also come to the palace. We don’t need to take a break, so we can see her."

Miaoyan looked at Rong Baoyi, a trace of sympathy in her eyes, and gently said, "Baoyi, I have many things to give you too. Now that you’re coming of age, do you have an ideal gentleman? I can act as a matchmaker for you."

Rong Qijun, seeing these ladies chatter away, impatiently interjected:

"County Princess Changle, Prince Rui is leaving for the sake of Dayan’s borders and sovereignty. You’re just having a coming-of-age ceremony, which is nothing compared to military affairs.

Besides, with the Empress hosting a banquet, perhaps even the Emperor will attend. It’s a great honor; even I didn’t have such an occasion when I turned fifteen. Why look so unhappy?"

Rong Baoyi bit her lower lip, eyes filled with tears that did not fall.

She had always been understanding and strong, knowing well that, yes, her coming-of-age ceremony as a young lady was less significant than state matters.

Her father was the pride of Dayan; she should be proud too.

Rong Baoyi forced a bitter smile.

"I’m... I’m not upset."

Seeing his sister like this, Rong Yunhao’s voice choked: "Sister... Sister, we used to celebrate birthdays together every year. This year, so many people are with us, isn’t it lively?"

Rong Baoyi nodded lightly, her lips bitten until they bled, with a taste of iron meeting her tongue.

But,

she only wanted her father there.

She had seen the expedited military report, knowing full well it wasn’t anything urgent, yet she didn’t know when next she’d see her father.

Originally trying to comfort his sister, Rong Yunhao himself became upset.

"Why, why can’t we see Father when he first returns to the capital, and we can’t see him when he leaves... Why is that?" The young prince questioned, full of grief and anger.

Gu Lan looked at the two, slowly cracking the plum candy in her mouth.

A long-forgotten sense of anger stirred within her.

Back when Prince Rui returned to the capital, the young prince didn’t even see his father. At the time, she wasn’t familiar with him, so she let it go.

But now, as Prince Rui was departing, they still couldn’t meet? What kind of decree was this? 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

She suddenly spoke, "Prince Rui is handling affairs at the military camp today, leaving early tomorrow?"

"Yes," said Miaoyan, "Prince Rui is heading alone to the Southern Border, departing in the morning, while Baoyi’s coming-of-age banquet is after noon, naturally too late."

Gu Lan squinted at the glaring morning sun outside Maoqin Hall, asking again, "Whose class is first?"

"I think it’s Qin Zhenghu’s mathematics class."

Rong Heng raised his head, realizing what Gu Lan intended to do, furrowing his brows slightly, and suddenly stood up and walked out.

He typically didn’t talk to any women, and always sat silently in the back row, so no one noticed.

Even if they noticed, no one would care.

Gu Lan saw him, however, and a bright smile graced her lips.

She never thought she’d find herself in agreement with Brother Hang one day.

Inside Maoqin Hall, Rong Yunhao dazedly asked, "Gu Lan, what are you going to do?"

Gu Lan stood up, her silhouette backlit, erect like a spear, exuding unchallengeable pride.

She smiled lightly, "Do you know what I used to be best at?"

Rong Yunhao shook his head, "I don’t know."

Han Xuan’er whispered, "Teasing maidens?"

Gu Lan: ...

She walked directly to the hall entrance, turned back to look at Rong Yunhao, and spat out two clear and cold words:

"Skipping class!"