I Am This Type of Woman

93.1

"Sis," Ban Heng worriedly walked up to Ban Hua, "I'll come with you."

"His Majesty didn't summon you, what are you going for? Making up the number?" Ban Hua was sitting in front of the copper mirror, she was shaping her eyebrows to give herself a sweeter and mellower look. "The situation at the Palace isn't clear, I'd feel better if you stay away."

"But I don't feel good." Ban Heng sat down on the desk next to hers, frowning, "The Second Prince is always at odds with you. If he troubles you, makes you suffer, what to do?"

"He is just a prince," Ban Hua put the eyeliner down, "If he wants to deal with me, he'd better wait until he is on the throne."

"Didn't you say the Second Prince is rather stupid," Ban Heng was anxious, "Dimwits tend to not think about consequences."

"He has no brain, but am I brainless too?" Ban Hua put on blush on the cheeks, dotted her lips with rouge, drew a little flower between her eyebrows. She was not supposed to dress up like this during the mourning period, but she knew His Majesty, if she made herself looking bright and beautiful, he would be more appreciative of her.

"The Palace is the Second Prince's territory, I am afraid you will lose." Ban Heng considered, "Or, how if you don't go."

"Don't be stupid," Ban Hua rose, "If I don't go, next time it won't be the Second Prince who bullies us anymore, it will be His Majesty."

Ban Heng fell silent, he knew his sister was correct, but the situation at the Palace had him fidgeting in anxiety.

—

In the end Ban Hua went with Ban Huai. A female officer and a eunuch had been waiting at the gate to take them inside. Looked like Ban father and daughter would be lead to separate places in the Palace.

"Gugu," Ban Hua smiled at the female officer.

* gugu 姑姑  = literally paternal aunt, but also used to address female officers or attendants at the Palace. Female officers were not maids, they held a career, were educated, and respected.

"Junzhu please be at ease. Empress niangniang has some words for you." The female officer bent her knees in a curtsey, "Please come with nubi."

Ban Hua turned to Ban Huai and nodded, "Father, This Daughter excuses herself."

"Daughter, if you don't come out later, Father will go to the Empress' place to find you." Ban Huai smiled, "Don't forget your manner in front of the Empress."

"Father, don't worry." Ban Hua's eyes cast over the tall palace walls, "Daughter will be back soon."

The female officer led Ban Hua into the rear courtyard. The direction was indeed towards the Empress' place, but suddenly the female officer stopped halfway. "Junzhu, please wait a moment. Someone wants to see you." As she spoke, her eyes observed Ban Hua's expression, but she saw no trace of surprise.

The female officer suddenly became awkward, she stepped to the side to avoid Ban Hua's false smile

"Fule Junzhu," Xie Wanyu appeared from behind a fake decorative mountain. She approached, "Junzhu, how are you lately?"

"Thanking the Princess Consort for her concern, I am fine." Ban Hua saw nibbles and snack ready on a stone table nearby, she went to sit down, "Second Princess Consort is prepared."

"Junzhu is joking. I just haven't seen Junzhu for a while, so I miss you a little." Xie Wanyu sat down opposite of Ban Hua, "Junzhu, I have a small thing to discuss with you, would Junzhu be willing to listen?"

"Not willing"

"......"

"Junzhu is still the same, quick and direct." Xie Wanyu accepted tea from a palace maid, she sipped it, "Even if not for yourself, you need to consider for the sake of Ban family, for Count Cheng'an."