The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 161 - The Headstrong Princess

That afternoon, Princess Mingruo caused a commotion, insisting on going out to have some fun, only to be stopped at the door by the guards assigned to enforce her confinement.

"Forgive me, Your Highness, but I cannot allow you to leave. The Emperor has decreed that no one in Yaotai Pavilion is to step outside without an official summons!"

"You're lying! I don't believe Father would treat me and my mother like this! You must be faking the decree! Let me out immediately! I want to see Father!"

Princess Mingruo, now about four years old, truly lived up to her name—vivacious and vibrant.

Unfortunately, her doting upbringing had turned her into a spirited and headstrong child. Although she rarely resorted to punishing servants, those around her lived in constant trepidation, unable to overstep their bounds and hesitant to admonish her. What started as minor fits of a young girl had been indulged into a fully-fledged willfulness.

Her appearance resembled neither the Emperor nor Lin Guifei but bore an uncanny resemblance to Grand Princess Rongkang. As such, the Grand Princess doted on this great-granddaughter whenever she visited, even hinting that if not for her royal status, she would have taken her home to raise herself.

Although Mingruo was small in stature, her fury could fill a room. She stood amidst kneeling servants, their submissive postures only accentuating her haughty demeanor as she towered above them. Her condescending gaze swept over their bowed forms, further fueling her disdain.

"I'll say this one more time—step aside! Or don't blame me for what happens next!"

The guard at the gate, his face flushed with anxiety, felt trapped.

He was just a lowly soldier—he couldn't afford to defy a royal decree. Allowing her to leave would mean his head on the chopping block. Yet, stopping her risked earning the wrath of the princess, which could ruin his future.

Desperate and sweating, he looked as though he might kneel before her himself. "Your Highness, I beg you not to make this difficult for me. The gate truly cannot be opened. If you'd like, I can fetch you some flowers to admire instead?"

"Hmph! Who cares about some silly flowers? I want to go through this gate today. If you dare block me again, I'll—"

Princess Mingruo's gaze darted around, landing on a nearby rockery. She smirked wickedly.

"—I'll throw myself against that rockery and see if Father doesn't punish your entire family!"

One had to admit, the princess had learned well from what she'd witnessed around her. She knew exactly how to manipulate others, casually threatening to exterminate entire families.

The guard, upon hearing her threat, lost his resolve. No matter how brave he was, this was beyond him.

Seeing his fearful hesitation, Princess Mingruo sneered in triumph and began striding toward the gate. Before leaving, she turned to the trembling servants behind her and declared, "If anyone dares to run to Mother and tattle, they'd better be ready to lose their head!"

The implicit threat left no room for misunderstanding.

None of them were foolish enough to provoke her, so they meekly bowed their heads and replied in unison, "Yes, Your Highness!"

The palace maids accompanying her exchanged worried glances before reluctantly following. Their primary fear was not the breach of the imperial decree but the possibility of something happening to the princess while she was out. If she came to harm, Lin Guifei would not only claim their lives but might desecrate their ancestors' graves in rage.

Once Princess Mingruo had boldly exited Yaotai Pavilion, the guard, in a panic, made a snap decision. Clenching his teeth, he ran off to report the matter to Yi Fei.

After all, the princess leaving the pavilion without authorization was a blatant violation of the imperial decree. Since Yi Fei was currently managing the affairs of the inner palace, it was up to her to address this situation.

Meanwhile, Lin Guifei, still napping, was blissfully unaware of the chaos brewing outside. By the time she learned of it, it was already too late.

Princess Mingruo, having left the pavilion, wandered aimlessly around the palace grounds. Her earlier claim of wanting to see the Emperor had been nothing more than a ruse to deceive the servants. She wasn't foolish enough to defy what she knew was impossible.

The palace gardens, with their carefully curated paths and exotic flora, were a masterpiece of design. Every step revealed a new view, showcasing rare plants from across the empire.

However, to Princess Mingruo, it was all terribly dull.

"Your Highness, perhaps we should return now? If others see us out here, there could be trouble..."

"Trouble? Who would dare report us to Father?"

"That may be so, but if Lin Guifei learns of this, it won't end well..."

"Hmph! Oh, so now you're using Mother to try and control me? Do your job and keep quiet! Mother may indulge you, but I don't!"

Though merely a child, Mingruo's aura was imposing enough to make people avert their gaze.

Even her closest attendant, Chi Momo, dared not show the same assertiveness that Chai Momo did toward the Second Prince. Scolded by the princess, she immediately fell silent and stood aside obediently.

Princess Mingruo reveled in her position of absolute authority, detesting any attempt to dominate her. Yet she was equally skilled at putting on a sweet, lovable act in front of Lin Guifei and the Emperor, earning herself their affection as their only daughter.

After wandering the palace grounds and finding nothing of interest, the princess decided it was time to head back. However, just as she turned to retrace her steps, she was met with the sight of  Yi Fei approaching with an entourage, a knowing smirk on her face.

Dozens of guards encircled the princess and her attendants, effectively cutting off their escape.

This unexpected turn of events startled Princess Mingruo, but she quickly regained her composure. Straightening her small frame, she raised her head high and stared defiantly at Yi Fei, showing no fear.

"My, my," Yi Fei drawled with a mocking smile. "I thought the guards were exaggerating, but it seems Princess Mingruo truly is bold enough to ignore the Emperor's decree. Running off like this—what punishment do you think is appropriate?"

"Yi Fei, watch your words! This princess is not easily intimidated!"

Hearing these words, Yi Fei let out a cold laugh.

Lin Guifei truly was foolish. Despite having only one daughter, she had managed to raise her into such an arrogant and spoiled child.

Setting aside whether this behavior could endear her to the Emperor, in the future, if Mingruo were ever sent as part of a marriage alliance, she would likely cause nothing but trouble.

With a polite yet mocking smile, Yi Fei remarked, "What a coincidence. This consort isn't easily frightened either. Princess, having grown up in the palace, I suppose you've never witnessed mountains of corpses or rivers of blood. This consort, however, has been to the battlefield in the northwest..."

Her commanding aura, filled with quiet authority, instantly subdued Princess Mingruo.

For all her pampering, Mingruo was still just a four-year-old child. In the presence of Yi Fei, how could she possibly hold her ground?