Reflections

•Business in the Middle of the Capital•

A/N: Christmas passed before I could get this out but happy holidays everyone.

Ten days later, Luan Jiao Jiao visited the Prime Minister's residence.

In the main parlor of the residence, the slightly greyed Prime Minister glared at his kneeling daughter, a thousand and one reprimands on his tongue. Imperial Princess Chao Song kept looking between her husband and daughter with a pleading look in her eyes, and the Luan residence's first son, Luan Liqin, struggled to maintain a scolding expression.

"Luan Jiao Jiao it's good to see you still remember you're way here when you're not in need of money." Luan Yuan said sarcastically.

"Yuan don't be cruel." Chao Song pleaded.

"Why not?!" Luan Yuan yelled. "This unfilial child is the cruel one, never visiting her parents and only knows how to cry for money to fight with a Concubine!"

Luan Liqin immediately wanted to jump to his little sister's rescue, but he hardened his heart, believing a good scolding was what she needed.

You see, the Luan clan did not just pamper Luan Jiao Jiao for no reason other than being the only daughter.

Years ago, the Princess married Luan Yuan. They were a cute and lovely couple despite the age difference, but they had trouble conceiving. Finally, the Princess birthed Luan Liqin with great difficulty and he was showered with love and affection.

With even more effort, Chao Song strenuously gave birth to Luan Jiao Jiao. It would have been cause for celebration except Luan Jiao Jiao was born sleeping. No matter how many times the momo beat her little butt she wouldn't wake up and the doctor said she would surely die.

Chao Song and Luan Yuan grieved, and after a night of prayer the sleeping baby let out a loud shriek.

For this reason, the baby was given the name "Jiao Jiao". For living and allowing her parents to feel joy, she would be pampered, beloved, cherished.

"Jiao Jiao don't take it to heart." Chao Song soothed. "Your father is only concerned for you."

"Mother don't baby her." Luan Liqin sighed. "Jiao Jiao is already married but does not even know how to conduct herself like a Prime Minister's daughter, let alone a Qinwangfei."

Chao Song wanted to defend her precious daughter, but she had to concede. She did wish her Jiao Jiao could live a free life full of luxury and happiness, but her love her Luan Jiao Jiao had ultimately turned the girl into a petty and entitled child.

Had Luan Jiao Jiao grown up in the same environment as Chao Song, she would have been killed without even knowing how or been used to death by schemers. Just thinking of how Luan Jiao Jiao would fare as Empress terrified her.

Everyone waited for Luan Jiao Jiao to burst into pitiful tears, wailing of how unloved she was, only to be surprised when the little brat peacefully touched her forehead to the ground. "Father, mother, older brother, Jiao Jiao has disappointed you."

To say everyone was stunned speechless would be an underestimate. In an instance Luan Yuan's anger disappeared, Chao Song could have sworn on her life that the person in front of her wasn't her daughter, and Luan Liqin immediately thought his sister was working a new and surprising angle.

"Jiao Jiao..." Chao Song whispered, tears streaming down her face. Oh just what has her daughter been through to become this docile?! "Luan Yuan Bengong will not let you scold Jiao Jiao anymore!"

Luan Liqin wanted to hold on to his anger but it was all gone. His poor, cute sister was actually kowtowing. Even when the Emperor scolded her she still would not bow. Was she bullied so much she's become humble? If that's the case, he'd rather she return to her bratty self!