Chapter 636 Jin Baolin

**Chapter 636: Jin Baolin**

When the news spread that Xingxing had been enfeoffed as County Princess Fusui, suitors nearly wore out the doorstep of General of the Western Garrison’s residence.

Wei Pozi was initially thrilled, but the motley crew of suitors left her utterly exasperated. She had no choice but to announce that Xingxing would remain unmarried for a few more years, which cooled things down a bit.

The Duke of Xin was overjoyed upon hearing the news and, together with the Dowager Duchess, gave Xingxing an eight-hundred-acre estate as a congratulatory gift.

Families on good terms with the Yu family—such as the Prince of Ying’s household and the Jiping Commandery Prince’s mansion—also sent their congratulations.

After returning from the palace, Xingxing was busy returning gifts for two full days.

Ever since Hao Fu learned he had offended the Lady of Blessed Peace, he kept a close eye on any updates.

When he heard that the Lady of Blessed Peace had entered the palace once and emerged as County Princess Fusui, he almost passed out right then and there.

He didn’t dare reach out to Yang Xiangdie anymore, instead secretly sending her a bag of money along with a warning to behave herself and avoid causing him more trouble.

Yang Xiangdie fumed helplessly.

...

The Emperor’s birthday was fast approaching.

Princess Ming Yi had been practicing a dance for a while to perform for Emperor Jiazheng during the celebrations.

Now that her mother had been demoted to Beauty Li, Ming Yi was even more determined to shine at the event, hoping to win back some face for her mother.

Dancing wasn’t easy—she fell repeatedly before finally getting it down after tons of practice. But the day before the big event, she slipped on the steps and sprained her ankle.

Hiding among the rocks, Ming Yi cried her eyes out.

She knew her mother was counting on this performance and couldn’t let Beauty Li find out that she was in so much pain she could barely walk.

“Princess Ming Yi, why are you here?”

A gentle voice asked.

Ming Yi lifted her head, blinking through tears at the woman in front of her.

The woman wore the attire of an imperial consort but didn’t look familiar. Ming Yi racked her brain before recalling, “…Jin Baolin?”

Jin Baolin nodded amiably. “Yes, Your Highness. Is something wrong? Why are you crying here?”

Ming Yi’s eyes welled up again.

Jin Baolin was one of three hostages from Xidi.

The highest-ranking Xidi princess had been made Consort Bai, while Jin Baolin, of more modest origins, was made a Baolin.

She seldom appeared in public, and Ming Yi had only seen her twice before.

In Ming Yi’s memory, Jin Baolin was a wallflower who stayed out of the way and never mingled with Consort Bai or others.

Wiping her tears, Ming Yi explained how she’d sprained her ankle and wouldn’t be able to perform.

Jin Baolin comforted gently, “Don’t worry, Your Highness. His Majesty has always doted on his daughters—he won’t blame you.”

At those words, Ming Yi recalled Emperor Jiazheng’s cold expression when demoting her mother and couldn’t help but shudder.

Ming Yi panicked: "No, no... Mother Consort has already been demoted. I must make her proud!"

She was so anxious she nearly cried again. Jin Baolin sighed softly: "In Xidi, I have a younger sister about the same age as Princess. Seeing you cry like this breaks my heart..."

Then, Jin Baolin paused and hesitantly added, "Princess, don’t cry. I might have an idea..."

Ming Yi looked at Jin Baolin with hopeful eyes.

Jin Baolin took a deep breath: "There’s a skilled dancer among the palace maids in my quarters—she’s about the same height as Princess. What if she wears a veil and your dance attire tomorrow to perform in your place?"

Ming Yi instinctively refused: "That’s impossible!"

Jin Baolin agreed with her: "You’re right, Princess. I also think it’s inappropriate. Please forget I said anything."

Yet the more Jin Baolin said that, the more Ming Yi hesitated.

"Maybe... you could bring that maid here and let me see her dance?"

A fleeting smile flickered in Jin Baolin’s eyes, though her expression remained gentle as she nodded: "Of course, Princess. Please wait a moment."

The young maid was quickly brought in.

She was indeed similar in height to Ming Yi, and with the veil on, even her eyes bore some resemblance to Ming Yi’s.

Most remarkably, the maid’s movements were incredibly supple—their beauty was spellbinding.

Ming Yi was thrilled: "She’s perfect! She can wait offstage, perform, and leave immediately afterward. From that far away, no one will notice!"

She gratefully grasped Jin Baolin’s hands. "Jin Baolin, thank you!"

Jin Baolin remained as gentle as ever, smiling at Ming Yi. "You flatter me."

...

On the day of the Wanshou Festival, Xingxing, as the County Princess Fusui personally enfeoffed by His Majesty, was expected to attend the palace banquet.

Both Yu Yonghuai and Yu Yongliu had the right to bring family members to the feast, but since Cen Yueyi was too far along in her pregnancy to go, and Yu Yongliu was still unmarried, both entered the palace alone.

Granny Wei drilled into them repeatedly to take good care of Xingxing.

Xingxing said, "Grandma, I think Big Brother and Third Brother probably don’t know the palace as well as I do. Maybe I’ll be the one looking after them!"

Yu Yonghuai and Yu Yongliu nodded solemnly. "Then we’ll trouble Xingxing to take care of us."

Everyone laughed.

Once inside the palace, though male and female guests were seated in the same grand hall, their seating areas were separate.

Yu Yonghuai and Yu Yongliu gave Xingxing a few more reminders before heading to their designated seats.

As the County Princess Fusui personally enfeoffed by His Majesty, Xingxing turned heads the moment she entered.

Qing An, who had arrived early, came over with a bright smile and took Xingxing’s hand. "Well, if it isn’t County Princess Fusui!"

Qing An had been preparing for her wedding in her residence and, though unable to visit in person to congratulate Xingxing on her new title, had sent lavish gifts.

Xingxing played along good-naturedly.

Their seats were next to each other, and Qing An ushered Xingxing to her seat.

A group of noblewomen arrived together to greet Princess Qing An and Xingxing.

Nie Yuke, as the niece of Empress Nie from her natal family, naturally had her rightful place at the banquet.

With a bright smile, Nie Yuke came forward to congratulate Xingxing on becoming a county princess, betraying no hint of resentment on her face.

After a while, fireworks lit up the city gates, serving as a prelude to the feast.

The palace sky blazed with dazzling fireworks.

Many young ladies strolled arm in arm to admire the display outside the hall.

Qing An held Xingxing’s hand and joined the crowd for a moment, but soon they returned inside due to the chilly evening breeze.

When the banquet was set to begin, accompanied by the ceremonial announcements, Emperor Jiazheng and Empress Nie entered the hall hand in hand.

The court officials and their families knelt in unison, extending birthday wishes to Emperor Jiazheng.

Still holding Empress Nie’s hand, the emperor took their seats at the head of the hall and signaled for everyone to rise.

The banquet officially began.