After twenty years, Emperor Ren suddenly died.

As no crown prince was established and no testament was left behind, chaos ensued in the imperial capital, and the five sons vied for the throne.

The third princess, Xiao Jingzhao, took advantage of the chaos and left the city alone, leading the Xuanwu Army to stabilize the situation and assist her brother, Xiao Jingxuan, in seizing the throne and proclaiming himself emperor.

As I rode through the streets of the imperial capital, the people were all discussing this matter.

Someone sighed and said, "It's a pity that no one can see what the new emperor is thinking."

After ascending the throne, the new emperor rewarded accomplishments.

But he did not grant any reward to his sister, who had saved him in times of danger.

Instead, he bestowed the title of Guardian Princess of the Nation on the Second Princess, who had done nothing.

Someone else said, "Oh, it's not like she did nothing at all."

It is said that after the new emperor took the throne, the affairs of the court, big and small, greatly concerned the Second Princess's maternal grandfather, Xu Xiang.

Everything became clear.

It is said that the Second Princess and the Third Princess have never gotten along.

It seems that when the new emperor ascended the throne, he was eager to win over the power behind the Second Princess, so he didn't mind letting his own sister suffer a bit.

Perhaps someone saw my sedan chair and quickly reminded everyone to keep quiet.

Outside, it suddenly fell silent.

My maid, Litchi, also heard the discussions outside and wanted to get off the sedan chair to reprimand those who were speaking ill of the royal family.

I stopped her.

"Are they wrong in what they say? Aren't they stating facts?"

Litchi's face turned red with anger.

It wasn't because of the common people's words.

"Princess, you played the leading role in pacifying the rebellion in the imperial capital!

"Now, this matter has become a pastime for the people in the capital.

"Let me tell you, the emperor is really going too far! If it weren't for you blocking those two swords for him that day, could he have safely reached that position with his head intact?

"But he, after ascending the throne, not only didn't reward you, but also punished you because of the conflict with the Second Princess!"

"Your injuries haven't fully healed, and yet you have to attend a banquet at the palace!"

Litchi's eyes became teary as she spoke, growing angrier with each word.

"You have the audacity, maid, to speak ill of the emperor."

I saw through this matter better than Litchi did and comforted her instead.

"The new emperor has just ascended the throne, and his foundation in the court is not yet stable. There are still many constraints on his actions, so he may not be able to do as he pleases.

"Being the Guardian Princess is just an empty title, and I don't care about it.

"Besides, isn't the emperor inviting me to the palace today to celebrate the Lantern Festival together?

"After all, we are family, so why bother about it too much."

In fact, I truly don't care about how the emperor treats me or Xiao Jingqing.

I only hope that he can govern as a good emperor according to my advice.

Then those two swords I blocked would be worth it.