Junior Edina walked into the dining hall for breakfast, her intricately designed cane in hand. The hall was bustling with activity, the clinking of cutlery and soft murmurs filling the air. She spotted Princess Huangshu at the large table and made her way over, settling into the seat beside her.

“Good morning, Edina! Do you feel better now?” Princess Huangshu asked, her tone filled with genuine concern. “I was quite worried when you didn’t come out for dinner last night!”

Edina nodded, offering a small smile. “I’m totally fine, Huangshu. I was just feeling weak yesterday.” With that, they began to eat, the rich aroma of freshly cooked food wafting around them. After a few minutes of eating in companionable silence, Junior Edina, a bit nervous, spoke up.

“Huangshu?” she said, her voice tentative.

Princess Huangshu looked up, her eyes sparkling with interest. “Yes? What is it?” Her excitement was palpable, as it was the first time Junior Edina had initiated a conversation with her.

“Would you like to go to Gunghua Province? I wanted to do something after greeting the young master Tian. Since I already greeted him yesterday, my presence is not really required here until his coming-of-age ceremony in a few weeks,” Junior Edina explained, her words carefully chosen.

Princess Huangshu’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “Why not!? It will take what, three days to get to the Blazing Dawn Sect? Even if any unfortunate circumstances occur, we can easily return before the ceremony.” She looked at Jinhai, her loyal guard, who sighed and reluctantly agreed.

“Alright, Your Highness. It’s not like I can say no,” Jinhai said, his tone resigned but affectionate.

“We will start in the evening then,” Junior Edina said, a smile spreading across her face. Princess Huangshu nodded vigorously, her excitement infectious.

Once back in her room, Junior Edina took out the letter written by Senior Edina and read it once again, letting out a sigh. The letter laid out the plan and the reasons behind it, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Traditionally, leaving a ceremonial event before it concludes is seen as a sign of disrespect, especially given the rivalry between her sect and the Shining Blade Sect. Receiving a handwritten invitation added another layer of expectation and obligation. However, if she could convince Princess Huangshu to accompany her, the departure would not be frowned upon. As a member of the imperial family, Princess Huangshu had the freedom to come and go as she pleased, and her presence would legitimize Junior Edina's early exit.

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The letter outlined how Aunt Li Mei's early arrival had accelerated the timeline for the planned heist of Edina’s inheritance. Senior Edina's original plan to invest in Jade Grass Commerce for influence and wealth had to be abandoned due to the shifting circumstances. Instead, the new plan involved purchasing Dongu Village, strategically located near Hin Lake, which bordered the Tianlong family’s fishing village. This village had hidden Red Black Steel Ore deposits, a valuable resource that Aunt Li Mei planned to exploit.

By buying Dongu Village, Edina would create an obstacle for Aunt Li Mei's plans, giving her leverage and a means to monitor the activities around the lake. The instructions in the letter detailed the steps necessary to secure the village under her sect's governance.

As the evening approached, preparations for their journey were underway. Junior Edina felt a mixture of anticipation and determination. This journey to Dongu Village was crucial for her future. With her personal maid Lian Hua’s help she reached the main gate, where Princess Huangshu was waiting with her guard.

Nightfall in Li Mei Cha Mu’s Room, Guest Wing, Shining Blade Sect,

Li Mei sat in her elegantly furnished room, the soft glow of candlelight casting flickering shadows on the walls. The scent of sandalwood incense filled the air, creating a tranquil atmosphere. She was engrossed in reviewing documents detailing the Tianlong Family’s ambitious project to refine Black Red Steel Ore into high-quality weapons-grade steel. The stakes were high, and every detail mattered. Her brow furrowed as she read, her mind calculating the potential benefits and risks.

Without looking up from the documents, she addressed one of the Shining Blade Sect servants attending to her. “I haven’t seen my dear niece since lunch. Was she out on another shopping trip with Her Highness?” she inquired, her tone casual yet attentive.

The servant hesitated for a moment before responding. “Oh, Mistress Li Mei, you didn’t know?” She paused, as if considering how to pronounce Edina’s foreign name carefully. “I heard that Her Highness Huangshu and Young Mistress E..Ed—Cha Ling went on a trip together. If I remember correctly, Her Highness mentioned they would return before the ceremony begins.”

“Huh,” Li Mei muttered, feeling a twinge of unease. She glanced up from her documents, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. This sudden trip seemed out of character, especially given the important events scheduled to take place. But she quickly dismissed her concerns, attributing it to one of Princess Huangshu’s whimsical decisions. “I see,” she said, her voice calm but with an edge of suspicion.

She turned her attention back to the documents, her mind racing. There was something about this trip that didn’t sit right with her. The documents before her detailed the crucial stages of transforming the raw ore into valuable steel, a project that could shift the balance of power in their favor. Every piece of information was meticulously laid out, and Li Mei knew the importance of ensuring everything went according to plan.

As she continued to review the papers, her thoughts wandered back to Edina and Princess Huangshu. The princess’s impulsive nature was well-known, but Edina’s involvement added a layer of complexity. Li Mei couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this trip than a simple whim. She made a mental note to look into it further.

The room was silent except for the soft rustle of parchment as Li Mei meticulously examined each document. The candlelight flickered, casting long shadows that danced across the room. Outside, the night was calm, with the faint sound of leaves rustling in the wind.