17 Chapter 17: Contest 2

Ying Yue sat in the carriage, staring out the window at the scenery passing by.

The carriage she was in was old and falling apart, and a such the ride was bumpy, making it seem as though the outside world would bounce up and down as Ying Yue stared out. Ying Yue watched as she saw numerous shops and inns all along the road. The road was full of many carriages, all on their way to the castle to participate in the contest. It goes without saying that Ying Yue's was by far the worst carriage on the road, as all the families participating were of high status, and thus wealthy enough to be able to furnish their carriages extravagantly.

As Ying Yue continued to look outher window, she could see faces of disgust, pity, and envy when looking at her. This was fine with her, as soon all these people would find that they had been entirely wrong about her. She made sure to make eye contact with each and every person as they passed, memorizing their faces for later.

Things thus far on their trip to the palace had gone smoothly, at least much smoother than Ying Yue had expected it to go, and she was almost ready to count herself lucky until they arrived at the palace gates.

All the carriages were being inspected upon arrival, and so when Ying Yue's carriage pulled up to the gates, they were stopped by security, just as all the carriages before them had been as well. However, after the guard took one glance at who was inside the carriage, he told them they were not welcome, and that they should turn around. This left Ying Yue feeling rather miffed. Wasn't the whole point of this farce to attempt to kill her? So, who told this idiot to not let her enter? Her participation was made mandatory by the Emperor for goodness sake!

Ying Yue stepped out of the carriage and on to the street, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow at the guard who was impeding their entry.

"The only way I'll be moving from this spot is if it's to enter the palace gates. So, I highly recommend you go and check with your superiors to make sure I really am not allowed to enter, especially seeing as how there is quite a line forming behind me, and I doubt you can afford to piss off all the noble families in the kingdom." Ying Yue said, as she promptly sat herself down on the ground in front of the entrance.

The guard thought that this was ridiculous. Wasn't the whole point of this competition to replace this talentless girl? Why would they let her compete then. Even though the guard hadn't been told to keep her out, he thought this to be something that just didn't need to be said. As such, upon hearing Ying Yue's words and seeing her actions, the guard felt angry. Did this brat still think she could use the title as the crown prince's fiance to scare people and boss them about? She was a nobody, and as such he didn't have to listen to a word she had to say, or show her even the tiniest bit of respect, and so he decided he would toss her out.

If this poor guard had simply been a little brighter, and a little bit better at reading the situation, he may have been able to avoid the calamity that was to follow. Alas, this fellow was all brawn and no brain, and this would cost him dearly.

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