264. The Zhu Sisters

Star Luo Empire, Star Luo City.

Near the imperial palace, there was a vast area of buildings surrounded by mountains and rivers.

Apart from the palace itself, no other place in the royal city could compare in grandeur.

The place was heavily guarded and exuded a traditional, stern atmosphere, though inside, it felt warm and harmonious.

It was noon, and the sun shone brightly. The kitchen fires had died down, and several figures gradually entered the dining hall.

"Second Miss, slow down! Don’t trip!"

The youngest among them was unusually happy today, running excitedly ahead.

A maid followed behind, speaking with concern, though she kept a steady pace, not rushing to catch up.

Her eyes showed no urgency, and it wasn’t until they entered the dining hall that she finally quickened her steps, wearing a gentle smile.

The little girl ran excitedly to the voluptuous young woman before her, grabbing her hand with glee and exclaiming, "Sister, Zhu Zhuqing awakened her martial soul yesterday, and her innate soul power is at level seven!"

"Really?"

Zhu Zhuyun smiled warmly, bending down to pinch Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks.

"Then Zhu Zhuqing is really impressive."

"Mmm~"

Zhu Zhuqing frowned slightly; her sister seemed to be a bit rougher today than usual.

Zhu Zhuyun’s smile held a trace of complexity as she eased up on her grip and straightened her tired back.

Despite her young age, Zhu Zhuyun’s figure was already quite voluptuous, drawing attention.

"Alright, let's all sit down for the meal," a noblewoman called softly from the central table.

She was graceful and elegant, with her black hair neatly pinned up.

Her voluptuous figure was so full that she needed the table to support her chest.

"Understood, Mother," Zhu Zhuyun nodded slightly, ignoring Zhu Zhuqing’s outstretched hand as she walked over to the table and sat down, resting her ample figure against the edge of the table.

"Sister…?"

Zhu Zhuqing looked at her empty hand and touched her pinched red cheeks, confusion filling her heart.

Why was her sister acting cold towards her today?

Zhu Zhuqing, still puzzled, walked over to her seat and greeted the tall man and the noblewoman at the table with a smile, "Father, Mother."

"Mm," the man in light armor nodded slightly.

"Zhu Zhuqing, eat up and make sure to train well afterward," her mother spoke gently, her face full of warmth, clearly doting on both of her daughters.

"Thank you, Mother," Zhu Zhuqing smiled and picked up her chopsticks.

Her bowl was already filled with rice, and after training all morning, she was famished. But as she lifted her gaze to reach for the dishes, she paused.

The table was large, and the delicious dishes were a bit too far from her reach.


Holding her bowl, Zhu Zhuqing turned to her sister and sweetly said, "Sister, I can't reach the food."

"Mm, hurry up and eat," Zhu Zhuyun nodded slightly, smiling but making no move to help, focused solely on her own meal.

"Sister…" Zhu Zhuqing tried to say something again, but her mother gently reminded her, "Zhu Zhuqing, finish your meal before speaking."

"But, Mother…" Zhu Zhuqing opened her mouth but stopped herself.

She looked up, her bowl in hand, seemingly hoping for someone to pass her food, but no one paid her any attention.

Her long eyelashes drooped, and feeling disappointed, she pursed her lips.

Glancing across the table at her father, she gathered her courage, leaned over the table, and stretched her hand towards the dish she wanted. Just as she was about to reach it, a heavy thud echoed across the table.

Turning her head, she saw her father tapping his knuckles against the table, his eyes full of authority.

"Father…"

Zhu Zhuqing's face turned pale.

She was about to sit back down with the food she had finally managed to grab, but Zhu Zhuyun swiftly snatched the dish from her chopsticks, leaving her empty-handed.

"Sister, you…!" Tears welled up in Zhu Zhuqing's light purple eyes, but no one cared.

Everyone else remained calm and courteous, as if nothing had happened.

The sturdy man set his bowl down and announced, "Zhu Zhuqing, His Majesty has decreed that you will be the fiancée of the Third Prince. Do you understand?"

His words carried no hint of inquiry, only a firm statement.

"Father, I understand," Zhu Zhuqing sat up straight, nodding earnestly. She knew what being a fiancée meant; after all, her sister was already betrothed to the Crown Prince.

"Good, I'm done eating. You all take your time," he said, rising and leaving the room.

"Zhuyun, Zhuqing, make sure you both eat well. Don’t go hungry," their voluptuous mother smiled as she stood up, gently ruffling Zhu Zhuqing’s hair before turning to leave the hall.

Zhu Zhuqing watched them go, her eyes still wet with unshed tears. Zhu Zhuyun calmly ate the food she had taken from her sister, then stood up slowly and instructed, "You can clear the table now."

"Yes, Miss," the maids responded promptly, stepping forward with buckets to clean up the leftovers.

"Sister… Ah!"

Zhu Zhuqing tried to say something, but her cheeks were pinched again, harder than before. Zhu Zhuyun’s face remained gentle, her smile soft.

"Zhu Zhuqing, our competition has officially begun. Be careful from now on, okay? Don’t let Sister accidentally hurt you to death."

"Sister, it hurts…" Zhu Zhuqing’s eyes filled with tears.

"Heh," Zhu Zhuyun chuckled softly, releasing Zhu Zhuqing and taking away her bowl, placing it aside.

"Make sure to take good care of Zhu Zhuqing from now on, understand?"

"Yes, Miss," the maids replied, fully aware of the Zhu family’s traditions.

With a seven-year age gap, it was clear who would emerge victorious. Zhu Zhuqing was destined to be discarded.

"Good." Zhu Zhuyun nodded in satisfaction and left the dining hall, her gaze tinged with a hint of sorrow.

"Little sister, don’t blame me. Blame fate for making us born into the Zhu family," she muttered, biting her lip as she left the room. She turned back for one last look at her tearful younger sister before walking away.

"I haven’t had enough to eat…" Zhu Zhuqing clutched her stomach and reminded the maids.

But they carried on with their work, dumping the remaining food into the bucket.

One of them finally looked up and asked gently, "Miss, did you say something?"

"…"

Zhu Zhuqing clenched her fists, staring blankly at them before shaking her head.

"Then we’ll take our leave. If you need anything, please call for us," the maid said, bowing as she exited.

Zhu Zhuqing held her stomach, full of confusion, and slowly walked out of the hall.

The servants she passed greeted her as they always had, showing no change in their respectful demeanor. Yet, everything felt different to her.

Their smiles now filled her with fear.

"Is this the competition Sister spoke of? But I don’t want this…"

Tears welled up in Zhu Zhuqing’s eyes. The more she saw those smiling faces, the more frightened she became. She hurried toward her mother's room.