A few years ago, the Yong Kingdom intended to join forces with the Song Kingdom to counter the increasingly powerful and formidable Dalin Dynasty, and proposed a marriage alliance. Unexpectedly, Dalin found out about this, and the Lin Emperor was furious.

Dalin had always coveted the wealth of Song, but had been held back by the lack of a justifiable reason to send troops, and by the natural barrier—the Huai River—between the two countries. The Lin Emperor also worried about Song’s deep foundation built up over many years, fearing a war of attrition would be hard to win, so he had never rashly launched an attack.

The Song Emperor was well aware of this, and, afraid that the Lin Emperor would take offense and attack Song, immediately rejected Yong’s proposal and repeatedly sent attendants to convey his determination to the Lin Emperor. To show his sincerity, he even sent over a prince.

That prince was Eleanor Wright.

According to William Baker, when he arrived in Dalin, he was only seven years old, accompanied by just a single young attendant. Though he was a prince, he was also a hostage; life in the palace was not unbearable, but it was far from easy. William Baker didn’t dare tell his little imperial sister that he, too, had bullied Eleanor Wright.

When they studied at the Imperial Academy, Eleanor Wright was always the one praised by the Grand Tutor, while William Baker happened to be the least fond of studying, so he naturally couldn’t stand him. He often splashed ink on his clothes and joined the other princes in playing tricks on him.

But Eleanor Wright never got angry. He always seemed to be smiling, gentle and courteous to everyone. Later, William Baker gradually lost interest and rarely bothered him again.

After hearing this backstory, Grace Baker felt that this handsome young man was actually rather pitiful.

Sure enough, the heavens are fair: if you’re blessed with stunning looks, something else will be taken from you in return. In any case, you won’t have everything go your way.

Honestly, she did feel a bit of kinship with him.

If Song were the powerful one and Dalin needed to send a princess for a marriage alliance, there was no doubt she would be the one chosen.

They were both the ones abandoned.

She felt a bit wistful inside, but didn’t let William Baker notice. She happily spent the afternoon fishing with him. The eunuchs at the fish pond took good care of them, and in the end, the fish they caught were strung together and sent back to their respective palaces.

William Baker was supposed to accompany her back, but halfway there, someone from Consort Xian’s side came with a message: the Emperor was going to the Changming Hall to test him on his studies and wanted him back at the palace immediately. William Baker was so frightened that he hurriedly gave a few instructions and ran off.

Grace Baker strolled leisurely back with the eunuch.

Passing by the Emerald Bamboo Residence, the wind rustled through the bamboo, and the golden slanting sunlight bathed the corner of the eaves, creating a picturesque scene. She thought for a moment, picked up two fish from the bucket, and instructed the eunuch, “Wait for me here.”

The eunuch bowed in response, and Grace Baker carried the fish into the Emerald Bamboo Residence.

In her memory, her own Mingyue Palace was already remote and quiet enough, but she hadn’t expected the Emerald Bamboo Residence to be even more desolate. When she pushed open the door, the paint-chipped wooden door creaked, making the sound of long neglect.

In the courtyard, the young attendant beside Eleanor Wright was squatting and brewing medicine. When he saw someone enter, his rather serious little face immediately showed a look of hesitation and nervousness.

He had seen this little girl earlier in the afternoon, following the Fourth Prince. That Fourth Prince had bullied his master quite a bit, so he immediately assumed this little girl was up to no good as well.

Unexpectedly, she just walked over, smiling, and handed him the fish in her hand, saying crisply, “This is for you.”

The attendant was stunned and didn’t dare accept it.

Grace Baker added, “Isn’t your young master sick? Make some fish soup to help him recover.”

The attendant looked at the fish, then at the harmless-looking little girl, thinking to himself, could the fish be poisoned?

Grace Baker didn’t know if she had guessed what he was thinking, but she burst out laughing and teased, “You don’t want it?”

The attendant was at a loss, when the half-closed door behind him was pushed open. Eleanor Wright, draped in a coat, stood at the doorway and said gently, “Tiandong, take it.” Then he turned to Grace Baker, his eyes soft: “Thank you, Fifth Princess.”

Grace Baker was a bit surprised. “You know me?”

He nodded with a smile. “I’ve heard your name, Princess.”

He must have just gotten up; his loose hair was a bit messy, and though his face was tinged with illness, he didn’t lose any composure. The more she looked, the more handsome he seemed. Grace Baker was quite satisfied with the view, and after delivering the fish, she skipped away.

Before leaving, she even thoughtfully closed the courtyard gate.

As soon as she left, Tiandong immediately said, “Your Highness, I’ll go bury the fish right away.”

Eleanor Wright waved his hand slightly. “No need, cook it and eat it.”

Tiandong hesitated. “What if it’s been drugged…”

He smiled. “The princess brought it herself. No one would dare be so reckless. Don’t worry.”

……

After delivering the fish, Grace Baker returned to the palace. When she reached the entrance, Violet Morgan was already waiting outside. Seeing her approach, she immediately came forward, a bit worried: “You’re finally back.”

Grace Baker sensed something was up, and waited until the eunuch who had delivered the fish left before asking, “Mother, what’s wrong?”

Violet Morgan looked troubled and led her inside. “After you left this afternoon, people from the Fourth Prince’s side sent over a lot of things.”

Only then did Grace Baker notice the room was filled with boxes and chests. There was food, fine silk, jewelry, and all sorts of odds and ends she’d never seen before, filling up her small room.

That little rascal William Baker was actually quite thoughtful.