She glanced at her, her face expressionless. "Little Nine, being so arrogant and overbearing does you no favors!
"You only act without restraint because the emperor and empress dowager dote on you.
"No matter how insignificant I am, or how much you look down on me, I am still your seventh elder sister.
"I don't mind. After more than a decade, I've long since grown used to it.
"But if outsiders saw this, you would be the one they looked down on.
"Perhaps your status would keep them from saying anything to your face, but inwardly, they would only scorn you and say our royal family was poorly raised."
"You... you dare lecture me?" The ninth princess's face turned livid. She raised her whip and lashed out, but before it could strike Xiao Ya, a hand caught it.
"S-Sixth Brother?"
The newcomer wore flowing white robes and had a gentle, refined bearing. He was none other than the sixth prince, Xiao Lin. His expression was grim as he looked at the ninth princess.
He turned and cupped his hands. "Seventh Sister!"
Xiao Ya sighed. "If I remember correctly, His Majesty never confined me or forbade me from leaving the cold palace.
"Perhaps there truly is no familial affection in the royal household! Sixth Brother, the emperor holds you in high regard.
"If you get the chance, please put in a word for me. Sorry for the trouble. He can pretend he never had a daughter like me, or even strip me of my surname. All I ask is that he expel me from the palace."
The ninth princess gloated, but Xiao Lin's expression changed drastically. Those words were utterly treasonous. He was about to speak when Xiao Ya walked past him and headed back to the cold palace.
Afterward, Xiao