After years of studying in the most famous academy outside her kingdom, Princess Xiaoyun — or Xiaoxi, as her family affectionately called her — finally returned to Baiyun Kingdom (白云国).
Her carriage barely entered the palace gates before she jumped out, almost tripping over her own dress.
"Home! I'm finally home!" she shouted, waving at the confused guards who weren't sure if they should bow or catch her before she fell.
Inside the palace, her father, the Emperor of Baiyun Kingdom, beamed with pride. "My precious daughter has returned! Tonight, we feast!"
Her mother, the Empress, on the other hand, narrowed her eyes. "You look thinner. Did you even eat properly? And why is your hair like that?!"
Xiaoxi froze. Martial arts? Easy. Studies? Done. But facing her mother's endless lecture? Impossible.
Even her elder brother, who usually teased her, quietly sipped his tea. After all, when the Empress scolded, nobody dared interfere — not even the mighty Emperor himself.
Xiaoxi thought to herself:
So this is my grand welcome home? I should have stayed at the academy!
And yet, deep down, a tiny spark of excitement remained. She was home in Baiyun Kingdom… and who knew what fun (or trouble) awaited next?