Gu Qingxue had already been chosen as the next crown princess.
Out in the wilderness, she stole Father’s horse, tossed down an ingot of silver, and called it payment.
The delay kept Father from bringing the midwife home in time.
Mother died in childbirth.
Father said he would seek justice for her.
Gu Qingxue treated him as a beggar and, in a fit of anger, kicked him in the chest.
It killed him.
On the day of Father’s funeral, Gu Qingxue married, becoming the most exalted crown princess in the land.
Later, a new dancing girl arrived at the Eastern Palace.