Chapter 5

Chapter 5

“Your existence is the greatest obstacle to the crown prince.”

“But Father Emperor hasn’t named a crown prince yet.”

“That’s precisely the problem. Prince Xian’s line wants to become crown prince, but the noble families want to support Noble Consort Xun’s Prince Fu. Prince Xian is older, has military achievements, and was born of the principal wife Lady Zhou. Prince Fu is still just a child and can’t compete with Prince Xian in any way. So someone suggested that Noble Consort Xun’s faction should elevate your mother to the position of empress, thereby reducing Prince Xian’s line to commoner status, to buy time for Prince Fu.”

At this point, my husband actually had the leisure to smooth my wind-tousled hair, his fingertips brushing my forehead with gentle warmth, as if handling some precious, fragile treasure.

I almost died giving birth to Songya. Ever since, he’s treated me like a porcelain doll who can’t carry anything heavy or do any work, afraid I might get the slightest injury.

I sensed the tension beneath his calm exterior. The thought that all these emotions were because of me made me feel very guilty.

“My husband, I understand. Actually, even if you didn’t say it, I could guess. There’s no such thing as a pie falling from the sky; we’re just pawns in the nobles’ games. I was just hoping against hope, trying to be a turtle hiding in its shell, but…”

I glanced at Grand Tutor Xuan beside me. “Grand Tutor Xuan spoke those words today, so it seems we can’t hide any longer.”

Grand Tutor Xuan gave Gong Jiqing a cold snort. “See, Her Highness the Princess understands perfectly well. How could she be so fragile?”

My husband looked at me with full attention, his eyelids fluttering slightly, looking very distressed.

We’ve been together for many years. He could see that I’d been very upset recently, and he knew I was just pretending not to care.

I’d waited over twenty years for a father, only to be used as a tool to ease conflicts between his other children. How could I not be sad?

“Xiaochun, what do you think? Do you still want to be a princess?”

Grand Tutor Xuan hurriedly interrupted him, “What nonsense are you talking? If you don’t remain this legitimate princess, your whole family will die!”

“Xiaochun, ignore him. Just tell me, do you want to be a princess?”

I shook my head, and a tear fell instantly. I suddenly felt utterly pathetic.

Gong Jiqing furrowed his brow.

I thought for a moment, then nodded.

“I… why shouldn’t I be a princess? My mother didn’t follow him in battle, nor did she supply his army with grain, but did her sufferings count for nothing?

“His wives can wear brocade and furs, feasting and reveling in the main hall, while I, who never provoked them, am mocked and belittled as a fool.

“I want to tell those people: the new emperor they’re so proud of is nothing but a beggar-turned-rebel!

“They schemed to give me this splendor and wealth, so I’ll take it and hold it tight. No one will snatch it away!”

Gong Jiqing wiped my tears, slowly knelt on the cushion, and gathered me into his arms.

“Very well, as Her Highness the Princess wishes.”

He pressed a kiss to my brow as consolation, his tone heavy with commitment, determined to see it through for me.

Grand Tutor Xuan stood to the side. The night breeze stirred his pure white robe, and I noticed ink stains on it from when I’d spilled ink in the book corridor-the filth seeming ominous.

He watched Gong Jiqing and me, the corner of his mouth curving up, unable to hide his excitement.

The two of them must have known each other for a long time, but since Gong Jiqing never spoke of it, I didn’t ask.

I would never question any of Gong Jiqing’s actions, just as he never questioned any of my decisions.