Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Cao Mingyu said, “They all like you.”

My cheeks felt slightly warm, and I didn’t know what to say.

Cao Mingyu looked at me intently. “Your Highness has such exquisite features. If I were a man, I would like Your Highness too.”

“But, Your Highness, why didn’t you choose Cheng Su?”

“I grew up in the army and have seen countless men-those from Shangjing, those from Jiangnan. Every one of them was ambitious, but few could withstand the test of the battlefield.”

“Cheng Su is the finest of young men. He achieved military merit at a young age and is destined to become a high-ranking official in the future. His character and appearance are also unparalleled in Shangjing. Why don’t you want him?”

I realized she was serious; she truly wanted an answer.

So, I answered her just as seriously.

“This Princess has said it before: Cheng Su is short-lived.”

“If he is destined to die young, must This Princess remain a widow for him?”

“If I don’t, then my feelings for him would be nothing more than a trifle.”

“If I do, spending a lifetime accompanied only by oil lamps and ancient Buddhas, then what was the point of coming into this world? Why be born human at all?”

Cao Mingyu was astonished. “I thought Your Highness was just saying that.”

I smiled. “You thought This Princess only said it to discourage your idea of marrying Cheng Su.”

“Cheng Su is indeed very good, but unfortunately, some ‘good’ things are beyond a person’s fortune to enjoy. If one truly wishes to enjoy them, a great price must be paid.”

“That is something This Princess is unwilling to do. I am very selfish; I only want to live this life in peace and prosperity.”

I secretly clenched my fists. With all my efforts, I would surely be able to live in peace and prosperity…

The light in Cao Mingyu’s eyes dimmed again, and she left, her interest dampened.

I also returned to the palace, but my mind was restless.

I ordered someone to inquire about news from the Duke of An’s Mansion. I heard that the Duke of An paid the money with great reluctance and gave Cheng Su a harsh scolding.

Cheng Su, however, remained calm, holding the Pearl Crown in his hands as if he cherished it deeply.

For many days afterward, Cao Mingyu did not invite me to accompany her again. I was also too lazy to deal with her further, only hoping that the wedding date would arrive sooner so this matter could be settled.

In a flash, several months passed.

In the blink of an eye, New Year’s Day arrived.

After performing the sacrifices with my Mother Empress, I climbed the high tower of the city gate to watch the common people celebrate.

Below the tower, young men in black robes performing the Grand Exorcism Dance wore masks and struck exaggerated poses to ward off evil and usher in good fortune.

One of the youths danced exceptionally well.

In a pleasant mood, I threw down some gold and silver as a reward. Then, I asked the head maid for a Grand Exorcism Dance mask and mingled with the crowd to join in the festivities.

In my dream, after the mountains and rivers were broken, such joy no longer existed.

This time, I only wanted to share in the people’s happiness.

As I walked through the crowded throng, someone suddenly grabbed my wrist.

It turned out to be the youth who had danced the best.

The surrounding guards immediately surrounded him.

Since it was a major festival, it was not appropriate to draw blades.

I waved my hand, signaling everyone to stay calm.

I could feel that the youth bore no ill will toward me.

Curious, I asked, “Do you have business with me?”

The youth spoke in a raspy voice, “Yes. This humble subject wishes to ask Your Highness to uphold justice for me.”

My heart bloomed with delight, and I instantly imagined myself as a righteous judge from a play.

“Speak. If you have a grievance, This Princess can certainly settle it for you.”

The youth let out a low chuckle; his voice was remarkably pleasant.

“Someone promised me something and even accepted my token of affection, yet repeatedly went back on their word afterward. Unfortunately, that person is of high status and great power, leaving this humble subject helpless. Can Your Highness help me?”

I was about to say, “Who is so bold?” when suddenly, something felt inexplicably wrong.

With a flick of my fingers, I pulled off the man’s mask.

As expected, it was Cheng Su.

As expected, he was making insinuations about me.

Cheng Su had a beaming smile. “Your Highness, what do you think should be done?”

I took a deep breath and tried my best to say calmly: “This Princess shall return your things to their original owner.”

I signaled the head maid to step forward. Ever since I had made up my mind, I had been carrying the jade hairpin and the bracelet with me at all times, thinking I would give them back to Cheng Su whenever I met him.

Cheng Su looked at the box in the maid’s hands, and the joy on his face instantly faded.

His eyes fixed on me. He didn’t reach out to take it, and his tone carried a hint of resentment and melancholy.

“Your Highness, are you really that afraid of me?”

“If I am destined to die early, it will surely be on the battlefield, my body wrapped in horsehide. Why are you afraid of someone who would die for his country?”

“If you truly believe in fate, then have you ever considered that you and I are destined to be entangled in this life?”

I was momentarily stunned.

Yes, if he truly died, he would die for the country. He would be a hero, a martyr.

What was I afraid of?

Was I ultimately afraid of Cheng Su, or was I afraid of being captured by the Rong State, suffering humiliation, and dying in a foreign land?

My heart was in turmoil once again!

With a solemn expression, Cheng Su untied a box from his back and placed it on top of the box held by the head maid.

“I am going to the military camp.”

“If Your Highness wants this Pearl Crown, take it. If not, then throw it away.”

He turned and strode away, merging into the crowd and quickly vanishing from sight.

I opened my mouth, wanting to call his name, but in the end, not a single word came out.