Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I knelt for three days and three nights, pleading with Emperor Father to thoroughly investigate the murder of the Imperial Son-in-Law.

Three days later, all I received was a single sentence from Eunuch Xi, Emperor Father’s personal attendant.

“Princess, the case has been investigated clearly. It was the Imperial Son-in-Law’s misfortune to encounter mountain bandits. Those bandits have long since fled, and the Capital Prefecture Office is currently searching for the fugitives. Since things have come to this, please restrain your grief. His Majesty is busy with affairs of state; Princess, please return home.”

“It wasn’t mountain bandits. He was stabbed over thirty times-it was clearly a revenge killing!”

“Princess, His Majesty says it was mountain bandits.”

Eunuch Xi spoke with absolute certainty.

A lump formed in my throat. Tears mingled with the rain, flowing from my mouth into my heart.

After a long silence, I whispered, “Emperor Father is right. It was my own stubbornness that caused him trouble.”

I kowtowed toward the direction of Qianqing Palace, then rose gracefully and left.

Upon returning to the Princess Manor, I collapsed.

When I woke up, three days had passed.

Lü’e’s eyes were slightly red, yet she forced a smile. “The Empress was worried about you and specifically sent many tonics. Princess, you must restrain your grief. The Imperial Son-in-Law cared for you most of all; if you ruin your health, he will not be able to rest in peace in the afterlife.”

“Oh.”

The sound of gongs and drums drifted in from outside, incredibly lively.

“What’s happening outside?”

“It’s nothing. Princess, you are unwell, please lie down a bit longer.”

I threw on a robe and stood up, heading toward the door.

“Princess, don’t go!”

Lü’e rushed to stop me, knocking something over in her haste.

She was my personal maid, always steady and capable, yet today she was panicked.

It seemed something major had happened.

I opened the gates of the Princess Manor, only to be blocked by the guards.

“Princess, the Empress has ordered that you are to remain in the manor and are not permitted to leave.”

So, I was under house arrest.

“What is happening outside?”

“Today is the wedding day of Commandery Princess Duanhua and Young Master Luo.”

They were finally getting married. Why did they have to choose today of all days?

“With such grandeur, I fear it rivals even a Princess’s wedding.”

A flash of pity crossed the guard’s eyes, and he immediately lowered his head, saying no more.

Lü’e pulled at my sleeve.

“Princess, let’s go back.”

Later, I naturally learned that Duanhua’s wedding ceremony was indeed conducted according to the protocols of a Princess.

The Chancellor’s Mansion had been extremely cooperative, making it as lavish as possible. My Imperial Mother had given Duanhua a massive dowry and even bestowed upon her the Pearl-linked Curtain she had used during her own wedding years ago.

The two of them were praised as a match made in heaven, a perfect pair of talent and beauty.

They had likely all forgotten.

Luo Chen was once my fiancé, and Commandery Princess Duanhua was previously merely the daughter of a prefect.

After both her parents died, she endured much hardship before coming to the capital to seek refuge with my Imperial Mother.

Hearing of her plight, Imperial Mother lamented the tragic fate of her sister and brother-in-law while asking Emperor Father to title Duanhua as a Commandery Princess. She showered her with affection, as if only this could compensate for the suffering she had endured.

At that time, I also felt sorry for her, letting her have first pick of everything-clothing, food, housing, and travel.

But later, things seemed to change.

I wore a hairpin she gave me, thinking it was a sign of sisterly affection, only to be scolded by Imperial Mother for being inconsiderate and told I shouldn’t snatch the relics left to my cousin by her mother.

I hurriedly explained that I hadn’t snatched it, that Duanhua had given it to me.

But Duanhua merely pursed her lips, her eyes filling with tears, and said nothing.

Afterward, she told me she was too scared. Being a newcomer, she didn’t dare disobey anyone, let alone contradict the Empress.

“Her Majesty is my aunt, but she is your mother. You and your mother are of one heart; nothing will happen if you contradict her. But if I contradict her, she will loathe me. Sister, I’m sorry, I was just so scared. If only my mother were still alive…”

She began to cry as if she had suffered a monumental grievance.

“Nanping, what are you doing?”

Brother Crown Prince shouted in anger, walking over quickly and pushing me aside.

Meanwhile, my younger brother, Li Cheng’en, shielded Duanhua behind him, whispering comforts like, “Don’t cry! How about I take you out of the palace to play?” while glaring at me reproachfully, as if I were a heinous criminal.

That day, not only did I receive no apology, but I was also reprimanded.

Brother Crown Prince called me selfish and cold-hearted.

My brother Li Cheng’en said he never wanted to speak to me again.

They crowded around Duanhua, saying they would take her out of the palace to find somewhere fun.

“Don’t worry, we’re only taking you. Even Imperial Sister doesn’t know about that place; it’s our secret spot. Now that we’ve told you, you can’t cry anymore.”

Li Cheng’en spoke very loudly, as if afraid I wouldn’t hear him.

I suppressed a surge of anger, wanting to argue, but I found myself unable to find the words.

That year, I was fifteen.

The fifteen-year-old Li Nanping was truly clumsy with words. Even when she knew something was wrong, she couldn’t explain exactly what it was.