chapter 7

Her earnest gaze fell upon Father’s face. Father put down his chopsticks and gave a gentle smile. “Radiant, isn’t it?”

The smile at the corners of the Princess’s lips froze.

Father picked up the handkerchief from the table and gently wiped the Princess’s lips, his tone light and airy. “My Princess, your loss of virtue before marriage is known to all. People outside say you’re a shameless wretch. If we hold another wedding, wouldn’t that just give them another chance to laugh at you?”

The Princess’s eyes reddened, tears slowly welling up. Father clicked his tongue softly, a trace of amusement in his eyes. “Why cry? I like you just the way you are, shameless as you may be. The Princess’s skills in bed are far superior to those lowly brothel women. Men love such things. You should be proud of it.”

The Princess threw herself into his arms, sobbing. “You’re lying!”

Father’s lips stiffened for a moment, then relaxed as he patiently said, “Alright, I know you’re upset. But wasn’t it you who had the Maid drug me? Why cry now? When you have a child in the future, I’ll throw you a grand celebration. By then, you’ll be the center of attention, and they’ll envy you-no one will dare speak ill of you.”

The Princess sat up, sniffling. She touched her belly, feeling aggrieved again. “The Imperial Physician said the one I lost was a boy. You didn’t even come to see me that day-I nearly died from the pain.”

Father, calm and cheerful, coaxed her with a smile. “Wasn’t I doing it for your sake? His Majesty has now appointed me to fill the vacancy at the Ministry of War. Hurry and give me another son. I’ll win him a noble title at court, and in the future, everything will be his.”

Only then did the Princess cheer up. She ordered the Imperial Physician to carefully check her pulse and prescribe medicine-she wanted to bear a child for Father as soon as possible.