Chapter 4

Chapter 4

As expected, Tuoba Lu pushed me away and turned back toward his room. “Send her back.”

I wrapped my arms tightly around his waist from behind. “Your Highness, please don’t drive me away.”

I felt his body stiffen visibly. Although he still pushed me away, his strength wasn’t as forceful as before.

After all, this was how I had shared moments of tenderness with him for the past three years, all for the sake of earning a sliver of his pity when danger struck.

He glanced at me and noticed I was without shoes or socks. Though he still ordered his men to take me away, he gave me a pair of shoes.

I had won my gamble.

Mother was right; a persistent suitor can wear down even the most virtuous heart.

Back then, she had used that very same relentless pursuit to make my father-the most stoic man in all of Southern Tang-marry her, eventually bearing him five children.

By the next day, word had spread inside and outside the palace about how I had scaled the palace walls at night to see Tuoba Lu, dressed in thin clothing with my bare feet flashing before him.

Those within the inner palace mocked me as a vixen, while the officials of the outer court decried my lack of shame.

What was shame? Could it keep me alive?

Feng Yu’er arrived while I was in my room painting a portrait of Chenglu.

For some reason, when I thought of him now, his features didn’t immediately appear in my mind. It was as if I were beginning to forget him.

I was still wearing the shoes Tuoba Lu had given me the night before. Though they didn’t fit well, I hadn’t taken them off.

Because of these shoes, the palace servants had brought me piping hot food and even some milk.

Feng Yu’er stood by the table. Today, she wore a pink gown that made her look much more charming.

I offered her my greetings.

She studied me closely. “You do indeed resemble me. But I have returned, and staying here will only lead to your death.”

Northern Liang women were truly straightforward, never beating around the bush.

I remained silent.

She picked up the portrait of Chenglu I was painting. “I heard that you Tribute Maidens are also daughters of noble families. I can send you back to Southern Tang to reunite with your parents.”

I shook my head and said loudly, “I belong to the Crown Prince. I love His Highness; I will not leave.”

No sooner had the words left my mouth than one of Tuoba Lu’s attendants entered. He announced that the envoys from Southern Tang, who had brought the annual tribute, would be departing tomorrow. A farewell banquet was being held in the palace tonight, and I was ordered to perform a dance.

I accepted joyfully and looked at Feng Yu’er with a smile. “You see, Princess Consort? His Highness is thinking of me at every moment.”

Feng Yu’er gave me a cold look and swept out of the room, her sleeves fluttering.

Of course I intended to leave, but it wouldn’t be through her.