Chapter 6
Tonight, the moonlight is bright.
The Third Prince stands tall and upright. Clad in a general’s armor, he gives off an imposing aura as he stands before me.
His broad back blocks out the moonlight completely, yet at such close distance, I can still see his face clearly.
On his face is the steadiness and unshakable calm honed by the battlefield, as if no matter how absurd my requests, he could accept them all without batting an eye.
I observe him carefully for a long moment before finally giving my answer: “I wish to leave the palace. I want a Princess Manor of my own.”
The Third Prince’s brows knit together. “By custom, only a Legitimate Princess who is married may have a Princess Manor. Other princesses do not enjoy such privilege. Generally, after a princess marries, she must live with her husband’s family…”
“Third Imperial Brother,” I interrupt him, “what I mean is, I do not wish to marry, but I want a Princess Manor that belongs solely to me.”
The Third Prince rebukes me lightly, “Preposterous!”
I lift my face, meeting his eyes without flinching, letting him see the resolve in mine: “If leaving the palace means becoming someone’s wife, how is that any different from leaping out of the dragon’s pool only to fall into the tiger’s den? Since I am determined to struggle, why not struggle to the very end?”
“Third Imperial Brother, if you help me achieve my wish, all past grievances will be wiped clean. How about it?”
My tone is far from gentle, even somewhat forceful and resolute, as if burning my bridges.
The Third Prince’s brows furrow even deeper.
After a moment of silence, his voice is muffled: “This matter requires careful consideration.”
This answer already counts as agreement.
I break into a smile and bow to him with clasped hands. “Thank you, Third Imperial Brother.”
That night, I formed an alliance with the Third Prince.
The next day, a tremendous event shook Shangjing.
Over a year ago, the Northern Di broke through Dongjian City, and all the defending generals perished in battle.
At that time, the border was engulfed in flames of war, the Northern Di’s ambitions were fierce, the nation’s gates teetered on the brink, and the people suffered in dire straits.
The court was busy resolving the crisis at Dongjian City, unable to attend to anything else.
Now, Dongjian City has been rebuilt, the Northern Di driven eight hundred li away by the vengeful royal army led by the Third Prince, and the entire nation is uplifted.
The Old Matriarch of the Shao Clan, together with the few remaining women, children, and elderly of her family, knelt outside the palace gates.
Led by the Old Matriarch, they cried out for justice before the emperor.
They claimed that the Shao Clan had defended the border for decades, fought the Northern Di over a hundred times, and had no reason to lose the city overnight, with all their men dying in battle.
“There must be foul play involved! We beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly, to comfort the souls of the Shao Clan’s fallen heroes!”
All the men of the Shao Clan-from seasoned battlefield veterans to young boys newly enlisted-died defending Dongjian City. Only the women and children living in Shangjing survived.
These people knelt outside Changzhi Gate for three hours.
The commoners who gathered to watch were driven away by soldiers.
Among the officials passing by, those with ties to the Shao Clan stepped forward to offer comfort.
Unfortunately, the Old Matriarch refused to be persuaded, insisting that the emperor grant their request.
However… there was no evidence to support their grievance.
To cry injustice without proof is tantamount to forcing the emperor’s hand.
Standing atop the walls of Changzhi Gate, watching the Shao Clan plead for justice, I was not alone.
The spring chill lingered.
That person was wrapped in a furry Cloak, her head hidden, eyes fixed intently on the commotion below the city wall.
She was far away and kept her head down, so I couldn’t see who she was.
But I clearly heard her grit her teeth and ask her maid, “Has that Concubine’s Daughter confessed yet?”
The maid replied, “The Eldest Young Master sent word that they still haven’t pried open that woman’s mouth.”
“Useless!” the woman cursed viciously. “Liang Qiusuang, that old fool, is truly worthless-he can’t even handle a mere Concubine’s Daughter!”
The maid was about to reply when she noticed me in the distance, quickly lowering her voice to warn, “Your Highness, someone is coming.”
The woman fell silent and turned to look at me.
It was Concubine Xiao.
I bowed to her from afar as a gesture of respect.
She nodded slightly, walked slowly to my side, spoke a few words to me, and then left with her maid.