Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Midyear, the Imperial Academy expanded its halls and buildings, setting aside one room in particular for a girls’ school.
Though only a few dozen noble young ladies enrolled, it was already a tremendous step forward. My Lady was overjoyed and insisted on bringing me along as well.
In less than half a year, she had become the favorite female student of all the instructors.
Before long, word spread through the Imperial Academy that the Su Family had sent over a pair of sisters with utterly different temperaments.
The elder sister was gentle and serene, like a pale blossom reflected in water.
The younger sister was sly and lively, with no sense of proper restraint in either word or deed.
In truth, only I knew that My Lady had never been some well-behaved, sheltered daughter of a great house.
Because First Prince Zhao Rui’s maternal clan was powerful, while Crown Prince Rang had been elevated above him as heir apparent on the strength of nothing more than a favored mother, there was much resentment at court. They said that choosing the younger over the elder was the beginning of chaos.
Perhaps because she wanted to speak up for the man she loved, My Lady often made trouble for Zhao Rui after that, causing him no small amount of suffering.
In the past, she always taught me to show mercy whenever possible.
But when it came to herself, she had a perfectly righteous explanation. “I only endured him for a moment because I was thinking of the long term.
“Now that the girls’ school has been established, why the hell should I be afraid of him?”
Back then, her eyes had not yet been polished by suffering. Within them were vast misty waters, and also the gentle flow of spring streams.
My Lady had been so wonderful…
My Lady had been so wonderful…
So why had she become what she was now?
Right in front of me, she stood there with her swollen belly, wearing a fawning smile as she carefully leaned against His Majesty’s chest.
“Your Majesty, Wanwan is tired.”
“Then let us retire early.”
Hearing this, His Majesty reached out and gently stroked her long hair. “You are heavy with child now. You must not overtire yourself.”
My Lady smiled softly. “But I still have one favor to ask.”
“What is it?”
“Little Cat is in the Jiaofang, which is inconvenient in the end. I hope Your Majesty will allow her to serve at my side.”
At those words, His Majesty’s dark gaze circled over my face. “That would not be difficult. Only…”
“Only what?”
My Lady realized what he meant and hurriedly tugged me down to kneel before him. “Little Cat, quickly beg His Majesty. His Majesty is tolerant and benevolent. He will surely pardon you!”
I looked at her obsequious, smiling face, but in my mind there flashed the image of the master and mistress killed with poisoned wine, Crown Prince Rang beheaded, and dozens of members of the Su Family hanging at the marketplace execution grounds…
The next instant, I said softly, “Zhao Rui, kill me.
“I cannot kneel to you.
“If I had a blade in my hand, I would already have dragged you down with me.”
Before my words had even faded, My Lady’s expression changed.
Zhao Rui, who had now become emperor, also lost his composure.
Only Han Mo, standing behind him, seemed to have anticipated this scene long ago. His pupils tightened, and a trace of understanding showed in his eyes.
After a moment of stunned silence, My Lady ignored her heavy belly and hurriedly knelt to plead.
“Your Majesty, don’t kill her!”
As she cried and begged, she kowtowed with all her might. Blood quickly seeped in mottled marks across her smooth forehead. “Little Cat is the only family I have left!
“Please, Your Majesty!!”
Zhao Rui glanced at her, unmoved.
Only when My Lady clutched her belly tightly and let out a faint whimper did he condescend to help her up. “Wouldn’t killing her be letting her off too easily?”
When My Lady heard this, she forced the corners of her mouth into a miserable smile.
“…Your Majesty is merciful.”
Zhao Rui patted the back of her hand, his gaze sweeping over me as if he were looking at a dead woman.
Then it came to rest on Han Mo. “Several years ago, the Junior Preceptor once asked Wanwan for this little maid. In that case, We shall bestow her upon you. What do you think?”
At those words, Han Mo’s expression darkened slightly.
He seemed about to say something, but in the end, he pressed his lips shut.
“As you command.”