The Supporting Character Who Knew Her Fate

Chapter 1

When I was very young, I knew I was the villainess.

Because I had a strange palace maid by my side—Sui An.

Sometimes she would stare at the space above my head, as if there were words there.

Later, as I spent more time with her, I pieced together a truth from countless small details:

There really were words above my head, and they were the words "Villainess."

When I learned this news, I wasn't very happy.

I was thinking, why? Why, when we were all born of fathers and mothers, was I alone assigned such a vicious fate?

Unfortunately, being so small, I couldn't think about such profound questions. I just felt it was unfair, felt angry.

But to my surprise, even though Sui An knew my identity, she treated me extremely well.

She doted on me, favored me, even spoiled me.

She loved telling me stories.

She told the story of "Cinderella and Her Two Sisters."

"In their previous life, the older sister and second sister, one cut off her heel, the other cut off her toes, and neither could wear the glass slipper."

"Although Cinderella wore the glass slipper, after three years, she and the Prince became strangers."

"In this life, both the older sister and Cinderella awakened. They helped Cinderella destroy the glass slipper together."

"Because a glass slipper that could fall from Cinderella's foot showed it didn't fit her foot at all—magic had deceived her."

"They stayed away from the Prince together. The older sister and second sister corrected their lazy habits, and Cinderella corrected her habit of always wanting to change her fate through marriage. From then on, they lived happily together."

She also told me about "Snow White Battles the Necrophiliac."

"Once upon a time, there was a Prince who loved collecting corpses most of all."

"He went to the land of the Sleeping Beauty, saw Sleeping Beauty unconscious, and collected her."

"He met the Little Match Girl and collected her frozen body."

"He met the princess trapped in a crystal ball and collected her too, treating her like a corpse."

"Later, he met Snow White lying in a crystal coffin and carried her away."

"What did he want with so many princesses? It turned out he was offering them to demons, asking demons to bless his kingdom with eternal prosperity."

"Snow White spat out the poison apple halfway through, woke up, and fought the Prince to the death... ultimately defeating him."

"She used love to awaken Sleeping Beauty, used magic to save the Little Match Girl, and split the crystal ball with one sword to rescue the golden-haired princess..."

After finishing, she thought for a moment and told me.

"This story, don't tell it to the Third Princess and Zhen'an Princess. It's a bit scary, afraid they can't accept it."

The Third Princess was my imperial sister.

Zhen'an Princess was my adopted sister.

And I ranked sixth, the Sixth Princess.

Every time I heard stories from her, I would turn around and tell them to Third Imperial Sister and Zhen'an, so I gradually escaped the situation of being excluded.

"Why tell it to me then?"

"Because you're a brave little princess! You're brave, smart, and wise. This is your reward."

I lifted my small face, very proud.

That's right!

Brave people hear stories first.

Besides telling me stories, she also made all kinds of small things, making me the object of everyone's envy.

And I generously shared them out.

Originally, I wasn't willing.

The Crown Prince, Second Imperial Brother both said I was selfish.

Only Sui An didn't think so.

She said to my steward Aunt An in the outer courtyard: "Those who have little are unwilling to share. You can't blame a poor person who originally only had a little bit for being selfish."

At that time, I didn't understand.

I was thinking, I'm a princess, even if not favored, I'm still a princess, how could I be poor?

I didn't want to share, simply because I didn't like those people.

I hated how they would squeeze me, mock me every time we met.

They could look at my things whenever they wanted, take them whenever they wanted.

But when I wanted to see their things, they felt I wasn't worthy.

I not only didn't like them, I despised them.

But when I woke up one morning, I had more than a dozen various dolls—candle-carved, clay-molded, cotton-cloth-sewn.

Too many dolls.

So many that I suddenly felt I could share with others.

Chapter 2

Many years later, I understood that what she meant by "poor" wasn't just material, but also spiritual.

My spirit was truly too poor.

My mother was a convicted concubine, ordered to death in the Cold Palace.

Father Emperor didn't like me; in a whole year, I could count the number of times I saw him on one hand.

The Empress also hated me because my mother had caused her to lose a child.

Mother was dead, but her sins still flowed in my blood.

Everyone felt I should live humbly, should be disliked, should atone for my mother's sins.

Sometimes I felt this way too.

A criminal's child—how could they not be born a criminal? Perhaps I was just cut out to be a villainess, and no matter how I changed, it was useless.

But Sui An didn't think so.

She felt I hadn't enjoyed the blessings of my mother, so naturally I shouldn't have to bear my mother's punishments.

She worked hard to create a warm environment for me in the harsh imperial palace.

Soon, I had Third Imperial Sister as a small companion in the Wenhua Courtyard where I attended classes.

I was willing to go to school, even looked forward to each day of being envied by everyone, always able to take out various small things.

The only bad part was in Funing Palace.

My mother had done evil and been ordered to death.

But the wet nurse she left me was still alive.

An evil person's companion is also evil.

The wet nurse hated me, tortured me, and placed herself above me, as if this could bring her joy.

She fed me medicine, watching my face get dirty from the medicinal liquid, revealing a secret smile.

She made me sleep without turning over; whatever position I fell asleep in, I must wake up in that position.

Otherwise, it was breaking rules, it was embarrassing.

"Concubine E is already a criminal. If you don't learn your manners well, others will laugh at you, saying the convicted concubine's daughter has no upbringing."

In reality, no one mentioned by my ear that my mother was a convicted concubine.

Only she, every day, brought it up.

I wished I could kill her.

But I was too small, my cries made her happy.

My scratching and clawing only gave her more opportunities to punish me.

"Even the late Empress Dowager said I taught palace rules well. Princess, are you disobeying the Empress Dowager's words?"

She made me kneel on the bed, and if my waist and back weren't straight, it was a ruler strike.

At that time, every day I was thinking.

Kill her.

End it all.

Anyway, I'm the daughter of a convicted concubine—the daughter of a convicted concubine is born to commit crimes.

But during the day, Sui An told me.

She had once read a book of unofficial history.

In every dynasty's imperial palace, there were many palace maids and eunuchs, but not every palace maid and eunuch was loyal.

Many palace maids and eunuchs appeared loyal on the surface but actually wished their masters dead.

There had even been palace maids and eunuchs who murdered their masters, because they could no longer endure it.

I curiously asked, "Why?"

She didn't answer immediately, but stared into space for a moment, then said softly: "When you grow up, you'll understand."

I turned my head angrily.

I thought, she wouldn't tell me, but I could see for myself. I didn't want to wait until I grew up to understand. By the time I grew up, I would have forgotten this question.

Later, I understood.

The life of lower-ranking palace maids was very bitter.

They ate cold rice, coarse grains, and pickled vegetables forever. Only during New Year's festivals did they occasionally have fresh fruits and vegetables.

The clothes they wore were always uniform style, not allowed to be changed without permission, nor were they allowed to wear extra flowers on their heads.

Their sleeping positions were also fixed; if they didn't sleep properly, they would be punished by the aunt they shared quarters with.

Some would turn a blind eye, but others would use this to bully people, treating it as a pleasure in the boring palace life.

And the wet nurse was venting the suffering she had once endured onto me.

Because I was weak and bully-able, with no one to protect me.

And because she enjoyed the pleasure of trampling noble people under her feet.

Chapter 3

One night.

I was tormented by the wet nurse to the point where I wanted to perish together with her immediately.

Aunt An and Sui An rushed in.

The wet nurse threatened her with me.

They were punished by being made to kneel.

I cried out that I was wrong.

But it was useless!

That night, they knelt outside all night, while I cried until I vomited.

When I fell asleep in a daze, I was thinking, when would these days end?

Even with Sui An praising me, I didn't want to live like this.

Be a bad person, perhaps only by being a bad person could I save myself.

The next day, Sui An gave me an exceptionally beautiful clay doll.

She whispered in my ear:

"Princess, find a way to get Third Princess to come to our palace. Only then can you save yourself."

Later, I often remembered these words.

What she said was: [You can save yourself.]

Not: [I can save you.]

She made me feel that I was saving myself from fire and water, that I also had the ability to save myself from fire and water.

I held a determination in my heart.

When I arrived at Wenhua Academy, I concealed the anxiety in my heart and proudly displayed the clay doll, describing it as unique under heaven.

Third Imperial Sister was indeed attracted by me.

She too wanted to have a clay doll.

Sui An took the opportunity to suggest that Third Imperial Sister come to Funing Palace for a night, so she could make a doll according to Third Imperial Sister's appearance.

Zhen'an Princess also wanted to come.

I didn't like her; every time she cried, Crown Prince Brother and Second Imperial Brother would scold me.

But thinking of Sui An's words, I said: "Then you come too."

The three of us held hands and returned to the palace together.

Aunt An prepared delicious food and drinks.

Sui An used all her skills to entertain us.

Until nighttime, she told stories, coaxing us to sleep early.

The wet nurse came on duty.

She came to trouble me as usual.

She pushed Sui An aside, then pulled back my blanket, sneering as she woke me up.

"Princess, get up and take your medicine."

"I'm not sick!!!"

"Whether you're sick or not isn't for you to say, but for me to say. Someone, feed the princess her medicine."

Three palace maids held me down and force-fed me medicine.

This time, her arrogance and tyranny not only frightened me but also scared Third Imperial Sister and Zhen'an Princess.

Unlike me, they had mothers.

Third Imperial Sister's mother was Consort Li Xian, deeply favored by Father Emperor.

Zhen'an Princess's adoptive mother was the Empress Dowager, respected by Father Emperor.

Offending them, the wet nurse was finished.

Sure enough, after that night, I never saw the wet nurse and the four palace maids who followed her again.

Sui An became the new steward aunt.

She began night duty, sleeping with me.

The nights in Funing Palace became quiet and peaceful.

Since I became aware, this was the first time I slept a full night, never once woken up in the middle.

Sui An thought I was asleep and spoke softly with Aunt An.

She asked Aunt An: "Does your head hurt? Auntie, why are you so honest? Kneeling a few fewer times wouldn't have to break your scalp."

Aunt An said calmly: "It doesn't hurt. To be able to pull down that pious old woman, I would kneel as many times as needed."

Later, I learned.

Third Imperial Sister was Consort Li Xian's treasure; how would she be willing to let her treasure sleep in the remote Funing Palace?

It was Aunt An who pleaded, kowtowing countless times to get it.

And Sui An had prepared clay dolls of Consort Li Xian, Third Imperial Sister, and the palace maids in their palace in advance, which made Consort Li Xian agree to help.

Together, the two of them solved the major problem of the wet nurse, returning peace to Funing Palace.

Sui An laughed at Aunt An:从容不迫 in the palace, kowtowing like pounding garlic outside.

Aunt An also laughed at Sui An: Saying making clay dolls was a piece of cake, but secretly rubbing the clay until sparks flew.

Chapter 4

Consort Li Xian wanted to take Aunt An and Sui An.

Both refused.

Consort Li Xian didn't insist. She sighed with emotion:

"Efei, oh Efei, I never thought your luck would be so good."

She gave me a meaningful look when she left.

I always felt that her words were meant for me.

She probably wanted to say that a convicted concubine's daughter had such good luck to have two such loyal palace maids.

She hoped I would be grateful to them.

I was indeed grateful to them.

Not because of Consort Li Xian's words, but because I was truly thankful from my heart.

I saw Sui An's hard work.

Although she worked night shifts, she would still get up during the day to see me off to class, only sleeping a few hours in the afternoon, then watching over me at night.

I also saw Aunt An's difficulties.

So being a palace maid was this hard.

The more valued by one's master, perhaps the less one could even sleep well.

I let Sui An sleep with me; I promised I would be well-behaved at night.

She looked around and seeing no one, got on my bed and held me as I slept.

In her arms, I felt a bit embarrassed but also a bit at ease—so this was what it felt like to be held in someone's arms.

I asked Sui An:

"Why not follow Consort Li Xian? Why follow me?"

Actually, I was thinking more.

Why did she stay?

Was I worth it?

For such an annoying child like me, was it worth it?

She pinched my face, and her words made my face hot.

"Because I like you. The thought of leaving you makes me so sad I want to cry."

How could there be such a person?

How could she so unreservedly say "like," say "love"?

But what she said moved my heart, and I couldn't help but voice the doubt in my heart.

"But they all say I'm very bad. Father Emperor doesn't like me either. He would rather dote on Zhen'an than acknowledge me. Empress Mother doesn't like me either... Crown Prince doesn't like me either... Second Imperial Brother... Zhen'an... they all don't like me..."

In this world, few people liked me, except Sui An and Aunt An.

That night, Sui An said many, many things.

But what I remembered most clearly was only one sentence.

"There are just parents in this world who don't love their own children. You were just unlucky. This isn't your fault."

Later, many times.

Father Emperor took Third Imperial Sister and Zhen'an Princess hunting, playing polo, watching Cuju, attending palace banquets entertaining envoys, and I was always the one excluded.

I should have been jealous.

But I was relieved.

Because I already clearly knew that my father emperor didn't love me.

But this wasn't my fault; I myself was also a very, very good person.

I could love myself well on my own.

I told her, "Mother called me Bao'er, you can call me Bao'er too."

Sui An smiled and kissed my little cheek.

For the first time, I felt I was gently accepted.

At that moment, I put down the thorns in my heart and felt I could forgive all the people who had bullied me in this world.

Later, when no one was around, she secretly called me Bao'er, and I secretly called her Sister.

I thought, in this palace, I had a relative too.

I began to study seriously.

Seriously creating a better living environment for myself.

I worked hard to befriend Third Imperial Sister, and care for the slightly younger brothers and sisters.

I didn't try to curry favor with them.

I learned from Sui An, treating them sincerely.

Until the Crown Prince extended his clutches toward Sui An, I couldn't bear it anymore.

He wanted Sui An to go take care of Zhen'an Princess.

In his eyes, Sui An was a palace maid with ingenious ideas, able to think of many things others couldn't think of; she would surely please Zhen'an Princess.

He felt such a good palace maid shouldn't stay by my side.

To put it bluntly, he felt I wasn't worthy.

He felt Zhen'an Princess deserved all good things.

He was my brother, but his heart had always been on his adopted sister, Zhen'an Princess.

Chapter 5

That day, I was very angry.

I suddenly felt that if I didn't do something, I might really lose everything bit by bit like before.

I ran frantically to Kunning Palace, knelt outside the Empress's palace, crying and sobbing.

I knelt for a long time.

My knees grew numb, unable to stand up.

I thought, so this was what it felt like to be punished by kneeling.

But Sui An would kneel at the drop of a hat.

I suddenly understood a little why some palace maids and eunuchs would kill their masters—because life was too bitter, with no glimmer of hope for happiness.

I thought, I needed to be good to those around me; I didn't want to become a villainess.

The Empress walked over slowly, looking down at me from above.

She understood the whole situation.

She told me she wouldn't punish the Crown Prince for me. The Crown Prince was the heir apparent; whatever he wanted was only proper. This was what my mother owed her.

But she wouldn't take Sui An; it wasn't worth damaging the Crown Prince's reputation over a palace maid.

She would make the Crown Prince and Zhen'an stay away from me, but likewise, I could no longer come to Kunning Palace.

That day, Sui An was very careful.

She asked me, would I be sad.

I answered calmly, "Not sad. They don't like me, and I don't like them either. This is fair."

Malice is contagious.

From the moment I knew the Crown Prince and the others didn't like me, I wouldn't like them either.

Every subsequent contact only increased mutual disgust.

Not contacting like this was really for the best.

Chapter 6

In the following years, the Crown Prince and I stayed out of each other's way.

And I didn't feel lonely at all.

I had Sui An, Third Imperial Sister, Aunt An—their love filled my heart to the brim.

When spring willow catkins flew, it was when Sui An worried most.

She sewed masks for me, insisting I wear them when going out.

Third Imperial Sister teased me for being wrapped up like an assassin.

After she got a nose full of willow catkins, she behaved herself.

"Sui An, Sui An, make one for this palace too."

Sui An sent several to Third Imperial Sister.

But she secretly told me that the masks made for me all had embroidery inside and were the most beautiful.

"Children of my own family, of course I should favor. I will always, always like you most. My liking for you is like the stars in the sky, the sand in the desert, the drops of water in the sea."

She spoke as a matter of course.

My heart felt warm; she treated me as her own family's child, treating me as a relative.

She was also my most beloved relative.

I said proudly: "You will attend me tonight."

As I grew older, I gradually understood:

Love isn't like dividing a cake, giving an equal piece to everyone.

Love is giving others a bit, leaving the largest, most beautiful, sweetest piece for the person you love.

She also made a face mask for me to wear at night.

She said I had rhinitis and my nose easily got congested, so I breathed through my mouth, which might cause me to develop an underbite.

"Although appearance isn't the most important thing, most people in this world are vulgar and love to look at beautiful things. We don't need to deliberately go against worldly conventions and add difficulty to our lives. Living is already hard enough."

I wanted to say, I wasn't a vulgar person.

But then I thought, I wanted beautiful clothes and shoes, beautiful clay dolls, exquisite food, clean and tidy bedding...

I was obviously a vulgar person.

The most vulgar person in all of Funing Palace.

Fortunately, I didn't speak hastily (ૢ˃ꌂ˂ૢ)

Wearing a face mask was of course uncomfortable, but I didn't complain.

Because I heard Sui An sigh with worry.

She worried the fabric pressure wasn't enough, and even with a face mask, it might not change anything.

I couldn't bear to see her worry, so I wore it diligently every day.

I wore it for several years like this.

In the blink of an eye, I grew up.

I grew into a clean and capable young woman.

No underbite, nor inferior or shrinking demeanor.

Chapter 7

Sui An was extremely gratified, looking like her daughter had finally grown up.

Only then did I understand that Sui An was also a vulgar person who also liked those who were beautiful.

Then she should like Zhen'an; Zhen'an was the best-looking among all the little girls.

But she didn't.

I thought, even vulgar people have their noble, clean, transcendent side.

Like Sui An, she only loved the child she wanted to love, regardless of whether that child was beautiful or lovely.

I suddenly understood the meaning of the phrase: everyone has gods and Buddhas in their heart, and also demons.

Sui An left her god-like side to me, and to many others; she was achieving her own path.

At twelve years old, I no longer needed to go to Wenhua Academy for classes, so I stayed peacefully in Funing Palace learning skills from Sui An.

Third Imperial Sister and Zhen'an had Father Emperor's permission and could go outside the palace with the Crown Prince and others to learn archery, play polo, and kick Cuju.

I didn't receive permission, so I stayed in the palace.

Sui An taught me foreign languages, taught me household management, and also taught me writing.

She racked her brains to make me learn more skills to make a living.

She let me try to write stories myself.

She told me that a complete story needs a protagonist, supporting characters, props...

Protagonist, supporting characters—I more or less understood what those were.

But what were props?

Sui An took the hairpin from her head and said: "Props are, for example, this hairpin. If a hairpin appears in your writing, then by the end, it must at least be used to stab someone once."

Her metaphor was so interesting.

Some messy thoughts came to my mind.

If the world I lived in was a book, then who was the protagonist, who were the supporting characters, who were the props?

Without a doubt, I was a villainess.

Then was the female lead Zhen'an?

Because she was the most special existence in the entire imperial palace—not Father Emperor's biological daughter, but living better than any princess.

Then who was the male lead?

Was it Crown Prince Brother?

If it was Crown Prince Brother, this story would be too uninteresting.

But before long, I rejected this idea.

On the day of Zhen'an Princess's coming-of-age ceremony.

A nobleman from the frontier—Lu Jinghuai—outshone many capital nobles.

He was watched by everyone, praised by Father Emperor, and stared at for a long time by the Empress and Consort Li Xian.

Both had a daughter to marry off, and both were thinking whether they could make Lu Jinghuai their son-in-law.

But his gaze was only on Zhen'an Princess.

When she smiled, he also smiled.

When she looked back, he bowed his head.

When she sighed lightly, he frowned.

Sui An asked me: "What do you think of him?"

She asked as if it were nothing.

But having spent so many years with her, how could I not hear the tension in her tone she tried to hide?

I understood.

This person called Lu Jinghuai was the male lead.

Then the Crown Prince was the devoted second male lead?

Thinking of this, I couldn't help but want to laugh.

The Crown Prince protected Zhen'an Princess for a lifetime, yet could never have her. How interesting.

For the Crown Prince, this was probably a tragic story.

I held back my laughter and said expressionlessly: "Quite good."

The male lead is naturally good.

In all stories, the male lead's appearance, family background, and abilities are the best.

But Sui An had said that all things involving devotion and love don't follow reason.

I didn't want to talk to unreasonable people.

So what if he was the male lead?

I was long past being a villainess.

I had no desires for him whatsoever.

Chapter 8

Sui An was relieved.

Her whole person suddenly relaxed, as light as if she could grow wings and fly out of the palace at any moment.

I felt a fear.

Was she about to leave?

And then I felt a sense of relief.

She should have left long ago.

She had been in the palace for over ten years and was long tired of it.

It was just that she couldn't bear to leave me.

Responsibility and freedom swayed back and forth in her heart.

I took the initiative and said: "Sister, you should go! I know you've wanted to leave for a long time, but stayed for me. I promise that even when you're not in the palace, I will take good care of myself and live well. But I really want to know why you chose me. I know you like me, and I like you too, but I feel there's another answer."

She was Sui An!

The clever yet pretending to be steady Sui An!

The gentle yet weak but able to step forward Sui An!

So many people wanted her—the Empress, Consort Li Xian, the Crown Prince, Second Imperial Brother, Third Imperial Sister, even Zhen'an—they all wanted her.

But why did she firmly stand on my side? I was obviously a villainess; even if I changed, I was just a powerless princess who could only wait for others to arrange her fate.

Me—was I worth her doing so?

I probably asked a good question.

Sui An thought for a long, long time.

She said, "Because neither of us was expected, so I wanted to give us some expectation."

Later, I also learned to make clay dolls.

On the quiet afternoons of making clothes for the dolls, I imagined what beautiful and wonderful things they would become when they wore clothes.

Suddenly I understood the meaning of Sui An's words.

Expectation is to bestow all beautiful imaginations without stinginess upon the expected person.

It is to expect that person to walk toward the future lightly and abundantly with all beautiful blessings.

Sui An gave me a beautiful expectation.

And having received her blessing, I could grow up poised and graceful.

Sui An left.

She left behind many dolls, a cookbook, a notebook recording household management, and blessings for everyone.

Third Imperial Sister and Aunt An were very lost.

Third Imperial Sister felt the milk tea in Funing Palace didn't taste good anymore.

I didn't dare tell her that Aunt An, afraid I would catch a cold, had put ginger in the milk tea; Sui An didn't put ginger in it.

When Aunt An fried potato chips, she would habitually shout "Sui An, you come make the tomato sauce."

After shouting, she would blankly discover that Sui An was gone.

She seemed to age several years at once, becoming more rigid and dull.

I would also think of Sui An.

No one in Funing Palace called me "Bao'er" anymore.

Nor would anyone hold my hand and say with a smile: "Today I will attend you. Princess, you mustn't kick me out!"

But I don't regret letting her go.

It was like releasing a butterfly—I couldn't help but wonder how many springs it would fly through, how many flowers it would taste, how many beautiful sights it would see.

These were things the small Funing Palace couldn't give her.

She was such a warm person; wherever she was, she would live very, very well.

Winter passed and spring came.

Third Imperial Sister was to be engaged.

Consort Li Xian had set her sights on the young and famous Marquis of Chengguo's son, the young general Lu Jinghuai, but after several probes, she gave up the idea.

Third Imperial Sister hinted to me.

"Lu Jinghuai's heart is on Zhen'an, but Father Emperor doesn't seem to intend to betroth Zhen'an to Lu Jinghuai."

"Why?"

I was secretly surprised; they were the male and female leads—they would surely overcome all obstacles to be together.

Father Emperor was just playing the villain here, which was meaningless.

Third Imperial Sister shook her head: "Mother didn't tell me. You'd best not set your heart on Lu Jinghuai either."

I choked on my milk tea, "Don't slander me. I haven't seen Lu Jinghuai again."

"Really? But the Empress said you have feelings for Lu Jinghuai, and she's still considering whether to grant you marriage."

Chapter 9

At that moment, I felt as if I had fallen into an ice cellar.

I didn't want to be a villainess, but the villainess's plot seemed to find me.

Third Imperial Sister felt she had said the wrong thing and quickly ran away.

That night, I thought, why would the Empress say such misleading things? Why did she want to splash dirty water on me?

Over these many years, except for giving me some things at my coming-of-age banquet, the Empress had never paid me any mind.

And I had been very honest, never provoking the Empress over these many years.

We left each other alone.

I always felt this was a kind of tacit understanding.

So involving me in Sui An's marriage matters was like listening to a heavenly book to me.

But I had to remain calm.

I couldn't jump to conclusions; I had to have my own judgment.

Before long, the Empress summoned me to Kunning Palace for an audience.

This was the first time in many years I had entered Kunning Palace again.

No, in fact, last time I didn't even enter Kunning Palace but knelt outside it crying.

In these few years, fine lines had appeared at the corners of the Empress's eyes, but her temperament was more noble and graceful.

She looked at me, paused for a moment, then said directly:

"This time, it's for your marriage. This palace intends to grant you marriage to the Marquis of Chengguo's son, Lu Jinghuai. Are you willing?"

It had come after all.

I was a bit disappointed.

I thought the Empress would be different.

She could choose Zhen'an, but she shouldn't have pushed me into the fire pit.

Sui An had firmly chosen me, but had never harmed Zhen'an.

I said calmly: "In reply to Mother Empress, I am unwilling."

"What did you say?" The Empress was stunned.

"Mother Empress, I am unwilling!" I said firmly.

The Empress's gaze was complex, her noble face carrying a faint irony.

"If not forced, this palace would not be willing to marry you to Lu Jinghuai. A person like him should not be with someone like you, but things have come to this, this palace does not intend to hold past grudges anymore. You, this palace also hopes you know your place, understand propriety, and not let things become irreparable."

I took a deep breath, telling myself I had done nothing wrong.

The Empress's pressure was just a means to achieve her own ends.

Combining grace and power was the method of a superior.

I wouldn't be frightened.

I lifted my head and said softly: "Mother Empress, you belittle me and elevate Lu Jinghuai, is it because you love Zhen'an too much, but cannot let her be with Lu Jinghuai, having to disappoint her, yet cannot defy Father Emperor, so you vent all your anger on me?"

The Empress's eyes deepened, and her gaze toward me finally held some seriousness.

I had grown up, no longer just a child who would only cry to win pity.

And the Head Maid He by her side sharply rebuked her. "Impertinent! How dare you be so disrespectful to the Empress!"

I was right.

I wasn't afraid at all.

The Marquis of Chengguo was a military official's family.

Lu Jinghuai followed his father's career and was a young and famous young general.

Zhen'an's parents, though dead in battle, her brother still commanded troops.

Father Emperor would not let two powerful military commanders marry.

But偏偏 Zhen'an and Lu Jinghuai had fallen in love.

And Father Emperor and the Empress were only Zhen'an's adoptive parents, couldn't openly tell Zhen'an their worries—this wasn't a problem that could be solved with just trust.

So they could only put me on the table to bear everyone's anger.

I had stolen Zhen'an's beloved.

Zhen'an could hate me.

Lu Jinghuai could openly resent me.

The Crown Prince could scold me, mock me.

Second Imperial Brother could also continue thinking I was naturally bad, inherently loving to steal things.

Father Emperor and Mother Empress solved their worries. No matter how little they liked me, at least by blood, I was an imperial daughter, born to protect imperial interests.

By sacrificing just a small me, everyone could be satisfied.

Like in dynasties past, giving just one princess for marriage could drive back one hundred thousand troops, exchanging for several years of peace.

Except no one asked whether that princess would be sad or grieved; whether she would be afraid or fearful.

Chapter 10

I said calmly:

"Mother Empress, if I must accept this marriage, it is not impossible."

"But it's not for Father Emperor, nor for Zhen'an, but for you."

"Thank you, Mother Empress, for managing the rear palace with integrity and justice, allowing me to grow up safely in the palace."

"Also thank you for granting me a small kitchen, allowing me to decoct my own medicine and prepare food, letting my days in the palace, though without parental love, have fine food to accompany me."

"And thank you for bearing your dislike for my mother and presiding over my coming-of-age ceremony, so outsiders would not look down on me."

"Even more thank you for the deeds and rewards you gave. I think, at that time, you sincerely hoped I would have a good marriage."

"Although now you have abandoned me for Zhen'an, I don't resent you."

"Because you never liked me to begin with, so I can accept all your decisions."

"I accept this marriage not for anyone, but to repay your kindness to me over these years."

"However, as a daughter of the same age as Zhen'an, I give you a piece of advice: If Zhen'an's biological parents were alive, they would not treat Zhen'an this way."

"You have already lost me; I don't want you to lose Zhen'an as well. Your daughter takes her leave."

I gave a curtsey, turned slowly, and quickly left Kunning Palace.

Standing under the sunlight, the bone-chilling cold gradually dissipated, as if I had come back to life.

I thought about my wording; although I wanted to use gentleness to overcome strength, it was indeed from my heart, sincere, so I had a clear conscience.

Aunt An rushed out after me, her eyes filled with tears.

"Princess, what should we do? If Sui An were here, she would have a stomach full of ideas."

I smiled and held Aunt An's hand.

"Auntie, Sui An was just a young girl."

The Sui An who came to my side back then was only seventeen or eighteen years old.

Now I had grown to about her age; I could learn to be responsible for myself.

Aunt An asked: "Are you really going to marry Lu Jinghuai?"

I shook my head. "No, Lu Jinghuai can only be Zhen'an's."

Sui An had once told me a story:

There were two little mice who wanted to achieve a earth-shattering love story.

But the male mouse's family had no objections to their marriage, and the female mouse's family also raised both hands in approval. There wasn't the slightest obstacle between the two mice.

Without obstacles, how could it be an earth-shattering love story?

So they talked about love their whole lives, one always waiting for that opportunity that would make their love earth-shattering to appear.

When I heard this story, I almost laughed to death. How could there be such two funny mice.

Now, I was about to laugh to death too.

Without me, this villainess, the male mouse and female mouse really couldn't get married.

Thinking of this, I felt much better.

They just needed me as an obstacle.

Everything would pass.

Chapter 11

Father Emperor ultimately issued the edict granting the marriage.

I was in the palace and didn't know what the situation outside was like, nor did I care.

I only made one request to Father Emperor when receiving the edict—to have Head Maid He from the Empress's palace teach me etiquette.

Head Maid He came unwillingly.

She had been in the palace for decades, the Empress's confidante, the object of every palace maid's and aunt's envy.

Now she had to teach etiquette to a little unfavored princess like me.

She probably felt I was provoking the Empress, so she was harsh and merciless toward me.

But no one in Funing Palace cared about her.

We did our own things.

Because there was really no need to waste time on unworthy people.

Finally, on the second day, someone kicked open the door to Funing Palace.

Head Maid He wanted to get up, but Aunt An blocked her in the room.

In the courtyard, there were only I, Fangcao, Ruxia, and a few little palace maids.

The visitors were the Crown Prince and Second Imperial Brother.

We hadn't seen each other much in recent years; seeing them again, I felt they had changed a lot.

The Crown Prince carried more of an heir's imposing manner.

Second Imperial Brother had become more fawning.

Before the Crown Prince could speak, he said coldly: "I thought you had learned your manners these past few years, but you're even more vicious, coming right out to steal Zhen'an's beloved. Have you never seen a man before? Don't you know Zhen'an likes Lu Jinghuai?"

I said honestly: "Aside from several imperial brothers, I indeed haven't seen many other men."

Second Imperial Brother was speechless. "How can you be so shameless?"

The Crown Prince's brow furrowed.

"Go tell Father Emperor that you want to break off the engagement, say you're gravely ill and cannot fulfill the marriage contract, voluntarily giving the marriage to Zhen'an."

"Is this Zhen'an's wish?"

"This palace tells you to go, so you go."

"Is this Zhen'an's! Wish!"

I experienced Sui An's mood; communicating with a devoted second male lead was truly exhausting.

The Crown Prince suddenly flew into a rage.

"Li Rong, don't be ungrateful. This palace once indulged you, but this time, I will never tolerate you again."

Indulged?

What he probably meant was back when I knelt outside Kunning Palace crying, preventing him from taking Sui An.

That time I had gotten the upper hand; he probably regretted it immensely afterward.

Perhaps he had thought countless times how to counterattack when he met me again.

So he took advantage of today's matter to come and display his authority.

I ignored him and said calmly: "If this is Zhen'an's wish, let Zhen'an come tell me herself. If it is her wish, I will consider it. If not, you cannot represent her, nor should you think you can make decisions for Zhen'an."

The Crown Prince's face darkened. He suddenly stepped forward and grabbed my neck with one hand.

"This palace should have killed you long ago. Your mother killed this palace's younger sister, causing Mother Empress to grieve to this day. Now, you want to harm Zhen'an too. A criminal like you shouldn't live in this world. This palace killing you is executing justice on heaven's behalf."

His hand applied force, and I gradually couldn't breathe.

The Second Prince waved his hand, and a group of little eunuchs rushed in, about to subdue my palace maids.

Aunt An pushed Head Maid He out.

"Your Highness, if you want to kill, then kill her too."

The Crown Prince's hand paused as he and Head Maid He looked at each other.

Head Maid He had watched the Crown Prince grow up; their feelings were extraordinary.

Head Maid He cried out in alarm: "Your Highness the Crown Prince, you must not! You must not take a wrong step!"

The Crown Prince's hand on my neck loosened slightly.

His expression was complex, several frustrations appearing on his handsome face.

But he soon turned fierce, his eyes cold enough to make one's scalp crawl. He said coldly:

"Head Maid He is one of us. What if I kill you?"

Suddenly, a person walked in from outside the main gate—Third Imperial Sister.

She said sternly: "Your Highness the Crown Prince, don't you want to kill us too."

Behind her followed a string of half-grown turnips—my Seventh Imperial Brother, Eighth Imperial Sister, Ninth Imperial Sister...

I had arranged with them to come to my palace for handicraft classes these past few days.

Usually, they liked to follow me, getting their hands dirty making all kinds of strange little things.

The younger ones couldn't make them, so I would let them color the plain blanks for fun.

Besides this, there were also paper-cutting, origami, picking sticks, hopscotch, tossing sandbags, you-guess-I-say, eagle-catches-chickens, and other games...

They especially loved coming to Funing Palace to play.

Today, they happened to see this scene.

Chapter 12

They were all terribly frightened.

Perhaps their world was beautiful, and they had never seen such a situation of siblings trying to kill each other.

But I thought, it was better to see it than to be kept in the dark.

Head Maid He panicked.

She rushed out, pulled the Crown Prince's hand from my neck, and pleaded: "Your Highness, don't be confused. Go quickly to find the Empress. This matter must not get out. Hurry!"

The Crown Prince was dragged away by her pulling and tugging.

The Second Prince hurried to follow, but stopped resentfully, fiercely kicking the door of Funing Palace several times.

"Li Rong, just you wait. You'll never compare to Zhen'an meimei in your lifetime."

I smiled slightly and ignored him.

The first lesson Sui An taught me was not to compare myself to others; that was meaningless.

Tigers don't compare with eagles on who can fly higher.

Lions don't compare with great fish on who can swim better.

The only ones we should compare with: are ourselves becoming better day by day, accepting ourselves more day by day.

Cherish our strengths, and tolerate our weaknesses.

Understand that we are not all-knowing and all-powerful, allow ourselves to make mistakes, and allow ourselves to forgive ourselves.

I waved them in.

They were children after all, and soon forgot what had just happened, attracted by various foods and toys.

One by one they sat in their seats and began playing by themselves.

Third Imperial Sister smiled awkwardly at me, then dragged someone out from around the corner—Zhen'an.

"Some things still need to be said clearly face to face, to avoid endless misunderstandings, which is quite meaningless."

Thanks again to Third Imperial Sister.

I really like her so much.

I had actually always wanted to speak clearly with Zhen'an, but the Crown Prince had protected her like the apple of his eye. Even when I walked outside her palace, I would be watched and reported to the Crown Prince.

Aside from palace banquets where we might meet once or twice a year, we had no other interaction.

I watched her quietly.

"Let's talk outside. Let your palace maids and guards see you, to avoid misunderstandings."

Zhen'an, who had been in a daze, instantly reddened at the eyes when she heard this.

She choked back tears, saying softly: " Sixth Sister, I'm sorry. I didn't let them do that."

She had grown up.

The once delicate and pretty little girl had grown even more moving, her fair skin like porcelain and jade, a pair of eyes holding autumn waters. Just standing there, she carried a touching grace that made one feel pity, unwilling to say a harsh word to her.

A female lead truly beloved by heaven.

Unfortunately, it had no effect on me.

I was naturally hard-hearted.

I smiled.

"Zhen'an, Second Imperial Brother always looks down on me. He knows I'm the daughter of a convicted concubine and thinks I was born bad. The Crown Prince thinks so too."

"I never thought so." Zhen'an hurriedly explained.

I didn't care what she thought; I only looked at the facts.

"Zhen'an, this isn't important. What's important is that you enjoyed the benefits they brought."

"Someone told me that blessings don't extend to children, so neither do calamities. I didn't enjoy the blessings my mother brought, but instead suffered much because of her, so I don't consider myself a criminal."

"But you're different. Regardless of what you think, you genuinely enjoyed the benefits the Crown Prince and Second Imperial Prince brought, and indeed brought me harm."

"When you were little, whenever you took a fancy to something, without you needing to say anything, as long as you showed a pleased expression, the Crown Prince and Second Imperial Prince would find a way to get it for you."

"When you were unhappy, it was my fault, for provoking you."

"When you shed tears, not only did I suffer, but the palace maids and eunuchs around you also had to endure blame."

"You truly did nothing, but because of this, I had to smash things I cherished, and every day going to class was like going to battle."

"Instead, you received Father Emperor's rewards, Mother Empress's concern, the Crown Prince's doting love."

"If they have sin, you must bear at least half the responsibility, because your tears were like whips to them, flogging them to seek justice for you."

"They made things difficult for me to please you, and they themselves felt full of accomplishment, just like today."

Zhen'an's face turned pale, her form swaying slightly.

She seemed to be trying hard to hold back tears, but tears rolled down uncontrollably.

"I didn't know. I never thought that way."

"Sixth Sister, whether you believe me or not, I bear no ill will toward you. Even though you were betrothed to Lu Jinghuai, I never resented you."

I couldn't help but laugh.

"Did you cry in front of the Crown Prince and Second Imperial Brother?"

Her porcelain-white little face tightened, her fingers clenched tightly, like a solitary waterweed with roots but adrift.

I understood.

"You cried... sure enough."

She sniffled, revealing a determined expression, questioning me.

"Am I not even allowed to cry? Clearly, Lu Jinghuai and I are in love, yet you were the one betrothed. I don't blame you, but am I not even allowed to be sad?"

Her tears rolled down.

Perhaps some people are just naturally criers.

Like Fangcao in my palace; sometimes clearly not her fault, but before she could defend herself, tears would flow, her momentum would weaken, and later, her words would carry a tremor, and she hadn't even clearly explained what happened.

Fortunately, Aunt An could distinguish right from wrong; otherwise, someone like Fangcao would be bullied to death out there.

I smiled, noncommittal.

Zhen'an became more annoyed, trembling.

"Very funny? Why are you laughing? Today you invited so many people here, was it deliberately to trap Crown Prince Brother and Second Brother in this situation? Even if you hate me, you shouldn't do this. They are your brothers!!!"

"They—are your brothers! Not mine!"

My tone was icy, my gaze stern as I looked at her.

"You can certainly cry, but you're crying at the wrong person. Why don't you go cry before Father Emperor and Mother Empress? Why must you cry before the Crown Prince and Second Imperial Prince? Why?"

Chapter 13

Zhen'an was frightened by me.

She probably hadn't considered this question and was quite flustered.

I didn't need her answer.

"Because you know very well that Father Emperor and Mother Empress won't change their decisions just because you cry. You also won't casually consume their feelings for you, lest they think you're taking advantage of their favor."

"But before the Crown Prince and Second Imperial Prince, you have no such worries."

"Just cry a bit, and they will go through fire and water for you, fulfilling your wishes."

"You always say you didn't think that way, that you weren't willing, but have you ever firmly refused?"

"Crying a bit and getting what you want is simple and useful. You're used to taking this path."

"But have you considered Mother Empress's feelings? She raised you as her own daughter, and yet you treat her son this way?"

"You truly are an ungrateful wolf!!!"

"Ungrateful wolf" were perhaps the harshest words Zhen'an had heard in her life.

She stood there as if struck by lightning, frozen in place, even forgetting to shed tears.

I waited quietly.

We both needed to tear apart our facades and have a proper fight.

Pretending, being hypocritical, hiding, avoiding—none of these helped solve problems one bit.

She was lovely, she was weak, her at-a-loss appearance was like wearing a hypocritical mask.

I was already me, no longer a villainess.

But she wasn't yet herself, still wrapped in a shell called the female lead, not Zhen'an Princess Luo Qinxin, daughter of the Zhen State General.

After a long while, Zhen'an came back to herself.

After a brief moment of swaying, a stubbornness surged onto her pale face.

In that instant, I felt she was more real, finally like a real person.

Although choking back tears, she still worked hard to speak clearly.

"You don't understand me; you have no right to say this about me."

"I cry before Crown Prince Brother and Second Brother because I truly treat them as older brothers, and they also treat me as a younger sister. Naturally, they would stand up for me."

"It's absolutely not the manipulation and exploitation you imagine. There are genuine feelings between people, not just calculation."

"I respect and love Father Emperor and Mother Empress, treating them as birth parents. I don't want to trouble them, so I won't go to them."

"But today, I discovered I was wrong. My concession made you look down on me."

"I will go and beg them to grant our marriage. Who Lu Jinghuai belongs to is still uncertain. By then, you'd better not cry."

"Hahahahaha!" I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

People who had been well protected were probably like this.

"Go on, Zhen'an. Think carefully on the way why it was I who was betrothed, not you."

"I hope you still have the courage to walk into Kunning Palace and the Palace of Mental Cultivation then."

"Slow journey. I won't see you out!"

Zhen'an turned and left, walking urgently and quickly, completely unlike her character.

I watched her for a moment, then turned back inside.

Third Imperial Sister followed behind me, clicking her tongue repeatedly.

"Little Six, you're so daring. Aren't you afraid? This rear palace is the Empress's domain. Today you were too reckless. The various palace consorts will probably also blame you."

I smiled at her, liking her more and more.

"Third Sister, aren't you afraid?"

Third Imperial Sister waved her hand dismissively.

"Afraid of what? My mother isn't a vegetarian."

This was the confidence that came from her maternal family.

I envied her. I said calmly:

Chapter 14

"Third Sister, if they want to blame me, let them. I have nothing to fear."

Third Imperial Sister looked at me worriedly. "But the Empress controls the rear palace. If she wants to make things difficult for you, even with my mother's protection, it might not be enough."

I smiled. "The Empress is a reasonable person. She won't act without cause."

Third Imperial Sister still looked concerned. "But today you've offended the Crown Prince and Zhen'an. The Empress favors them greatly."

I patted her hand. "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

Third Imperial Sister sighed. "I hope so. But be careful. The Crown Prince holds a grudge, and Zhen'an... well, she's not as simple as she appears."

I nodded. "I understand."

Third Imperial Sister left, and I returned to my chambers to think.

I knew what I had to do.

The next day, I went to Kunning Palace to see the Empress.

When I arrived, I found that Zhen'an was already there.

She was kneeling before the Empress, pleading for me.

"Mother Empress, please don't blame Sixth Sister. She didn't do anything wrong. If anyone should be blamed, it should be me."

The Empress looked at her with a complicated expression. "Zhen'an, you don't need to plead for her. She brought this upon herself."

Zhen'an shook her head. "No, Mother Empress. Sixth Sister is right. I've been too selfish. I always took your love for granted and never considered how my actions affected others."

The Empress sighed. "You're too kind-hearted, Zhen'an. That's why people take advantage of you."

I stepped forward and knelt beside Zhen'an. "Mother Empress, I too have something to say."

The Empress looked at us both, her expression unreadable.

"Mother Empress," I said, "I understand why you arranged this marriage. You were thinking of the greater good of the imperial family. But I cannot accept this marriage."

Zhen'an looked at me in surprise.

The Empress frowned. "You dare defy the imperial edict?"

I shook my head. "I'm not defying the edict, Mother Empress. I'm asking you to reconsider. Lu Jinghuai and Zhen'an love each other. Forcing them apart would only bring unhappiness to everyone."

The Empress's eyes narrowed. "You think you know what's best for the imperial family?"

"I know that a marriage based on political considerations rather than love will only lead to resentment," I said. "I've seen what happened to my mother. Her marriage was arranged for political reasons, and it brought nothing but suffering to everyone involved."

The Empress's face hardened at the mention of my mother.

"Your mother was a criminal," she said coldly. "She betrayed the imperial family."

I nodded. "Yes, she made mistakes. But she was also a victim of circumstances. She was forced into a marriage she didn't want, with a man she didn't love. That's why I'm begging you, Mother Empress—don't repeat the same mistakes with Zhen'an and Lu Jinghuai."

Zhen'an spoke up, her voice trembling. "Mother Empress, I love Lu Jinghuai. I know you're worried about the military power our families would wield if we married, but Lu Jinghuai and I would never conspire against the throne. We only want to be together."

The Empress was silent for a long moment, looking from Zhen'an to me.

Finally, she sighed. "You two... you're more alike than you realize."

She looked at me. "Your mother was also very determined when she wanted something. She never backed down from what she believed was right."

I held my breath, waiting.

The Empress closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them again. "Very well. I will speak to your father about this. But I make no promises."

Zhen'an and I both bowed our heads. "Thank you, Mother Empress."

As we left Kunning Palace, Zhen'an looked at me with wonder. "Sixth Sister, I never thought you would help me."

I smiled. "I wasn't doing it for you. I was doing it for myself. I don't want to be forced into a marriage I don't want any more than you do."

Zhen'an hesitated. "Then... why did you help me?"

I thought for a moment. "Because I know what it's like to have your fate decided by others. And because Sui An taught me that we should help others when we can, even if we don't particularly like them."

Zhen'an's eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry, Sixth Sister. For everything."

I nodded. "I know. And I'm sorry too, for the things I said earlier."

We walked in silence for a while.

"Sixth Sister," Zhen'an said softly, "do you think we could ever be friends?"

I considered this. "I don't know. But we can try."

Chapter 15

A few days later, Father Emperor summoned me to the Palace of Mental Cultivation.

I knelt before him, my heart pounding.

"Li Rong," he said, his voice stern. "I hear you've been causing trouble in Kunning Palace."

I kept my eyes lowered. "Your Majesty, I was only speaking my mind."

Father Emperor was silent for a moment. "The Empress tells me you refused the marriage to Lu Jinghuai."

I nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"And why is that?"

I took a deep breath. "Because I believe Zhen'an and Lu Jinghuai should be together. They love each other, Your Majesty. Forcing them apart would only bring unhappiness."

Father Emperor studied me. "You speak as if you know something about love."

I looked up at him. "I know what I've seen, Your Majesty. I've seen what happens when people are forced into marriages they don't want. I've seen the suffering it causes."

Father Emperor's expression softened slightly. "You're very much like your mother in that regard."

I was surprised. "You think so?"

He nodded. "Your mother always believed that people should follow their hearts. She said that forcing people into lives they didn't want was the cruelest thing one could do."

I was quiet for a moment. "If you knew that, why did you... why did she end up in the Cold Palace?"

Father Emperor sighed. "Because sometimes, even emperors have to make difficult choices. Your mother's actions threatened the stability of the throne. I had to protect the dynasty."

"Even if it meant destroying the person you loved?" I asked softly.

Father Emperor looked away. "It was... complicated."

I nodded. "I understand. But I don't want to make the same mistakes. That's why I'm asking you, Your Majesty—please don't force Zhen'an and Lu Jinghuai apart. Please don't force me into a marriage I don't want."

Father Emperor was silent for a long time.

Finally, he said, "The Empress has spoken to me about this. She thinks perhaps we've been too focused on politics and not enough on happiness."

I held my breath.

"Very well," Father Emperor said. "I will consider your request. But I make no promises."

I bowed my head. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

As I left the Palace of Mental Cultivation, I felt a sense of relief. I had done what I could. The rest was up to fate.

Chapter 16

Two weeks later, the announcement came: Father Emperor had revoked the marriage edict.

Instead, he announced that Zhen'an Princess would be married to Lu Jinghuai, with the full blessing of the imperial family.

The court was in an uproar. Many ministers questioned the wisdom of allowing two such powerful families to unite.

But Father Emperor stood firm. "Love is more important than politics," he declared. "The stability of the dynasty comes from the happiness of its people, not from political maneuvering."

I watched from the sidelines as Zhen'an and Lu Jinghuai's wedding was planned with great fanfare. Zhen'an came to visit me often, and we gradually developed a tentative friendship.

"I never thanked you properly," she said one day as we drank tea in my chambers. "Without you, Lu Jinghuai and I might never have been together."

I smiled. "I didn't do it for you. I did it for myself."

"Still," she insisted, "I owe you. If there's ever anything I can do..."

"There is something," I said. "I want to leave the palace."

Zhen'an looked surprised. "Leave the palace? But you're a princess."

"I know," I said. "But I want to see the world. I want to live my own life, not just be a pawn in someone else's political game."

Zhen'an was quiet for a moment. "I see. And do you have somewhere to go?"

I nodded. "Sui An wrote to me. She's built a life for herself outside the palace. She says there's a place for me with her, if I want it."

Zhen'an smiled. "Then you should go. Everyone deserves to be happy, Sixth Sister."

Chapter 17

I stood before the palace gates, my heart pounding with excitement and fear.

Aunt An and my few loyal servants stood with me.

"Are you sure about this, Princess?" Aunt An asked, her voice trembling slightly.

I nodded. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

I had petitioned Father Emperor for permission to leave the palace, to live as a commoner. To my surprise, he had agreed.

"You are your mother's daughter," he had said. "She too craved freedom. I hope you find the happiness she never could."

Now, as I prepared to step through the gates that had been my world for my entire life, I felt a sense of peace.

I was no longer a villainess in someone else's story. I was the protagonist of my own life.

And I was ready to write my own happy ending.

As I stepped through the palace gates and into the unknown, I thought of Sui An, who had first shown me that I could be more than what others expected of me.

But this was not the end of my story—it was only the beginning.

Chapter 18

The three years of my arranged marriage with Song Zhi brought many changes.

First, Lu Jinghuai won a great victory against the northern barbarians.

Next, the Crown Prince personally escorted grain supplies to the front lines to build military merit, though he went to the front where Zhen'an's brother was stationed.

As a result, when the barbarians attacked, the Crown Prince ignored Zhen'an's brother's warnings, seeking merit recklessly, and instead lost a city.

In the end, it was Lu Jinghuai who rode a thousand miles to turn the tide, chasing the barbarians deep into the grasslands, thus securing ten years of peace for the dynasty.

Both returned to the capital.

The difference was that when Lu Jinghuai returned, he was praised by all, with commoners lining the streets to welcome him.

When the Crown Prince returned, it was in silence.

This time, he came to receive punishment.

I thought he must be quite disappointed.

If the story always compared me with Zhen'an, it probably wouldn't miss comparing the second male lead with the male lead either.

But this was what he deserved.

In the palace, he was the greatest, showing off his power.

Out in the world, society would teach him how to behave.

Hmph!

In the great hall, Lu Jinghuai used all his military merits to beg for Zhen'an's hand in marriage. For this, he was willing to lay down his military power, seeking only to be with her.

Father Emperor approved.

But then he immediately berated the Crown Prince harshly, I heard nearly striking him personally.

The Crown Prince probably felt the disparity, shutting himself in the Eastern Palace, the whole person decadent and depressed.

The Empress tried to discipline him several times to no avail.

Sui An had once quietly evaluated the Crown Prince to me.

She said the Crown Prince had been too smooth sailing.

At that time, I was quite envious and asked her, "Isn't it good to have smooth sailing?"

Sui An thought for a moment, then said seriously, "It's not that it's bad. For ordinary people, of course it's good. But this is the Crown Prince. In the future, he'll have to make countless decisions every day, not knowing if any are right or wrong. He must have strong ability to withstand pressure. Those who have things too smoothly lack the resilience to face setbacks and easily collapse. Unlike our Bao'er, you're not a delicate flower raised in a greenhouse. We have strength. Strive to eat and drink well, and you'll grow into a towering tree."

After she finished, she handed me a glass of milk.

I took the warm milk, my heart also warm.

The Crown Prince had encountered the first great crisis of his life.

I didn't know if he could overcome it.

But I didn't care about him.

Not stepping on him while he was down, out of respect for the Empress, was already me having a conscience. As for the rest, forget it.

Zhen'an accepted the imperial marriage edict.

The two were ordered to marry quickly.

On their wedding day, I attended the banquet.

The two were deeply in love.

He personally helped her from the bridal sedan and led her step by step to the ceremonial hall.

She was shy all over, his eyes full of affection, holding only that person.

I watched this scene.

Envious?

Perhaps.

But not as envious as on Third Imperial Sister's wedding day.

Their love was too perfect, like the fairy tales Sui An had told me about.

Real stories often end abruptly the moment the two marry.

But in Sui An's dog-tail-added stories, the fairy tale characters, after marriage, seemed to shed their protagonist halos and gradually revealed their ordinary faces, their lives becoming trivial.

Lu Jinghuai using all his military merits to marry Zhen'an—perhaps romantic.

But would he regret it?

One year, two years, three years...

When he was at a low point in life, facing difficulties, would there come a day when he regretted his youthful impulsiveness?

As for Zhen'an, what about her?

Could she bear this romance?

Would this romance turn to guilt, making her retreat step by step until she could retreat no further...

"Husband and wife bow to each other, send to the bridal chamber."

The ceremonial official joyfully finished this line as everyone cheered.

But I seemed to hear the sound of bubbles breaking—light, silent, but undeniably real.

Later, I understood.

That was probably the sound of a spiritual shackle being opened.

When the male and female leads' story ended, we supporting characters also gained freedom and could live as we pleased.

Chapter 19

The following year, Song Zhi and I treated each other with respect.

Setting aside that we had no feelings between us, he was actually quite an interesting person.

He appreciated good food and drink and lived life to the fullest.

He was a standard prodigal son, only pure-hearted, harmless, and with principles.

Knowing that various delicacies not found on the market could be eaten in my courtyard, he came every few days to freeload meals.

Sometimes he and I could actually share a few drinks and speak of interesting thoughts we couldn't share with outsiders, rather like close friends.

Aunt An once suggested that perhaps we could continue like this, which would be quite good.

To be honest, I seriously considered it, but hadn't made up my mind.

We hadn't deeply discussed many aspects like treating parents, having children, future plans. I also didn't know if he had thoughts about changing this marital situation.

So I thought, since I hadn't figured it out, I wouldn't act yet. It was better to wait until I understood clearly.

Even a few years later would be better than making a confused decision.

Before long, I received a letter from afar.

Just seeing the handwriting on the envelope, Aunt An began to cry.

She almost ran to find me.

"Princess, it's Sui An, it's Sui An."

I sat up abruptly, reached for the letter, and eagerly opened it.

I saw Sui An's familiar handwriting.

She asked about my well-being.

She wrote of her recent situation.

She said she had a good idea for getting revenge on Second Imperial Brother.

She told me to watch for any memorials from Second Imperial Brother's fief. If there were any, I should immediately get the second letter to the Crown Prince, letting him decide for himself.

I read the letter at lightning speed, then calmed down and read it carefully again.

Once, twice, I couldn't help but slam the table in admiration.

Sui An wrote in the letter:

"In the palace, we couldn't deal with Second Imperial Brother, but now that we're out, can't we? Wait for your sister to get revenge for you."

I handed the letter to Aunt An. After reading it, Aunt An couldn't help but laugh.

"That really is Sui An. Only she could think of such an idea. We would never have thought of it. Today, this servant will prepare good food for you. Let's gather together properly. This is wonderful news."

"Auntie, let's eat hotpot today. Call everyone over to eat together. But no ginger in the milk tea. Oh, and no tomatoes in the hotpot, and no prepare cow parsley..."

Aunt An: "..."

Ruxia and Fangcao held their bellies laughing, then begged Aunt An.

"Auntie, please, just one day without ginger. We won't get sick from just one day. Let us also taste the milk tea without ginger~"

"And no tomatoes. I just want a purely spicy hotpot. The princess is grown up now and not afraid of spiciness."

Song Zhi came in and laughed: "Eating hotpot today? Count me in! By the way, that ginger tea was delicious. Auntie, bring me a cup too."

Ruxia, Fangcao: "..."

Aunt An laughed loudly, "Your Highness the Husband, there's no ginger tea today, only pure ginger-free milk tea. See if it tastes good."

We ate hotpot while Song Zhi sang songs.

He was in a very good mood.

He sang songs from the Book of Songs, unrelated to romantic love, only beautiful aspirations for life.

He probably sensed that the princess wasn't as terrible as rumored, and the Princess Residence felt more like a home, which he quite liked.

That night, he tossed and turned on his couch, unable to sleep.

He said: "Princess, let's talk."

I happened to have something I needed his help with, so I agreed.

He hesitated: "I think these days are actually quite nice. What do you think of me?"

Moonlight through the window paper cast a hazy light in the room. His eyes occasionally caught starlight, very bright.

It seemed not only I had considered it, he had too.

I asked: "Then what about the person in your heart? Is she still there?"

Song Zhi was silent for a long time, then gave a bitter smile.

"I was carried away. Princess, I was presumptuous. Please forgive me."

"Help me with something. You travel conveniently outside. Keep an eye out for any memorials from my Second Imperial Brother's fief. If there are any, trouble you to let me know."

"Alright."

Chapter 20

The night passed without words.

The next day, Song Zhi left early.

He didn't come over for the next few days.

Until one rainy afternoon, he came wearing a straw raincoat and bamboo hat, on wooden clogs, arriving excitedly, saying the news I was waiting for had arrived.

Second Imperial Brother had discovered a gold mine in his fief. He didn't dare occupy it himself, so he decided to report it and request Father Emperor exchange it for another fief for him.

He specifically named the Chenliang area.

Chenliang was not far from his original fief and was also prosperous. Him wanting this place was quite appropriate.

Our dynasty's regulations prohibited feudal lords from privately mining minerals within their fiefs. Once discovered, they must report it, otherwise they would be charged with treason.

Such a major matter as a gold mine, Second Imperial Brother couldn't hide it anyway, and the court would certainly send people to supervise its mining.

With court personnel in his fief, his days would never be carefree. Better to trade it for benefits.

Father Emperor indeed agreed.

He rewarded Second Imperial Brother with a sum of money and gave him Chenliang.

At this moment, I took out the second letter from Sui An, written by someone else's hand, and sent it through many hands to the Crown Prince.

This letter was of great importance.

The Crown Prince was probably quite hesitant. For three whole days, he didn't make a move.

Three days later, he finally reported the letter.

The letter said that there was an iron mine in Chenliang.

The letter contained no extra words.

But Father Emperor seeing just this sentence would think of many things, without needing others to say more.

Iron meant weapons.

Regardless of whether Second Imperial Brother knew about the iron mine in Chenliang, he was finished.

If he knew, it meant he had treasonous intentions, deliberately using the gold mine to divert attention while keeping the Chenliang iron mine for himself—truly a capital offense.

If he didn't know, this was rather mysterious—how could he discover mineral deposits that others hadn't found for years wherever he went? It made one suspect strange supernatural forces.

This time, Father Emperor didn't inform Second Imperial Brother, directly sending people to Chenliang to inspect and begin mining.

No matter what, Second Imperial Brother would never have an easy life in this life.

He wanted to live wantonly as king in his fief—that was absolutely impossible.

After handling this matter, I was overjoyed.

Between siblings, we don't speak of killing and fighting, but setting a few traps is still acceptable!

And the Crown Prince, because of this matter, was once again favored by Father Emperor.

Only he didn't stay happy for long before someone reported him for accepting bribes—accepting one hundred thousand taels of silver notes sent by Second Imperial Brother.

Second Imperial Brother exchanged fiefs because of iron, and the money went to the Crown Prince.

Father Emperor had to suspect that the Crown Prince and Second Imperial Brother had originally colluded to mine iron in Chenliang, but for some reason the news leaked, so the Crown Prince had to sacrifice Second Imperial Brother. Unexpectedly, Second Imperial Brother simply fought back with a desperate counterattack...

The Crown Prince was reprimanded again.

This time, he was confined to the Eastern Palace.

Throughout the dynasties, many Crown Princes have been confined.

Some emerged from it, hiding their talents, ultimately achieving great things.

But others just gave up, simply becoming decadent, walking the path to destruction.

I didn't know which kind the Crown Prince was, but it had nothing to do with me anymore.

Just as he had no ability to kill me, I had no ability to kill him either.

Life is long. We'll walk and see.

Chapter 21

In the third year of my marriage with Song Zhi, I had made my decision.

I didn't plan to stay in the capital. I wanted to find Sui An.

I planned to speak up a few days before leaving, to avoid awkwardness when we faced each other.

When I had almost finished packing.

One day, Zhen'an came to my door.

At that time, she had already given birth and was harmonious with Lu Jinghuai, still the envy of many noble ladies in the capital.

But when she arrived, she was listless, without her usual spirit.

"A woman came to my door holding a child, saying it was Lu Jinghuai's..."

"Lu Jinghuai said it wasn't his, then changed his story, saying that day he was gathering with former comrades and drank too much..."

"I carefully calculated the days. He probably wasn't drunk. Those few days, I had many disputes with my mother-in-law, and he went out to clear his head, not returning for three days. That was probably the day."

The male lead had gone bad.

I felt regret in my heart.

I had once thought I could see fairy tales in reality.

But then I thought, imagination was too beautiful.

If fairy tales could really fall into reality, stories wouldn't end abruptly at the moment of marriage; they should be written until their deaths.

Instead, Sui An had written many stories of fairy tale characters being reborn.

Cinderella was reborn and abandoned the prince.

Snow White was reborn and killed the prince.

Rapunzel was reborn and pushed the prince from the high wall.

Perhaps Sui An had realized then that if this world really was a book, it was only a fairy tale book.

The story reached its perfect ending the moment Zhen'an and Lu Jinghuai married; every day after was downhill.

Those once romantic and beautiful moments gradually faded amidst life's chaos, becoming dirty, heavy, and pitch black.

Because of her son's grand gesture of giving up military merits to marry a beauty, Lu Jinghuai's mother resented Zhen'an.

Between his mother and wife, Lu Jinghuai firmly chose Zhen'an at first, but as his colleagues achieved promotions one after another, he would feel lost. When the loss accumulated, it would become resentment. Then he could no longer see Zhen'an, could no longer see her humility, her retreats, her grievances.

Love begins when you see the other person, and ends when you no longer see them.

What a pity.

I said: "You could go to Father Emperor and ask him to give Lu Jinghuai an official position, let him work in the Ministry of War. When he succeeds in his official career, he will naturally forget the past. As for that woman, you could take her as a concubine and raise the child under your name. This is the life every head mistress lives."

Zhen'an lifted her lifeless eyes.

"Is this the only way?"

I said nothing.

She asked no more.

After a long while, she lowered her head, tears falling.

"I understand..."

I thought for a moment, sighed deeply, reached out to wipe her tears, pulled her into my arms, and gently patted her back like Sui An used to pat me when I was little.

"You need to grow up on your own initiative, Zhen'an."

"When you were little, you let the Crown Prince and Second Imperial Brother make decisions for you. When you grew up, you let Lu Jinghuai make decisions for you."

"Now, you hope I'll make decisions for you."

"But Zhen'an, you are a person, not a pet, you are human!"

"A person has thoughts, has a heart, must think clearly about the path they want to take in the future, must save themselves from fire and water, must be their own great hero."

"Zhen'an, it's time for you to grow up. After all, you have a little girl now."

"You must raise her well, just like raising your younger self."

Zhen'an stayed with me for many days.

She was unwilling to go to the palace. The Empress was exhausted from worrying about the Crown Prince.

The Emperor was exhausted from worrying about Second Imperial Brother and the Crown Prince.

Her brother was far away at the frontier.

Everyone in the Zhen State Duke's residence was counting on gaining glory and fortune from her, persuading her to endure for the sake of family honor.

Thinking about it, in the vast capital, only my place was where she could find some peace.

Aunt An was somewhat unhappy, but still took good care of Zhen'an with food and drink.

She said, "Just consider it repaying her for coming to sleep in our palace back then, helping drive away the wet nurse."

Song Zhi also came often, bringing me all sorts of good things, more eager than before.

After resting for a few days, Zhen'an made her decision.

The day she left, she softly thanked me.

She also said, "Sixth Sister, I actually envied you. You have such a wonderful sister."

I smiled. Sui An was the greatest fortune of my life.

She truly was the best sister in the world.

I nodded.

"Unfortunately, I'm only a few months older than you. If I were many years older than you, I could also be your good sister."

It's a pity that fate plays tricks.

By the time I grew into a quite good person under Sui An's companionship, Zhen'an and I already had deep grievances, with an insurmountable mountain between us.

Zhen'an smiled slightly.

"You are already a very good sister now."

"I saw your luggage."

"When you leave, it will probably be my busiest time. I won't come disturb you."

"The mountains are high and the road is long. May we have the chance to meet again in the future."

"Take care, Sister!"

I waved.

"Take care!"

She turned and left, her back straight, head held high, like a general going to fight a tough battle.

I turned and saw Song Zhi.

Chapter 22

I smiled.

"It's time to collect your gaze. Wait until she divorces, then consider other things. For now, don't cause trouble and ruin her reputation."

Song Zhi's face flushed red.

"When did you know?"

"I knew the day I met you."

When I asked Song Zhi who the person in his heart was and he hesitated to speak her name, I knew.

I could guess it was Zhen'an, not for any other reason than because it was too smooth.

I had just thought of a fake marriage, and a suitable person was delivered to my door.

Sui An said, coincidences make the best stories.

All coincidences are actually foreshadowing.

Either with reversals or with suspense.

At that time, Zhen'an was not yet married, she was still the female lead, still influencing many people around her.

I didn't want to be a villainess, but given my previous experience of being forced into marriage by the Empress, I felt this was probably the plot at work again.

Giving me a good person, making me fall in love with him, then cruelly revealing the truth.

What would I do then?

If I truly fell in love, it would be heartbreaking, followed by fierce revenge.

Fortunately, I had learned some of Sui An's calmness, living life slowly, slowly understanding my own heart.

I admired Song Zhi, but I never fell in love with him.

So when I withdrew, I could handle it with grace.

I smiled, "I'm leaving now. Take good care of yourself!"

Song Zhi suddenly panicked.

"Princess, don't make such a hasty decision. These past few days, I've already understood my own heart. I actually..."

"Is this a conclusion reached after comparison?"

Song Zhi's face turned pale.

I quite liked how he caught on quickly.

"I once had a sister who liked beautiful people."

"I wasn't the most beautiful child, but she still liked me."

"It wasn't the result of comparison, but because her heart ached for me the moment she saw me, she pitied me, was drawn to me."

"I think that's love. That's the kind of love I want too."

"It's mutual attraction to each other's qualities, not getting the most suitable choice after comparison."

"These three years, I've been very happy. Thank you."

"The mountains are high and the road is long. Take care of yourself."

I went to the palace to see the Empress.

I had to tell her about my divorce, and I also wanted to tell her I planned to travel around, to avoid Father Emperor misunderstanding me.

These past few years, my father had grown more suspicious from dealing with several princes.

I always felt that the princes and princesses remaining in the capital would probably not have good days ahead.

The Empress came out looking ill.

Her gaze was quite complex.

"Among these children, I didn't expect you would be the one living most contentedly."

"It's Mother Empress's favor."

"Hmph, if it were truly my favor, I would have favored my own child first."

"You are a good mother, but even more so a good Empress."

The Empress looked at me silently.

After a long while, she said: "Go then, Little Six. I enjoy what you write. Write to me often in the future."

She handed me some things in return.

And I still gave her a book, still containing some small stories I had written.

Only in these past few years, my writing skills had improved, and the stories were longer.

As I was leaving, the Empress asked me.

"What do you think of the Crown Prince's situation?"

I looked up in surprise.

But her gaze was firm, as if she really wanted to hear my thoughts.

"Mother Empress, you are a good wife, a good Empress, and will be a good Empress Dowager in the future. No matter what, in my heart, you are a very, very good person."

The Empress froze, tears streaming down her face.

She waved her hand, letting me go.

I heard her suppressed sobs again.

Walking out of the palace gate, I was thinking, the second male lead in the story is so devoted, but what do his parents think when they see such a son?

Would they be sad?

Would they feel they've lost face?

Would they feel helpless?

Probably all of the above!

But now the story has ended, and every one of us has the premise to break free from the plot. What remains is individual character and luck.

Chapter 23

The day I left the capital, Third Imperial Sister and Brother-in-law came to see me off.

She was pregnant again, her temper had grown even more.

But Brother-in-law, with just a few words, turned her anger into coquettish smiles.

They hadn't gone bad.

How wonderful!

The Empress was clearly wrong. Third Imperial Sister was actually the luckiest child in the entire rear palace.

Third Imperial Sister told me to write to her diligently.

"One letter, one hundred taels of silver. Don't you be lazy."

Good heavens, I could write until she went bankrupt.

"I promise not to fail!" I made a military pledge.

Third Imperial Sister thought for a moment. "At most ten letters a month. Any more will affect my child-rearing."

I couldn't help but laugh, hugged her, then got on the carriage stylishly, but tears flowed down my face in the carriage. As I reached into my pocket for a handkerchief to wipe my tears, I felt a ten thousand tael silver note.

I quickly stopped the carriage.

Third Imperial Sister called out laughing: "First, book ten months' worth of letters. Write them slowly, don't be careless."

I stuffed the money into my bag.

Money on the road is my courage.

"Rest assured, take care of yourself! If you're bullied, remember to tell me."

"You know my abilities... ah, not, you know my sister's abilities."

Third Imperial Sister laughed.

"Don't worry! Worst case, I'll learn from Zhen'an."

Zhen'an was in the process of divorcing Lu Jinghuai.

She had made up her mind, having already moved back to the Zhen State Duke's residence.

No matter who tried to persuade her, she ignored them all.

Her divorce would be successful sooner or later.

In the carriage, I opened the book the Empress had given me. Inside were countless gold leaves, dazzling my eyes.

I quickly put away the gold leaves, feeling so fortunate that all my relatives were rich.

In the book, I still found the Empress's annotations.

[Outrageous! How could a woman take a male consort?]

[What is a necrophiliac? Simply horrifying.]

[Nothing strange under the sun!]

[Too small-minded.]

[Good, more of these can be written.]

I couldn't help but laugh.

Aunt An also laughed.

"Are we going to find Sui An?"

"Yes, we're going to find Sister. She said she has built a business empire and is waiting for us to come see it. We're going to enjoy life with her!"

"Let's go!"

"Giddy up!"

Chapter 24

The horse's hooves beat a steady rhythm, heading south all the way.

Outside the Ten Mile Pavilion, I saw Song Zhi.

I didn't get down, just waved to him, and he waved back too.

We had once shared a friendship, but that's all it would ever be.

I had my own thoughts, my own people I wanted to see.

I could only walk a stretch of road with him, then we would each go our separate ways.

Because ahead, there were more beautiful people and things waiting for me to explore.

This great land, here I come!

Epilogue: Li Rong's One-Sentence Notebook

Jian'an sixteenth year: Met Sui An, she's so rich.

Jian'an seventeenth year: Following Sui An's adventures, she's so fun to be with. The palace absolutely restricted her.

... Sui An won't play with me, turns out she visits brothels!!!

... Sui An took me to play, she told me to stay away so I wouldn't affect her dating. I want to kill that boy.

... Sui An told me not to get too close to the young gentleman, hm, now it's your turn to be anxious, hmph!

... I had a breakup, Sui An found me ten men.

... Sister, I'm in love again.

... Oh no, Father died, I have to go back for the funeral.

... Wow, after finally coming back from the funeral and seeing Sui An, I'm so happy.

... Oh no, the new emperor died again, ah, I have to go back for another funeral. Not really wanting to go back, but the Empress Dowager is pitiful.

Kunyuan first year: The Empress Dowager acts as regent with the young emperor, she has truly become a formidable Empress Dowager.

Long live the Empress Dowager!

I thought of my mother, whose tragic fate had taught me the importance of following one's heart.

And I thought of the future, spread out before me like an unwritten page.

I smiled.

My story was just beginning.