While he was in a daze, he heard the eunuch leading the way say softly, "General, we're here."
When Liu Yue looked up, he realized that this was not the way out of the palace, but the pavilion where he met Princess Xiangzhu in private that night. The pavilion was still the same pavilion, and the two people were still the same. However, their states of mind were already different. One was filled with resentment, while the other was filled with determination.
This time, the one who spoke first was Princess Xiangzhu. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and bowed solemnly. "Xiangzhu is useless. I apologize to General Liu on behalf of my father."
"Princess!" Liu Yue was raised by the Confucian school's teachings of loyalty, patriotism, loyalty, and filial piety. In this situation, he hurriedly knelt down to stop Princess Xiangzhu, but he did not dare to touch Princess Xiangzhu's body. He blurted out, "This humble subject dares not blame you."
"No, you should blame me!" Princess Xiangzhu's eyes were red, and she looked distressed. "If not for my Imperial Father's muddleheadedness and conniving with Prince Chang 'an to embezzle the army's funds and rations, Old General Liu would not have died for the country, and I, Đại Việt, would not have ended up like this. I only hate that Xiangzhu is only a woman in her boudoir. She can't go to the imperial court to eradicate the traitors for the country, nor can she follow Mulan's example and join the army to defend Imperial Father and Đại Việt against the traitors. She can't even speak or do more for Old General Liu. General Liu should blame my Shi Family!"
Liu Yue was speechless for a long time. As a princess, Princess Xiangzhu did not care about her reputation and sent all her personal belongings to the Liu Residence in front of the entire city. She even barged into the study to threaten an old official for the sake of the war. She even scolded Prince Chang 'an in front of the imperial family and civil and military officials. This had already spread like wildfire. If there was one person who could make Liu Yue less hateful and resentful, it would be Princess Xiangzhu. However, even this only person was snatched away from him by the Yueming Emperor.
A teardrop slowly slid down Princess Xiangzhu's face, but she gave a heart-tugging smile. "However, it's fine. Soon, a lowly and useless person like me will be able to do some small things for the country and the general."
On the day of the banquet, many influential members of the imperial clan in Yan City were present. Princess Jinsu did not know what was good for her. She refused the marriage in court and even contradicted the current emperor. Princess Xiangzhu angrily rebuked Prince Chang 'an's Mansion and asked for the marriage themselves. The Emperor of Yue Ming was so angry that he reduced Prince Chang' an's Mansion to the status of commoners. Grandmother Liu's family was also concerned about her, a widow. They asked her sisters-in-law to accompany her in the Mansion and told her about this matter as a joke.
No matter how dissatisfied Old Lady Liu was with the Tian Family, she could only sigh and say that it was a pity for Princess Xiangzhu.
"Princess, the marriage isn't as simple as you think …"
"I know!" Princess Xiangzhu interrupted Liu Yue's persuasion. Her eyes were firm. "I know that at this moment, for Da Qing's cavalry, it's easy to take down Đại Việt. Normal people wouldn't accept the marriage at this time. However, as long as there's a one in ten thousand chance, if this matter succeeds and the general is still alive, Đại Việt will have the opportunity to reorganize the border defense. The future is promising!"
Liu Yue was stunned. She slowly turned her face away to avoid Princess Xiangzhu's expectant gaze. Things weren't as simple as she thought. As far as she knew, Đại Việt's envoy didn't even see their general's face. Da Qing was still actively preparing for the marriage. At that time, it was very likely that Princess Xiangzhu's wedding procession would be stopped outside the city and would be forced to return.
Princess Xiangzhu anxiously grabbed his hand and advised, "I know that the general is disappointed in my father, but the general can't be disappointed in Đại Việt. You can't be disappointed in Đại Việt's innocent citizens. I'm a woman and don't understand these things. I only know that as a part of Đại Việt, I should protect Đại Việt and the countless citizens of Đại Việt, not the so-called emperor, General Liu!"
Liu Yue finally couldn't reject the tears and hope in her almond eyes. He slowly nodded, "As long as Princess still believes in Đại Việt, this humble subject will not disappoint Đại Việt!"
Princess Xiangzhu smiled with tears in her eyes and kowtowed again, "Xiangzhu thanks the general's righteousness on behalf of Đại Việt and the citizens!"
She was young and inexperienced, so she threw herself into her righteous actions. She wanted to do something for this country that was on the verge of collapse, so she did it enthusiastically. However, she still couldn't fight against the flood of history. She was like a person going against the tide of a roaring tsunami. She didn't bring anything and used her limbs to struggle futilely. In the end, she was completely submerged.
On the day of Princess Xiangzhu's wedding, everyone in the harem came out to send her off. Even Princess Zhu Mei, who usually didn't get along with her, came. Perhaps it was because they felt sorry for her, or perhaps it was because they were moved by her deep sense of righteousness. Rather than saying that they were sending off a bride, it was more like they were sending off a funeral. Especially Wei Shufei, who didn't care about her bearing as she cried, "My son — —" and was about to throw herself over when Empress Wei held her back.
In the carriage, Princess Xiangzhu was also crying uncontrollably. However, she was still happy when she thought about how she could be of use as a woman. As long as she could marry into Da Qing, as long as she could gain the favor of Da Qing's monarch, she would be able to buy Đại Việt a few days of time. At least it was a good start.
Unfortunately, Đại Việt's so-called officials were still unreliable. Da Qing didn't care about the envoys that Đại Việt sent out one after another. They didn't agree to accept this princess. However, they didn't plan on letting go of the dowry that the princess brought. Thus, the young Emperor Qing Ze smiled and had his subordinate Zhao Bufan pretend to be a bandit and rob Đại Việt's wedding procession. It was ten days after the procession left Yan City.
Ten days later, the Prince of Chang 'an brought a hundred thousand soldiers from Jin City and Ji Province to knock on Da Qing's city gates. The man called himself Prince of Chang' an and came to surrender.
Half a month later, Yan City was breached and Đại Việt was dead. The Imperial family members prepared to flee south the moment Princess Xiangzhu left the city. Because of the lack of time, many women were left behind in Yan City, including Princess Xiangzhu's birth mother Wei Shufei. Empress Wei left with the Crown Prince. However, when they were leaving the palace, the group protecting Princess Lanzhi was stopped by a rebel group. Among them, a woman with disheveled hair recognized her and proposed to offer her to Da Qing in exchange for a reward.
Princess Lanzhi only pursed her lips and glared at that woman. That woman couldn't help but shrink her shoulders under her knife-like glare. However, when she thought about how it was Yue Ming Emperor who caused her Prince of Chang 'an's residence to fall, she felt justified and straightened her back to glare back.
Đại Việt's Imperial family abandoned the city and fled. This Palace City that was mysterious and majestic to ordinary people was now wide open. Many ruffians and refugees from the west rushed in to steal the gold and silver. There were also women. Even before Da Qing's army entered the city, Yan City was already in chaos.
There was no lack of Empress Concubine and Zong Concubine among the women who were abandoned. Empress Concubine Huang Hua and Empress Concubine Zhu Mei were the last to escape into a tall pavilion under the protection of three Imperial Guards. Seeing the chaotic palace city, the three Imperial Guards also began to change their minds. Their gazes when they sized up the two Empress Concubines also contained lust.
Knowing that there was no way to escape, the slightly older Princess Huang Hua pulled Princess Zhu Mei, who couldn't cry anymore, into the inner room. Looking at the high ceiling, she smiled sadly and comforted her. "Ah Mei, everyone has to leave. Our Imperial Concubines have already left. Now it's our turn. Although we are not men and can't protect our country, we can sacrifice our lives for our country." After saying this, she took off the shawl on her arm and looked at Princess Zhu Mei.
Princess Zhu Mei and Princess Huang Hua were only sixteen or seventeen years old. They had just gotten engaged, but they didn't even know what their future husbands looked like. This was because their fiancés had fled with the Crown Prince, leaving them and the Palace City to be trampled by the enemy. She met Princess Huang Hua's somewhat deranged gaze and slowly nodded. "I will go with my elder sister."
The two of them took off their shawls and threw them onto the beam. Then, they secretly put down a vase that was half a person's height as a stepping stone. The two of them took off their shoes and socks and shakily stood on it. With trembling hands, they held the two ends of the shawl and tied a dead knot. They looked at each other and smiled sadly. Then, they put their slender necks on it. They closed their eyes and gritted their teeth. Then, they exerted a little force with their feet and the vase rolled far away. Two pairs of fair feet kicked in the air. Slowly, slowly, the movement became smaller and smaller. In the end, the vase hung there without any signs of life.
Princess Lan Zhi was dragged by the surrendered officials to kneel in front of the invaders. She lowered her head. She didn't dare to raise her head because she was afraid that the hatred in her eyes would make the enemy wary. She listened to the flattering words of the surrendered officials and heard the former head chamberlain point out the remaining people. When she heard Princess Huang Hua and Princess Zhu Mei hang themselves in Zhai Xing Pavilion, tears still fell from her eyes even though they were not close sisters.
She remembered that her Imperial Mother said that back then, her Imperial Father still had some scholarly integrity. He said that he wanted to gather the four gentlemen of plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum. But now, Xiangzhu's life was unknown. Huang Hua and Zhu Mei had already passed away. Only Lan Zhi was left. Die? What was the use of dying? Since she couldn't turn into a malicious spirit to seek revenge, then what was the point of dying?
She wanted to live. She, Princess Lan Zhi, wanted to live well. Even if there was no hope of reviving the country, she wanted to use her weak arms to push the foundation of the country!
At this moment, Princess Lan Zhi still didn't know that in the Zhao Family army, a plain-clothed woman lowered her head and followed behind Zhao Bufan. Looking at the desolate Yan City, a flame called "hatred" burned in her eyes.
A few days later, the late Prince of Chang 'an, Shi Xiliu, was conferred the title of Marquis Jingzhong and changed his surname to Liu. The fief that originally belonged to Prince of Chang' an returned to his hands. His beloved daughter, Liu Jinsu, entered the palace and became Consort Shu. Princess Lan Zhi was conferred the title of Consort Shun to serve Empress Dowager Jin Yue.
A few months later, a slender figure quietly entered the Zhao Manor like a ghost. Under the warm yellow light, Zhao Bufan no longer had the appearance of a hero on the battlefield. He only held the beautiful woman's hand and carefully tried to please her. This beautiful woman was the missing Princess Xiangzhu.
Even though she was under someone else's roof, she refused to lower her head. She only had a cold expression and didn't say a word. Zhao Bufan could only try to please her again. "Beauty, you said that you wanted to look at Shun Ji from afar. I already agreed to it. I even let you two talk. You see, I've already complied with you. Shouldn't you …"
Princess Xiangzhu snorted coldly and said, "Didn't I let you enter my room?"
Zhao Bufan was overjoyed when he heard this. He opened his arms and wanted to hug her. However, Shi Xiangzhu got up and avoided him. "I only allowed you to enter my room. I didn't say that I wanted to have sex with you."
"You dare to trick me!" Zhao Bufan raised his hand and was about to attack. Princess Xiangzhu didn't dodge and even wanted to move forward. Looking at this beautiful face, he couldn't bear to do it. At this moment, a knife hit the back of his neck and knocked him unconscious.
Princess Xiangzhu was also shocked. The person who came took off her veil. It was Princess Tumi who had been sent to the divine temple. "Xiangzhu, are you alright?"
Princess Xiangzhu was surprised and happy to see an old friend. "Sister Tumi!"
The two sisters hugged each other and cried. After a while, Princess Xiangzhu patted Princess Tumi's back and let her go. She asked, "Tumi, why are you still in Yan City?"
Princess Tumi wiped her tears and explained, "I was originally going south with the people from the divine temple. However, I met the crown prince and the others on the way. Only then did I know that all my sisters couldn't escape from Yan City. That's why I came back alone. On the way, I accidentally saved the young commander of the House of Bai. From him, I heard that the Zhao family had robbed your wedding procession. I thought that if Sister didn't die, so I took advantage of the night … Luckily, luckily Sister is still alive …"
"Wait, you said the young commander of the House of Bai, Bai Luowei of the House of Bai?" Princess Xiangzhu interrupted her. Suddenly, her eyes sparkled as she looked at her youthful sister. "Since Bai Luowei dared to use this kind of thing to talk to you, he must like you very much. Good, very good, very good!"
Princess Tumi wasn't stupid. However, she still asked in disbelief, "Sister, you're not leaving with me?"
"Leaving? Why should I leave? You also saw how infatuated Zhao Bufan is with me. Originally, I was going to obey him, but now you're here. "Princess Xiangzhu grabbed Princess Tumi's shoulder tightly." Tumi, you were sent to the divine temple when you were very young. Almost no one in the royal family has seen you. Now that Bai Luowei likes you, this is a good opportunity for Tumi. The House of Bai has a princess descending almost every three or four generations. There must be some unspeakable secret with the Da Qing royal family. If you can marry into the House of Bai and divide the House of Bai and Da Qing, it's not impossible for Đại Việt to revive the country! "
Princess Tumi was taught from a young age to dedicate her life to the divine temple. Her chastity had to be given to the incarnation of God. When she heard Princess Xiangzhu's words, she subconsciously shook her head. "No, my chastity belongs to the Holy Son. How can I …"
"What Holy Son? What God? When our Đại Việt was in danger, did they jump out to help us defeat the enemy? They ate our offerings, did they bless us? Tumi, you don't belong to some divine temple or some ridiculous Holy Son. You are the princess of Đại Việt. You belong to Đại Việt. The one you should dedicate everything to is Đại Việt, not some imaginary God! "
Princess Xiangzhu's expression softened. "Tumi, just take it as pity on me. Can you bear to let Lan Zhi and me, and let your sisters struggle bitterly in Da Qing without lending a helping hand? You just need to follow Bai Luowei. We'll take care of the rest, okay? "
Princess Tumi hesitated and nodded. "Okay, I'll help you. Other than Bai Luowei, is there anyone else?" Princess Xiangzhu was overjoyed. There were many things that she and Lan Zhi couldn't do, but now that Princess Tumi was here, everything was simple.
Half a year later, the young marshal of the House of Bai rejected the imperial edict for a heroine of the pugilistic world that appeared out of nowhere and insisted on taking Miss Shi as his official wife. At the same time, a nunnery named Liumi Nunnery was built in Mount Zangzong. It was specially built to take in the women who had no home to return to during the war.
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