At this moment, the hall fell into silence, with only the Empress’s hoarse low coughing remaining.

The Fifth Prince knew he should smartly withdraw at this point, but his love of watching drama made him stubbornly stay, only silently crawling backward a few steps on his knees to distance himself somewhat from the Ling-Cheng pair.

The Fifth Princess was quite frightened by Ling Buyi’s words, looking up fearfully: “Mother Empress…”

The Empress raised her left palm, signaling her daughter to be quiet. Only after she’d evened out her breathing did she say: “I don’t like your actions and behavior. I don’t like the people around you. For so many years I’ve tried to reason with you properly, but it’s been completely useless. You’re also a princess, and the youngest one at that. I can’t beat you or scold you harshly—after all, you’re a girl, and I must leave you some dignity.”

“I once thought to scold you harshly like Consort Yue scolded the Third Princess, leaving you no face at all, to make you understand the severity. But because the Third Princess’s reputation of ‘not being favored by His Majesty and Consort Yue’ was known throughout the city, her husband’s family inevitably treated her lightly. Otherwise she wouldn’t have run to the estate outside the city while heavily pregnant. Later when she had difficult labor in the countryside, if Zicheng hadn’t helped in time, she wouldn’t have survived that crisis.”

“In my youth, I didn’t have it easy. I was cautious in word and deed all day, unable to compete for anything. So I wanted my children to live more freely. Who knew, instead I indulged you until you don’t know the height of heaven or depth of earth—dark-hearted and vicious-handed!”

The Fifth Princess was scolded dizzy, still arguing: “How does Mother Empress know I killed the person! Even if Mother Empress wants to protect Cheng Shaoshang for Eleventh Brother’s sake, you don’t need to use your own daughter as a scapegoat!”

The Empress was furious, slapping the low table and shouting loudly: “Good! You’re still being stubborn! Since that’s the case, do you dare say these words again before your Father Emperor? After the people around you are interrogated and the truth comes out, we can add another charge of deceiving the sovereign!”

Lying and denying before the Emperor was no joke. The Fifth Princess immediately fell silent.

“You’re vicious behind people’s backs, deceptive to their faces—what couldn’t you do! Do you deserve to be a princess? Do you deserve to live in grand mansions eating fine food and wearing silk?!”

The Empress slapped the low table scolding loudly, but unfortunately she was a refined person who couldn’t curse crudely. If Shaoshang had been the one scolding, she’d guarantee to use several kinds of livestock, scolding vividly and colorfully.

The Fifth Princess had become accustomed to arrogance and couldn’t help stiffening her neck, saying: “Whether I deserve it or not, I’m ultimately Father Emperor’s daughter. Surely Mother Empress won’t punish me for this small matter! When Emperor Jing was Crown Prince, he used a chess board to beat a prince’s heir to death, yet he still ascended the throne just fine. Who gave him trouble? And there was the Cavalry General of the former dynasty who shot dead a military colleague with an arrow—Emperor Wu still protected him. Who prosecuted him? Even princes’ heirs and military leaders were like this—what about a mere daughter of a minor official!”

Her eyeballs rolled toward Shaoshang’s direction, pointedly saying: “The so-called ‘punishment doesn’t extend to high officials’—never mind that I didn’t act personally. Even if I really killed Cheng Shaoshang, would Father Emperor really make me pay with my life?!”

Shaoshang sighed inwardly—this was the root of it all. The Fifth Princess was indeed foolish and frivolous, indeed full of errors and omissions, but so what? She was committing zero-cost crimes. To put it harshly, if this crime didn’t succeed, she could try again next time.

The Empress was half-dead with anger at her daughter’s argument. She wasn’t eloquent—even if she knew in her heart something was wrong and could think of resounding refutations afterward, at the moment she was often speechless.

“Paying with one’s life is possible, not paying with one’s life is also possible.” Ling Buyi suddenly said.

Everyone looked at him.

“When Emperor Gao led troops into Xianyang, he made a three-article covenant with the people. The first article was ‘Those who kill shall die,’ regardless of the killer’s status.” Speaking these words, Ling Buyi’s handsome face naturally carried some authority. The Fifth Princess watching from the side felt both infatuated and pained.

“That Emperor Jing and the Cavalry General remained unharmed after killing had their reasons. The former—the enfeoffed prince’s power was too great, almost exceeding imperial authority. Emperor Jing was young and hot-blooded, long resentful. His father Emperor Wen naturally wanted to cover for his son. The latter—the deceased first resented the Cavalry General’s uncle due to his father’s death, who was Emperor Wu’s Grand General at the time. In summary, both had reasons for the Emperor to cover for them. But Princess, what grievance exists between Shaoshang and you that you must harm her? It’s nothing but jealous viciousness.”

The Fifth Princess’s chest heaved violently. She thought resentfully—when men become heartless, there’s truly no bottom. Who knew that today the one pressing aggressively would be the man of her dreams.

Ling Buyi’s tone was slow and soft: “Princess, let’s not count this murder case first. Let’s count something else. On the Empress’s birthday, driven by personal grudges, you committed this vicious act—extremely disloyal and unfilial. How should this crime be calculated?”

The Fifth Princess’s heart turned cold. Unlike Shaoshang who came to this halfway, she knew full well how serious this charge was. She said tremblingly: “Eleventh Brother, you and I have known each other for over ten years, grew up together in Changqiu Palace, yet you show no consideration for our relationship. This Cheng Shaoshang—who knows what corner she emerged from less than a year ago—yet you rack your brains so much to vent her anger!”

Ling Buyi said: “In the vastness of heaven and earth, aside from the sovereign’s majestic virtue, there is the grace of parents’ nurturing. Princess truly acts decisively and efficiently—to rid yourself of a grudge, you even disregard your birth mother’s kindness. What virtue or ability does this subject have? I dare not discuss any relationship with Your Highness.” Someone who could completely disregard even her own mother showed base and callous character—what relationship could there be to speak of? If she weren’t a princess, ten of her would have died by his hand long ago.

The Fifth Princess smiled through tears: “Good, good, good. It seems today you’re determined to put me to death…”

She had some fierce and violent spirit. Seeing Ling Buyi so heartless, she stopped pleading and directly turned around, crawling on her knees to the Empress, hugging the Empress’s legs and crying: “Mother Empress, Mother Empress, please spare your daughter this once. Your daughter was possessed, momentarily confused to do such a thing. Please spare your daughter! Just now you also said Third Sister suffered from her husband’s family’s harsh treatment—does Mother Empress want your daughter to fall to this state too? Your daughter’s future consort isn’t even as good as Third Brother-in-law. Several elder sisters all married similar consorts, but only your daughter is this unlucky. Why? Why? Think about it, think about it again…”

Mentioning this marriage, the Empress couldn’t help softening somewhat. The future son-in-law was a famous wastrel within the realm, also quick-tempered. But at the time the Emperor had already decided on a Xuan-Yue family alliance. Her own natal family was fine—her brother Marquis Xuan had only one son, of proper marriage age and honest, steady temperament. However, among Consort Yue’s four brothers, only the third-ranked Young Marquis Yue’s son was unmarried and of suitable age…

Thinking of this, the Empress couldn’t help shedding a few tears. The Fifth Princess, seeing this, thought there was hope, but instead heard the Empress say: “Since the betrothal was set, you’ve always been resentfully dissatisfied, frequently beating cats and scolding dogs. Though His Majesty said nothing, he’s also been quite indulgent. So you use this as an excuse to push for more?”

“Mother Empress…?” The Fifth Princess was shocked.

“You’re marrying in a consort, not going for a political marriage. You have your own Princess Manor, eunuchs, palace maids, guards, household servants, abundant farmland and large estates…”

The Empress’s voice was weak, yet she persisted saying word by word: “If you live harmoniously, you and your consort can stay together well. If not harmonious, like the Third Princess you can maintain separate residences—who would criticize you? You constantly cry and wail, thinking the whole world wrongs you. Now you even dare commit murder and frame others on my birthday, treating it as nothing. What won’t you dare do in the future!”

After catching her breath, feeling her chest churning with energy and blood, she forced herself to say loudly: “Today don’t cry and plead with me. I know you actually have no remorse whatsoever—you’re only afraid of punishment. Anyway, you never listen to what I say. This time let your Father Emperor explain to you. Someone, first detain the Princess. When the Yellow Gate Attendant and Grand Chamberlain’s people arrive, hand her over to them… Granny Zhai, help me go back.”

Granny Zhai had long noticed the Empress’s face growing paler and paler. She immediately rose to support the Empress walking toward the inner side. The Fifth Princess became frightened, clutching the Empress’s skirt and shouting loudly: “Mother Empress, you have such a cruel heart! Could it be I…”

Granny Zhai, face stern, shouted: “What are you all standing around for, useless things!” She forcefully pulled back the Empress’s skirt hem.

Four tall, strong palace maids who had been waiting at the side came forward, pressing the Fifth Princess from front, back, left and right so she couldn’t move. Granny Zhai ignored her wailing and crying, firmly supporting the Empress walking toward the inner palace corridor. Soon their figures disappeared.

The Fifth Princess turned back, glaring viciously at Shaoshang: “Little wretch, I should have dealt with you early! If I hadn’t been soft-hearted, would you be so fearless today!”

Shaoshang gazed back quietly: “Princess, you think too much. How would I dare be fearless? To tell the truth, I’m actually very afraid.”

“You can be afraid?” The Fifth Princess sneered. “From when the incident happened until now, you haven’t shown half a trace of fear!”

Shaoshang said calmly: “It’s true, I’m very afraid. I fear wild winds, fear violent snow, fear cold palace chambers, fear flickering candle shadows. I fear everything in this world that can harm me—people or events. You think me cunning and treacherous, but actually for someone like me who fears everything, how can I live peacefully without being somewhat cunning?”

“When I first entered the palace, I was worried and afraid every day, fearing that one day I’d make a mistake and lose my life. But day by day, the Empress was kind, Granny Zhai was honest, and most people in Changqiu Palace were amiable and reliable. Only then did I gradually let down my guard.”

“Princess, I’m not afraid of you laughing at me. From the day you entered the palace to celebrate Your Majesty’s birthday, I’ve never been alone again—actually at home, I most loved being by myself. But these past days, wherever I went I brought people along. Even at night I squeezed into Granny Zhai’s room to sleep, never daring to be alone…”

“Your Highness, if you truly wanted to eliminate me, you shouldn’t have schemed this and that. You should have directly and straightforwardly found someone to kill me—done and over with. Just as you said—even if you killed me, you wouldn’t pay with your life.”

The Fifth Princess was extremely astonished.

The hall was quiet. Ling Buyi turned his face to look at the girl. Though those words just now were in reply to the Fifth Princess, somehow they made him very uncomfortable. After a moment, he pulled up Shaoshang’s small hand: “Let’s go.”

Shaoshang nodded and slowly rose from the ground.

Up to this point, the Fifth Prince had watched with great interest. He’d wanted to interject several times but feared being disliked by the usually kind Empress, so he could only endure painfully. Now seeing the Empress finally leave, and Ling Buyi and Cheng Shaoshang also about to go, he leisurely stood up, walked to the Fifth Princess who was being pressed down by palace maids, and said coolly: “Fifth Sister, what did I say? Don’t be too clever. Back when you pushed me into the mud pit, I said it—Father Emperor and Mother Empress are both intelligent people. It’s not that they don’t know, it’s that they’re willing to tolerate. When they can’t tolerate anymore, you’re finished!” His nemesis falling, his great revenge achieved—he could savor today’s great drama for two months.

The Fifth Princess glared at him resentfully: “Mind your own business! You watch my drama today—who knows whose drama you’ll watch tomorrow! Do you think you have any backing?!”

The Fifth Prince tucked both hands in his sleeves, smiling: “I have no backing, nor am I as bold as Fifth Sister. Many years ago I knew not to oppose Father Emperor. Therefore, I only use my mouth, never my hands.” One’s mouth can be cheap, but one’s hands and feet cannot.

The Fifth Princess smiled coldly: “Beauty Xu was born a palace maid, accustomed to serving people all day. Young Fifth Brother must have deeply inherited the true teaching—no wonder I’m not as good as you at reading expressions and trimming sails to the wind!” When young and ignorant, she’d cursed the Fifth Prince as “bastard son of a cheap woman,” and been punished separately by both Emperor and Empress. Only then did she remember that no matter how base, the Fifth Prince was still Father Emperor’s bloodline.

The Fifth Prince’s face changed completely, saying sternly: “You this…”

“Fifth Highness, the Fifth Princess is about to be punished. Why argue with her? Do you want to get tangled in this rotten mess?” Shaoshang patted her sore, numb legs, unable to stand for the moment.

The Fifth Prince let out a long breath, steadied himself, and laughed loudly: “Right! Fifth Sister, seeing you’re about to be unlucky, as your elder brother I won’t stoop to your level. Ha ha, ha ha…”

The Fifth Princess sneered: “You and this little wretch can really talk together—what ‘carelessly fell in Little Mirror Lake’—didn’t you two collude early on? And testifying for her—is there something illicit going on?!”

The Fifth Prince’s forehead lit up in alarm. He looked anxiously at Ling Buyi, only to see him gently rubbing and kneading Cheng Shaoshang’s calves. He quickly said: “Don’t talk nonsense! There’s absolutely nothing of the sort!”

Shaoshang said idly: “Fifth Princess, your skill at sowing discord is too poor. Look at my Lord Ling’s appearance, then estimate his abilities and position of power, then go ask around the entire capital—which young lady would pass up Lord Ling to go seduce the Fifth Prince?! Is my skull filled with water?!”

Ling Buyi didn’t raise his head, continuing to gently knead the girl’s slender, soft calves, but the corners of his mouth curved into a beautiful crescent.

The Fifth Prince was displeased, turning his head: “Yesterday you said you wanted to befriend me, yet today you disparage me like this?! How have I wronged you?!”

Shaoshang turned her back on him: “Today I can leave the palace and go home. I won’t quarrel with Lord Ling anymore in the future. Why would I befriend Your Highness! Men and women shouldn’t be intimate—we’d better avoid suspicion…” The Fifth Prince had a very cheap mouth. To eliminate future troubles, better to pull out the fuse in advance.

When saying the words “won’t quarrel with Lord Ling anymore,” she also looked at Ling Buyi with seeming joy and seeming reproach. Ling Buyi’s handsome eyes held affection, also returning her a lingering glance. Then his kneading became even gentler, and the smile on his lowered face grew deeper.

Shaoshang, seeing her flattery successful, was greatly pleased.

The Fifth Prince’s face turned livid: “This is burning bridges after crossing!”

“I can swim—why would I need a bridge? So I’ve always torn down bridges before even crossing them!”

Even the usually cold Ling Buyi couldn’t help laughing heartily at this. The laughter echoed among the hall’s beams and rafters. His gaze toward the girl was full of tender affection.

This hearty laughter and lingering gaze startled the Fifth Prince, making him momentarily forget to banter with Shaoshang.

At this time, Grand Chamberlain Cao Cheng finally personally brought people over. Behind him followed several broad-shouldered, thick-waisted silent old matrons, the type who at one glance were clearly “capable” professionals. They came up and in three moves or less had the Fifth Princess firmly in hand.

Ling Buyi and the other two each briefly cupped their hands toward Cao Cheng, saying a few words like “much obliged” and such. Cao Cheng shook his head with a bitter smile—these imperial family internal matters were most difficult to handle. Just as he was about to take the person away, the Fifth Princess suddenly shouted loudly: “Master Cao, I won’t argue anymore, but Cheng Shaoshang set a trap in Consort Yue’s Long Garden to harm people—won’t you investigate that either?”

Cao Cheng was stunned: “What trap to harm people?”

The Fifth Princess sneered: “Even if those people deserved it, shouldn’t Cheng Shaoshang have reported to Mother Empress first, then had the palace administration issue punishment details? How can she take revenge on her own? Treating palace rules as nothing—what kind of principle is this! Consort Yue’s Long Garden is so elegant—for no reason she splashed waste water all over the ground. Shouldn’t she be punished?!”

Ling Buyi pulled Shaoshang to her feet. After pondering a moment, he smiled: “So the night soil at Long Garden’s Green Vine Residence was your doing? You little mischievous imp! Don’t worry, I’ll handle this matter. I have a capable person under me—within a day, I guarantee not a trace of smell will remain at Green Vine Residence.”

When Consort Yue invited him to see the corpse it was still early. When the waste bucket trap went off and there was clamoring and screaming outside, his mind was full of the case. Hearing Consort Yue say no one was injured, just a prank among young ladies, he didn’t think much of it.

“However…” Ling Buyi frowned. “Why did you do this?” Though the girl was rebellious and sharp-tongued, she wouldn’t bully people without reason.

Shaoshang’s heart skipped a beat, vaguely sensing something bad. Just as she was about to deflect with a few words, the Fifth Prince had already rushed over excitedly to interrupt.

He smiled and called to Shaoshang: “What waste buckets, what waste buckets?! Just now at Long Garden I also heard bits and pieces. I heard those young ladies wish they could soak in bathtubs, and no matter how they scrubbed, the smell clung to their bodies and wouldn’t dissipate. So it was your doing! Ha ha ha, they’re the ones who pushed you into the water the other day, right…”

“What pushed into water?” Ling Buyi’s expression was grave. “Who pushed whom into water?”

Shaoshang quickly pulled at Ling Buyi’s arm: “Aiya, don’t listen to the Fifth Prince’s nonsense! There’s no such thing! Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go…”

“What do you mean no such thing!” The Fifth Prince most hated when people questioned his testimony. Though his mouth was cheap, he spoke the truth. “That day I saw it from behind the trees by the lake. Not only did I see it, the two study companions beside me also saw it…”

Shaoshang said in surprise: “You saw it then? Then why didn’t you come out to save me! Also, why did you never mention it?!” That this fellow didn’t act heroically was normal, but that he actually didn’t run his mouth—how strange.

The Fifth Prince said helplessly: “Mother Empress’s birthday was approaching—complaints had to wait. Ai yo yo, what are you doing, Ling Buyi…” His arm hurt sharply—the reason being Ling Buyi was gripping it forcefully.

Ling Buyi’s face was covered in frost: “What exactly happened? Tell me properly!”

The Fifth Prince quickly said: “You let go first, let go first! Fine, I’ll tell… That day when Young Lord Shang came out from Consort Yue’s place and passed by the lakeside, she was pushed into the water by several young ladies the Fifth Sister brought into the palace. They even blocked Young Lord Shang’s two accompanying palace maids from rescuing her! Ai yo yo, don’t squeeze again… I was going to rescue her, but later seeing Young Lord Shang’s water skills were quite good, I didn’t come forward…”

Ling Buyi’s breathing quickened. He suddenly looked back at the detained Fifth Princess, his gaze cruel and hateful, like a fierce beast with fresh blood dripping from sharp teeth. The Fifth Princess was frightened on the spot and shrank back. Ling Buyi strode forward several steps, seemingly about to act immediately.

Shaoshang desperately hugged his arm and wouldn’t let go, saying repeatedly: “It wasn’t her, it wasn’t her! This matter really wasn’t the Fifth Princess’s instigation! Who knew my water skills were good? These days the Fifth Princess has arranged such an elaborate frame-up—if I’d really drowned, wouldn’t all her arrangements have been wasted…”

Ling Buyi’s thoughts were always sharp and incisive. Just now he’d been panicked and confused, but now thinking it through, he knew these words were true.

Only then did Shaoshang release the man’s arm somewhat. But before she could finish breathing a sigh of relief, Ling Buyi grabbed her forearm instead, his tone ice-cold: “Then why didn’t you tell me?”

“I, I, I…” They’d been quarreling at that time, and besides she’d already thought of a revenge method. “It wasn’t any big matter. I wasn’t injured either. Ha ha…”

Ling Buyi looked deeply at her, his gaze cold and wild, mixed with anger and disappointment, then slowly released the palm gripping the girl. Shaoshang held her own forearm, a fear welling up in her heart.

Ling Buyi walked before the Fifth Princess, saying coldly: “Your Highness, when Your Highness leaves the palace, this subject will definitely have a great gift to present.”

The Fifth Princess shrank back. Just as she was about to say something, Ling Buyi had already flung his sleeve and left, dragging the Fifth Prince along as he went.

Shaoshang was stunned for a moment, then quickly jogged to follow.

The Fifth Prince cried out in pain all the way. When they reached the quiet western palace corridor, Ling Buyi suddenly stopped, saying in a heavy voice: “Those women who pushed Shaoshang into the water—do you know them all?”

“I know them all, I know them all!” The Fifth Prince nodded hurriedly, suddenly feeling useful. “Fifth Sister only has that same group of like-minded companions coming and going—how would I not know them!”

When Shaoshang caught up, she just heard the Fifth Prince showing off his memory—

“I remember them all—which ones led the pushing, which ones watched and laughed from the side, oh oh, and there were several who threw stones at Young Lord Shang in the water! Cough cough, truly vicious…”

Shaoshang was furious, stepping forward to forcefully push the Fifth Prince: “What business is it of yours! Gossiping so much—watch out or His Majesty will beat you!”

The Fifth Prince wasn’t willing to show weakness, shouting loudly: “You said it yourself—I’m neither the eldest nor the youngest, not born of the Empress or Consort Yue, neither accomplished in civil nor military matters, and even my troublemaking lacks distinctive flair. If I don’t constantly make some commotion, His Majesty will probably forget me—I’m making commotion right now!”

Shaoshang nearly vomited blood in anger!

The Fifth Prince, triumphant and proud, said to Ling Buyi again: “Eight in total. I remember clearly, and I even know several of their fathers and brothers! Zicheng, feel free to ask me!”

“You say a few words less!” Shaoshang really wanted to stuff a handful of mud in the Fifth Prince’s mouth.

She turned around: “Lord Ling, don’t listen to the Fifth Prince. He only fears the world isn’t chaotic enough. Besides, I’ve already taken revenge! Those little bit… little wretches—never mind they have to stink for several days first, even when the smell fades they won’t have the face to go out and play!”

Ling Buyi acted as if he hadn’t heard, only saying: “Fifth Prince, you go ahead first. Today I must trouble you to leave the palace with me.”

The Fifth Prince was best at reading the wind. Knowing this lovers’ quarrel scene couldn’t be watched, he pretended to straighten his sleeves, then ran off like a wisp of smoke.

Only the two of them remained in the long, desolate palace corridor. Shaoshang couldn’t help feeling somewhat panicked, taking a few small steps backward. But Ling Buyi grabbed her, his handsome face actually showing some twitching, his voice seeming to come from beneath ice layers—”Cheng Shaoshang, what exactly do you see me as?”

“When I hunt, I see young beasts nestled against their mother’s belly. When I campaign, I’ve seen soldiers entrust their backs to comrades-in-arms. When I led village militia suppressing bandits, I saw young women, when their ropes were untied, first throw themselves at their husbands, crying and recounting the terror and despair of being kidnapped…”

“You have shallow parental affection. Though Colonel Cheng loves you, you were ultimately separated ten years—you can’t really confide in him. You’ve been confined to the inner residence since childhood. Aside from General Wan’s youngest daughter, you have no other friends, but even with Miss Wan you can’t completely open your heart. Her parents are loving, she has a compatible childhood sweetheart—what are you to her, right?”

“After our betrothal, I thought to myself—I’m willing to be your confidant, be your support. Whether you’re afraid or troubled, you can tell me. I don’t want to stop you from doing anything—I just hope you’ll treat me with sincerity. Like my deceased uncle and aunt, living an intimate life together. But have you ever put me in your heart?”

Shaoshang stood dazed, tears falling, teardrops pattering on her collar: “It’s not like that. This time I really didn’t mean to hide it from you. I thought this wasn’t any big matter…”

“After they pushed you into the water, were you angry?” Ling Buyi asked.

Shaoshang stared blankly: “…Angry. Not only angry, but also wanting revenge.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me?” Ling Buyi’s expression held a hint of desolation. “Can I not be trusted by you, not be relied upon by you?”

Shaoshang couldn’t refute. Many things weren’t done intentionally by her, but were her subconscious behavior.

He slowly released the girl, standing with head lowered and body turned aside: “When they pushed you into the water, they didn’t know you could swim. How do you know whether they were just playing around or deliberately trying to kill you… Even if afterward I could avenge you, could you still come back to life? You won’t let me send people to follow you, and afterward you don’t tell me either. In your heart, what exactly am I?”

Shaoshang’s heart ached. Though standing so close to Ling Buyi, the cold, desolate air about him seemed to push her far, far away. Yet she didn’t know what to say to remedy things.

“You said just now that you fear all people in this world who can harm you. I’m one of them too, right?”

Ling Buyi heavily pounded the corridor pillar once, saying bitterly: “It’s not that you particularly like Lou Yao—it’s that he can’t harm you. Being with him makes you feel comfortable. But I’m not. You’re always alone—eating alone doesn’t matter, walking alone won’t be lonely. I’m the one who forcibly squeezed to your side.”

Having said this, Ling Buyi put away all emotion, once again becoming that cold, taciturn young power minister. Looking at the girl, he said faintly: “Since you so detest this palace court, I’ll go release your constraints right now and return you your freedom.”

Then he resolutely turned and left, never looking back again.

Shaoshang stood dazedly in place, face full of tears, yet choked and unable to speak. But in her heart she was frantically shouting—it’s not like that.

She actually didn’t completely hate this palace court.

Though she’d hated it initially, she liked the gentle Empress, liked the nagging Granny Zhai, liked strolling in the beautiful imperial gardens, liked the magnificent, grand ancient palace court architecture. Circling around a carved railing, looking up at a painted beam, she could watch obsessively for an entire day.

He’d given her possibly the best education of this era—numerous knowledgeable masters from different fields taking turns teaching with varied approaches. He’d led her to climb peaks ordinary people might never reach in their lifetimes, appreciating the scenery at the empire’s summit. He’d broadened her narrow horizons, enriched her barren life. How could she hate him?

But all of this, she couldn’t say out loud.

—She slowly crouched down, covering her face with both hands, crying silently. Right now she really, really hated herself.

After crying for a while, she wiped away her tears and stood up with chest thrust out.

Sometimes, cowardice isn’t fearing the unknown ahead, but refusing to face and acknowledge feelings one doesn’t want to admit. Saying the wrong words, doing the wrong things—one should correct and apologize. The result doesn’t matter. What matters is that Ling Buyi deserves to be treated well.