Chapter 15 (2/2)

Yes, she only wants peace.  That is the most important thing for her and also for the Xiang Qinw.a.n.g’s household that only looks strong on the outside but is actually brittle on the inside.

“Protection?” he says that word out loud, his voice sharp, “Did Xiang Qinw.a.n.g cultivates you for so long only for you to seek protection from zhen?”

As Xi Yan bite her lips, Xuan Yuan Yu pulls her fragile body up from the floor.  When she staggers up, he place his hands on her slender waist tightly.   “Don’t think zhen will accommodate you just because you are beautiful.  And don’t ever try to test zhen’s limit.”

His grip on her hurt but she did not show it in her face.  Her face is still as calm as before, “Chenqie does not dare.”

After a pause, she raises her eyes and look at him.  “But— chenqie has something to beg from Your Majesty—— Tomorrow is the funeral of Xiang Qinw.a.n.g, chenqie would like to beg the emperor to—–“

Half-way through her sentence, Xuan Yuan Yu retrieves his hand, pulling her body along with it.  She almost stumble but manage to stabilize herself.  “Will you allow chenqie to return to the residence to fulfil chenqie’s filial piety?”

“Since you already entered the palace, you should know that once you enter, you cannot leave,” the corner of Xuan Yuan Yu’s lips curls in malice, “This Forbidden City, is zhen’s finest and most magnificent cage for women like you.”

After saying that, he flips his sleeves and walks out of the hall, “Zhen orders, Zui Fei is in deep mourning, she is to be a vegetarian and mourns for three years.”

As soon as he said that, servants who are familiar with the rules of the palace recognize it’s severity.

It means that for three years, the collection of name plates the emperor will choose from will not include Zui Fei’s name.  In other words, Zui Fei who seems to have entered the palace in glory is actually nothing but the holder of an empty t.i.tle.

Three years isn’t exactly a long time, but for the women in the palace, those three years represents the most precious part of their youth.

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