9 The Princess Man (1/2)

PRINCESS YANG LIU KNOWN AS PRINCE KUAN HUI

GRAND DOWAGER EMPRESS' PALACE

”Prince Kuan Hui of the Bai clan arrives!” the eunuch announced as the princess paraded into the courtyard, her attendants closely behind. She walked with her head raised, arms crossed on her back which depicted masculinity.

”Princess!” The Grand Dowager Empress beamed at the sight of her.

”Greetings and blessings to her Royal Highness, the Grand Dowager Empress.” She bowed with a fist on her chest.

”Don't stand on ceremony,” Grand Dowager Empress excused her. ”My granddaughter is growing into a beautiful woman, isn't she?” Grand Dowager looked at her ladies-in-waiting who cackled in agreement.

The princess blushed shyly before saying, ”Her Royal Highness flatters me too much.”

”Now that my son has passed on, may his soul rest in peace, why don't we ask the emperor to bestow you the title 'royal princess'? It's not a secret anymore that you are a princess.”

The princess fidgeted. ”But... not everyone knows that.”

”What is bothering the princess so much? Is this about the great General Feng?” her grandmother teased.

”Her Royal Highness does not have to be so direct.” She avoided the Grand Dowager's stare and eyed the pond, her face flushing.

”Your mother burdened your life by lying about who you really are.” Dowager Empress Wang, the mother of the princess, had born and raised her as a prince to not lose face that she, the empress at the time had bore princesses only.