âWhatâs the use?â
âThird Master Jiang said, add water to this soil, wait for the soil to settle, and drink the water on top. Then, boil the tofu and eat it. It helps with acclimatizing to different environments.â The servant explained clearly word by word, âThird Master Jiang also said, âThe land gives birth to its own people. The princess is accustomed to the soil and water of Silla, upon arriving here, itâs natural to feel unaccustomed. After taking these, and with proper care, she will adjust over time.'â
Princess Zhenming felt a sense of familiarity upon hearing that the soil and water were from Silla, which was rare amidst her perpetually gloomy countenance, showing a hint of joy, âXuanâer, go and thank Third Master Jiang for me.â
Xuanâer complied and returned after a while, âThird Master Jiang said it was done under the Princess Consortâs instructions, and asked for the princess not to be overly polite.â
Prince Xinhai entered the room with his hand bandaged, upon hearing the conversation, he asked, âWho is this Third Master Jiang?â
âTo answer your question, Third Master Jiang is the elder brother of the Princess Consort.â Xuanâer answered.
âWhat does he look like?â
âHe is very handsome.ân/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âUnderstood, you can leave now.â
Xuanâer stood still, looking towards Princess Zhenming first.
âWhat, my words donât matter anymore? Do you want to end up like Jinâer too?â Prince Xinhaiâs face filled with anger.
Xuanâer turned pale.
Princess Zhenming said, âXuanâer, go out first.â
âYes, Your Highness.â Xuanâer bowed and quietly exited, a loud banging noise echoing behind her.
She trembled, daring not to look back.
Inside the room, water, soil, tofu, all scattered across the floor.
Princess Zhenming lowered her eyelids, with no response.
Prince Xinhai closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and suddenly raised his hand, slapping Princess Zhenming hard across the face.
Princess Zhenming covered her face, tremblingly asked, âWeâre in Changâan. Do you want the whole world to see my bruised face?â
âWell, youâve been ill these past few days, no need to go out.â The young princeâs face was dark and fierce, âJust half a day not seeing you and youâre already getting chummy with the men of Great Sheng. You and your mother are nothing but cheap wenches.â
âI didnât!â Tears fell from Princess Zhenmingâs eyes, âHe is the elder brother of the Princess Consort, sent by the Princess Consort to deliver things. What does it have to do with me?â
âThe Princess Consortâs family is aristocratic, her brother naturally a person of high status. Donât they have servants? Why does he have to personally handle even such a trivial matter as delivering things?â Prince Xinhai grabbed his sisterâs chin, âComing to Changâan this time, you could marry the Emperor, or the Crown Prince. Are you that ecstatic to finally rid of me? â
Zhenming cried silently, âMy fate, has never belonged to me. If I can, I wish to die.â
Prince Xinhai watched her cry, slowly released her, leaned over her, grabbing her hand, guiltily said, âSister, donât be mad, I shouldnât have hit you. Did it hurt?â
From a sullen, ruthless young man, became a young brother sincerely afraid and worried, fearing he made his sister angry.
Princess Zhenming pulled her hand back, lowered her eyelids, and whispered, âYou better leave, Iâm tired and need to rest.â
With tears in his eyes, Prince Xinhai said, âSister, I really like the Princess Consort, and it hurts me to want her so much. Canât you help me?â
âShe belongs to the Crown Prince, not someone you should covet. Have you forgotten how you lost your fingers?â
âI donât care! I have to have her!â Prince Xinhai shouted, âHurry up and get well, make the Crown Prince fall in love with you, and take you as his consort. In this way, he will cast off his consort, and all our plans will be successful!â