Chapter 11

The Princess’s luggage and valuables had already been packed, and after washing up and dressing, Qin Xieyi headed straight for the palace.

By now, the sun was high in the sky.

Eunuchs carried two imperial edicts, broadcasting them repeatedly to the imperial court, then out to the capital, and finally across the entire Great Zhao.

The first edict: The Second Princess is to marry the Emperor of Liang and become the Empress of Liang, departing this very day.

The second edict: The Eldest Princess is to marry Cheng Mozhi, Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, with the wedding to take place this very day.

Once the news broke, the entire capital was in an uproar.

In a single day, the Emperor’s two daughters had their fates neatly arranged. One was sent off to a foreign land, separated from her kin, her future uncertain. Everyone lamented why the gentle and virtuous Second Princess had to be the one to sacrifice for the country, while that notorious, sharp-tongued Qin Xieyi was the one to land a divine catch like Vice Minister Cheng.

Palace music played in waves, and the sound of firecrackers echoed incessantly.

Dressed in vibrant red wedding robes, Qin Xieyi sat inside an exquisite imperial carriage, with a procession of dozens of people ready to escort her.

Before leaving the palace, Qin Luoke had specifically come to see Qin Xieyi.

The younger sister had even shed a few tears, but as she turned to leave, she leaned in close to Qin Xieyi and whispered.

“Sister, they’ve given me everything good since we were children, but do you know? I’ve always envied only you. Why is it that you live with such unyielding pride and such unrestrained spirit?”

“But then again, I don’t envy you that much. After all, I wouldn’t want to endure the pain you’ve been through.”

“Sister, from today on, I become you. Thank you for taking my place in that barbaric land.”

“And thank you, for making my union with my dear Cheng possible.”

Qin Luoke spoke with such heartfelt sincerity that if not for the undisguised triumph and mockery at the corners of her mouth, Qin Xieyi might have actually felt a touch of sisterly affection.

That’s right—the Emperor of Liang had indeed requested to marry the Second Princess of Zhao. But how could the Emperor of Zhao bear to part with his precious second daughter?

That imperial edict was simply a means to force Qin Xieyi to take her sister’s place in the marriage alliance.

As the ceremonial cannons roared, Qin Xieyi’s carriage set off. She sat upright, not sparing a single glance for the palace where she had lived for twenty-two years.

She felt no attachment to this place; she didn’t want to take so much as a blade of grass with her. She was even a little surprised by her own resolve.

Commoners knelt along the sides of the road to see her off, some even weeping openly.

After all, the nations of Liang and Zhao had been at war for years. Now that Zhao’s strength was waning, the people were grateful that the Emperor’s decree for a marriage alliance might spare them the hardships of war.

They chanted praises of the Second Princess, praying for her safety and well-being.

Inside the carriage, Qin Xieyi heard them clearly, and a smile gradually touched her lips. At that moment, she thought of her mother, the late Empress Zhang.

She had been a legendary woman, a marvel of the Zhao kingdom for a century, beloved by the people, her heart tethered to the world of men until the very moment she died.

Qin Xieyi could never forget how her mother had held her hand on her deathbed, urging her to let go of her hatred and promising her that she would live happily.

Qin Xieyi smiled faintly. “Mother, I am quite happy now. It’s just a pity that the common people still suffer, but this is all I can do…”

Just then, the sound of neighing horses erupted outside; a man on horseback had nearly collided with the imperial carriage.

The crowd clamored, and the sound of swords clashing rang out.

“Don’t worry, it’s the groom, Cheng Mozhi, rushing back to the palace for the wedding…”

Someone shouted loudly.

Qin Xieyi was startled. Involuntarily, she lifted the curtain just in time to see Cheng Mozhi gallop past her carriage. His robes were stained with grass and mud, and he whipped his horse as if riding on the wind, speeding away.

How impatient he must be to see his bride.

Qin Xieyi’s clenched fist slowly relaxed. She lowered the curtain and told the driver to speed up and leave.

Seeing him this one last time—let that be the final farewell.

From this day on, there is no more Qin Xieyi in the capital.

From this day on, Cheng is a stranger.

From this day on, we part ways, free of any lingering ties.