The news of crown prince Zhao Chenfeng's engagement to a goddess-like young lady stirred excitement throughout the capital. Firstly, because he had never shown interest in any woman before, and secondly, due to the ongoing conflict between Yang Gong, her grandfather, and the crown prince.

    "Such passionate love indeed, even if not getting along with the bride’s family, his heart is tied to the beautiful lady."

    "Rumor has it that the prince even conceded to Yang Gong to ease the tension, all because he didn't want Miss Yang to be distressed."

    Noblewomen inside and outside the palace were all whispering and praising Yang Jiurong's beauty. Since the official engagement from Zhao Chenfeng, her mother, Sima Xiang, diligently enhanced her daughter's beauty even more. However, the young lady panicked upon realizing she was the center of attention of the crown prince. Just yesterday, she could frolic with her siblings, but today, even running with her skirt fluttering is considered vulgar, and her daily routines must now change to intense etiquette reviews. Furthermore, she must learn royal history to prepare herself for the potential role as the empress in charge of the inner court.

    "Father, I am not interested in being the empress or anything like that. I don't want to marry this man. He doesn't love me; he despises me."

    Yang Jiurong has pleaded with Yang Gong, but to no avail, as such matters, if not complied with, are seen by elders as non-serious because they interpret it as the girl's reluctance to leave her parents.

    "Father, please listen to me. I beg you to persuade grandfather to cancel this marriage."

    "I certainly listen to you, but this matter concerns the lives of hundreds in the Yang family. You cannot decide based on whether you love him or not."

    "Father..."

    "You must consider the family as a descendant."

    Feeling stifled, Yang Jiurong could not argue. She was a descendant yet why she felt as if she was merely a pawn in a game of power. All she could do was console herself. Although she had many unanswered questions, she tried tobelieve that despite her grandfather standing on the opposite side of power from Zhao Chenfeng, with both sides competing for advantages over the years and having capable people working for them, this marriage could bridge the gap. Even if he did not love her, at least her grandfather and Zhao Chenfeng could collaborate to protect Zhao Region, ensuring everyone lives in harmony.

    She hoped it would be so...

    Until her father revealed something,

    "Don't worry, the person you are to marry is actually prince Zhao Lu. Your grandfather has already agreed with them."

    "No!" She panicked, feeling plunged into an even deeper nightmare. "If you thought of refusing Taizi, why did you accept his proposal? And why would you give me away to prince Zhao Lu?"

    "The emperor sent the marriage gifts. How could we refuse them?"

    "I don't understand, why did grandfather promise prince Zhao Lu like that? If father and grandfather force me irrationally, I will commit suicide."

    "This is not about you," Yang Jiancheng said, his head aching thoroughly, exasperated by his daughter's whimsical nature akin to that of a simpleton. "Stop being childish. Adults will handle this matter themselves. You don't need to meddle."

    "But this is a crucial matter in my life."

    "Go back to your room now and don't cause any more trouble. Otherwise, I will confine you."

    Yang Jiurong was strong enough not to cry. She never imagined she was actually becoming an object for trading. Sima Xiang tried to comfort her daughter, pointing out the consequences if the Yang family opposed the emperor's will, while also praising the handsome and splendid prince Zhao Lu. Yang Jiurong felt extremely uncomfortable and stopped discussing the matter further, which the adults interpreted as her acceptance of the marriage.

    "Jiurong... Jiurong... daydreaming again, this child."

    Her mother's call snapped her out of her reverie. "Y… Yes, mother?"

    "What have I taught you? Do you remember?"

    "Uh... Uh... When the auspicious time arrives, the groom will come to fetch the bride from her home, greeted by relatives with tea and Tangyuan[1]." At that moment, the bride just needs to sit with a red fan waiting in her room until he and the matchmaker pass through the silver and golden gates with a large red envelope to fetch her. Um... then the bride and groom will eat Tangyuan together. Um... after finishing the Tangyuan, they will pay respects to the parents before heading to the groom's house and then..."

    "Repeating like a parrot, acting as if it's not about you."

    "Mother..."

    "While you can recite the wedding details, I want to emphasize that a man marries not for mere enjoyment—that's what concubines are for. Though concubines may have influence, their social status is incomparable to a legitimate wife. A concubine is merely an attendant, disposable or acquirable at will. Don't be afraid. Even if your husband has hundreds or thousands of new women, you will always be the primary one."

    "I am not an object for grandfather to give to this or that person. I don't want to be considered number one; I just want to be the one and only, loved by a man who loves only me. Is that too much to ask?"

    "What man wouldn't seek concubines? Look at how many your grandfather and father have. Once you're married, you must accept this reality. Don't ever berate, complain, or show displeasure toward your husband. Most importantly... no matter whom you marry, you will always be the legitimate wife, honored as the future empress. Why are you still dissatisfied?"

    "Mother..."

    "What's the problem now?"

    "Mother..." Yang Jiurong had countless rebuttals, but they were futile. "Nothing, mother."

    The most important thing about wedding is an indispensable auspicious date. The elders from both families brought the couple’s and their parent’s astrological charts to consult with an astrologer. Once a favorable date is set, the groom's side informed the bride about the time and date for hair cutting and wedding attire fitting, as these details, from the wedding itself to hairstyle appointments and gown fittings, are meticulously scheduled by the astrologer, including even the auspicious time for consummation and childbirth.

    Everything around Yang Jiurong seemed to rush past, leaving her dizzied and unprepared. She doesn't even know the groom well, nor why he is marrying her. She stood still as a mannequin while three tailors take her measurements for several new outfits as her dowry, including a chest filled with jewelry and personal belongings so extensive that it filled three ledgers.

    Yet, she feels no joy.

    "Sister," Baoyu and Chuchu visited her at Jinjuxiang Residence, their faces were grim, and eyes brimmed with tears. "Mother said you have to leave the manor. Me and Chuchu don't want you to go."

    "I don't want to leave you either," Yang Jiurong forced a smile, hugging her siblings. "Look at this bridal crown; it's beautiful, isn't it? Mother said it's passed down only to the eldest daughters-in-law of the Yang family, but grandfather has given special permission for me to wear it for the ceremony."

    "Will Taizi treat big sister well?"

    Yang Jiurong did not know; she had no clue who she had to marry. "He must. If he behaves poorly, I'll kick him so hard he'll split in to two."

    "I'll help you kick him, too."

    Forcing a laugh, Yang Jiurong played a tune on the zither, trying to cheer up her siblings. Every day, Zhao Chenfeng sent gifts, eliciting admiration from all who hear the news. Yet, she knew! knew that unlike what he did, Zhao Chenfeng had no affection for her. Love is absent in high society marriages, and women have no say. So, Yang Jiurong did what she can. She wrote him a letter, asking him to call off the wedding.

    His response wasn’t a letter but a pin with a precious ruby surrounded by diamonds, a gift of affection. The ruby, deep red like a drop of blood, and the surrounding clear diamonds are admired by all. But Yang Jiurong was not a fool who would be exited for this trinket.

    What is he playing at!

    Zhao Lu was infuriated, harboring resentment for days while Sima Jing stoked the fire, suggested Yang Gong was dishonest. When the young prince confronted Yang Gong, he reproached him. The elder man, humiliated by a younger man’s criticism, yet kept his emotion under the smile.

    "You promised her to me, yet at the banquet, you showed no objection. Do you mean to insult me?"

    "The blame can't solely lie on me. All of sudden, Taizi snatched Jiu Rong away, and even the emperor and empress supported him. I'm merely a nobleman; how could I oppose? Yet, there is a solution."

    "What is it?"

    "Murder."

    Yang Gong whispered with a gleam in his eye. Both Zhao Lu and Sima Jing grasped the implication immediately. Craving his position, Zhao Lu smiles, satisfied.

    "When do you deem it appropriate to act?"

    “Next month, when Taizi holds his wedding, we will seize the moment for a surprise attack, leaving them no chance to react. Once everything is settled, I will send Jiu Rong directly to your bridal chamber," Yang Gong whispered, proposing a plan to assassinate during the opportune moment of the wedding ceremony. The Yang family would take on the task of eliminating Zhao Chenfeng. Yang Jiancheng, the commander of the Royal Guards, would facilitate their entry into the palace, while prince Zhao Lu and the Sima family would seize power from the emperor in one swift move, fulfilling all their desires.

    "This is extremely risky. I think we should be cautious."

    Qin Renzhong, an attendant of prince Zhao Lu, whispered in caution, aware that betrayal could lead to death. This person, blessed with good fortune to be a part of royal family through marriage and favored by the Empress Dowager. Qin Renzhong’s had cunning eyes, yet he was held in high regard by prince Zhao Lu for his exceptional way for financial acumen.

    "I propose that everyone involved signs a blood oath."

    "A blood oath?"

    "Yes, to guarantee our commitment. We all should write and sign a document agreeing to the assassination of the emperor. If anyone betrays the plan, this blood oath will be presented to the emperor. Whoever dares face execution, and the extermination of their lineage can try their luck. With this, prince, you can rest assured that no one will dare to deceive. I will be the first to sign the blood oath, showing my loyalty to you."

    "Excellent." Prince Zhao Lu was so pleased with Qin Renzhong's suggestion. Yang Gong who had been suspected of being disloyal, he too agreed to sign the blood oath. Sima Jing would collect and safeguard these documents.

    "Xianfei is my person, ready to follow any command."

    "Very well. Uncle Jing, send a message to her to prepare immediately. I will eagerly countdown to Tai Zi's wedding day” Prince Zhao Lu’s irritation suddenly gone. Zhao Chenfeng would never know that his wedding day would turn into his demise. Yang Jiurong and this realm will only belong to him. Others could just dream!

    The one burning with envy was Jiaojiao. Despite Sima Lan's attempt to console her, the favored niece only grew more furious. Her fate, once soaring high, now plummeted because of Yang Jiurong. Jiaojiao resented being constantly compared to and overshadowed by her rival since she was born. The more she thought about it the more she frustrated.

    "That low-born girl! Her grandfather was nothing but a mere soldier. How dare she compete with me, a daughter from a distinguished noble family!"

    "Sister, stop insulting her. I'm tired of hearing it. If her fate surpasses yours, you must accept it." Wushuang said. She picked up a beautiful cat and let it sit on her lap while gently stroking it. Jiaojiao turned to her then laughed scornfully.

    "Pfft, I see how you've been secretly admiring Taizi. Poor thing, even just liking him, you've never once spoken to him. And now, the beautiful Miss Jiu Rong has effortlessly swept him away."

    "Stop talking about it already!"

    "If you're so confident, then say it. Dare you admit you're not heartbroken?"

    "..."

    "Now that both the prince and Taizi are enamored with her, if she weren't in the picture, everything would be perfect. I'll thwart her myself, and you must collaborate with me," Jiajiao said, flung the cat aside. "You sent her a letter, lure her out to meet you at the temple on the hilltop. I'll handle the rest."

    "But Jiu Rong is our little sister."

    "I don't care about any of that. I want it, so I will have it!"

    Jiaijiao was determined to become the primary consort of prince Zhao Lu. Since childhood, she was instilled with the belief that the person destined to rule the land was Zhao Lu; therefore, she would not relinquish the title of the land's mother to anyone. Sima Lan, always siding with Jiaojiao, quickly manipulated.

    "Don't you want to possess Taizi? You're a distinguished lady of the Sima family yourself, neither less attractive nor less talented than her. Think about it. Taizi chose her because she's cunning, standing out to be noticed. You never got the chance to showcase your talent. Imagine if you were the one who played the zither for him, what would it be like?"

    "..."

    "Nights of joy, closeness in the evening, endless embraces..."

    Wushuang jolted, her eyes conflicted. The struggle between right and wrong battled within her, but when she envisioned the handsome and authoritative prince intimately close to Yang Jiurong, Wushuang's expression shifted, and she turned to instruct her servant.

    "Fetch me paper and a brush."

    Jiaojiao immediately laughed delightedly.

[9] Large pink sago dessert