Volume One, Chapter Two: Rebirth and Another Journey Through Time

Princess Changning glanced at her maternal grandfather, Song Tao, the Prime Minister of the Great Sheng Dynasty.

It was he who strongly recommended her for the marriage alliance, a man who cared only for his family's interests. She and her mother, the Empress, were mere chess pieces for him to exploit. In the years after her death, her spirit wandered restlessly and saw that Song Tao had cared nothing for her mother's passing. When the Empress was still in favor, he used her; when she fell from grace, he swiftly protected his own interests. Sadly, even while alive, the Empress sacrificed herself for her family's benefit.

Changning Palace

The Emperor and the Empress personally escorted Princess Changning back to Changning Palace, comforting her tenderly for a while before departing. She knew without needing to guess that the Emperor had gone to see Lady Yu and the young prince.

Princess Changning soaked in the bathing tub, attended by her maids who helped her bathe, perfumed her, and dressed her anew. After much fuss, she finally lounged lazily on the couch, fiddling with her once-favored ivory fan, as content as a cat basking in the sun.

The maids carefully arranged her hair into a lily bun, adorned with a phoenix hairpin of pure gold, its tail feathers studded with rubies that gleamed in the sunlight. Pearl earrings from the Southern Sea hung from her lobes, plump and lustrous, setting off her fair complexion. A tiny gold flower was affixed to the center of her brow, like a flickering flame, accentuating her delicate features.

Before her, a few young maids nervously carried platters of pastries, fearful of offending this often tempestuous princess.

From outside the palace gate came the sharp announcement of the eunuch: "Her Majesty the Empress is here—"

Changning froze momentarily, hurriedly rising from the couch and muttering, "Mother is here again?"

No sooner had she spoken than the Empress entered, resplendent in a cape of rosy brocade and jewels, carrying a gilded tray.

"Mother," Changning cried, rushing into the Empress's embrace.

Only she knew how long it had been—at least thirty years—since she had felt such warmth. In those early years after her lake suicide, she was cold all over; though a spirit, she could still feel the chill. Now, returned to this place, she only wished she could accompany the Empress every day.

---

Yet, there were those in the palace who disliked her, wishing to send her away. In her previous life, she had failed to stop the Emperor's decision; now, she would use another method, seeking honor for her mother at the frontier.

The Empress smiled gently, "Child, do not cause such trouble again. You frightened me so much, my heart still pounds!"

She ordered the blood swallow soup and braised bear paw with abalone to be placed on the table, filling the palace with a rich aroma.

"Mother treats me best!" Changning exclaimed, leaping up at the sight of her favorite dish. "Rest assured, I will not seek death again. I only wanted to threaten Father, but it seems useless!"

She shrugged and shook her head.

The Empress gazed at her lovingly. "My child, you have grown up; you must learn to be sensible."

"Mother, I understand. I will protect you and my younger brother from those women," Changning mumbled, her mouth full of abalone.

The Empress sighed, setting down her teacup. "There you go again, speaking nonsense."

Changning stopped chewing, retorting, "Mother need not pretend in front of me that nothing happened!"

"I know you feel uneasy seeing Father spending every day in Fengyao Palace, but rest assured, I will fight for you and never let her surpass you!"

The Empress pursed her lips, smiling kindly as she nodded. "You are the eldest princess of the Great Sheng Dynasty. Though I cannot stop you from the marriage alliance, I will help you in other matters."

Changning's eyes reddened instantly; she embraced the Empress again, her tears and sniffles staining the phoenix robe.

Looking around the familiar Changning Palace, she remembered that lifetime, when she had smashed the glass lamps in a fit of madness, declaring she would seek justice from her father.

That day, she stormed, crying, to the imperial study. Before the guards could question her, she kicked them aside. The imperial guards tried to block her, but Changning snatched a sword and held it to her own throat.

She barged in as the Emperor was discussing state affairs, the hall full of civil and military officials.

"Father!" Changning's voice was choked with tears as she knelt, "I refuse the marriage alliance! Choose someone else!"

The Emperor looked up, his face tinged with helplessness. "Changning, stand up and speak properly."

"I will kneel!" Changning retorted. "Father, you know I have been pampered all my life. How can I be sent to such a dreadful place?"

---

Eunuch Xu hurried forward, "Princess, this is the imperial study. Please mind your words—"

"Mind what?!" Changning slapped Xu's face, shouting angrily, "Are you all bullying me?"

"Enough! Xu raised you, how can you strike him? Read the decree!" The Emperor's beard quivered with rage.

Xu retreated, covering his face. The chief eunuch stepped forward to read the decree, but Changning headbutted the decree out of his hands and knocked him down. "You stay out of this!"

The officials exchanged nervous glances, none daring to speak.

The Prime Minister stepped forward, his voice grave. "Your Highness, as the eldest princess, it is your duty to serve the nation. This is your responsibility."

"Grandfather!" Changning wept bitterly. "Even you won't help me?"

The Prime Minister lifted his eyelids. "Princess, I advise you only for your own good. As a royal daughter, some sacrifices are inevitable."

Changning shook with fury, turning to point at the assembled officials. "Fine! All of you are loyal subjects, but none will speak for me! Why must I, a daughter, sacrifice? What about the expedition generals? The Duke of the Nation? Why don't you send them? The Marquis Champion? Why doesn't he marry those ridiculous queens himself?"

"What nonsense!"

"Outrageous! Where is your decorum?"

"How could the gentle, dignified Empress have such a reckless child?"

The ministers bowed their heads, whispering amongst themselves.

Finally, the Emperor spoke, his tone calm but resolute. "Changning, my decision is final."

Seeing her tantrum was futile, Changning ran crying from the study, shouting, "The Great Sheng Dynasty has no compassion! If I can't live well, none of you will have peace!"

Recalling that life, she could not help but laugh. She had been set up for the alliance and even persuaded by her maid to jump into the lake—how foolish she had been!

In the Empress's embrace, her almond eyes sparkled with laughter. Now, two lifetimes had passed, and she had returned once more.