Chapter 005: Life
Certainly, this matter is not entirely Xue Tian Ao's fault; if blame is to be assigned, it can only be directed at that imperial edict. If blame is to be placed, let it be on the heavens for their mockery. A woman of her stature cannot accept being married off by the emperor to anyone... It must be understood that she is a being equivalent to disgrace...
Alas, she is striving hard to survive, she is making great efforts to have those around her ignore the scars on her face. Why can't heaven see this? If only people could be like these horses, then at least she would have a chance, a chance to prove that her Eastern tranquility brings not only shame, but perhaps a pearl that has been tarnished, does it not?
Mother said that Ningxin is the best woman in the world, and that one day, the best man in the world will come to protect her. This small wish has always been hidden deep in her heart... She longs so much for such a person to appear; she is so tired, so very tired of being alone...
At this moment, Dongfang Ningxin deeply realized this point. In the Snow Prince's residence, she was a special existence, as she was neither a master nor a servant, enduring inhumane humiliation. After spending half a month in the Snow Prince's residence, the injury on her forehead healed. Although it left a faint scar due to the lack of timely treatment, it did not affect much. She was already an ugly woman, and adding another scar was nothing remarkable.
Deep within her heart lies a small desire, a desire for someone to see her goodness and her pain
Yet she smiled sincerely, having lived in the stable for half a month. She developed an indescribable bond with the horse. Sometimes she thought, horses are better than people; at least horses do not judge others by their appearance and offer her a chance to communicate
Uncle Xue, do not call me the princess, you are belittling me. Why can’t I do such a thing? I have even slept in the stable, haven’t I
The person referred to as Uncle Xue by Dongfang Ningxin is an elderly man in his fifties. He has spent his entire life caring for horses and is a true horse lover. He also takes great care of Dongfang Ningxin, bringing her meals three times a day.
If someone had told her in the past that Dongfang Ningxin could fall asleep in a stable and coexist with livestock, she would never have believed it. But now? Dongfang Ningxin has realized that in order to survive, she can endure anything.
With some hairpins left on her head and the ornaments worn on the day of her grand wedding, Dongfang Ningxin finally managed to exchange them for some simple clothing, bedding, and medicine, albeit under very unequal circumstances
"Uncle Xue, I am not blaming anyone, truly not." Dongfang Ningxin continued to feed the horses with fodder, thinking of that cold-faced man, the one who is her nominal husband.
On a bitterly cold day, Dongfang Ningxin's face was frozen red, and her originally fair and tender hands were also cracked from the cold
Everyone says that being born is easy and living is easy, but life is not easy at all
At night, she sleeps in the haystack of the stable, and during the day, she can only keep company with the horses, for she is an unwelcome presence in the Snow Prince's residence. Despite the pity and ridicule from those around her, she continues to strive to survive... although it is uncomfortable, it is still bearable
Even her father does not protect or care for her, how can she expect a stranger to show her concern and love? She is not a goddess, beloved by all. On the contrary, she is like a ghost, despised by everyone. Silently gazing up at the blue sky above, today is a rare good day in winter. Perhaps her fate could also turn for the better, just like this weather
Princess, why are you feeding the horse again? This is not your responsibility; let the servants handle it.
During the past half month, no one at the Snow Prince's residence has paid her any attention. Xue Tian'ao directly ignored her existence, and without his orders, the people in the residence did not dare to move her to another place. She could only live in this dilapidated stable. As Xue Tian'ao said that day, her beauty is only worthy of being among livestock
"Princess, do not be too sad; the prince will eventually recognize your merits. The prince is merely upset at the moment, and you understand that this matter was indeed... too... much..." Uncle Xue has worked in the royal residence his entire life and holds a deep-seated respect for imperial authority, which is why he cannot speak ill of the emperor.
Dongfang Ningxin smiled gently, unable to express words like hatred towards Xue Tian'ao on a snowy day, as those words felt too heavy. She simply could not understand why he treated her in such a manner. In this matter, the most innocent party was none other than her, Dongfang Ningxin, a woman toyed with by imperial power and fate.