Chapter 1

My life is so bitter! My mother died early, and my imperial brother does not favor me. With a single command, I am to be married off to that barbaric place in the north! Our Southern Liang lost the war and has to cede land and pay reparations; what does that have to do with me, a mere woman? Wei Tiankang, you old scoundrel, abusing your power and ruining the country! The Lu family is filled with corrupt officials and incompetent ministers, and that Lu Tiankang is even more of a bully to the young sovereign, selling out the country for personal gain, may he meet a terrible end!

The princess felt that the sky was too dry. After the maids offered a word of advice, she began to cry loudly and started to smash things.

I was momentarily distracted when a plate suddenly flew towards me. I quickly stepped aside to avoid it. The porcelain plate smashed against the pillar, shattering into pieces. I then darted to the right, and a vase crashed down where I had just been standing. I jumped to the left again, and a candy box fell to the ground, breaking into fragments.

Jia Yue hummed, "Who doesn't know that you have a good relationship with the Emperor brother? You helped him fight when you were young. You all have someone who cares for you, but unfortunately, my mother died early, and no one comes to care for me"

The princess's chief maid rushed in without waiting for me to get dressed, throwing herself at my feet. The words she spoke were ones I had long since memorized

The old thief referred to by Princess Jiayue is my dear father, King Wei. He has repeatedly saved the life of the late emperor, assisted the late emperor in ascending the throne, supported the crown prince, and after the late emperor's passing, he also aided the current emperor in his ascension to the throne.

"Your Highness, you are overthinking it. You are a bride, not a prisoner." I was both amused and exasperated, "His Majesty has ordered me to be the matchmaker. Firstly, among the women in the capital, my status is the most suitable. Secondly, our journey is fraught with difficulties, and I can also ensure your safety. His Majesty truly cherishes you, which is why he has made such arrangements."

Jia Yue's face was ashen, her hair disheveled, resembling someone who had become possessed while practicing martial arts, as she picked up anything within reach and hurled it to the ground

Seeing her about to throw a jade vase at me, I stepped forward and decisively shouted: "Hold on!"

"Princess Ruiyun, the princess is throwing a tantrum again! Please hurry over and persuade her."

Lying in the warm quilt, I let out a long sigh, and as usual, I slowly got up and began to get dressed and comb my hair

Jia Yue was momentarily taken aback, and the maids on either side seized the opportunity to pounce and subdue her

The maidens fell silent, quietly stealing glances at me.

Princess, please do not be angry. It is often said that a man should marry when he comes of age, and a woman should marry when she reaches maturity. Marrying the Emperor of Beiliang is indeed a good match. His Majesty has truly considered your well-being in this matter

A lifetime is still long; if it were me, I would not have made such a fuss so early on

Look at what is being said. I have completed my merits, and would I ascend to the heavens in broad daylight?

The teacup struck his hand, and scalding tea, steaming with white vapor, splashed everywhere

As a close attendant, I should have gone to comfort her. However, Jiayue completely disregarded me and even resorted to violence. I wanted to say more, but she suddenly grabbed the teacup beside her and threw it at me.

I glanced up at the ceiling, "What is she doing it for today?"

"Be careful not to hurt the princess." I wiped the sweat from my brow and turned to instruct the young eunuch to sweep the floor

I saw that Jiayue's entire face was swollen from crying, resembling a poorly fermented large steamed bun. She was not particularly beautiful to begin with, and this swelling made her even less attractive, truly a sight to behold. Although whether she cries or not is her own business, it is certainly not ideal for a bride to have her eyes swollen shut from crying. I imagine that even the Emperor of Beiliang would not be very pleased to marry a blind woman.

As in the past few days, the place where Princess Jiayue is located is always the liveliest. Upon entering her lodging, one is greeted by a scene of utter chaos, and the maids have long since hidden themselves far away

Jia Yue lost the jade bottle in her hand and began to cry loudly. The words she cried out are etched in my memory.

Jia Yue cried inconsolably, as if she were about to be sold into a bandit's den. At just sixteen years old, she was naturally sensitive and suspicious, having been raised in luxury and unable to endure even the slightest hardship. Since the day she left the capital, she had been crying and making a fuss without pause, her tears flowing all the way from the capital to the frontier.

Is it the Heavenly Stems? I glanced at her, "Yesterday the vegetables were overcooked, the day before yesterday I found the lamb too gamey, the day before that the cheese smelled bad, and today I feel the weather is too dry... I can't get used to the meals; if it comes to it, I can just change the cook. Do you think I can still call the wind and summon the rain?" The head maid, with a mournful expression, said: "This servant knows that you, Princess, are also in a difficult position, but only you can persuade the princess. If you can ensure that the princess marries to the Northern Dynasty safely and happily, you will have fulfilled your duty."

The man stood in front of me with his back turned, silent and imposing, his tall figure unwavering.

Jia Yue felt tired and changed to sobbing: "Is he thinking of me? He sent you as a matchmaker to deliver me in marriage, isn't it just to control me? Who doesn't know that you, Lu Tangyu, have been apprenticing and learning skills outside since you were young, and are highly skilled in martial arts? If I make any moves, you will easily subdue me."

Jia Yue pointed at my nose and scolded: "Lu Tangyu, don't just stand there talking without feeling the pain. If it weren't for your father's suggestion of a marriage alliance, I would never have ended up in this situation. It's all your fault, and I will hate you for a lifetime"

In the second month of the fourth year of Tianying, on a chilly spring morning, I was awakened as usual by a cacophony of noise

I forced a smile and said gently, "Princess, be careful not to harm your health. No matter how many mistakes my father makes, your health is ultimately your own."

Before I could step aside, a figure rushed in and stood in front of me