The Prince Consort's Secret (GL) - Chapter 2
Hearing the word “husband,” I, still reeling from the reality of my time travel, froze. A husband? Am I going to be… deflowered immediately after arriving in this time period? How incredibly cool (or not).
But upon reflection, it wasn’t so bad. In many ancient dynasties, princesses and their husbands lived separately. A princess had to request an audience with her husband, and even then, she might be blocked. So, if I didn’t want to see him, I wouldn’t summon him. On our wedding night, I could use my status to forbid consummation. Unless, of course, I fell in love with him…
Why did my predecessor go on a hunger strike? Given my father’s concern, he wouldn’t have married me off to someone terrible. Was this an arranged political marriage? That would explain his current kindness. What else would drive a princess to such drastic measures?
How should I respond? Anything I say could expose me. Best to say little, but I need to dissuade him from this marriage… Aha! I started to cry dramatically, convincingly. (Forgive me, I had no tears, but I tried my best!)
It worked! Through my fingers, I saw my father reaching for another handkerchief to wipe away my tears. But I had no tears! I continued to sob, refusing to let go.
After several failed attempts to pry my hands away, he softened. “Do you want me to choose again? You’ve refused several times! I’ve finally decided to marry you off; the imperial decree has been issued. And now you’re staging a hunger strike!” His voice was tinged with exasperation and helplessness. He took a breath. “Do you think the marriage of a Da Qi princess is a game?!”
I was stunned. Several times? It wasn’t a political marriage then. This princess was incredibly spoiled! From my limited historical knowledge, only during the Southern Song Dynasty, with its generally small imperial family, did a princess have multiple suitors. Was I *that* lucky?
I was overjoyed, but my joy was short-lived… Lost in my thoughts, I stopped crying and loosened my grip. The next second, my father pried my hands away, and his bright yellow handkerchief appeared before my eyes. Oh, no…
I looked up to see his amused-yet-exasperated expression. I awkwardly smiled. How do I tell him to marry me off without hesitation? I don’t care; marriage is inevitable. One moment I’d rather starve than marry, and the next I’m eager to wed. He’ll think I’ve lost my mind…
But the decree had been issued. He wouldn’t change it for a single princess, not for the sake of the royal reputation, not for public opinion. So, I’ll play along, feigning resignation for the sake of the royal family. He might even feel guilty and treat me better. Though it was the princess who was being unreasonable, given her history, he might be relieved by my compliance…
“Father,” I mumbled. He turned. “I won’t cause you further trouble… The decree has been issued… I’ll marry.” Only after speaking did I realize my voice hadn’t changed. Strange…
A flicker of suspicion crossed his eyes. He studied me. “Rou’er, are you serious?”
I nodded miserably. “Yes.” I had to maintain a sullen expression. This was exhausting! And my hunger pangs were returning! Let’s finish this and eat…
He fell silent again. His expression was unreadable, but he clearly doubted my words. After a while, he asked, “You won’t regret this?”
“What difference does it make? The decree’s been issued. I said I wouldn’t cause you trouble.” Seeing his continued skepticism, I gave up explaining. “Father, I’m hungry…”
He looked amused and exasperated. He turned to the attendants. The scholarly physician nodded, and a maid brought a bowl of porridge. I reached for it, then remembered I was a princess. I needed to be dignified. Devouring the porridge earlier was understandable… right?
I ate slowly. “Since you’ve made up your mind, that’s good. I’ll have your dowry prepared and choose a wedding date with the ministers.” “Great, great,” I replied, continuing to eat.
He stood. Relief washed over me. He was leaving! Let this patient rest. But I should at least… I reluctantly put down my bowl. He smiled. “It’s rare to see Rou’er being sensible. Since it’s settled, I’ll return to the palace. Rest well, and don’t cause any more trouble.”
I readily agreed, about to offer my apologies for not being able to see him off, when he turned back. “Bring the servants who attended the princess and give them thirty lashes each!” Attendants rushed in and dragged the maids away. I was shocked. They were all women. Could they endure that?
“Father, they’re just servants. They couldn’t stop me from starving… Please don’t punish them. I promise I won’t be reckless again.” I felt sorry for the trembling maids.
He seemed to consider this. “This time, for the princess’s sake, I’ll spare you. But if anything happens to the princess again, you won’t get off with thirty lashes!” He left. The guards, eunuchs, and physicians bowed and followed. I quickly thanked him, but he left too quickly for a proper farewell…
I chuckled inwardly. He still didn’t trust me. He was using the maids to watch me, threatening their lives. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of myself… My hunger returned. I finished the porridge, then had three more bowls. Porridge wasn’t nutritious; I’d be hungry again soon.
I told the maids I was done. They knelt, sobbing. “Princess, please don’t be reckless again. If anything happens, our lives aren’t worth it.” Don’t servants call themselves slaves in this world? No matter, the servants in *Dream of the Red Chamber* didn’t use such terms either.
They were all beautiful, their eyes filled with tears. Were they crying out of concern, or because of the emperor’s words? Probably the latter.
I smiled. “I won’t do it again. Get up.”
They rose. I looked at the eight maids. I needed to understand this world, but I didn’t even know their names. How to start?
Four maids went to stand guard outside. The four remaining ones were my personal maids. One tucked me in and massaged my legs. “Princess, you shouldn’t do this anymore. You’re not a child… It worries us.”
Being served felt good! They weren’t acting like servants but friends. The three idle maids sat at a small table, eating melon seeds. What to do? I didn’t know them. Would I be exposed?
While thinking of how to learn their names, I examined the room. It was elegant, in my preferred style—not overly ornate, nor dark. My eyes fell on the bookshelves and the guqin (seven-stringed plucked zither). A sense of familiarity. The maids… a strange familiarity. I felt like I was dreaming.
“Princess, are you alright?” A maid cheerfully offered me some melon seeds.
“I…” I suppressed a wave of sadness. My eyes fell on a bronze mirror and a wooden comb. I hadn’t seen my reflection yet. I asked for the mirror.
I looked. I was prepared, but I still gasped. The person in the mirror… was me, from my previous life.