Chapter 672: Chapter 672: The Princess Chongyang Trapped in a Cage
Princess Chongyang sat by the window, beside her was the bright yellow royal decree, and in her hands was a book she hadnât finished reading, yet the page hadnât turned for a long time.
The maid Wan Chun offered a cup of bitter tea, glanced at the stagnant page, then at the decree, and advised, "Princess, donât argue with Miss Yan, itâs not worth it. Sheâs never spoken a kind word in her life."
Princess Chongyang turned to look, and chided, "Donât hold a grudge against her. After all, she also holds a position. If she hears your words, wonât you suffer for it?"
Wan Chun pursed her lips in slight displeasure, saying, "I just canât stand her smug face. Youâre of noble birth, what kind of position does she hold? Let alone respecting you as her elder, does she ever show you that respect?"
Princess Chongyang sighed, "Youâre wrong, a noble birth canât compare to the freedom of her status."
Despite being from the Xia family lineage, she was a descendant of Crown Prince Yong, and even if born of a concubine, she still stood out.
Wan Chun stiffened, her face showing some panic, "Princess, itâs all my fault, making you remember sad things, please punish me."
"Itâs nothing, itâs not a big deal. I just didnât expect such a decree to fall on me." Princess Chongyang looked at the royal decree on the desk, revealing a bitter smile.
Since her birth, she had been raised in Prince Xin Mansion, never lacking food, clothing, or necessary items. Even teachers werenât lacking, teaching her music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Her life was delicate and dignified.
But that was all. The only company she had, apart from entertaining herself with music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, was the maid Wan Chun, who grew up with her.
She was a forgotten person. She had never seen the world outside and thought her life would remain this way, growing old alone in this peaceful yet elegant little courtyard. But now, sheâs to be married?
And to someone extremely noble, Prince Min, the late emperorâs youngest son.
Princess Chongyang couldnât describe the feeling in her heart. She only felt some fear and confusion. Aware of her awkward status, she had contentedly stayed in this small courtyard. She was willing to live in quiet seclusion, but was even that modest way of living about to disappear?
"Princess, after you marry Prince Min, you wonât have to endure the disdain of those people anymore." Wan Chun thought it was great the princess was getting married, as it would allow her to leave and live a different life. Then the princess would be much happier.
Princess Chongyang looked at her sweet smile and reached out to touch her hair, "Silly Wan Chun, you donât understand."
Wan Chun was stunned. She didnât understand?
Why not? Getting married means having a family, enjoying the respect of being a princess consort, and even having the chance to manage a household. Isnât that good?
Princess Chongyang, however, didnât explain much and merely gave a faint smile.
Becoming a princess consort was just moving from one cage to another. The food, clothing, and necessities would still be ample. Perhaps there would be more social interactions, but would socializing be her forte?
Even if she wanted to make friends, how many would willingly approach her?
Everyone avoided her due to her status. Even her name was insignificant, homophonic with ârain,â Xia Yu.
Princess Chongyang sighed, oh well, itâs just changing places for eating and sleeping. At this point in her life, she felt it was fine.
"Put the royal decree up for display." Princess Chongyangâs gaze returned to the book, no longer distracted by external matters.