“Can’t I just have my way for once?” the eldest princess asked her father, her voice filled with helplessness.
“When I was young, I often pondered the same question as you. But there are rules for a family and laws for a state. You must give me a reason that can convince me before I agree to your absurd request.” Although the Emperor doted on her, indulging her for so many years had led her to her current age without marrying. This caused discontent among the second and third princesses, as seniority dictated that if she, the eldest, remained unmarried, how could the others?
She had finally set her sights on Zhou Jiayang. While the Emperor was dissatisfied with his family background and talent, he could at least paint, which wasn't entirely embarrassing. Moreover, a son-in-law's talent shouldn't be too high; the Emperor wouldn't part with someone too capable, nor would their family agree. As a son-in-law, he couldn't participate in politics and would have to place his lifelong honor and disgrace on the princess.
“What if he breaks off the engagement himself? If he doesn’t want to marry me, and you still don’t agree?” the eldest princess retorted stubbornly.
“Don’t do anything reckless,” the Emperor, having witnessed his daughter’s audacity many times, quickly cautioned upon hearing her words.
“Doesn’t Father care about his daughter? I’ll find my own way.” With that, she hurried out.
Seated in her carriage, she felt increasingly uneasy. She quickly ordered the driver to turn the carriage around and head to the Zhou family’s residence.
Although Zhou Jiayang had cursed the eldest princess countless times in his heart, upon hearing that she was waiting for him at his doorstep, he hastily tidied himself up and rushed to meet her, fearing she would grow impatient.
The two arrived at Wangjiang Tower. The eldest princess observed Zhou Jiayang gazing at her tenderly. In the past, she had found it enjoyable, but now, it made her heart feel uncomfortable. It was at this moment that she realized what she had truly fancied back then was not him, but his paintings.
“I won’t beat around the bush. The reason I wanted to marry you was my admiration for your paintings. Now that your hand is crippled and you can no longer paint, you’ve lost what attracted me. My enthusiasm for you has waned. Be sensible and proactively ask Father to break off the engagement,” she stated plainly, having understood her own heart.
Zhou Jiayang stared at her, bewildered. He had never expected their first meeting after his injury to unfold this way. Although he had complained that the princess didn’t take him seriously, he knew his path to wealth still depended on her. He had crippled his own hand for her. If he were to follow her suggestion and ask the Emperor to break off the engagement, wouldn’t all his suffering be in vain?
He quickly composed himself and looked at her with affection. “The first time I met the princess years ago, I fell in love with you at first sight. Back then, knowing my humble status, I dared not hope for your special attention. When the Emperor bestowed the marriage, I couldn’t sleep for days and nights, vowing to dedicate my entire life to you. How could I possibly let go easily?”
“Are you intending to entangle yourself with me until the end?” Hearing his declaration, the eldest princess’s heart remained unmoved. There were plenty of people who wished to approach her daily. If she were to develop feelings for each of them, the princess’s mansion would be insufficient.
“I have always admired the princess. To be able to marry you in this lifetime, I would die without regret,” Zhou Jiayang stated firmly. He had no other recourse and could only press on. It was solely the fault of his cousin for daring to run away. If she were still in the mansion, painting for him, the eldest princess would not have fallen out with him. He wondered where that girl had gone. If he found her whereabouts, he would personally teach her a lesson. Sudannovel.com
“Very well. These are your words. Don't regret them.” The eldest princess looked at him with ill intentions, flicked her sleeves forcefully, and left with her retinue.
Within a few days, news of the eldest princess keeping male consorts spread throughout the city. It was impossible not to notice, as the eldest princess openly frequented various places with several handsome men in tow.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Jiayang smashed teacup after teacup in his room, feeling as though a vast grassland was growing on his head. If it were any other woman, he would never tolerate such humiliation. But she was the eldest princess, and he could only swallow his pride.
Lord Zhou, upon hearing the news, was also furious. He had initially thought the eldest princess to be reasonable, but after his son injured his hand, she had become a different person, completely disregarding the dignity of a princess and trampling on the royal family's honor.
In the palace, the Emperor watched his daughter kneeling before him, weeping, and trembled with rage, unable to speak for a long time. “I never dreamed you would do such a thing. Everyone is laughing at you. You have disappointed me greatly.”
“If I cannot find a love of my life, can I not at least have several young and handsome men? Father only cares about appearances, but has he considered my feelings?” The princess also felt wronged. In the past, she thought he was perfect because he could paint. Now, his appearance was mediocre, and his talents even more so. She must have been blind back then. Since she couldn’t get rid of him, she decided to give him a title and live her life freely, doing as she pleased.
“I thought your mother’s early death made me dote on you more, but I seem to have spoiled you. You seemed alright before, likely because I tried my best to satisfy your every request. I didn’t expect you to be so reckless when you’re unhappy. Do you truly believe the Zhou family will break off the engagement because of this? You are too naive.” The Emperor looked at his daughter with disappointment, as if she were beyond redemption. Especially seeing her unrepentant demeanor, his anger surged.
Just then, the eldest princess looked up, her eyes fixed on the Emperor with an unyielding gaze. Through her, the Emperor seemed to see her mother of years ago. They had also faced immense opposition. Even though the Emperor and Empress had disliked her birth, they had overcome numerous difficulties and stayed together resolutely.
Whenever she faced adversity, she would face everything with such a look in her eyes. The Emperor's heart suddenly softened. He sighed and said with disappointment, “You must always remember you are a royal princess. Do not tarnish your reputation for any reason. From now on, conduct yourself wisely. You are not to enter the palace without a summons.”
The eldest princess, who had been weeping, looked up in disbelief. She had fully prepared herself for a severe punishment from her father, but instead, he had let it go so easily. For a moment, she thought she was hallucinating. But seeing the Emperor seemingly age ten years in an instant and wave his hand weakly, she opened her mouth, about to speak, but hesitated. Ultimately, her competitive spirit prevailed, and she walked out of the palace with determination.
The Zhou family had people constantly monitoring the princess's mansion. When the eldest princess entered the palace, they guessed the reason. They expected the Emperor to reprimand her severely and make her restrain herself, but to their great surprise, although the eldest princess returned with teary eyes, everything remained as before.
At this moment, Lord Zhou regretted his decision. He could foresee that welcoming a reluctant eldest princess into their home would not lead to a peaceful life for the Zhou family.