The cool spring breeze blows to announce the end of winter. Inside a temple, a girl huddled in a corner. Her hands covered his ears. Outside the window, the moon shone like the sun. The white light of the moon illuminates the entire earth. It was beautiful, but terrible for the girl. The full moon absorbed all of her power. As the power was absorbed, the brighter the full moon shone.
"Help, I'm scared."
The little girl pleaded in her weak voice. However, no one would care about her. No one will cry for her when she dies. Everyone in the palace wished for her death, Monstrous White.
The faint sounds of people's joy were heard. They were celebrating the birthday of the empire's first princess.
Yue bent her body as the moonlight began to enter the altar area. What a terrible fate she lived. In the beginning, she was the daughter of the empress who was most loved by the Emperor. After her birth, people considered her a curse because of her pale skin, red eyes, and white hair. In the lineage of the emperor's family, there had never been such an incident. Yue's mother was executed on charges of infidelity. Meanwhile, Yue was not executed because at that time she was still a baby. Instead, Yue was locked up inside the temple. She was alone and far from people who were afraid to see her red eyes which were like the eyes of the devil.
Slowly, the clouds covered the full moon. The sound of giggling crows was heard around the temple area. Yue took a deep breath, then lay down.
"Mom, I want to see you."
⭑⭑⭑
Inside the palace, the hall looked majestic with sparkling decorations. The royals wore the finest garments sewn by renowned designers. They sat on chairs that were mounted on tiers. At the top level, the Emperor sat down.
The Emperor smiled at the joy of those present to celebrate the birthday of the first princess, Lanhua. The Emperor smiled at everyone who offered wealth as a gift to the princess. Princess Lanhua shone with the extravagant jewels that were given.
"Your Majesty, thank you for permitting me to hold a birthday celebration. I will grow up well and make Your Majesty proud."
The Emperor laughed softly. "Anything as long as my daughter is happy."
"Prince Huang of the southern kingdom entered the room!"
After the guard announced the arrival of a guest, people turned to the entrance. They were stunned to see the dashing Prince Huang with the face of heavenly creation. Prince Huang accompanied by a eunuch walked before the Emperor. Then, they bowed respectfully.
Princess Lanhua coughed a little. Her cheeks flushed red as the distance between her and Prince Huang was close enough.
"I, Prince Huang of the southern kingdom pay my respects to the emperor of this country. May Your Majesty live the next 1000 years."
"I congratulate Princess Lanhua. May Princess Lanhua always be blessed."
Princess Lanhua covered her reddened face with a handkerchief. "Thank you, Prince Huang," she said.
"Your Majesty, my arrival today is to discuss the letter I received."
Letter? Does that mean Prince Huang agreed to a political marriage with the princess of our kingdom?
Princess Lanhua spoke in her heart and was instantly happy that her dream would come true. She looked shyly at the prince.
"We'll talk where it's convenient," the Emperor said as he rose from his seat.
Princess Lanhua continued to stare at the Prince who gradually disappeared at the end of the corridor.
"There is only one princess in this kingdom, and that is me. I thank the heavens for this gift," the princess whispered.
⭑⭑⭑
The Emperor and Prince Huang stood at the edge of the lotus pond. Koi fish emerged from the bottom of the pond out of curiosity about the two figures who were silent for a long time.
"Your Majesty, the marriage between the northern and southern kingdoms is a great way to unite the two kingdoms."
The Emperor nodded. In the Northern kingdom, there is only Lanhua who is recognized as a princess. Apart from this political marriage benefiting both kingdoms, Lanhua would be happy to be able to marry the best man in the Southern kingdom.
"So what is your decision, Prince Huang?"
Prince Huang bowed, then saluted. "Your Majesty, the person who will carry out this marriage is my brother."
The Emperor flinched but hid his feelings. He cleared his throat and stood with his back to the prince. "You must have your reasons," he said calmly.
"Sorry for the delay in informing Your Majesty. One month ago, I got engaged to a princess from a foreign country. The Southern Kingdom depended on the supply of herbs from that country. Please Your Highness understand my situation."
Beneath the golden robes he was wearing, the Emperor's hands were clenched into fists. The prince is sly. There is only one princess in the northern kingdom and there is only one other prince from the Southern kingdom. Letting the two of them marry was an insult to the Emperor. The precious Lanhua did not deserve to live with the crippled prince.
However, if this marriage did not happen, the northern kingdom would be at a loss. Prince Huang's father already agreed to the marriage proposal. The Emperor thought hard about how to keep Lanhua away from this marriage, but the marriage had to happen anyway.
⭑⭑⭑
In the royal hall, Lanhua waited and was bored because they had not returned. Until the party ended, she still did not see Prince Huang.
While walking in the corridor, Lanhua saw her father walking in front of her. Lanhua hastily pursued until it overwhelmed the maids.
"Your Majesty, this princess greets you," Lanhua greeted, then motioned for all the maids to leave.
"Father, how about the discussion?"
For a moment, the Emperor was silent. His old eyes looked at Lanhua's beautiful face. This girl as beautiful as an orchid is not worthy of a cripple, even if he is a prince.
"This may disappoint you. Prince Huang is engaged."
"So what about the marriage proposal? Will it be canceled?" asked Lanhua. Until now she was trying not to be emotional.
"The marriage proposal will be implemented, but you are not the bride."
The Emperor sighed. In his heart, he knew Lanhua was very disappointed. However, he could comfort his daughter later. Regarding political marriage, there is one more daughter who can be made a bride.
"Servants! Call Princess Yue for tomorrow's wedding."