The eunuch carefully unfurled the scroll, holding it with both of his hands in a display of utmost respect. With a loud and commanding voice, he began to speak.
"May the one true Almighty shower blessings upon the Kingdom of Zhao, allowing it to be ruled with benevolence and wisdom. Grand Imperial Princess Shu, possessing unparalleled patience, dignity, and kindness, has shown herself to have the purest heart and the wisest mind. In recognition of her tremendous sacrifices, it is only fitting that she be honored accordingly.
For more than two decades, she chose a life of seclusion, dedicating her days to prayers for the Imperial Family and the people of Zhao, all while residing at her husband's ancestral residence in Yuchang City.
In accordance with the divine will, I now bestow upon her the distinguished title of Heavenly Jade Princess, elevating her above all other princesses. Along with this honor, she shall inherit half of the Western Tribute and the City of Yunhao, to be passed down as she sees fit.
Furthermore, we have prepared for her the highest tomb, located beside her husband's final resting place in the Imperial Mausoleum, along with a congratulatory gift."
The eunuch's proclamation echoed through the palace, leaving those in attendance, including her fellow maids and eunuchs, in a state of profound astonishment.
Xuan Cheng, her eyes wide and filled with bewilderment, was momentarily paralysed. She fixated her gaze on the words inscribed on the scroll, her pupils contracting with each passing moment.
The Head Eunuch, well aware of the Princess's emotions, offered a warm smile and a gentle reminder. "Your Highness, please accept this honor."
Overwhelmed by the surge of emotions, Xuan Cheng spoke with teary eyes, her voice trembling with euphoria. "I express my heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty for his boundless grace."
Xuan Cheng remained in a state of stunned silence, unable to muster a response or reaction to the overwhelming news. It was Huan who came to her aid, extending a helping hand to lift her from her seat. With both her hands outstretched, the Head Eunuch carefully placed the scroll in her grasp, and she clutched it tightly, her gaze fixed upon the words inscribed upon it.
"Your Highness," Huan mumbled, her amusement clear as she gazed at Xuan Cheng. In response, the princess looked up and chuckled.
"May I have the privilege of knowing your name, sir?" Xuan Cheng inquired, her voice trembling with emotion, tears trickling down her cheeks.
"My surname is Su," he replied with a slight bow of his head.
"Ah, please, take a seat," she offered, indicating the nearby chair. She handed the scroll to Mama Li, who had just entered the main hall.
"Mama Li, please deliver this to my grandmother," Xuan Cheng instructed before resuming her seat.
She signaled to Huan, who promptly attended to her responsibilities. "Esteemed sirs, we have made arrangements for your accommodations. Please follow me to the guest quarters, where we will serve you a fine meal," she announced.
"Eunuch Su, I would request your presence here," Princess Xuan Cheng said as the other eunuch departed. The maids and eunuchs who had been kneeling outside were dismissed to attend to their duties.
As Mama Li approached and whispered in her ear, Xuan Cheng's complexion paled, and she nodded in acknowledgment before dismissing her.
Once alone, Eunuch Su voiced his concerns, "Your Highness, is everything alright?"
Princess Cheng nodded and smiled once more, "Sir, you were instructed to arrive discreetly, yet you entered in your official robes."
"We arrived without drawing attention, changing into our official attire only after arriving at your estate. It would have been inappropriate to meet Her Highness in casual attire," he explained.
"Is that so? How considerate," she commented, recognizing the truth in his words.
Curiosity got the better of her, and she probed further, "I wonder, who do you truly serve?"
"We are all subjects of His Majesty," he replied cautiously.
Persisting, Xuan Cheng asked again, "Whom do you serve?" It was evident she was not satisfied with his initial response.
Though she possessed the power to delve deeper into his memories and uncover the truth, she held fast to her principles. "Your Highness, I humbly request your forgiveness, but I'm unsure if I can disclose that information," he replied cautiously.
Xuan Cheng let out a heavy sigh, her disappointment evident as she gazed around the room. Eunuch Su observed her quietly for a moment before venturing to ask, "Your Highness, what troubles you?"
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she delicately retrieved a handkerchief embroidered with a meticulously crafted cloud. She used it to dab at the corners of her eyelids as she began to speak, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "Eunuch Su, you may not fully comprehend the difficult life I lead with my grandmother. She often falls ill, and it pains me deeply. I feel utterly useless. I've never set foot outside this mansion, and aside from my father and brother, you are the only person I've met from the Capital City."
As the forgotten princess, her life felt like a living hell. She continued, "I had hoped that I could somehow repay the kindness shown to me, but I don't even know who to thank. I'm utterly alone here, in a place that feels more like a prison. I thought I might find someone I could rely on. But how could I even entertain such thoughts? I don't deserve anything." She sobbed softly, occasionally stealing glances at Eunuch Su, whose brows furrowed with concern.
After a moment of contemplation, he spoke reassuringly, "Your Highness, please don't say that. It's true that my master is unaware of your presence, and the fact that the Grand Imperial Princess is accompanied by her granddaughter. In reality, I serve Prince Zhao Ming."
"Prince Zhao Ming?" she murmured in shock, her tears momentarily forgotten.
"Yes," he replied hesitantly. "He is the First Rank Prince, the son of the emperor and the empress. It was he who personally instructed me to deliver this decree."
"He isn't the crown prince, then?" she inquired, her tone showing she believed his words without a doubt.
"Crown Prince? No, Your Highness. The coronation ceremony was held yesterday, and it was Prince Wu who was crowned," Eunuch Su explained, a slight chuckle escaping him.
Xuan Cheng absorbed this information and replied simply, "Oh."
Eunuch Su's concern persisted as he asked, "Your Highness, are you facing some sort of trouble? You mentioned having no one to rely on. Perhaps His Highness can be of assistance."
"It's nothing," she responded with a dismissive shake of her head. "I can handle it on my own."
Xuan Cheng then turned to Huan and issued a directive, "Prepare for their stay." But before preparations could begin, Eunuch Su felt compelled to explain that they couldn't stay. "I thank Your Highness," he began, "but we cannot stay here."
Xuan Cheng, however, remained insistent. She turned back to Eunuch Su with a warm and welcoming smile, saying, "You must stay here, just for this night." Her hospitality was evident, and it was clear that she wished to extend her kindness to the guests from the Capital City.