The maid curtsied to Ning Shu. "Princess, the imperial physician is here."
In reality, this body wasn't ill—just hungry. Now that she had eaten a bit, she felt much better. Since Ning Shu hadn't received the storyline yet and didn't know the original host's personality, she simply said, "Both of you, withdraw."
The two maids exchanged glances, then bowed and left the palace. Ning Shu's gaze wandered around as she took in her surroundings.
The palace was quite large. Antique shelves held all sorts of rare toys and beautiful flowers arranged in exquisite porcelain vases. A soothing scent wafted from a cloisonné enamel incense burner with a red sandalwood base.
Next to the rosewood bed frame, which was inlaid with marble, was an engraved table screen made of narra wood and ivory, displaying a scene of winter plum blossoms.
Just from the items in this room, Ning Shu could tell that this princess lived a pretty good life. What great hatred or regret could have led her to seek a counterattack?
Taking a deep breath, Ning Shu prepared to receive the storyline. Even though she was mentally ready, she still felt a sharp pain in her head.
This body's name was Li Xueshan, the only princess of the Great Yong dynasty and the younger sister of the current Emperor. He had bestowed her the title of Princess Jiahui and even granted her a territory in Taiyuan, indicating she was very pampered.
None of the onlookers knew why Princess Jiahui was so favored, simply chalking it up to familial affection from the Emperor. After all, they were siblings born of the same mother, so it wasn't surprising for a princess to be spoiled.
What they didn't know was how much Princess Jiahui had sacrificed during her brother's struggle for the throne. She had risked her life repeatedly to help him, enduring unimaginable bitterness and desperation. The brutal battles had stained the Imperial Palace with blood, and the Emperor had shown no mercy, executing all defeated princes and imperial nephews without hesitation.
His ruthless demeanor had likely terrified the civil and military ministers, allowing him to take control of the court with unexpected ease after ascending to the throne.
Now that the current Emperor was her biological brother and she was his only living relative, the bitterness had finally ended for Princess Jiahui. She began to enjoy the sweetness of life, living in complete pampering. Even the Empress, her sister-in-law, had to treat her with respect, and the concubines and consorts in the Inner Palace vied for her favor. It was hard not to envy such a life.
However, Princess Jiahui was a woman, and like any woman, she longed for love. She found herself captivated by a dashing young man.
Unlike the pretentious scholars who posed as cultured men but couldn't even truss a chicken, Jiahui was drawn to Duan Xinghui, a young general. He was handsome and straightforward, and his armored figure riding into battle was breathtaking.
After a few encounters with Duan Xinghui, Jiahui found herself increasingly pleased. He spoke carefully and respectfully, giving off an earnest and trustworthy vibe.
Though Duan Xinghui respected Jiahui deeply, he never made any promises. This only heightened her interest in him. She didn't lack admirers; she valued actions more than empty words.
The Emperor was aware of their budding relationship but didn't issue a decree immediately. Instead, he investigated whether he could truly entrust his sister to Duan Xinghui.
The relationship between Jiahui and Duan Xinghui was a well-kept secret, though it was pretty much a done deal.
Then, just as things seemed to settle, trouble erupted at the state borders. As the weather turned cold, the bearded Huns invaded the Central Plain from the north, raiding for supplies. The Emperor sent Duan Xinghui to the border stations, grandly announcing that if he returned victorious, he would marry his sister to him.