Chapter 4: Anywhere you go your highness
The rhythmic sounds of drums echoed through the palace grounds, announcing the grand wedding of Princess Hua. The air was thick with anticipation, and the vibrant colors of silk banners fluttered in the gentle breeze. "Your Highness, Consort Ai is here to see you," Xiu announced, her voice barely cutting through the din of celebration.
Princess Hua sat in her ornate chair, her delicate features marred by distress. Her long, dark hair cascaded around her shoulders, framing her tear-streaked face. "Hua, why aren't you dressed?" Consort Ai, a woman of serene beauty with gentle eyes and a calming presence, approached her daughter. Her soft voice was laced with concern, and her graceful demeanor radiated warmth.
"mǔqīn (Mother), I can't marry Mr. Guo," Princess Hua replied, her eyes burning like hot coals, betraying the tears she had shed. Consort Ai knelt beside her, using a delicate handkerchief to wipe away the remnants of her sorrow. "It's okay," she whispered, gently tapping her back in a soothing gesture.
With a heavy heart, Consort Ai began to dress the princess in her wedding attire, a stunning gown adorned with intricate embroidery that shimmered like the stars. Once finished, she stepped out of the room, but the moment was fleeting. The guards called for the bride, but silence hung in the air. When they barged in, they found the wedding dress crumpled on the floor and the window wide open. Princess Hua had escaped through the window, slipping away with Chen Xiu through a hidden passage known only to them.
"Your Majesty, Princess Hua has run away!" a palace eunuch stammered, his voice trembling with fear. The emperor's face darkened with anger. "How insolent! Look for her!" he ordered, his voice booming through the halls. The news spread like wildfire among the palace maids and throughout the capital, igniting whispers of scandal. "Did you hear? Princess Hua ran away! She is so bold!"
"Princess, where are we going?" Chen Xiu panted, her breath heavy from their escape. They had run for miles, now finding themselves on a secluded mountain path. "I'm sorry, Xiu. I have nowhere to go," Princess Hua replied, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
"It's okay, Your Highness. I will be with you anywhere," Chen Xiu reassured her, though her heart ached for her highness. Just then, a group of bandits emerged from the shadows, their intentions clear.