Chapter 6: The Conditions of Engagement
Princess Hua stood before Wang Wei, her heart racing with a mix of determination and uncertainty. "I accept all your conditions," she declared boldly, cutting him off before he could even speak.
Wang Wei raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flickering across his pale face. "Since Princess Hua accepted without knowing the conditions, you have to sign a contract," he said, his voice steady.
"Okay," Princess Hua replied, her confidence unwavering.
"Your Highness, did you think you should just accept without knowing the conditions?" Chen Xiu interjected, concern etched on her face.
"Since Princess Hua wants to change her mind, Mei, let's go," Wang Wei said, his tone dismissive.
"No, no! But can I know the conditions?" Princess Hua asked, her voice rising in urgency.
"That's the spirit, Your Highness!" Wang Wei smirked, enjoying the moment.
Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the courtyard. Palace guards rushed in, pointing toward Princess Hua. "Please save me! I will forever be in debt to you!" she pleaded, desperation creeping into her voice.
Wang Wei coughed again, the sound harsh and raspy, a reminder of his frail condition. He had always been sickly, his body weak and often at odds with his sharp mind. "Your Highness, I'm sorry, but I can't save you. How can a sick man you broke an engagement with save you?" he replied, his tone laced with bitterness.
"Princess, did you run away from the palace, or have you done something wrong?" Bao, Wang Wei's loyal bodyguard, asked, his eyes narrowing.
"How dare you talk to Her Highness like that!" Chen Xiu shot back, stepping protectively in front of Princess Hua.
"Your Highness," one of the palace guards called out as they approached. "Your Highness, come with us to the palace. The Emperor will forgive you." The guard, named Li Chen, stepped forward, his expression a mix of authority and concern.
Li Chen had been Princess Hua's childhood sweetheart. They had played, laughed, and shared countless memories together. But everything changed when he was appointed as the head of the palace guard, tasked with protecting the sixth princess, Qian Li, on her nineteenth birthday. Qian Li, the Emperor's favorite daughter, had fallen in love with him and begged her father to allow them to marry. Despite Princess Hua's pleas, the Emperor had asked Li Chen, and he had denied being Princess Hua's lover. The rejection had shattered her heart, leaving her to cry for days and nights. Now, he was married to Princess Li, and the pain of that loss lingered in the air.
"Li Chen, what right do you think you have to tell me to go to the palace?" Princess Hua demanded, her voice steady but laced with hurt.
Instead of replying, Li Chen stepped forward and lifted her into his arms, commanding the guards, "Take them with us to face the Emperor."
Bao's hand instinctively moved to his sword, ready to fight the guards, but Wang Wei stopped him with a firm look. "No, Bao. We must go peacefully."