Chapter 5 — I Am Your Royal Highness, Not Your Puppet

He did not speak. But that silence is an admission.

“You are wrong.” I looked straight into his eyes, every word was so clear that it couldn't be clearer. “Water can lift a boat, but it can also overturn it.”

"If our Tham family can lift you up to your current position, we can also pull you down."

“Starting tomorrow, I will move to the heavenly courtyard.”

“Thanh Ninh Cu, I despise and don't want to stay anymore.”

“You take care of yourself.”

Having finished speaking, I didn't turn back and walked out directly. Xuan Hoa and Tham Nhat led my people and immediately followed behind. Tieu Canh Diem sat alone in a large, empty room, watching my determined back gradually move away, not moving for a long time. I don't know what he is thinking. But I don't want to know anymore. This man is not worth it. The news I conveyed to the heavenly courtyard was like growing wings, within just one day it spread throughout the entire Royal Palace. The subordinates talked incessantly, their eyes looking at me also gradually turned from the previous fear into pity and contempt. In their eyes, the Princess I was completely disgraced. Lieu Nhu Nguyet's illness completely recovered on the second day after we moved out. She began to work again, walking back and forth in every corner of the Royal Palace, naturally taking on the appearance of a true female owner. She even sent someone to Thien Vien to spread the word that the feng shui of the main courtyard was very good, she wanted to move in there, and told me to quickly pack up all my belongings and take them away. I ordered the woman to come forward and convey that message, but Tham Nhat directly broke her leg and threw her out. The entire Royal Palace once again fell into a terrifyingly quiet atmosphere. Everyone understands very well that this war is far from over. At that moment, a holy edict was transmitted from the palace. Three days later, Trieu Canh Diem and Tieu Canh Diem entered the palace to attend the Queen Mother's banquet. This is the first time since the cold war that we have to appear together at a public event. Lieu Nhu Nguyet also heard this news. Her thoughts immediately arose. She found Tieu Canh Diem, crying and saying that since she was a child, she had never seen the royal palace, and begged him to take her with her. Tieu Canh Diem could not stand her soft pleading, but actually agreed. He even specially came to the heavenly monastery to "inform" me.

"On the day of the feast, Nhu Nguyet will come with us. At that time, please take care of her a little, don't let her be rude."

He stood outside the courtyard gate, not stepping inside, his tone was both commanding and aloof. At that time, I was pruning a pot of orchids, and when I heard that, I didn't even raise my head.

"Your Majesty, have you forgotten, or do you not understand the rules?"

"At the Queen Mother's banquet, only the prince and Chinh Phi are eligible to attend the banquet. A young lady with no name and no status like her, what identity does she have to go?"

“I can go and ask my father for a favor.”

It seemed he had already prepared an explanation.

“So you just go.”

I cut down a withered leaf.

“On the contrary, I really want to see how you will explain to your father that you want to bring a 'younger sister', not My 'Chief Concubine' must attend the banquet."

His face was once again blocked by me until it turned red.

“Tham Thanh Ninh, do you have to be against me in everything?”

“It's you who is testing my limits over and over again.”

I put down the scissors and finally raised my head to look straight at him.

“Tieu Canh Diem, I warn you one last time.”

“Don't bring your foolishness into the palace.”

“That will kill the entire Royal Palace.”

In the end, he still did not dare to ask for that grace. The day of feasting arrives. He had a dark face and sat in the same carriage with me heading to the palace. All the way. We don't say a word to each other. Lieu Nhu Nguyet specially put on meticulous makeup, standing in front of the royal palace gate to see us off, her eyes looking towards me filled with jealousy and unwillingness. After entering the palace. We have an audience with the Queen Mother. Then offer longevity offerings. What Tieu Canh Diem prepared was a valuable jade Buddha statue. Nothing outstanding, nothing wrong.