Chapter 2 — Phong Gia Chi Han

I didn't say anything, just hugged her tightly. Chi Ngoc just turned twenty-five. Just like me, when I entered the palace at the age of thirteen, I was careful with every step, now after more than ten years, I soon look forward to the life outside the door. We once discussed opening a small embroidery shop at the foot of the royal citadel, selling a few small items. I'll give you all I've been saving for a long time as opening capital. Chi Ngoc held my hand, her eyes were red:

"Chi Nguyet, you are already at the age of leaving the palace, why doesn't your name appear on the list? Could it be that the queen has forgotten it?"

I tried to curl my lips, but couldn't force a smile, I just tried to look relieved and pat her hand:

“I miscalculated my age, I'll only be twenty-five next year, and I'll have to stay another year.

Remember to do good business, I will come to you next year!” Chi Ngoc was relieved, gave a few more instructions, and then hurriedly walked out of the palace gate. I stood still, watching her shadow disappear into the sunlight. My heart falls little by little to the bottom of the abyss. Chi Ngoc did not know that I would never be able to leave the palace again. 4. I trudged back to Phuong Nghi palace. As soon as he stepped foot on the threshold, he immediately received a heavy slap. The nanny withdrew her hand, her face full of anger:

"You bastard! Is it because you're hanging around the saint and refusing to leave that's why you're coming back this late?"

I close my eyes and make no excuses. She used the excuse that I was lazy and forced her to kneel outside in the hot sun until noon. In the palace, Phai Hanh Canh and the queen were discussing getting along, their faces tinged with fatigue.

"According to the mother's wishes, I want to choose a palace maid to replace the princess."

The Queen was worried:

“The palace maids all come from clean families. When they are old, they leave the palace to get married. Who is willing to go to that frontier place?”

“If there is no one willing, then find a way to make her willing to volunteer.”

That was his voice, calm and cold. I don't know how long I knelt, all I could see was darkness. The body fell right at the feet of Phe Hanh Canh who was preparing to leave. In the blurry vision, he just glanced at me indifferently, then walked straight past, without stopping. When I woke up, the sky was bright. Before he could calm down, he was carried by several palace maids before the queen. I tried to kneel down, but unexpectedly the lady gently stepped forward and helped me up:

"Chi Nguyet, I've been thinking about it for a long time, leaving you like this is not a long-term thing after all."

“You are already the emperor's man, wanting to leave the palace is impossible.

The royal physician and the guard all have ranks, they don't value those who have faded flowers and willow trees. Besides, this palace still wants to keep you by its side." I was momentarily frightened, but a spark of joy arose in my heart:

“The lady wants to give her servant…”

The Queen smiled and interrupted:

“This palace has helped you find a good marriage that is both dignified and doesn't have to leave the palace, it's truly a win-win situation.”

I looked at her blankly, her smile was leisurely, each word clear:

“In the royal palace there is old Cong Tu, who is an honest person.

This palace gave you to him and agreed to have a relationship with him, how about it? Thunder exploded in the clear sky! Tu Cong Cong is over sixty, more than capable of being my ancestor. I fell to the ground, looking up in disbelief. The first night she offered tea to Phe Hanh Canh, when she returned, she said she would give me a name. Even if it's just a lowly official lady, or the word "Response", just allowing me to have a bright and righteous existence in this royal court is enough. However, her next words made everyone cold:

"Last night during the meal, the saint also approved this marriage."

4. Two days later, I entered Duong Tam Palace again. Trying to suppress my anger, I poured all my heart and soul to please Phai Hanh Canh. When news of defeat came, his mood was always gloomy. That night, his face darkened and he continued to torment me, as if he wanted to vent all the humiliation of failure and reconciliation on me. I couldn't bear it anymore, and in the middle of the lonely night I fainted. When I woke up, Phai Hanh Canh still hadn't slept. He played with my hair and smiled faintly:

“I have favored you for more than three years, why are you still so useless?”

I leaned wetly against his chest, patiently waiting until I asked:

“Your Majesty really... wants to marry a slave to Cong Tu Tu?”

He raised his eyebrows slightly:

“What do you think?”

I jumped up, knelt down in front of me, choking:

“I don't dare hope to be made a concubine. As long as I can stay by your side, being a servant girl is a blessing.”

“The Queen once said that she cannot bear to leave you.”

His voice was still indifferent, without any hesitation:

"You are a person who cherishes old love, I cannot take away the person in your heart."

I fell limply onto the wet bed. That's right— because of a humble servant like me, how dare he make the queen feel uncomfortable. Moreover, he has only been on the throne for three years, his position is not yet stable, and the Queen Mother is still regent. At this moment, how dare he offend the Phong Quoc Duc's palace, let alone let the Queen Mother catch her weakness and bring out this dirty matter as a threat. After a while, I heard myself trembling and asking:

“So… can your Majesty not marry a slave to Cong Tu?”