Chapter 6 — The Emperor's Stupid Orchid

“It was them who attacked the ghosts first, so I took action!” I couldn't help but butt in again. As a result, the mother next to the Queen Mother unceremoniously slapped me. My tears immediately fell. I look at the emperor. He still had no expression. I asked: "Does Your Majesty also think that I was the one who started the trouble first?" "I saw with my own eyes that you beat Thuc Phi, do you still want to make excuses?" As soon as he finished speaking, I suddenly didn't want to say anything more. It turns out that His Majesty's words were not entirely true. If I have a chance in the future, I must tell my father. Your Majesty also knows how to lie. 9. I close my eyes, trying to force the tears back. I can't cry, I can't let them laugh at the Marquis Palace. At that moment, what I thought about was the Marquis Palace. I knelt down and bowed my head before Your Majesty and the Queen Mother: "What happened today is all my fault, it has nothing to do with anyone else. Please let Your Majesty and the Queen Mother handle it with mercy." "Lan Concubine, you are just a few servants, you are so heartbroken." His Majesty's voice rang out again, but this time it sounded really hateful. Of course, we cannot harm our mother because of our impulsiveness. Last time I saw them with my own eyes killing that palace maid. I suddenly regretted being so excited. If I endure, like a big turtle shrinking its neck, will they not be implicated by me? I tried to sit up straight and said to His Majesty and the Queen Mother: "I am willing to be punished." I am very resilient and will not make the Marquis lose face. This time Her Majesty hadn't said anything yet, the Queen Mother spoke first: "Concubine Lan has lost her virtue, go to the cold palace to reflect on yourself. When you think clearly, come back and learn how to be a good concubine." Concubine Thuc still wanted to say something, but the Queen Mother said she was tired and left. The Emperor passed me by without looking at me again. Thuc Phi was extremely pleased. Before leaving, she intentionally bumped me, causing me to fall down on one knee. The little eunuch ran to help me: "Niang, are you okay?" "It's okay, I just miss my father a little." I said while casually wiping the tears from my face, then limped back to Lan Phuong Palace. We have to move to the cold palace. I only brought things from the Marquis Palace to the palace. I don't bring any of the things your Majesty bestows upon me. I don't trust you anymore. I won't be able to see you from now on, so I don't need to listen to you. Hi Cong Cong quickly ran over, bringing a few people with him. I looked at him and asked: "Your Highness, is there anything else you haven't told us clearly? Everyone can rest assured, I won't bring any of the items you gave me to the cold palace." "Your Majesty, your majesty, tell this old servant to come and help you move the things." "No need, I can do it myself. Go back and obey your orders." I was so clumsy that I couldn't arrange the things neatly. Tears kept falling. I mumbled: "I don't know if I'll be able to meet my parents and grandmother in the future. I also miss my second brother. Before, he also said he would buy me gourd candy. They won't say I'm an idiot." "Niang Niang!" Cong Hi called me. I didn't look at him, just said to mom: "I've finished packing, let's go." Maybe Cong Hi was afraid that he wouldn't be able to obey, or maybe he was afraid that I would run away, so he still took me to the cold palace. Seeing that he still wanted to say something, I told Mom to close the door directly. The moment the door closed, I couldn't hold it in any longer and immediately cried. 10. My life in the cold palace cannot be said to be too bad. Clothes and belongings don't change, it's just that we're always gloomy and have no spirit. Mom and a few eunuchs and palace maids looked on impatiently, thinking of ways to make me happy. Sometimes we laugh out loud and foolishly. But even so, the queen and Thuc Phi still refused to let me go. They came several times, hinted at scolding, and even tried to find a reason

for hitting me several times. Thuc Phi defiantly asked: "Little sister Lan, is this palace qualified to teach you now?" My eyes were red, but I couldn't argue with her. Because she said: "This palace really can't do anything to you, but your maids and eunuchs are heartbroken, and your elderly mother is not sure." That was the first time I felt that a woman from a wealthy family could be so cruel. Very cold at night. I slightly miss the temperature on your Majesty's body. But I also know, from now on he will never hug me to sleep again. In my head, chaotic images begin to appear continuously. We know it's just a fantasy, not the truth, but we still can't stop the fear. I dreamed that my mother was covered in blood, hugging me, saying: "Don't be afraid, girl, I am always here." But when I wanted to hold her, she kept going further and further away. I panicked and waved my hand to catch someone, until I suddenly woke up. What caught my eye were His Majesty's bloodshot eyes from staying up late. He looked at me, his voice a bit hoarse: "Is Princess Lan having a nightmare? Don't be afraid, I'm here." I looked at Your Majesty in front of me. The images of him and the cold and heartless person that day overlapped each other. I unconsciously withdrew my hand. I feel Your Majesty stiffen, but I don't understand. I thought this was still a dream.