Crying While Filling the Pit I Dug - Chapter 58

Song Miaomiao did not choose to muddle through and suppress the matter, but faced up to the challenge and made up the plot.

“Indeed.”

Startled, the Emperor inquired, “Indeed? Is Yi Qing truly betrothed? To whom?”

Song Miaomiao replied, “It’s… Supervisor Gu from Gu Shangshu’s family.”

The Emperor pondered, “So, this matter entwines with the two esteemed subjects of the court as well?”

Xiao Chengqi interjected, “Father, to my knowledge, General Yi’s mention of the betroth was casual, and this pact was forged over a decade ago…”

The Emperor expressed his sadness, “Qi’er, once a gentleman utters a word, it’s akin to chasing after a galloping horse. This is a lesson I imparted to you in your youth. Even if this promise was made years ago, it remains binding. How could you be so indecisive? As the heir to the throne, you must uphold your integrity, honor your commitments, and act with conviction.”

Xiao Chengqi elaborated, “Father, but this matter holds immense significance. It pertains to my sister’s lifelong happiness, and there is potential for reconsideration.”

In frustration, the Emperor overturned the pile of trinkets brought as tribute by the Tartars to the ground, “What room for reconsideration exists? Let this matter be, Xiaoxiao. I will seek another suitable husband for you. Qi’er, do not pursue this any further!”

Song Miaomiao knelt before her father, declaring, “Father, I have made my decision, and it shall not waver.”

Xiao Chengqi interjected urgently, “Father!”

Enraged, the Emperor snapped, “If you wish to kneel, then kneel! When you come to your senses, you may depart.”

The Emperor kicked Song Miaomiao and Xiao Chengqi out from the Zhanggan Hall, leaving them to kneel in the square outside.

In the bustling palace, a steady stream of courtiers moved about, their actions and words carefully measured. None dared to meet their gaze or utter a single word in their presence.

Expressing her gratitude sincerely, Song Miaomiao said to her brother, “Thank you.”

Xiao Chengqi replied, “Sister, it’s only right for me to help.”

Song Miaomiao reflected on the situation. Her brother, the Crown Prince, didn’t have to kneel alongside her. Anyway, the matter had nothing to do with him. His willingness to accompany her stemmed from his affection for her. Yet, she considered the value of having an extra ally to accomplish her task.

She decided to repay her brother’s kindness after completing her task. Song Miaomiao couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for the Crown Prince. Despite his destined marriage to Gu Jiaren, her heart belonged to Yi Qing. 

As she knelt there, hunger gnawed at Song Miaomiao’s stomach, and discomfort seeped into her knees. Suddenly, she spotted a familiar figure approaching the hall—Gu Jiaren.

Two young eunuchs were walking ahead of Gu Jiaren. She seemed to have been summoned by the emperor. Did the Emperor summon her to discuss her marriage contract with Yi Qing? Did the Emperor become more lenient? How would he address this situation? Would he make Gu Jiaren cancel the engagement? Or perhaps, would he suggest that Gu Jiaren withdraw from the marriage, so as to prevent the Emperor from potentially disrupting it? Could the woman’s family decide to voluntarily dissolve the engagement?

No, this era adheres strictly to parental orders and the decisions of matchmakers. Children were generally not entitled to interfere in their own marriages. If the Emperor wished to annul the engagement, he should summon Gu Jiaren’s father.

It took about half an hour for Gu Jiaren to emerge. As she did, several servants followed her till carrying two boxes, presumably given to her by the Emperor. Despite her expression remaining calm, Song Miaomiao felt puzzled.

Shortly after Gu Jiaren’s departure, several servants emerged from the Zhanggan Hall, holding a golden Imperial Decree, making their way towards the palace gate.

About thirty minutes later, the Emperor emerged from the Zhanggan Hall accompanied by a formidable entourage of servants. He cast an indifferent glance at Xiao Chengqi and Song Miaomiao before departing the hall without uttering a word.

As the sun dipped below the western horizon, Song Miaomiao discerned the distant strains of ritual music and silk bamboo. Soon after, fireworks illuminated the sky, transforming the atmosphere into a lively spectacle.

Adjusting her kneeling position slightly, Song Miaomiao inquired, “Brother, what’s happening?”

Xiao Chengqi replied, “This is the celebration banquet hosted by our father for Abul in the Yuze Palace.”

“Oh,” murmured Song Miaomiao.

She then accessed the electronic map, revealing Yi Qing’s coordinate was within the Yuze Hall.

In the dead of night, the ceremonial music in Yuze Palace finally subsided. Song Miaomiao grew increasingly desperate. In the early winter chill, the biting wind whipped around, exacerbating the princess’s already delicate health. She felt sleepy, hungry, cold, and exhausted. Her legs, numbed and throbbing, refused to budge due to the cold.

Kneeling for such an extended period was truly inhumane. She had exerted every effort to return to reality.

Song Miaomiao was plagued by a splitting headache, struggling to keep her eyes open. In a haze, she caught sight of a slender figure passing before her. Then, with a resounding thud, Song Miaomiao’s head met the ground.

Two days had passed by the time Song Miaomiao regained consciousness. She found herself lying on a finely carved wooden bed within Sishui Hall, with Yan Yu and several maids standing nearby. Yan Yu, visibly relieved, exclaimed, “Thank the heavens, Princess, you’ve finally awakened.” 

Her eyes brimming with tears, Yan Yu promptly instructed the other attendants, “Quickly inform His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.”

“Water,” croaked Song Miaomiao, her throat parched.

Without delay, Yan Yu fetched warm water for Song Miaomiao, assisting her to sit up and sip.

Moistening her throat, Song Miaomiao inquired, “Where’s my brother?”

Yan Yu replied, “His Royal Highness should be attending to Prince Abul at present.”

“Oh.” Song Miaomiao pondered whether her prolonged kneeling had moved the Emperor. “And what about Supervisor Gu?”

“Supervisor Gu…” Yan Yu hesitated, “During the afternoon when you were undergoing punishment, Supervisor Gu was appointed as the Lord of Anhua County by His Majesty. The other servants are unaware of this development.”

Why had Gu Jiaren suddenly been bestowed with the title of County Lord? Could it be that the Emperor, feeling remorseful for the treatment of the Gu family, sought to placate their grievances by granting this honor?

Song Miaomiao pressed on, “And where is Yi Qing?”