Love Like the Galaxy

At this moment, the hall fell into silence, broken only by the Empress's hoarse, muffled coughs.

The Fifth Prince knew he should wisely take his leave now, but his love for drama made him stubbornly stay. He merely crawled backward quietly a few steps, kneeling at a slight distance from Ling Buyi and Cheng Shaoshang.

The Fifth Princess was thoroughly frightened by Ling Buyi's words and looked up in panic, calling out, "Mother..."

The Empress raised her left hand, signaling her daughter to be silent. Only after catching her breath did she speak: "I dislike your actions. I dislike the people around you. For years, I've tried reasoning with you properly, but it's been utterly useless. You're a princess, and the youngest one at that—I can't beat you or scold you harshly. After all, you're a girl; I must leave you some dignity."

"I once thought of scolding you severely, like how Consort Yue berated the Third Princess, leaving you no face at all, so you'd understand the consequences. But because the Third Princess's reputation for 'being disliked by His Majesty and Consort Yue' was known throughout the city, her husband's family inevitably treated her with contempt. Otherwise, she wouldn't have fled to a manor outside the city while heavily pregnant. Later, she suffered a difficult childbirth in the countryside. Had it not been for Zisheng's timely help, she wouldn't have survived that ordeal."

"In my youth, life wasn't easy. I had to be cautious in speech and action, never daring to compete for anything. So I wanted my children to live freely and happily. Never did I imagine I'd indulge you to the point where you don't know your limits, becoming black-hearted and vicious!"

The Fifth Princess, dizzy from the scolding, still argued, "How does Mother know I killed anyone?! Even if Mother wants to protect Cheng Shaoshang for Eleventh Master's sake, there's no need to use your own daughter as a scapegoat!"

Furious, the Empress slammed her hand on the table and shouted, "Fine! You're still stubborn! In that case, dare you repeat these words before your father? Once your people are interrogated and the truth comes out, we can add the crime of deceiving the emperor to your list!"

Lying to the Emperor was no trivial matter. The Fifth Princess immediately fell silent.

"You scheme behind others' backs and deceive to their faces—is there anything you wouldn't do?! Are you even fit to be a princess? Are you fit to live in luxurious mansions and wear fine clothes?!"

The Empress continued slamming the table as she scolded, but she was a refined person, incapable of vulgar insults. Had it been Shao Shang doing the scolding, she would have surely invoked all manner of livestock, making it vividly colorful.

The Fifth Princess, accustomed to arrogance, couldn't help but stiffen her neck and retort, "Fit or not, I am still Father's daughter! Surely Mother wouldn't punish me over such a trivial matter! When Emperor Jing was Crown Prince, he killed a prince's heir apparent with a chessboard, yet he still ascended the throne just fine—who dared trouble him? And there was General Piaoji of the previous dynasty, who shot a fellow officer dead, yet Emperor Wu protected him. Who held him accountable? If even a prince's heir and a general could act so, what of the daughter of a petty official?!"

Her eyes shifted toward Shao Shang as she added pointedly, "As they say, punishment does not extend to the nobility. Even if I had killed Cheng Shaoshang, do you think Father would make me pay with my life?!"

Shao Shang sighed inwardly. This was the root of the problem. The Fifth Princess was indeed foolish and frivolous, indeed full of flaws—but so what? She committed crimes at zero cost. To put it bluntly, if this attempt failed, she could always try again next time.The Empress was nearly driven to fury by her daughter's words. She wasn't particularly eloquent—though she could recognize impropriety in her heart and think of clear rebuttals afterward, in the heat of the moment, she often found herself speechless.

"Repaying with a life is acceptable, not repaying is also acceptable," Ling Buyi suddenly said.

Everyone turned to look at him.

"When Emperor Gao led his troops into Xianyang, he established three simple laws with the people. The first of these was 'those who kill shall die,' regardless of the murderer's status." As he spoke these words, Ling Buyi's handsome face naturally took on an air of authority. The Fifth Princess watched him, her heart torn between infatuation and anguish.

"Emperor Jing and General Piaoji escaped unscathed after killing because they had their reasons. The former was a powerful feudal prince whose authority nearly surpassed imperial power. Emperor Jing, young and hot-blooded, had long resented this, and his father, Emperor Wen, naturally covered for his son. The latter was because the deceased harbored hatred toward General Piaoji's uncle—Emperor Wu's Grand General at the time—due to his father's death. In short, both had the Emperor shielding them. But, Your Highness, what grudge did Shao Shang hold against you that you had to harm her? It was nothing more than arrogance, jealousy, and malice."

The Fifth Princess's chest heaved violently. She thought bitterly that when a man's heart turned ruthless, there was no limit to it. Never had she imagined that the one pressing her so relentlessly today would be the man of her dreams.

Ling Buyi's tone was slow and gentle: "Your Highness, let us set aside this matter of life and death for now. Let us calculate something else. Out of personal spite, you committed such a wicked act on the Empress's birthday—an act of utmost disloyalty and unfiliality. How should this crime be accounted for?"

The Fifth Princess's heart turned cold. Unlike Shao Shang, who had only recently entered court life, she understood the severity of this charge all too well. Trembling, she said, "Eleventh Master, we have known each other for over a decade, growing up together in the Everlasting Autumn Palace. How can you show no regard for our bond? This Cheng Shaoshang—who appeared out of nowhere less than a year ago—has you going to such lengths to avenge her?"

Ling Buyi replied, "In this vast world, beyond the Emperor's majesty, there is only the kindness of one's parents in raising them. Your Highness acted with such ruthless decisiveness—to settle your own grudges, you disregarded even the love of the mother who bore you. How could I, a mere subject, dare to speak of any bond with Your Highness?"

If she could so callously disregard her own mother, what bond could there possibly be? Were she not a princess, she would have died ten times over by his hand.

The Fifth Princess laughed through her tears. "Fine, fine. It seems you are determined to destroy me today..."

She had a fierce and violent temperament. Seeing Ling Buyi's heartlessness, she abandoned all pleas and turned directly to the Empress. Crawling on her knees, she clutched the Empress's legs and wept, "Mother, Mother, spare me this once! I was bewitched, my judgment clouded—that’s why I did such a thing! Please, forgive me! Earlier, you said Third Sister suffered mistreatment from her husband's family. Do you wish for me to suffer the same fate? The man I am to marry is even worse than the Third Imperial Son-in-Law. All my elder sisters married similar husbands—why must I be so unlucky? Why? Think about it, Mother, think again..."Speaking of this marriage arrangement, the Empress couldn't help but soften. The future son-in-law was notorious throughout the land as a wastrel, with a temperament both arrogant and impulsive. Yet at that time, the Emperor had already decided on the marriage alliance between the Xuan and Yue families. Her own natal family was manageable—her elder brother, Marquis Xuan, had only one son who was of marriageable age, honest and kind by nature. However, Consort Yue's family had four brothers, and coincidentally, only the son of the third brother, the Marquis of Yue, was unmarried and of suitable age...

At this thought, the Empress couldn't hold back a few tears. Seeing this, the Fifth Princess thought she had a chance, but to her surprise, the Empress said, "Since the engagement was settled, you've been resentful and dissatisfied, constantly venting your anger on others. Although His Majesty hasn't said anything, he has indulged you. So, you take advantage of this to push your luck?"

"Mother...?" The Fifth Princess was shocked.

"You are taking a consort, not being sent off for a political marriage. You have your own princess residence, eunuchs, palace maids, guards, servants, and vast estates with grand manors..."

The Empress's voice was weak, but she persisted, word by word, "If you live harmoniously, you and your consort can stay together. If not, like the Third Princess, you can live separately—who would dare criticize you? You cry and wail at every turn, acting as if the whole world has wronged you. Now you even dare to commit violence and frame others on my birthday, treating it as nothing. What won't you dare to do in the future!"

Catching her breath, she felt a surge of anger in her chest and forced herself to speak louder, "Don’t bother crying and begging for mercy today. I know you don’t feel the slightest remorse—you’re just afraid of punishment. Since you never listen to me anyway, let your father deal with you this time. Guards, detain the princess immediately. When the Imperial Secretariat and the Grand Steward’s people arrive, hand her over to them... Zhai Nanny, help me back first."

Zhai Nanny had already noticed the Empress's face growing paler and immediately rose to support her as they moved toward the inner chambers. The Fifth Princess, now terrified, clutched the Empress's robes and cried out, "Mother, how can you be so cruel? Am I not—"

Zhai Nanny sternly shouted, "What are you all standing around for, useless fools!" She forcefully pulled the Empress's robes free.

Four sturdy palace maids, who had been waiting nearby, stepped forward and restrained the Fifth Princess from all sides, rendering her immobile. Ignoring her howls and sobs, Zhai Nanny firmly escorted the Empress down the inner palace corridor until their figures disappeared from view.

The Fifth Princess turned her head and glared viciously at Shao Shang. "You little wretch, I should have dealt with you long ago! If I hadn’t been soft-hearted, you wouldn’t be so brazen today!"

Shao Shang met her gaze calmly. "Your Highness, you overthink it. How could I dare to be brazen? To be honest, I’m actually very afraid."

"You? Afraid?" The Fifth Princess sneered. "From the moment this incident happened, you haven’t shown a trace of fear!"

Shao Shang replied quietly, "It’s true. I am afraid. I fear fierce winds, blizzards, the cold gloom of palace halls, the flickering shadows of candlelight. I fear everything in this world that can harm me. You think I’m cunning and deceitful, but someone like me, who fears everything, must be cunning to survive with peace of mind."

"When I first entered the palace, I lived in constant fear, terrified that a single misstep might cost me my life. But day by day, the Empress's kindness, Zhai Nanny's decency, and the generally warm and reliable people of the Everlasting Autumn Palace gradually put me at ease.""Your Highness, please don’t laugh at me. Ever since the day you entered the palace to celebrate Her Majesty’s birthday, I haven’t been alone—though at home, I loved solitude the most. But these past few days, wherever I go, I must bring people with me, even squeezing into Zhai Nanny’s room to sleep at night, absolutely daring not to be alone..."

"Your Highness, if you truly wish to eliminate me, you shouldn’t scheme this way and that. You should simply send someone to kill me outright, ending it once and for all. Just as you said, even if you kill me, you won’t pay with your life."

Fifth Princess was utterly astonished.

The hall was silent. Ling Buyi turned his face to look at the girl. Though her words were directed at Fifth Princess, for some reason, they unsettled him deeply. After a moment, he took Shao Shang’s small hand and said, "Let’s go."

Shao Shang nodded and slowly rose from the ground.

Up to this point, Fifth Prince had been watching with great relish, several times wanting to interject but afraid of displeasing the usually kind Empress, so he endured with difficulty. Now that the Empress had finally left, and Ling Buyi and Cheng Shaoshang were about to depart, he leisurely stood up and walked over to where the palace maids were restraining Fifth Princess. Coolly, he remarked, "Fifth Sister, didn’t I tell you? Don’t be too clever. When you pushed me into the mud pit years ago, I said then—Father and Mother are both wise. They aren’t unaware; they simply tolerate it. The day they stop tolerating, you’re finished!" With his enemy fallen and vengeance served, today’s grand spectacle would give him satisfaction for months.

Fifth Princess glared at him hatefully. "Who asked you to meddle! You watch my downfall today, but who knows whose downfall you’ll watch tomorrow! Do you think you have any backing?"

Fifth Prince tucked his hands into his sleeves and smiled. "I have no backing, nor am I as bold as you, Fifth Sister. Many years ago, I learned never to oppose Father. So, I only use my mouth, never my hands." Words could be sharp, but actions must stay clean.

Fifth Princess sneered. "Consort Xu was a palace maid, accustomed to serving others all day. No wonder Fifth Brother has mastered the art of reading moods and shifting with the wind—I could never match you!" In her childhood ignorance, she had once called Fifth Prince a "bastard born of a lowly woman," earning punishments from both the Emperor and Empress. Only then did she remember that no matter how lowly, Fifth Prince was still their father’s blood.

Fifth Prince’s expression darkened. "You—!"

"Fifth Prince," Shao Shang interrupted, rubbing her numb legs and unable to stand just yet. "Fifth Princess is about to face punishment. Why provoke her? Do you want to get tangled in this mess too?"

Fifth Prince exhaled deeply, steadied himself, and burst into laughter. "You’re right, Fifth Sister. Given your impending misfortune, as your elder brother, I won’t stoop to your level. Haha, haha..."

Fifth Princess scoffed. "You and this little wretch certainly get along. That ‘accidental fall’ into Mirror Lake—wasn’t it prearranged between you two? And you testified for her—what shady dealings are you hiding?"

Fifth Prince’s scalp prickled. Uneasy, he glanced at Ling Buyi, who was tenderly massaging Cheng Shaoshang’s calves, and hastily retorted, "Don’t spout nonsense! There’s absolutely nothing like that!"Shao Shang said leisurely, "Fifth Princess, your attempts at sowing discord are rather poor. Just look at my Lord Ling's appearance, consider his abilities and position, then ask around the entire Capital City—which young maiden would forsake Lord Ling to flirt with the Fifth Prince?! Have I water in my brain?!"

Ling Buyi didn’t look up, continuing to gently massage the girl’s slender and soft calf, but the corners of his lips curved into a beautiful crescent.

The Fifth Prince was displeased and turned his head. "Yesterday you said you wanted to befriend me, and today you insult me like this?! How have I wronged you?!"

Shao Shang shamelessly backtracked, "Today I can leave the palace and go home, and I’ll never quarrel with Lord Ling again. Why would I need to befriend Your Highness? Men and women should maintain propriety—it’s better we keep our distance..." The Fifth Prince had a sharp tongue, and to avoid future trouble, it was best to cut the fuse early.

When she mentioned "never quarreling with Lord Ling again," she shot Ling Buyi a look that was both playful and reproachful. Ling Buyi’s handsome eyes brimmed with affection as he returned her gaze tenderly, his fingers kneading even more gently, his lowered face glowing with a deepening smile.

Seeing her charm had worked, Shao Shang was delighted.

The Fifth Prince’s face turned green. "Isn’t this burning bridges after crossing the river?!"

"I can swim—why would I need a bridge? So I’ve always burned bridges before even crossing the river!"

Even the usually cold Ling Buyi couldn’t help but burst into hearty laughter, the sound echoing through the hall’s rafters. His gaze at the girl was filled with tender affection.

This unrestrained laughter and lingering look startled the Fifth Prince, momentarily making him forget his verbal sparring with Shao Shang.

At that moment, Grand Steward Cao Cheng finally arrived in person, followed by several burly, silent matrons—professionals who clearly looked capable. In no time, they had the Fifth Princess firmly in hand.

Ling Buyi and the other two briefly clasped their hands toward Cao Cheng, offering a few words like "Thank you for your trouble." Cao Cheng shook his head with a bitter smile—imperial family disputes were the hardest to handle. Just as he was about to take the princess away, she suddenly shouted, "Lord Cao, I won’t argue my case, but Cheng Shaoshang set traps to harm people in Consort Yue’s Jade Garden—shouldn’t that be investigated?!"

Cao Cheng paused. "What traps to harm people?"

The Fifth Princess sneered. "Even if those people deserved it, Cheng Shaoshang should have reported to the Empress first, then waited for palace orders to mete out punishment. How could she take revenge on her own? Treating palace rules as nothing—what kind of logic is that?! Consort Yue’s Jade Garden is so elegant, yet she splashed liquid manure all over the place—shouldn’t she be punished?!"

Ling Buyi helped Shao Shang to her feet. After a moment’s thought, he smiled. "So it was you who placed the liquid manure in Green Vine Residence at Jade Garden? You little mischief-maker! Don’t worry, I’ll handle this. I have a skilled subordinate who can ensure Green Vine Residence is odor-free within a day."

When Consort Yue had invited him to examine the corpses earlier, it was still early. By the time the manure trap was sprung and the commotion outside erupted, his mind was already preoccupied. Hearing Consort Yue say no one was hurt and it was just a prank among young girls, he hadn’t given it much thought.

"But..." Ling Buyi frowned. "Why did you do this?" Though the girl was headstrong and sharp-tongued, she wouldn’t bully others without reason.

Shao Shang’s heart skipped a beat, sensing trouble. She was about to deflect when the Fifth Prince eagerly stepped in to interject.He laughed and called out to Shao Shang, "What dung buckets?! I overheard bits and pieces in Jade Garden earlier—apparently those girls couldn’t get rid of the stench no matter how much they scrubbed in their baths. So it was you! Hahaha, they must be the same ones who pushed you into the water the other day..."

"Pushed into the water?" Ling Buyi's expression darkened. "Who pushed whom?"

Shao Shang quickly grabbed Ling Buyi’s arm. "Ah, don’t listen to Fifth Prince’s nonsense! It’s nothing! Let’s go, come on..."

"What do you mean, nothing?!" Fifth Prince hated having his testimony doubted. Though his mouth was sharp, he always spoke the truth. "I saw it that day behind the lakeside trees—not just me, but my two attendants as well..."

Shao Shang gasped. "You saw it? Then why didn’t you come to help?! And why didn’t you say anything?!" It wasn’t surprising that he hadn’t intervened, but for him to keep quiet—that was strange.

Fifth Prince sighed. "Her Majesty’s birthday was coming up. I had to wait before making a fuss. Ow ow ow—what are you doing, Ling Buyi?!" His arm throbbed as Ling Buyi tightened his grip.

Ling Buyi’s face was icy. "What exactly happened? Speak clearly!"

Fifth Prince winced. "Let go first! Fine, fine—that day, after Shao Shang left Consort Yue’s place, she was passing by the lake when some girls Fifth Sister brought into the palace pushed her in. They even blocked her two Palace Maids from helping! Ow, don’t squeeze again... I was going to step in, but then I saw Shao Shang was a strong swimmer, so I didn’t bother..."

Ling Buyi’s breathing grew ragged. He turned sharply toward the restrained Fifth Princess, his gaze fierce and hateful, like a beast with blood dripping from its fangs. Fifth Princess shrank back in fear. Ling Buyi took several strides forward, as if ready to strike then and there.

Shao Shang clung desperately to his arm. "It wasn’t her! Fifth Princess really didn’t order this! Who knew I could swim so well? If I’d drowned, all the schemes Fifth Princess set up these past days would’ve been wasted..."

Ling Buyi’s mind was usually sharp and quick, but he had been momentarily flustered. Now, upon reflection, he realized she was right.

Shao Shang loosened her grip slightly—only for Ling Buyi to seize her wrist in return, his voice cold. "Then why didn’t you tell me?"

"I—I—" They had been fighting at the time, and she had already planned her revenge. "It wasn’t a big deal! I wasn’t hurt, haha..."

Ling Buyi stared at her deeply, his gaze frigid and turbulent, filled with anger and disappointment. Slowly, he released her. Shao Shang cradled her wrist, a wave of fear rising in her chest.

Ling Buyi stepped before Fifth Princess and said calmly, "Your Highness, when the day comes for you to leave the palace, I shall present you with a grand gift."

Fifth Princess trembled, but before she could respond, Ling Buyi turned on his heel and left, dragging Fifth Prince with him.

Shao Shang blinked, then hurried after them.The Fifth Prince kept groaning all the way until they reached the quiet western palace corridor, where Ling Buyi suddenly stopped and asked in a deep voice, "Do you know all those girls who pushed Shao Shang into the water?"

"I know them all, every single one!" The Fifth Prince nodded eagerly, sensing his moment to shine. "Fifth Sister only keeps the same few like-minded companions around—how could I not recognize them!"

Just as Shao Shang caught up, she overheard the Fifth Prince boasting about his memory—

"I remember everything! Which ones led the push, which ones stood by laughing, oh, and there were even some who threw stones at Lady Shao Shang in the water! Cough , truly vicious..."

Furious, Shao Shang stepped forward and shoved the Fifth Prince hard. "What's it to you? Blabbermouth! Watch out or His Majesty will punish you!"

The Fifth Prince refused to be outdone and declared loudly, "You said it yourself—I'm neither the eldest nor the youngest, not born of the Empress nor Consort Yue, with no achievements in either literature or martial arts. Even when causing trouble, I can't do it with any originality. If I don’t make a scene now and then, His Majesty might forget me entirely—so here I am, making a scene!"

Shao Shang nearly choked on her anger!

The Fifth Prince, looking smug, turned to Ling Buyi and said, "There were eight in total, I remember every single one. I even recognize a few of their fathers and brothers! Zisheng, you can ask me anything!"

"Would you shut up already?!" Shao Shang wished she could stuff a handful of mud into the Fifth Prince’s mouth.

She turned her head and said, "Lord Ling, don’t listen to the Fifth Prince. He’s just stirring up trouble. Besides, I’ve already gotten my revenge. Those little bi—those wretched girls, even after the stench fades, they won’t dare show their faces outside for a while!"

Ling Buyi seemed not to hear her and only said, "Fifth Prince, go ahead first. Today, I must trouble you to accompany me out of the palace."

The Fifth Prince, ever quick to read the room, realized the lovers’ quarrel was no longer a show he could watch. He pretended to straighten his sleeves before darting off.

The long, desolate palace corridor was now empty except for the two of them. Shao Shang couldn’t help but feel a pang of panic and took a few small steps back. Yet Ling Buyi suddenly seized her wrist. His handsome face twisted slightly, his voice icy as if emerging from beneath frozen layers—"Cheng Shaoshang, what exactly do you take me for?"

"When I hunt, I see young beasts nestling under their mothers’ bellies. When I go to war, I see soldiers entrusting their backs to their comrades. When I led the militia to suppress bandits, I saw young women, once freed from their bonds, immediately throw themselves into their husbands’ arms, weeping as they recounted the terror and despair of their captivity..."

"You lack parental affection. Though Cheng Xiaowei loves you dearly, you were separated for ten years—you can’t confide in him. You were confined to the inner quarters since childhood. Aside from General Wan’s youngest daughter, you have no other friends, and even with Wan Shi, you cannot fully open your heart. Others have loving parents, childhood sweethearts who understand them perfectly. What are you to them, hm?"

"After our betrothal, I thought to myself—I want to be your confidant, your support. Whether you’re afraid or troubled, you can tell me. I don’t mean to stop you from doing anything, only that you treat me with sincerity. Like my late uncle and aunt, I hoped we could live in harmony for the rest of our lives. But have you ever truly held me in your heart?"

Tears welled up in Shao Shang’s eyes, falling like raindrops onto her collar. "No, that’s not it. This time, I really didn’t mean to hide it from you. I didn’t think it was a big deal..."

"Were you angry when they pushed you into the water?" Ling Buyi asked.

Shao Shang stared blankly. "...Yes. Not just angry—I wanted revenge."

"Then why didn’t you tell me?" Ling Buyi’s expression carried a trace of sorrow. "Am I not someone you can trust, not someone you can rely on?"

Shao Shang had no rebuttal. Many things weren’t deliberate choices but subconscious actions.

He slowly released her, lowering his head and turning slightly away. "When they pushed you into the water, they didn’t know you could swim. How could you be sure they were just playing around and not trying to kill you? Even if I could avenge you afterward, would that bring you back to life? You wouldn’t let me assign guards to follow you, and afterward, you still didn’t tell me. In your heart, what am I to you?"Shao Shang felt a pang of sorrow. Though she stood so close to Ling Buyi, the cold desolation emanating from him seemed to push her far, far away. Yet she couldn't find the words to mend what was broken.

"You said earlier that you fear all who can hurt you in this world. I must be one of them."

Ling Buyi struck the corridor pillar heavily, his voice laced with bitterness. "It's not that you particularly like Lou Yao—it's because he can't hurt you. That's why you feel at ease with him. But I'm different. You've always been alone—eating alone doesn't matter, walking alone doesn't make you lonely. I forced my way into your side."

After saying this, Ling Buyi reined in all his emotions, reverting to the cold and reticent young power broker. He looked at the girl and said calmly, "Since you detest this palace so much, I'll release you from its constraints and return your freedom."

With that, he turned resolutely and walked away without looking back.

Shao Shang stood frozen in place, tears streaming down her face, unable to speak. Yet inside, she was screaming—That's not true at all.

She didn't entirely hate the palace.

Though she had disliked it at first, she had grown fond of the gentle Empress, the chatty Zhai Nanny, strolling through the beautiful imperial gardens, and the magnificent ancient palace architecture. She could spend an entire day entranced, circling a carved railing or gazing up at painted beams.

He had given her what was perhaps the finest education of their era, with learned teachers from various fields taking turns to instruct her in creative ways. He had led her to heights most people might never reach in their lifetime, allowing her to behold the view from the empire's pinnacle. He had broadened her narrow horizons and enriched her impoverished life—how could she possibly dislike him?

But she couldn't voice any of this.

—She slowly crouched down, covering her face with her hands as she wept silently. At this moment, she truly, utterly despised herself.

After crying for a while, she wiped away her tears and stood up straight.

Sometimes, cowardice isn't fear of the unknown ahead, but refusal to acknowledge feelings one is unwilling to admit. Having said the wrong words and done the wrong things, she ought to correct her mistakes and apologize. The outcome didn't matter—what mattered was that Ling Buyi deserved to be treated properly.

Author's Note:

Ancient China was never a society governed by the rule of law. The era depicted in this story also didn't have the concept of "the law applies equally to nobles and commoners."

Though I've often made veiled criticisms of the Qing dynasty, I must say that looking at the long span of history, humanitarianism generally improved over time. During the Han and Tang dynasties, the death of a palace maid was inconsequential, but by the Qing dynasty, even imperial concubines couldn't arbitrarily kill palace maids.

This chapter references two historical examples: Emperor Jing of Han and Huo Qubing.

I've decided to return to updating every other day. Humans are inherently lazy creatures—after these days of irregular updates, I found my biological clock had become disrupted. So I'll stick to the every-other-day schedule. The next update will be on Friday at the usual time.