I Am A Mute Girl Forced To Marry The Most Annoying And Loudest Crown Prince In The Entire Empire

Thank you for listening to stories at Stellar Novels. Hope you have a pleasant time listening to stories. The crown prince was a chatterbox and his crown princess was mute. With his sharp, poisonous tongue, he had scolded eight great court ministers to tears. The emperor flew into a rage and punished him by forcing him to marry me, a mute girl. We have been married for a full month, yet you haven't spoken a single word to me. Are you trying to give me the silent treatment? He grumbled. Over in the west, there is a prince who kisses his wife every single day. I don't care about that. You have to kiss me too. You don't need to say anything. I already know you secretly adore me. The crown princess looks so magnificent, sitting there with that icy face and not saying a word. Fine. If she still won't speak, that means she's silently admitting it. I glared at him, eyes wide, and kicked him straight off the bed. Get lost. Instead of getting angry, the crown prince lit up with joy. So she had only been pretending to be mute. He gazed lovingly at his disheveled robes and the bright red marks covering his shoulders. He stood up with perfect dignity. Even her own husband, she had struck. A moment later, he pouted. I need another kiss to feel better. Ah, no need to coax me. My voice came out hoarse. Shang Lan stepped forward and planted a quick kiss on my cheek. Then let me coax you instead. Crown princess, the fact that you can speak makes me so happy. He smiled brilliantly, dimples flickering in and out. My eyes met those sparkling pupils, and my heart gave a tiny tremble. It felt as though, in this entire world, he was the only one who could be so genuinely happy because of me. A year ago, I had still been a simple farm girl in coarse blue clothes, waiting on my bedridden mother day after day. Then one day a grand procession arrived. They told me I was the long, lost young miss of the Marquise Manor and had come to bring me home. The old wet nurse's eyes brimmed with tears. Eldest young miss, you must be overjoyed. You can't even speak. In truth, I wasn't. I said nothing because I truly was mute. The moment I stepped into the Marquise's residence, I had transformed into a proper young lady of the inner courtyard. I thought I had finally found the family that would cherish me. But when my birth mother saw that I was mute, the light in her eyes vanished instantly. I had seen that exact look on many people's faces before. Mother pulled the girl beside her closer, the one dressed in dazzling silks, graceful and refined. Bao Zhu, your younger sister cannot speak. You must take care of her from now on. Bao Zhu smiled sweetly and linked her arm through mine with sisterly affection. Yet inside her sleeve, her nails dug viciously into my flesh. I could only frown and endure the pain in silence. She smiled even more sweetly. Of course I will take good care of my little sister. Then she covered her mouth and gasped. Oh my! I almost forgot. My little sister has already changed her name to Bao Shu. The name Bao Zhu was originally meant for you. But I've used it for sixteen years now. You surely won't mind giving it to me, right? The pain made me shove her away. A shriek rang out. Bao Zhu tumbled to the ground, eyes turning red as she threw herself into mother's arms. Bao Shu, the mix-up back then was not Bao Zhu's fault. Why are you taking your anger out on her? She owes you nothing. Don't be unreasonable. Tonight you will be punished. No dinner. And you must apologize to your elder sister. Mother shot me a cold glance, then helped Bao Zhu away. Even when I rolled up my sleeve to show the bruises, she refused to listen. My heart twisted. I had returned to my so-called home, yet I still couldn't even eat a full meal. Everyone in the manor avoided me. Because Bao Zhu had spread the word that I was mute, people gossiped behind my back and poked at my sore spot. I looked up at her. Indeed, in the entire household, only she talked endlessly, and every word struck exactly where it hurt most. Why couldn't she be the mute one? But I said nothing. I simply lowered my head and ate. Whatever. As long as I could fill my stomach, it was a blessing. Just treat her words like a passing breeze. Puffed. Bao Zhu's face turned deathly pale. Puffed puffed. Her face grew even whiter. Puffed puffed puffed. Bao Zhu fled in terror hemp. As expected, her words really were just farts. The first time I met Shang Lan was at the flower-viewing banquet. Everyone said the Crown Prince was hated by all, especially the noble young ladies. Not a single girl in the capital could stand him. I found it strange. He was so devastatingly handsome. Why would anyone dislike him? That is, until he faced a young lady who had tossed her handkerchief at him. You're trembling like you have epilepsy. If you're sick, go get treated. If you're not, why are you shaking, throwing handkerchiefs everywhere? Your disease might have medicine, but ruined virtue will destroy you for life. The young lady's eyes filled with tears. She covered her face and ran. He really was too much. I watched curiously, only to realize the girl he had scolded was none other than Bao Zhu. How delightful. Rumors really couldn't be trusted. Shang Lan strolled over. Young lady, secretly staring at someone is hardly gentlemanly behavior. Our eyes met, and he drew in a soft breath. This humble one was blind and failed to recognize Mount Tai. May I ask the young lady's esteemed name? I turned and walked away. He blocked my path. Why won't you speak? Am I not handsome enough, dashing enough, elegant enough to be worthy of knowing your name? Left with no choice, I pointed at the grass on the ground and turned to leave. Shang Lan stood there stunned, scratching his head. Cai Cao, are you cursing me? After I returned to the manor, Bao Zhu's sobbing from her room had barely stopped when another round of wailing erupted. Father had just returned from court, covering his face and weeping loudly. The entire Marquis' manor echoed with Bao Zhu's sorrowful cries. I didn't want to cry either, but the Crown Prince had truly gone too far. He had dared to call me a bootlicker from my past life, a shameless flatterer who kissed up to the Emperor. So what if I flattered His Majesty? His Majesty loved hearing me flatter him. Wah! The Crown Prince had even dug up the fact that I used to be a cook and announced in front of the entire civil and military court that my greatest skill was tossing the wok. Damn it! He had dragged out every last root of my past. Where was I supposed to hide my face? Bao Zhu clung to father, crying so hard she could barely breathe. Mother rushed between them, soothing one then the other, utterly exhausted. By the time the crying finally stopped, it would be time for the next meal anyway. Father finished sobbing, suddenly realized he wasn't the one the Crown Prince had scolded the worst, and almost smiled. Until the smile froze on his face, because the imperial edict had arrived. The eunuch began reading in his long, drawn-out chant. In my head there were only two words so hungry, only when everyone turned to stare at me. Second Young Miss received the decree. I pointed at myself, utterly bewildered. Me? Receive an imperial decree? What wonderful thing could possibly fall into my lap? The moment I looked at the sacred decree I knew. It really was wonderful. I had been chosen as the Crown Princess. He, father, sighed. Today the Crown Prince scolded eight court ministers to tears. His Majesty said he must be punished by marrying a mute girl. Who would have thought the mute girl would turn out to be the one from our own house? His smile vanished completely. That day, the entire manor sank into a heavy, oppressive atmosphere. Anyone who didn't know better would have thought someone had died. Father and the Crown Prince had always been like fire and water, now they were suddenly in-laws. The next time they met, father would probably be scolded even more miserably. Baoju looked as though she had been struck by lightning, hating herself for not being the mute one. She even grabbed a cup of boiling water, ready to pour it down her throat. Luckily she was afraid of pain and stopped. Mother, of course, coaxed her precious daughter and wanted to tie her to her own waist for safety. All three of them were gloomy, they didn't touch their food. Which only benefited me. I ate everything. The wedding came quickly. I sat on the bridal bed, stomach so empty it stuck to my spine. I groped around and found a few dried longan and red dates on the bed, secretly nibbling them one by one. Suddenly the red veil was lifted. It was Shang Lan. He smiled faintly and snatched the date from my hand, popping it into his own mouth. If you're hungry why didn't you say so? I'll have someone prepare something. He chewed happily, then suddenly stopped. I forgot. You're mute. He comforted me gently. It's fine. Not being able to speak doesn't matter. As long as you can open your mouth to eat, it's good enough. I blinked. He was right. He smiled again. If you want to scold anyone, just tell me. Point and I'll scold them for you. I blinked once more. He scratched his head, puzzled. Why did you scold me last time? Was it because I was harsh with your elder sister? His ears turned red. Actually, I'm not fierce at all. Toward the crown princess I will be very gentle. The corner of my mouth lifted slightly. I wrote on his palm, My name is Tower. Compared to Baoshu, I like Tower more, because that's the name I gave myself. Baoshu was forced on me by others. Shang Lan froze, face flushing crimson, so that's how it is. From now on I will call you Tower. I nodded softly. He curved his lips and fed me another date. His eyes sparkled as he took a deep breath. Then shall we hurry and give birth to a little heir? He quickly shut his eyes. No, I mean shall we rest early? I nodded awkwardly. In my head echoed the old village woman's wordsy, You have to kiss on the lips to have a child. Did he want to kiss me? My gaze drifted across his full red lips. His Adam's apple bobbed. He leaned down and captured my mouth. I widened my eyes. Oh, I was about to have a child. He held my shoulders and pressed me down onto the bed. I am not fierce. I am very gentle. The moment those words left his lips, I knew he had lied. He was clearly fierce and urgent, not the slightest bit gentle. Not only had he deceived me, the old village woman had lied too. She said a kiss on the lips was enough. Though I was mute, I could still let out a few choked moans. His Highness the Crown Prince, Shang Lan, was delighted beyond measure and never tired. Crown Princess, your voice is so lovely. Could you call my name softly? Aye, Crown Princess is so good. She isn't resisting at all. I had resisted. I had simply been pinned down by him. Crown Princess, are you tired? No answer meant she wasn't tired. The next morning I propped up my aching back and pouted at him. Shang Lan's face reddened. He covered it with his hand. Crown Princess, don't look at me with such deep affection. People will get embarrassed. It's barely dawn. Doing that sort of thing isn't very appropriate. Fine, then tonight if you don't speak that means you agree. Agree to what? Because we had to enter the palace to pay respects to the Empress. We didn't dare delay. On the way my heart burned with anxiety. Shang Lan gripped my hand tightly and comforted me gently. My mother is just a pot of longjing tea. A two-faced old green tea. Don't be afraid. Hearing that only made me more nervous. The Empress sat high on her throne, merely raising her eyelids to look at me. I hear you are mute. That actually suits the Crown Prince quite well. One mute, one chatterbox. What a perfect match. One mute, one chatterbox. What a perfect match. Shang Lan still held my hand firmly. Mother, please do not fart while leaning on the coffin and pretend it's some ghostly yin-yang energy. This marriage was bestowed by Father Emperor. The Crown Princess and I are a match made in heaven. The Empress was anxious for Prince Wei, who was already twenty, three and still unmarried. That's easy. Another day Father Emperor can bestow a marriage on him. Prince Wei's eyes widened, staring straight at me. Why not bestow him a blind girl? They would suit each other even better. Prince Wei was the Empress's biological son. I didn't dare laugh. As Crown Princess, I had to remain dignified. The prayer beads in the Empress's hand spun faster and faster. Her face darkened with fury. Insolent. How dare you speak to us like this? I trembled and began to kneel. Shang Lan caught me firmly. With me here, you don't need to kneel before her. His palm was so hot it made my eyes sting with unshed tears. Shang Lan said indifferently, Insolent. I can be even more insolent. He glanced at the prayer beads in her hand. We've paid our respects. We won't disturb Mother's chanting of the Rebirth Sutra any longer. The Empress's Rebirth Sutra was clearly Buddhist scripture. She choked with rage, yet could only watch helplessly as Shang Lan took my hand and led me out. I pulled free. He asked anxiously, What's wrong? Did that old witch scare you? Are you angry because she called you mute? Don't be angry. I'll go tell Father Emperor right now. How dare she bully my wife? I'll make her understand why flowers are red. Shang Lan dragged me like a whirlwind to see the Emperor. In truth my palms were only sweaty, but I didn't say so, because I was mute. Shang Lan cried and complained, threatening that if the Empress wasn't punished, he would lie down in the Yangtze Palace and never leave. The Emperor's ears were nearly deaf from the commotion. Crown Prince, why can't you learn a little of the Crown Princess's silence? Shang Lan clasped my hand tightly. The Crown Princess is responsible for staying silent. Your son is responsible for reporting crimes. Shang Lan smiled foolishly, showing all his white teeth. I sniffled so sore-hearted I thought my nose would break. I forced a crooked smile. Surely it looked hideous. The Crown Princess's smile is so beautiful. A girl should smile often. When you smile, your heart is happy. When your heart is happy, you eat more. When you eat more, you grow bigger. When you grow bigger, you can. He rattled on and on. I couldn't even remember it all. I only remembered that his smile was brighter than the morning sun. In the end, the Emperor punished the Empress by grounding her for a month. Shang Lan was overjoyed. I, however, worried endlessly that the Emperor would become angry with him, too. If he were deposed, would I still get to eat my fill? But Shang Lan told me his birth mother had been the late Empress. The white moonlight in the Emperor's heart. He put on a troubled expression and sighed dramatically. Father has many children. Yet from the day I was born, he has loved only me. I've advised him to dote on the others, but he refuses to listen. He insists on spoiling only me. Only me. Ah, this heavy love truly troubles me. My hand itched. I wanted to smack him. Was the white moonlight really that terrifying? Did Shang Lan have his own white moonlight, too? Sure enough, when I returned to my maternal home, Bao Zhu sneered sarcastically. Little sister, don't think marrying the Crown Prince means you'll enjoy blessings. The Crown Prince has a white moonlight he's searched for six whole years. When she returns, you'll only have tears. I blinked. Every day I ate until I was full. Wasn't that already a blessing? Still, I frowned. If that white moonlight came back, would I still live as I did now? I spit dog ---- on you. Is the Eastern Palace a place for you to run your mouth? Shang Lan pulled me tightly into his arms. Crown Princess, don't listen to her nonsense. My body, my heart, from inside to outside, belong only to you. He turned and cursed like he had eaten rotten food. Oogly thing, are you trying to bring a lantern into the latrine to look for ----? If you want to find ----, I'll help you. He waved his hand. The Imperial Guards immediately pinned Bao Zhu and dragged her into the latrine. Blah. Blech. I won't look for ---- anymore. I won't. Her cries and retching echoed nonstop. Before long, Bao Zhu was carried out, covered head to toe in filth. I pinched my nose. It really was ----. When father and mother saw Bao Zhu, one argued with the Crown Prince while the other hugged their daughter and wailed to heaven and earth. Even if Your Highness is the Crown Prince, you cannot bully my daughter for no reason. Shang Lan put on an innocent face. When did I bully your daughter? Then he turned to me. Crown Princess, did I bully you? My heart suddenly clenched as though something had cracked open. My eyes stung. I shook my head heavily. Shang Lan shrugged at father. See? Your daughter says I never bullied her. Father's hands trembled. He could only stammer. Shang Lan gripped my hand, expression turning cold. The Marquise is advanced in years and his memory is failing. He may forget his own flesh and blood, but if he dares insult my Crown Princess, I will not tolerate it. I had never seen Shang Lan so serious. It made my chest feel tight. Then he bent down, returning to his usual carefree self. He ruffled my hair. I told you to point if you want to scold someone. Why don't you ever point? Fine. If you won't point, I'll scold for you. Hmpf. A husband as good as me is rare. You should cherish me. He leaned close. Crown Princess, cherish me right now. My face burned. I glanced around. We're outside. Shang Lan glanced at the guards who had politely turned their backs. If you won't cherish me, then I'll cherish you. He pecked my cheek. I stumbled away in embarrassment, limbs flailing. Behind me came his smug laughter. Those days, Shang Lan invited an imperial physician, saying he could cure my muteness. In truth my throat had never been injured. I had simply gone so long without speaking that I had forgotten how. The physician said, This illness is of the heart. This old one is powerless. The only cure is love. Shang Lan rejoiced. I have plenty of that. He lifted my face tenderly. I have so much love. I can give it all to you. Little Tower, I'm waiting for the day you call my name. From then on, he practically glued himself to my side. He even moved his entire study into my chambers. He handled state affairs by the window, occasionally glancing at me as I planted herbs in the courtyard. When I ignored him, he sulked and ran over, only to be startled by a bug and immediately burrow into my arms. Crown Princess, I'm scared. Use your hands to chase the bug away. Then he looked at me with worshipful eyes. The Crown Princess is so amazing. She isn't even afraid of bugs. The Crown Princess saved my life. The only way to repay such a life, saving grace, is with my body. Before I could react, he stole another kiss, smiling mischievously like a cat who had stolen honey. I stood there dazed, the herbs scattering everywhere. My heart pounded wildly. All because of Shang Lan. Clearly I had only wanted to eat my fill. How had I become so greedy? Shang Lan's brushstrokes were uneven and shaky. He was secretly painting me when I caught him. I pulled the paper over, only to be drawn to the painting underneath. Was this his white moonlight? It was a blurry, messy sketch, yet I could tell it was a woman. The lines were crude, but I saw a genuine feeling in them. My chest ached, my eyes stung. It was over. I had become greedy. A tear fell onto the painting, smudging a character into Cao. The title of the painting was Cao. At the bottom was a line of poetry. Wildfire burns the grass but does not destroy it. The spring breeze blows and it grows once more. Wildfire burns the grass but does not destroy it. The spring breeze blows and it grows once more. My life was tough. I was destined for blessings later. Whatever couldn't kill me would eventually be killed by me. When I was ten, I climbed the mountain to hang myself and ran into a madman. I turned to find another spot, but he grabbed me. Covered in mud, face dark and fierce, he held on tight. Little sister, big brother was bitten by a snake. Quick, save me. I shook my head. I was about to die. Why should I care about anyone else's life or death? Save me, and I'll give you silver. I still shook my head. Silver was useless in the underworld. He gritted his teeth. Save me, and I'll repay you with my body. I shook my head again. Better to spare the silver. Finally, he wailed. Do I have to become a starving ghost? No way. I'd rather die full. My stomach growled. I hadn't eaten in two days. I didn't want to become a starving ghost either. Seeing this, he quickly said, I can feed you until you're full. My eyes lit up. He nodded firmly. People of Hua don't lie to people of Wa. Seeing my confusion, he changed it. People of Yan don't lie to people of Yan. I looked at the wound on his leg. He had already tied a rope to stop the poison. Beside him lay a dead snake. I rummaged through his bag, found rope, a small knife, and finally a stalk of medicinal herb. I crushed it and applied it to the wound. He raised an eyebrow and picked up the rope. You were planning to hang yourself. I nodded. He clicked his tongue. Better to live in shame than die beautifully. Hanging makes your tongue stick out. It's ugly. Slitting your throat makes blood spray everywhere. You'd still be conscious while watching yourself bleed dry. He talked endlessly. Knowing every way to die yet none of them pretty. Since I'm alive, I'm willing to repay you with my body. Why don't you want to live? Have you ever been to the capital? If you had, you wouldn't want to die. I stayed silent, but the desire to die had faded. Soon people came looking for him. He said his family had arrived. Before leaving, he asked, may I know the young lady's honored name? I blinked. I had no name. People just called me little Aya, suddenly remembering his words. Wildfire burns the grass but does not destroy it. The spring breeze blows and it grows once more. I realized I was alive again. This wretched life of grass. What is wretched grass? Is it grass? I want to be like grass. When spring comes, I live again. I pointed at the weeds on the ground, then turned and left. He scratched his head. Cao, are you cursing me? Cao, you really are cursing me. The debt had been repaid, and I had discovered it. Shang Lan hugged me from behind, rubbing gently against my ear, voice bright with laughter. I said I would repay you with my body. I never lied to you. He sighed softly. It's just a pity that someone seems to have forgotten. I secretly wiped the tear at the corner of my eye. No, I had never forgotten. The madman from back then on my left, the crown prince of today on my right. Who could have guessed that the madman from that year was none other than the current crown prince? It was only a single character's difference. My lips moved. I wanted to speak, but no sound came out. My eyes dimmed. Shang Lan pinched my cheek. Very good. You're already trying to open your mouth and speak. I stood on tiptoe and lightly kissed his cheek. Shang Lan froze, his whole body itching with restlessness. Suddenly he scooped me up and pinned me to the bed. I widened my eyes. I told you not during the day. Shang Lan coughed awkwardly. Actually, sometimes it's not impossible. Prince Wei was about to marry, and he was truly marrying a blind girl. I glanced at Shang Lan. Had he really begged the emperor to bestow the marriage? Shang Lan opened his eyes wide, looking innocent and a little shy. Don't look at me like that. I'm afraid I won't be able to hold back my laughter. He snorted. My younger brother is also a fool in love. To marry that blind girl, he knelt for three days and three nights. He learned from me, copying even my vow of loyalty word for word. One life, one world, one pair of people. He refuses to take concubines or change his mind. Hmph, what a copycat. Shang Lan and Prince Wei had never gotten along. Whenever they met at court, they argued. And Shang Lan always won. Normally Shang Lan loved to joke and offend people left and right, including my father. Father had planned to marry Bao Zhu to Prince Wei for support, but Prince Wei had taken the blind girl instead. Ha, his scheme had collapsed. Shang Lan was overjoyed, especially after hearing the empress had vomited blood and anger. I was happy too, because I heard father had also vomited blood and anger. When father saw his plan fail, he turned his sights on me. He tried to persuade me. Your elder sister has loved the crown prince for a long time. As her younger sister, you should yield a little. Yield? If I hadn't been careful, my older sister would have already been very gentle with me. Father waved his hand. Your elder sister isn't fighting for the main position. She only wants to be a side concubine. The crown prince has never been picky about solving problems there anyway. Seeing I didn't answer, father slammed the table. What do you mean? I'm talking to you. What is that attitude? Speak clearly. Do you agree to let your elder sister enter the eastern palace or not? I pressed my lips together. How could a mute speak clearly? How ridiculous. Right then, the crown prince stormed in, aura oppressive. I immediately stood and pointed straight at father. Shang Lan kicked him to the ground. You dare treat my words like the wind whistling past your ears. Who gave you permission to speak to the crown princess like that? You are truly courting death. Hearing the last two words, I instinctively pinched my nose. Shang Lan was wonderful in every way, except he had a special fondness for making people search for ----. Sure enough, a moment later the imperial guards dragged my screaming father and hurled him straight into the latrine. Only when father begged in utter desperation did the punishment end. Your highness, this old minister was wrong. This old minister no longer wishes to search for ----. Shang Lan casually flung him out of the eastern palace, then pulled me into his lap and gently tapped my nose. You've made progress today. You actually pointed so I could fight back for you. Good girl. Recently the emperor had caught a chill. Shang Lan stayed by his bedside day and night, tending to him, and had not returned home for several days. The patrols around the eastern palace grew even stricter. I lifted my gaze to the tranquil sky, clear, without wind or cloud. This was surely an omen that a heavy storm was coming. Father had finally learned his lesson and sent an invitation card asking me to return to the Marquis' residence. What was there for a mute like me to talk about? See, I told you my little sister still misses home. She's come back, hasn't she? Bao Zhu's voice dripped with acid. I rolled my eyes. If not for news of the crown prince, I would never have set foot here. Father smiled fawningly. Bao Shu, we are one family. Only your maternal home is your true solid support. I smiled in silence support. The kind that could crush me to death, right? Seeing I gave no reaction he dropped the mask entirely. Today you will obediently stay right here. Don't even dream of stepping outside. When Prince Wei ascends the throne, I will plead for mercy and spare your life. I understood perfectly. They intended to use me as a hostage. They plotted right in front of me, because I was mute and posed no threat. The princess consort of Wei wanted to control the emperor using dark magic. The moment the succession decree was issued, Prince Wei would raise his banner in revolt. By then, our Bao Zhu would naturally become the imperial noble consort. Bao Zhu shot me a smug glance and teased, With the crown prince dead, won't you turn into a widow? Father sneered. Sparing her life is already an enormous act of mercy. Growing up in the countryside, her fate was always lowly. I listened quietly, my heart perfectly calm. Fortunately, I had never truly considered myself Bao Shu. I only remembered that my name was Tao Er. Besides the name Tao Er and being a little mute, I once had another name, Child of Misfortune, the curse my parents had carved into my fate. When I was small, I never understood why Mother never gave me a proper name and only ever called me Child of Misfortune. It was not until I was six that I witnessed with my own eyes Mother stabbing Father to death with a kitchen knife. His pants had not even been pulled up yet, and blood had already dyed the entire bed scarlet. I hid beneath the bed and heard everything in a haze. I was the child she had stolen from a wealthy family. Father had roared in fury. Why didn't you sell her for money? Mother had answered coldly. This Child of Misfortune was born only to serve me. They fought as usual, but this time Mother snatched the knife from the table and stabbed him again and again, turning him into a torn sieve. Then she calmly wiped the blade clean and dragged the corpse outside. Only when the courtyard fell silent did my trembling legs dare carry me out. I hid in a mountain cave for a full day and night. When the rain finally stopped, the villagers carried me home. By then the funeral rites were already underway. Everyone said Father had fallen off a cliff and died, but I knew the truth. I never dared open my mouth again. I continued to serve Mother with shaking hands. It was not until I turned ten that I discovered she left the house every three days. Suspicious, I secretly followed her. Mother did nothing. She simply hid in a corner and watched another little girl, tears streaming down her face. She didn't dare cry aloud and had to cover her mouth. Her eyes overflowed with sorrow and longing. That look was exactly the same as the one Aunt Wang gave her son, Wang Yaozhu. I was not mistaken. My gaze followed that little girl. She kicked a pebble beneath her foot. Her embroidered shoes were covered in dust. A servant immediately knelt and bowed his head to wipe them clean. I looked down at my own frost-cracked fingers. These hands would probably be called filthy even if they were used to wipe shoes. Baozhu, Mother found a hairpin for you. Isn't it pretty? A noblewoman lovingly kissed the little girl's cheek. When the hairpin was placed in Baozhu's hand, she frowned in disdain. I don't want it. It's too ordinary. Mother, I want the most precious jewelry set from Zhenbao Pavilion. With that, she hurled the hairpin to the ground and stomped huffily back into the residence. The noblewoman hurried after her to coax her. The servants followed. Once everyone had disappeared, even Mother, who had been hiding in the corner, wiped her tears and left. I stepped forward, picked up the bamboo-carved hairpin, dusted it off, and carefully hit it against my chest. When I returned home, Mother threw a bucket of clothes at me. I obediently carried them to the riverbank to wash. The river flowed silently. I stared at it for a long, long time. In this world, there was no place that could truly be called home. On one side was a golden branch and jade leaf, cherished like a priceless treasure. On the other was a mute village girl, lowly despised and unwanted. Even a fool knew which side to choose. I understood clearly I could never belong to that house. My cracked finger stung with pain. My stomach growled again. I didn't want this house that cursed and tormented me every single day either. A fish leaped from the water and fell back in. My feet moved of their own accord into the river. The icy water rose slowly to my chest, then swallowed my head. Just when I thought everything would finally end, someone dragged me out. Hmph. There were still too many people here. Next time I would have to find a more secluded spot. After that I planned to hang myself on the mountain. Who knew I would encounter a madman? I saved him, and he truly gave me an entire bag of beautiful sweet pastries. In my whole life I had never eaten anything so lovely. Perhaps I should listen to him and go see the capital for myself. Mother no longer left on her mysterious trips, because that little girl had followed her family into the capital. So every day her most important task became tormenting me. When embroidering, she liked to stab the needle into my flesh. When boiling water, she liked to splash it on me. I had grown used to it. Until one day she locked me in a room with a man. I knew that if I did not resist, I would be trapped there for the rest of my life. That night I learned from her. The moment he pulled his pants halfway down, I drove a knife into him. Then I dragged his dying body onto Mother's bed. The next morning she touched the cold, stiff corpse. The man's wife came looking for him, weeping and breaking both of Mother's legs. I pretended to be terrified, but my feet never moved an inch. From then on Mother could only lie in bed and rely on me to survive. I looked at the vicious, helpless hatred in her eyes and smiled faintly. Perfect. From now on no one will dare bully me anymore. I took that hairpin to pawn. Fifty tales of silver was enough to bribe a Taoist priest and have him stir up chaos in the capital. The priest kept his word and did exactly as I had written. Before the gates of the Marquis' residence, the tale of exchanging the crown prince for a civet cat was spread. Not long after someone came looking for me. The old midwife's eyes brimmed with tears. Young Miss must be overjoyed. You can't even speak a word. I was overjoyed. At last I could live days of eating my fill and wearing warm clothes. I turned and smiled at my crippled mother on the bed. She screamed madly. No. You cannot go back. You can only stay here. You cannot go and compete with her. You've got the wrong person. She is my real daughter. You cannot take her away. The midwife looked disgusted. Young Miss Bao Zhu has already said she only recognizes us as her parents. As for you, she wouldn't even glance at you if you died. For the sake of Young Miss Bao Zhu's reputation, we can only wrong you and have you die in her place. With that she ordered the maids to strangle Mother. Mother's face turned purple as she laughed and cried at the same time. Sitting inside the sedan chair, I gently lifted the curtain. I only saw a distant morning mat. The vicious heart of Bao Zhu. I had known it since that very moment. I never imagined that even now she still had not let me go. Locked in the room as a hostage, Bao Zhu sneaked inside. Did you think I would let you go? She held a golden hairpin and slid it across my face. Keeping you alive to threaten the Crown Prince is enough. As for the rest, I can't guarantee anything. Isn't the countryside good enough? Why insist on coming back? If not for you, the one bestowed in marriage to the Crown Prince would have been me. Our family would never have fallen into ruin like this. It's all because of you. Her twisted face was as hideous as a demon's. The sharp hairpin glinted. I easily dodged, seized her wrist, and snatched the hairpin away. I was different from this fragile Young Miss. My hands had long been stained with blood. Moonlight poured down. Drop after drop of blood fell from the golden hairpin. Bao Zhu clutched her burning cheek and opened her mouth to scream. I covered it instantly, stuffed a cloth between her teeth, stripped her clothes, and tied her to the bed. In terror, she watched me calmly put on her garments. I smiled. Many thanks, idiot, for bringing the key to open the door. When I returned to the Eastern Palace, everyone inside was in utter chaos. The moment they saw me, they all breathed a sigh of relief. Shang Lan had left a secret guard at my side. I handed him the information that the princess consort of Wei and told him to deliver it to Shang Lan at once. The secret guard left in the pouring rain. Three days later, news of Shang Lan's safety arrived. Accompanied by an imperial decree, Prince Wei was demoted to his fief and forbidden from ever returning to the capital. His entire clan was exiled 3,000 miles away. As they departed, I sat in the tallest tower and watched from above. Even dressed in prisoners' rags, even fallen from grace, they still cherished Bao Zhu. Bao Zhu, don't cry. Mother is here. I won't let you suffer. As long as the whole family stays together, there is nothing to fear. I calmly took a sip of tea, my heart without a single ripple, because I finally had a home of my own. Shang Lan returned to the Eastern Palace in armor, the scent of blood still clinging to him. The moment I saw him I ran forward. He hurriedly covered his face and stepped back. I haven't bathed in three days. I'm ugly and filthy. Don't come near. Through the gaps in his fingers his bright eyes greedily devoured me. Ugly and filthy. I had seen uglier and filthier. I threw myself into his arms. On my back his hand patted gently, as if soothing a child. The corner of his lips curved upward, eyes shining with arrogance. You haven't seen how formidable I am yet. One kick sent Prince Wei flying. One sword frightened him into crawling away in terror. Want to seize the throne? Don't even dream of comparing yourself to me. If that old witch hadn't committed suicide to save him, his head would have rolled long ago. Good riddance. From now on there won't be any vicious mother. In-law daring to bully you. Most important of all. My crown princess is brave and clever. She escaped danger on her own and even sent me a message. With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for? Muah muah. He tried to kiss me. I blocked him. I didn't mind the smell. But I truly could not let him kiss me right then. Shang Lan grumbled. Emph. You really do dislike me. Tonight if you refuse to let me on the bed, I'll get angry and ignore you completely. We've been married so long and you still haven't said a single word to me. You're abusing me with cold violence. You dislike me and give me the cold shoulder. Why am I even alive? I won't live anymore. With a soft thud I lightly kissed his cheek. Shang Lan tried to suppress the smile at the corner of his mouth. But it curved upward anyway. He coughed lightly. I'm alive again. For half a month we had not been intimate. Tonight Shang Lan was extremely clingy, never satisfied. At first he only wanted to pull the blanket over us and talk. He leaned close to my ear and whispered, Let me tell you a secret. I actually came from another world. There is no emperor there, no crown prince. Everyone is equal. But in that place I didn't live well at all. I had no father or mother who loved me. And no you either. I blinked. He frowned. You don't believe me. I shook my head. I would believe anything he said. Even if he claimed roosters laid eggs, I would believe him. He huffed softly. I'm angry now. He narrowed his eyes and secretly peeked at me from the corner of his eye, trying to coax me. I helplessly laughed and leaned closer, only to be pinned beneath him. When the sky had just begun to brighten he still wanted more. Another round. If I didn't speak it meant silent agreement. I took a deep breath, opened my heavy eyelids, and kicked him off the bed. Get lost. Shang Lan was delighted. Aya I told you, he would definitely speak. Quick, call me husband for me to hear. I've not husband calling my name is fine too. Crown princess, little tower, I slept so soundly. He lightly kissed my forehead and whispered proudly. My love is truly a divine medicine. In the dream I stepped into the world Shang Lan had described. Everything I touched yet no one could see me. Except death, nothing worked. So I simply lived on like that. A man wearing a baseball cap bumped into me. One second gloomy, the next he bowed and apologized profusely. It was Shang Lan. I opened my mouth to call his name but no sound came out. He had already turned and walked away. I hurried after him. I saw him walk to the middle of the bridge. He muttered, heavens, this time let me die cleanly. The merits of this life. Please give them to me in the next life so I can become emperor. I won't live this life anymore. With that he climbed onto the railing ready to jump. In that instant I saw the balance hanging by a single hair. Shang Lan. I rushed forward and pulled him down. The two of us rolled across the ground. Only then did the surrounding people swarm over. I looked at him in panic. He grinned. How do you know my name? I froze. His cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. No need to say it. I know. You secretly adore me, Shang Lan. I jolted awake from the bed and immediately met Shang Lan's shy eyes filled with three parts anticipation. Empress. Admit it. Admit that you love me so much you can't let go. The very first sentence you spoke was my name. Even in your dreams you kept calling me. I threw myself into his arms and hugged him tightly. Shang Lan was slightly stunned, then wrapped his arms around me. What's wrong? Did you have a nightmare? I nodded lightly. A tear still clung to the corner of my eye. I dreamed you wanted to die. Don't die. I won't allow you to die. Shang Lan's fingers trembled faintly. He chuckled softly. All right, my empress. I won't seek death, and you aren't allowed to seek death either. Keep this life. Wait until we grow old together and leave this world side by side. I burst into laughter, tears melting into the sound. You must keep your word. Husband. Both of Shang Lan's ears turned bright red. His entire body burned with heat. You. Say it again. I didn't hear clearly. I pushed him lightly. If you didn't hear clearly, then forget it. Shang Lan panicked, voice stuttering. I heard. It's just that I'm too excited. Empress, you can open your mouth and speak now. I am truly, truly overjoyed beyond measure. Years later the emperor passed away and the crown prince ascended the throne. During the empress enthronement ceremony, Shang Lan held my hand as we received the obeisance of the hundred officials together. That night a gentle wind stirred, and the wind chimes outside the window sang softly. Shang Lan draped a cloak over my shoulders and said tenderly, Ypres. No, I must change how I address you now. You are the empress. Empress, the wind has risen. Don't catch a chill. I snuggled into his arms and answered softly, That's right. The wind has risen. It is the spring breeze. Shang Lan put on a serious face as though speaking the absolute truth. Correct. The wind is strong. We need to get under the blankets to stay warm. Tonight we shall personally attend to the empress and help her rest. Shang Lan's side story I was an illegitimate child. Mother had once been a concubine but failed to rise in status. She lived her entire life depending on the meager allowance father granted her. I rarely saw father. Only when I stood at death's door did he bother to appear. So mother treated me like a life-saving straw, repeatedly pushing me toward death. Useless thing. What was the point of giving birth to you? Even your own father doesn't want you. I neither cried nor made a fuss. Instead I smiled and asked, Then why didn't you abandon me earlier? Was it because you couldn't? From then on I never returned home. I threw myself into studying just to escape that rotten nest. But at school I met my half-brother from the same father. Luckily I did not resemble father, so he never recognized me. The father who always used, busy, as an excuse for me would come to the school gate every day to pick him up, pat his shoulder in praise, and hand him the keys to a luxury car as a birthday gift. It's fine. I'm no longer a child. Who needs something called deep father-son affection? Don't ask why my eyes are red. It's probably because the steamed bun dipped in mustard was too spicy. In the end my identity was exposed. My desk was splashed with paint. My books glued shut. My bed soaked in filth. Everyone vented their anger under the name, Illegitimate Child. It's fine. If I can't stay in this school I'll transfer. The world is vast. There must be a place for me. But I spoke too soon. No matter where I went, the label, Illegitimate Child, followed me like a shadow, turning me into a target for every attack. I told myself, hold on, Shang Lan, you're a cockroach that's hard to kill. Then I suddenly realized this life was full of pesticides everywhere. After struggling to grit my teeth and enter university, I encountered an epidemic. After barely surviving the epidemic, I faced the brutal hurdle of finding work. After finally landing a job, I discovered it belonged to that indifferent father. After much hardship I became a full-time employee, only to be fired by my half-brother. After struggling to win the lawsuit and receive double compensation, my mother, who had not contacted me for 800 years, suddenly got cancer. In the end I spent every last coin of my savings, and she still closed her eyes forever. Ah, penless. And on the way home I even helped an old man, only to be accused of scamming and lose another several tens of thousands. In the blink of an eye I went from poor to the unluckiest person alive. This crazy life, does it still want people to live? Then I won't live anymore. I tried every method of death slitting my wrists, hanging myself, turning on the gas. Yet it seemed I possessed a tough fate. Each time death was only a thread away. Or I would try to buy a lottery ticket but didn't even have money for the ticket. Making me want to die even more. The nth time seeking death. I went to Tongshan Bridge, the one people called the Suicide Bridge. The name alone sounded like after death you would definitely ascend to heaven. Extremely auspicious. This time if I still don't die, I swear I'll never try again. I resigned myself to Feidan. Bump. Ran straight into a little girl dressed in ancient clothes. Sorry. I habitually opened my mouth. Then I walked straight onto the bridge, stood on the railing. The cold wind made my knees tremble. Two ways to change how I die, right? The bridge is so high, the water so cold. One slip of the foot, one slide. I closed my eyes tightly, but there was no feeling of free fall, no suffocation in water. Only a soft embrace wrapping around my body. Shang Lan. I opened my eyes. It turned out to be that little girl. How do you know my name? Facing me were eyes red from crying, filled with affection that made my heart tremble slightly. Those eyes were so scorching they felt like they were cooking me alive. Did I say that out loud? No need to say it. I know. You secretly adore me, right? Ah, you should have said so earlier. Then I won't die anymore. But the little girl who secretly adored me disappeared. No one had ever seen her. Even the surveillance cameras showed no trace of her. They only captured me jumping off the railing alone, face deathly pale. It's over. I really had hallucinations. After that, every time I wanted to die, her image would appear in my mind. Just thinking that she would cry for me, I didn't dare die. But heaven never intended for me to live in peace. One sunny afternoon a sports car sped wildly down the street. It smashed through several shops and struck several people. Unfortunately I was among them. The drunk driver got out and looked closely. Wasn't that my half-brother? With my final breath I roared a prayer for rebirth. If there is a next life I definitely, definitely will not be a starving ghost. So hungry. And so I transmigrated. Straight into the Crown Prince. Before even a hundred days old I was bestowed the title of Crown Prince. In this life I had parents who loved me, silk and brocade, delicacies from land and sea. It was truly heavenly fortune. At fourteen I followed Father Emperor on a hunt, got lost in the wilderness, escaped assassins but could not escape a small snake. My head spun, yet my spirit had to burn. I encouraged myself wildfire burns the grass but does not destroy it, the spring breeze blows and it grows once more. I survived a great disaster, blessings must follow. Whatever cannot kill me will eventually be killed by me. Just when I thought I was about to meet the King of Hell, a little sister appeared. Ah no, not a little sister. My savior. I desperately grabbed her ankle and begged for help. She remained cold and unmoved. I found it interesting. She was indifferent even to death. Ha, not interesting. In the end it was still me, using my three-inch tongue, who coaxed her into saving my life. My life was saved, but she wanted to throw hers away. There had once been a bright life before my eyes that I had not saved. If I could do it again, I would definitely tell her better to live in shame than die unjustly. My throat dry, I finally convinced her to turn back and save that life. Before leaving I gazed at her face. The more I looked, the more familiar she seemed. I asked, may I ask the young lady's honored name? She indifferently pointed at the grass by the roadside, then coldly turned and left. I was stunned. Cao Tao are you cursing me? Later I met her again. It was love at first sight. Even though that fated connection had actually begun in the previous life, I knew she was not living well in her family. So I knelt in the Yangtze Palace and begged Father Emperor to bestow the marriage. Just after making people cry their hearts out, I turned around and wanted to marry their daughter. How could they accept it? Father Emperor issued the decree. Who dared disobey? Besides, Father Emperor himself had said he would bestow a mute girl as my crown princess. I found her very suitable. Besides her, I would marry no one else. The words of the Son of Heaven. How could they not be kept? The Emperor bestowed the marriage. Crown Princess Crown Princess Mua Mua Slap I received a smack. The dream shattered. Before my eyes was her smile. Your Majesty, it is time for morning court. And moreover, I am no longer the crown princess. I am now your empress. I happily gave her a peck. That's right, he. You're no longer the crown princess. You are my empress. That concludes today's story on stellar novels. We hope you enjoyed it. Please give us a like, leave your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe to stay updated with new stories. See you next time.