For the first time in my life, someone other than Zi Yan has defended me. But why is that? Is it because of the status of the Lou Kingdom?
Since he arrived, I have had this strange feeling that something like this has happened before, but I can't remember. It also confuses me because this is the first time I have attended a banquet.
Our attention shifted from the general to the emperor.
"How dare you speak ill of my daughter, General of the Lou Empire? Have you already forgotten your standing?"
When the general heard this, he merely smirked and looked at the emperor as if he were insignificant.
"Forgive this general's words, Your Majesty, but I just want to defend our emperor's bride. We, from the Lou Empire, do not want anything related to our esteemed emperor to be humiliated before our eyes. If the emperor hears this, I will not be the one to bear his anger, but you and your people will."
So, he already knows that I am merely a sacrifice to their emperor, and he is doing it for his emperor.
My father, the emperor, has fallen silent because of the general's words. Though he is prideful, he still needs the empire and its people to remain emperor. He understands what the Lou Empire is capable of.
"Tenth daughter, you will be punished by being confined to your room for one month.
I have seen her reaction, and I don't know why, but she only looked at me with those angry eyes. Although she will be punished later, she will be forgiven because her mother is one of the emperor's most favored concubines.
"This general hopes that the emperor will keep his word.
This person is very suspicious. Although he is alone, he still holds the highest position in the military of the Lou Kingdom and may be one of the emperor's close friends. He is one of the key figures who has led the country to its current state under the leadership of its young emperor.
After the dramatic scene, the Tenth princess was confined. The subsequent events were rather dull, and for some reason, I wasn't impressed by the dancers' movements.
"Your highness, do you still want some tea?"
Zi Yan asked, and I nodded my head before thanking her. She is the reason I had the courage to attend today's banquet.
It is a little late, and I already feel drowsy. Tomorrow is my departure for the Lou Empire, and I just want to sleep. However, I must bid farewell to the emperor, or else I will appear disrespectful.
"Your Highness, do you want to retire?
Zi Yan asked, but I hesitated at first. However, the thought of being tired tomorrow struck me, and I nodded my head. She immediately went to the emperor.
I tried to follow her with my eyes, and when she spoke to the eunuch, he then relayed what Zi Yan had said to the emperor. When I thought the message had reached him, he looked directly at me, but I lacked the courage to meet his gaze, so I averted my eyes to the side.
When I arrived, Zi Yan was already by my side, adjusting my robe as I prepared to leave.
When I was on the road, I was blocked by a huge man. When I looked up, I realized he was the young general of the Lou Empire.
To be continued...