Qing Tai replied, \u201cI\u2019ve already inquired about him. Prime Minister Shen is twenty-six years old, has countless concubines, but no offspring. It seems he is deeply trusted by the emperor, holds a high position with great power, and wields considerable influence in the court.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jiang Taohua\u2019s eyes suddenly lit up. She blinked and asked,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs this Prime Minister\u2019s influence even greater than the Southern King\u2019s?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s for sure,\u201d Qing Tai nodded. \u201cKing Nan is too young and holds no power or influence. He only has the title of prince, and among the imperial sons, he is the least favored.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other words, she missed out on a prince but ended up with an even more formidable prime minister?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s not a bad deal at all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jiang Taohua immediately perked up, chuckled twice, and began looking around the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGo find me a rope.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPrincess?\u201d Qing Tai frowned. \u201cWhat do you plan to do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t be nervous,\u201d Peach Blossom said casually. \u201cI\u2019m just hanging myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moss: \u201c…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey, don\u2019t press down on me, it hurts!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seeing how her maid had immediately pounced on her in a panic, Peach Blossom felt both amused and exasperated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pinned tightly against the bed, she finally seized an opportunity to speak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to die, really! But right now the situation is that I, your princess, have been wrongly married. If I don\u2019t hang myself, others will think I\u2019m trying to take advantage and curry favor with the prime minister\u2014that I\u2019m just someone who climbs the social ladder!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moss stopped moving and gave her a strange look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understanding her gaze, Peach Blossom slyly chuckled and patted her shoulder kindly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLittle girl, you still have a long way to go learning from your princess. If you want to stay alive, you\u2019ll have to hide what\u2019s on your mind and act your part properly, understand?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026This servant will go find some rope.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood girl.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sitting up from the bed, Jiang Taohua immediately got into character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She hurried to the dressing table, applied powder to her face, and put on a sad, pitiful, and weary look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then she took the rope Qing Tai had found and threw it over the roof beam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGo wait outside and let me know when someone\u2019s coming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Qing Tai replied, glancing at her with concern. \u201cPrincess, that rope\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry, it\u2019s a slipknot,\u201d Taohua reassured her confidently as she stepped onto the stool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moss nodded and went out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As soon as she closed the door, someone announced outside,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Prime Minister has returned to the residence!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAh, so fast?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Startled, Moss hurriedly shouted into the room,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe\u2019s here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking a deep breath, Jiang Taohua grabbed the rope, slipped her head into the noose, kicked her feet, and began swinging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, after swaying back and forth three times, her face flushed red\u2014but no one pushed the door open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s going on?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Struggling to hold on, Peach Blossom could no longer catch her breath. She quickly loosened the knot and collapsed onto the floor, gasping for air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At that very moment, the door was pushed open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peach Blossom raised her head in disbelief and found herself staring wide-eyed at a man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though she had never seen this face before, she could intuitively guess who it was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPrime Minister Shen?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The man raised his eyebrows slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His features were sharp and distinct\u2014brows straight as swords, nose high and refined. His phoenix eyes carried a natural softness, yet his bearing was overwhelming. Though a faint smile rested on his lips, it sent a chill down the spine, like being watched by a beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was no denying he was handsome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But he was clearly not someone to be trifled with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As he stepped closer, Jiang Taohua instinctively retreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur last meeting was rushed and awkward, so I did not properly greet you,\u201d he said gently, leaning down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow, we finally meet formally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A faint glimmer flickered in his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGrand Wei Prime Minister Shen Zaoye, at your service, Princess.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shen Zaoye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peach Blossom forced a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGreetings, Prime Minister Shen. Could you allow me to rise first?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quite polite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is this the same person as that beast from last night?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, after speaking, Shen Zaoye reached out and lifted her into his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His eyes locked onto hers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWas the princess just trying to end her life?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her heart skipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jiang Taohua turned away and, remembering her role, quickly covered her face and began to sob.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt this point, if Taohua were to go on living, how could I face the people of the world?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat happened yesterday was truly a misunderstanding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shen Zaoye sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed, still holding her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He glanced toward Qing Tai at the doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The door closed obediently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was drinking with Prince Jing at the Hefeng Pavilion. He mentioned presenting a beauty to me. I graciously accepted his kindness. Little did I expect that person would be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLast night, when we entered the palace, Prince Jing was severely punished. His Majesty bestowed the princess upon me. I wonder if the princess could endure this humiliation for the sake of Zhao Kingdom and live well?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jiang Taohua frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat can\u2019t be right. How could Prince Jing mistake me for a beauty? I am a princess.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAfter encountering the wolf pack, the princess fled and lost her phoenix crown and embroidered gown,\u201d Shen Zaoye explained calmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWithout proof of identity and mistakenly entering Hefeng Pavilion, it was natural to be mistaken.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taohua nodded at first\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWait. How did you know I lost my phoenix crown and robe?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shen Zaoye smiled faintly and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause the servants found them while searching.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It sounded plausible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peach Blossom glanced at him and lowered her voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe emperor has given me to you. What about Prince Nan?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPrince Nan is only sixteen. There is no need to rush his marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His tone was calm, almost gentle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have already compensated him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, aside from the unlucky Prince Jing, everyone seemed satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peach Blossom pondered briefly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then suddenly clutched Shen Zaoye\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFrom now on, this humble concubine belongs to you, Prime Minister!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shen Zaoye raised an eyebrow, glanced at the rope still hanging from the beam, then at the excited woman at his feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A faintly sarcastic smile curved his lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. From today onward, Princess, you are a lady of this Prime Minister\u2019s residence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you\u2014wait.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Something felt off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat do you mean by \u2018lady\u2019? Shouldn\u2019t the legitimate wife be called \u2018Furen\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHm. The legitimate wife is indeed called Furen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked at her evenly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnfortunately, I already have one. His Majesty understands this well. I can only ask the princess to be slightly wronged and become a second-tier Niangzi.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jiang Taohua: \u201c\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked regretful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His tone did not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She suppressed the urge to slap him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After thinking carefully, she understood the reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her marriage had been Zhao\u2019s desperate attempt to secure favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wei had never truly intended to accept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, becoming a secondary lady in the Prime Minister\u2019s residence was, in truth, more advantageous than marrying the unfavored Prince Nan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was no better option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you for your kindness, Prime Minister.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She bowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re excused,\u201d Shen Zaoye replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA steward will teach you the rules. Learn well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She watched his back disappear from the courtyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only after he left did she pull Qing Tai inside and lock the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPrincess?\u201d Qing Tai asked. \u201cWasn\u2019t everything going smoothly?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peach Blossom sat heavily on the bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe may have fallen into a trap.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTrap?\u201d Qing Tai looked startled. \u201cIsn\u2019t this better for you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shaking her head, Jiang Taohua narrowed her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShen Zaoye feels like a poisonous snake. He lied.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Qing Tai froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow do you know?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause I have a good memory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her voice lowered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEven under the influence of the potion yesterday, I remember telling him my identity. His first reaction was to cover my mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An ordinary person would laugh it off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But a court official aware of the marriage alliance?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He would not ignore it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet Shen Zaoye stopped her from speaking further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He wasn\u2019t drunk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He heard her clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which means\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When he claimed ignorance, that Prince Jing had mistakenly captured her\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was a lie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shen Zaoye had known all along that she was the princess of Zhao.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And still, he chose to take her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why?<\/p>","protected":false},"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}}},"novel":[],"class_list":["post-2277","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/2277","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2277"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/2277\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2277"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"novel","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/novel?post=2277"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}