An Eight-year-old Princess novel Chapter 195

Teary-eyed, Yun Shang continued in a trembling voice, as if she was no longer able to hold back her grievances, "So I readily agreed, and brought a painting from Master Wu Na's collection to sister. On my way, I encountered Prince Jing. He was surprised by my happiness, and exchanged a few greetings with me. He casually asked where I was going and the purpose of my visit. After learning about my intentions, he advised me to make my own painting. He said you would appreciate a gift that I made by my own hands, rather than something I found. I thought his point to be valid. So I went back to my palace, and found a painting I had copied in the temple, and brought it to sister. As for what happened during my Coming-of-age Ceremony, I can only say that Her Majesty and Princess Hua Jing taught me a lesson."

Naturally, Emperor Ning didn't forget what had happened at the banquet. He had felt strange about the incidents that had transpired, but he had brushed the feeling aside. Now that he could see the whole story, he was enraged. He hadn't expected the Empress to be so bold as to play tricks under his nose. Nor had he thought that she would try to harm his daughter.

Letting out a sigh, Emperor Ning cast an apologetic glance at Yun Shang, "I didn't know these things. You have suffered, my daughter."

That was the reaction that Yun Shang had been waiting for. She flashed another bitter smile, before continuing, "Father, it's okay. You are an Emperor, and you have to attend to the affairs of the state. You cannot possibly know of every scheme in the imperial household. And I am a grown woman. I know how to protect myself. But mother does not. And she bears a child in her belly. I hope you can spend some time looking after her, father. My mother's safety is all that I wish for."

Emperor Ning nodded. "I will. But the Prince's mansion is in the Imperial City. You can visit your mother from time to time."

But Yun Shang shook her head. A sad expression appeared in her eyes as she spoke, "I can't, father. Uncle has told me about an emergency that he has to deal with. He wishes to marry me as soon as possible. He intends to take me away after he has dealt with the matter, as too many people in the Imperial City want my life. After that, we would move to Jinling, and live there forever. Jinling is the land you've rewarded me, father. It is said to be an abundant place. Its people live a rich life and the scenery there is excellent. I always wanted to visit there."

Emperor Ning shuddered at her words. In disbelief, he glared at Yun Shang, and asked, "Really? Has Prince Jing said that?"