Volume One, Chapter Three: You Must Have Children by Now, Right?

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Su Lingfeng tightly grasped Song Jiayin’s wrist, his tone more explanatory than forceful. “The Crown Prince is now the King of Qin. Earlier, he said you refused to ride in the carriage and left you behind. Don’t take it to heart. He’s been under a lot of strain lately, and seeing you like this pains him as well.”

Su Lingfeng was trying to explain on Song Jing’s behalf, but Song Jiayin suddenly pulled her hand back and replied coldly, “Yes, he did leave me behind.”

Why had he grabbed her hand? Had he not yet married Song Yueyi? As Song Yueyi’s consort, did he not know to avoid suspicion?

Just then, Song Jing appeared from somewhere, his voice sharp with anger. “Song Jiayin, what do you mean by that?”

Song Jiayin stepped back two paces, casting him a cool glance without a word of explanation.

Song Jing scolded her with a cold expression, “If you don’t want to return, then continue keeping company with your cattle and sheep! You’ve been impersonating a princess for fifteen years. The Great Zhou royal family owes you nothing! Stop acting high and mighty and throwing tantrums!”

His words stabbed at Song Jiayin’s heart like knives, reopening wounds she had barely managed to heal.

She was merely a slave, worth less than the cattle and sheep—how could she afford such emotions? She remained stunned and silent.

Su Lingfeng sighed helplessly, attempting to comfort her, saying it was just a matter of time and she would feel better tomorrow.

Only then did Song Jing snort coldly and lead the way into the house.

Afterward, Su Lingfeng instructed a maid to come forth and attend to Song Jiayin’s bath and change of clothes.

Turning to her, he said, “The Emperor has decreed that you will be safely brought back to Nanjing. All past grievances are forgiven. You remain the honorable princess of Great Zhou.”

Song Jiayin’s emotions dulled into numbness. She bowed once more, her movements tinged with both resolve and relief, then turned and followed the maid without looking back.

But a sharp undercurrent of bitter irony surged within her.

She couldn’t help but sneer inwardly: what did this so-called “forgiveness” really mean? What had she done wrong to deserve such magnanimous pardon?

Once, she had proudly stood as a princess in the world. Now, that title seemed a cruel mockery.

She understood deeply that though she remained a princess in name, her sense of belonging and attachment to Great Zhou had long since been eroded by countless storms and upheavals.

She sighed softly, silently resolving that even if she was still a princess, she would never again be the Great Zhou princess manipulated and betrayed at every turn.

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Though the courtyard was temporary, it was quaint and clearly once belonged to a noble family of the Jin Kingdom.

A faint, self-mocking smile curved Song Jiayin’s lips.

Song Yueyi was the true princess of the Great Zhou royal family. She, in contrast, was merely an outsider who had occupied another’s place.

The round-faced maid leading the way was familiar—she was Zi Yan, once a young palace maid by Song Lin’s side, now grown considerably.

Song Jiayin asked lightly, “You’re from the Crown Prince’s side, aren’t you?”

The maid brightened immediately. “I didn’t expect the princess to remember me. I am Zi Yan. His Highness the Crown Prince said your previous attendant maids couldn’t be found, so he sent me to serve you.”

Song Jiayin nodded quietly but couldn’t quite understand why Song Lin had placed one of his people by her side.

Recalling the past, their sibling relationship had been uncomplicated; whenever he was bullied, she would simply stand up and speak for him, trying not to let things escalate.

Inside the room, warm as spring, Song Jiayin’s suffering was nonetheless evident.

Her chilblains flared again, her hands and feet unbearably itchy.

Zi Yan brought warm water in time, softly advising, “Princess, soak your hands and feet first to warm them, then you may bathe and change. For now, no fire or hot water.”

Silently, Song Jiayin submerged her hands in the basin. Zi Yan stared at the deformed fingers, riddled with chilblains, and frowned in indignation. “How could the Jin people treat the princess so? You came for a political marriage, yet they didn’t even give you a cotton coat.”

Song Jiayin shook her head lightly, her tone flat. “You may leave now. I will bathe by myself.”

Zi Yan hesitated but Song Jiayin’s voice turned colder. “Leave at once.”

Reluctantly, Zi Yan departed.

Song Jiayin withdrew into the inner chamber and removed her clothes. Before the bronze mirror, her battered and emaciated form was reflected. Her eyes sharpened for a moment.

Was she truly returning to the Great Zhou royal family? Had she not always been regarded as a bastard? Why had these people sought her out to bring her back?

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After bathing, Song Jiayin lay down but found sleep elusive. She hadn’t lain on such a warm bed, beneath such soft covers, in so long that it felt unfamiliar.

She did not know how much time had passed before rising to add some charcoal to the fire, then gently covering the sleeping Zi Yan with a garment.

She donned the large, loose Great Zhou-style robe prepared for her—a lotus-colored cotton jacket and a snowy white cloak.

Wrapped in these clothes, she sat by the window, gazing at the sparsely starry night sky until the eastern horizon gradually brightened with dawn.

Suddenly, voices came from outside. Song Jing’s concerned tone called out, “Yueyue, why have you come?”

“And Fifth Brother, you’re really acting recklessly. You must have urged Yueyue to come, right?”

Song Yueyi’s gentle voice replied, “Elder Brother, it’s not Fifth Brother’s fault. I insisted on coming. I heard that after the war, some discontented factions have been causing trouble. Since several elder brothers are in the capital, I’m uneasy.”

Song Jing said, “It must have been cold and tiring on the way. Come inside quickly. I’ve ordered another brazier for you.”

Song Yueyi’s voice softened further, “Elder Brother, I won’t be a bother. Empress Dowager and Grandmother deeply miss Sister. Have they found her yet? It’s been three years since her marriage; perhaps she even has children?”

Song Jing glanced toward the room where Song Jiayin stayed and lowered his voice, “She’s been found. You can meet her after she wakes. Yueyue, she has no children.”

Song Yueyi instantly brightened, her voice rising in joy, “That’s wonderful! I’ve missed Sister so much. When she took my place in the marriage, I always felt guilty. I hope she will forgive me when we meet. She’s still the eldest princess; I’m willing to be the second princess.”

Song Jing retorted, “If she had half your understanding and kindness, she wouldn’t be in such a state now. Enough about her. Elder Brother, take her inside to warm by the fire.”

Song Yueyi added, “Elder Brother, are you hungry? I brought some snacks. You should try them.”

Song Zhen shouted from behind, “And what about me? You’ve been saving those snacks all the way, planning to give them to the eldest brother?”

Hearing the laughter and chatter outside, Song Jiayin unconsciously moved to the door and suddenly pushed it open.

The abrupt sound startled the sleeping Zi Yan awake and caused Song Jing, Song Yueyi, and Song Zhen—who were about to enter—to halt in their tracks.