On this day, An Ningxiang held the hand of the eight-year-old young crown prince and led him to the imperial garden. The young crown prince stood still, gazing at the man and woman in the pavilion. The man was massaging the Imperial Concubine’s legs.
“Mother, is that the Imperial Concubine?”
“Yes, she is the Imperial Concubine.”
The young crown prince pursed his lips. “She doesn’t look well.”
“That’s right, her health isn’t good.”
“She’s very beautiful.”
An Ningxiang nodded. “Her grace is unmatched.”
“I’ve heard that she’s a princess of the Tang Dynasty. I also heard she proposed many ideas for the Tang Dynasty, opening trade with overseas nations, introducing countless new items, and improving vegetable and grain seeds. In the Tang Dynasty, people eat meat with every meal, even the dogs eat meat every day.” The young crown prince’s eyes gleamed. “Mother, why is she here?”
“Mother, if she left the harem, wouldn’t she be able to bring great benefits to the people? Mother, why can’t women become officials? If a woman has talent, she could also benefit the common people, don’t you think?”
Tears welled in An Ningxiang’s eyes. Choked with emotion, she replied, “Yes.” She secretly wiped her tears. Her son was so thoughtful, understanding so much at such a young age.
“Yier, if you ever fall in love with a woman in the future, never hurt innocent women because of her, do you understand?”
“Your son understands. I will not be a heartless man. Women have it hard enough. If I truly love someone, I will not bring anyone else into the palace. I will only marry her.”
Hearing this, An Ningxiang couldn’t hold back her tears anymore. Her son was truly a good child.
“Mother, I’d like to return and study now,” the young crown prince said, glancing at the time, his tone eager. In truth, he wanted to meet the Imperial Concubine. He knew far more than his mother imagined.
But seeing how the couple in the pavilion were lost in their own world, he decided to give up.
An Ningxiang didn’t miss the reluctance and admiration in the young crown prince’s eyes.
The Imperial Concubine, who wouldn’t admire her?
The things she had accomplished were unparalleled, not just for women, but even for men. Now, countless people dreamed of moving to the Tang Dynasty.
“Then let’s go back.”
The young crown prince turned back repeatedly, stealing several glances before finally leaving. Clenching his fists, he silently vowed to work hard. He wouldn’t let himself lose to a woman. He would surpass this Imperial Concubine and make his mother proud.
“Ah Mie, let’s return to the Tang Dynasty,” Tang Guo said, wrapping her arms around Xuanyuan Mie’s neck. She glanced in the direction where the young crown prince and An Ningxiang had left and whispered, “I don’t want to stay here anymore.”
“Alright.”
“Ah Mie, you’re so likable.”
Xuanyuan Mie didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He kissed her forehead, gently smoothed her loose hair, and scooped her into his arms. “Leaving now?”
“Leaving now.”
“Not saying goodbye to the others?”
“No need.”
“Alright.”
…
“She’s gone?”
Concubine Meng De shot to her feet, lifting her skirt as she rushed to the city wall. All she saw was the silhouette of a departing carriage. The wind lifted the curtain, revealing two figures leaning against each other inside.
Finally, she couldn’t hold back her tears. She shouted toward the distance, “Sister Imperial Concubine, you’re leaving just like that? Why in such a hurry, without even saying goodbye?”
Concubine Yin Shu and the other concubines also ran to the city wall, watching the slowly departing carriage. Tears streamed down their faces as they waved their hands, bidding farewell to the ones inside.
“Sister Imperial Concubine, thank you,” Concubine Yin Shu murmured under her breath. Thank you for giving us a different life. Thank you for showing us that women don’t have to revolve around a man, that we can also live well.
Tang Guo lifted the curtain, turning back with a smile that was radiant and peerless. “Go and live the lives you want. The young crown prince won’t make things difficult for you.”
“The Tang Dynasty’s army will withdraw and never appear in Tianqin Kingdom again.”
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