Since ancient times, princesses were only given titles and residences when they got married. Just like her, because she was to be married off for political reasons, her father quickly bestowed upon her the title "Zhaoqing". However, due to the short time, there was no time to build a separate princess residence.

There was no precedent in the Southern Dynasties for granting a title before marriage, and no princess would stay in the army for many years.

But rules are made by people, and the emperor didn't think the request was excessive. Besides, putting aside the fact that she was a woman, Rong Ning was indeed a skilled warrior.

Currently, the Southern Dynasty is lacking in capable generals.

So the emperor pondered for a moment and said, "Alright... Given A-Ning's personality, if you leave and stay in the palace, you'll make a mess of the harem. It's better to let her establish her own princess residence outside the palace."

The emperor paused here, looked at the kneeling figure, gently shook his head, and asked, "Don't you ask for anything for yourself?"

“Father… Your son has brought the rare treasures and exquisite craftsmen of the Southern Dynasty to the Great Jing. Your father has already given me so much.”

That's a bit ironic.

Before he could say anything, Rong Yang interrupted, "This time, I am going to the Great Jing for a marriage alliance. I fear it will be our last farewell. There is no possibility of us ever seeing each other again, whether in life or death. I have no other wish but that my elder brother and A Ning may live a peaceful and prosperous life, and stay by Father's side to fulfill their filial duties."

Upon hearing this, the emperor swallowed the words that were about to come out, and his myriad emotions turned into heartache and pain.

This is his daughter...

His daughter, whom he had raised with such care, who became famous at the age of thirteen…

If it weren't for these events, she would have been the most noble young lady in the Southern Dynasty, living a peaceful and happy life.

What a pity...

He helped Rong Yang up, his voice choked with emotion, and whispered, "Yang'er... when you go to Da Jing for a political marriage, you don't have to do anything, just live well. You must always try your best to live. As long as you live, even if your father can't bring you back in his lifetime, your elder brother might be able to."

Bring her back? Rong Yang was stunned, and stood up woodenly.

I wondered if that day would really come.

Is there?

Even if it were possible, it would be incredibly difficult!

Rong Yang dared not hope for it…

But she still managed a smile and replied, "Your subject understands... Your subject trusts Father and elder brother."

...

It was nearly evening when Rong Yang came out of the Taiji Hall. The sky was full of red clouds, as red as blood. As Rong Yang looked over the high walls and gazed at the sunset, the feeling of suffocation in her heart intensified.

She hadn't actually intended for her elder brother to return from the south, as his return would only cause trouble. She was simply using this matter to make her father feel guilty, and then to make demands.

Of those two conditions, the first one is the least noteworthy: she can't interfere with who her father chooses as empress, and no one can say for sure whether he will become suspicious of or suppress the crown prince in the future. After all, people's hearts are fickle, and a few light promises now shouldn't be taken seriously.

What Rong Yang really wanted to do was to get Rong Ning out of the palace before she left.

Her Ah Ning shouldn't be bound by these high red walls and vermilion tiles.

Rong Yang secretly exhaled a breath of stale air and said softly, "Let's go... back to Zhaoqing Palace. Don't keep A'ning waiting..."

If she doesn't go back by dinner time, her Ah Ning won't be able to eat properly.

But they hadn't gone far when a palace maid appeared from around the corner, saying, "Greetings, Princess Zhaoqing."

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be the head palace maid in the Imperial Concubine's palace.

Sending her trusted confidante here to wait certainly wasn't just for a casual greeting. Rong Yang looked at her and asked calmly, "Does the Imperial Concubine have any instructions?"

"Princess, you are of noble birth, how could the Imperial Concubine dare to give any orders? However, there are some palace matters that the Imperial Concubine needs to discuss with you before making a decision, so she sent a servant to invite the princess over."