Rong Yang felt a lump in her throat. She couldn't bear to hear anyone say such things about her beloved younger sister, not even her father.

She straightened up and replied slowly, "Father, I am the eldest princess of the Southern Dynasty, and it is my duty to bear the responsibility of this marriage alliance."

So rest assured, Father, since I have made a promise to you and to all the civil and military officials, I will not go back on my word. I am willing to accept this fact.

However, Ah Ning has been close to me since childhood, and she couldn't accept my marriage to the Great Jing Dynasty. She was anxious and upset, which is why she offended you. It was Ah Ning's fault, and I apologize on her behalf.

As you know, that's just how A-Ning is; she can't keep things to herself. Didn't Father Emperor like A-Ning's straightforward nature before?

But she is still young and ignorant, and speaks without thinking. Father, please don't hold it against her. If she were to receive thirty lashes, she would be half dead.

"Father, since Mother left, A-Ning and the Crown Prince have been my life. If anything happens to them, I will not be able to live."

Her voice was soft, but her words were incredibly firm.

The emperor looked at his stunningly beautiful daughter with a cold expression.

This is his first daughter, so he knows her to some extent and knows that what she said wasn't just empty talk.

If Rong Ning were to be injured, it's uncertain whether Rong Yang would be able to live a good life, but he certainly wouldn't be able to go on the marriage alliance peacefully.

The crown prince, who was away on official business, would not let the matter rest.

Things will only get more complicated.

The emperor opened his mouth, but ultimately couldn't say anything harsh. He sighed, "So be it...so be it. You've already had her taken away, what else can I say? Let's just let it go this time. After all, they are father and daughter. Can I really just stand by and watch her be beaten beyond recognition?"

"Thank you, Father Emperor!"

Rong Yang knelt on the ground and solemnly expressed his gratitude.

Rong Yang understood his father fairly well. He couldn't possibly be so cruel as to kill his children; he just needed a way to save face.

Rong Yang stood up, bowed, and took his leave.

"Wait a minute..." the emperor called out to her. "You should persuade her not to cause any more trouble. If there is a next time, don't blame me for thinking of our blood ties."

Rong Yang stopped in his tracks, chuckled softly, and replied calmly, "Your subject will obey Your Majesty's command."

The concept of blood ties is inherently complex in the royal family. Rong Yang didn't dwell on it too much and turned to leave the main hall.

She hadn't gone far when she saw Rong Ning standing at the corner, looking around. When she saw her, she immediately limped over and asked, "Sister, did Father make things difficult for you?"

"No…"

Rong Yang smiled and shook her head. Right now is a crucial time for the marriage alliance between the two countries. She is the main character, and no one will make things difficult for her easily.

"As for you, I told you to hurry back to Zhaoqing Palace and let the imperial physician examine your injuries. Why are you still here?"

Rong Ning snorted twice, hooked her arm around hers, and said, "A few lashes won't do anything to me. I'm waiting for my sister so we can go together!"

Sigh... This little girl is too clingy. Rong Yang sighed and poked her head before taking her back to Zhaoqing Palace.

The imperial physician was already waiting. After examining Rong Ning's injuries, he concluded that, just as she herself had said, a few strokes of the cane wouldn't be enough to seriously harm her.

The person was not seriously injured; the imperial physician prescribed some ointment, and the symptoms subsided.

Rong Yang personally applied the medicine to her, feeling distressed as she did so, "That guard really hit her hard! He doesn't even know you're a girl."

"It's alright, sister. They were just following orders. Don't blame them."

At this point, Rong Yang couldn't continue, since the imperial decree could not be disobeyed.

After a moment of silence, he said, "You must never act so impulsively again. Your father is no longer the same father who would accompany you in wielding swords and spears whenever he felt like it. You must be careful with your words."

“Sister… I didn’t mean to be so reckless when I went, but Father… Father has disappointed me too much.”

Rong Ning tilted her head and continued, "Not only did he not oppose the marriage alliance, but he also condoned the ministers' disdain for my elder sister, believing that by sending my elder sister to Da Jing, her beauty would bring some benefits to the Southern Dynasty."

My sister, a living, breathing person, was treated like an object in their mouths.