The morning sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains into Princess Qi Yuandong's bedchamber. However, this warm ray of sunlight failed to dispel the gloom in her heart. After a sleepless night, Princess Qi Yuandong's heart grew heavier; she felt she could no longer bear the pain of losing her beloved.
Driven by despair, she quietly picked up a meticulously woven silk ribbon, her heart filled with resolve. Her eyes held no fear, only a profound sense of powerlessness and exhaustion.
Just then, a palace maid responsible for cleaning pushed open the door and entered, preparing to begin her daily cleaning duties. Upon entering, she witnessed this shocking scene and immediately exclaimed, "Princess! What are you doing?"
A palace maid rushed forward, using all her strength to stop Qi Yuandong's actions. Her eyes were filled with tears and worry: "Princess, you are the jewel of Qi, your life is more precious than anything!"
Princess Qi Yuandong's hand fell limply to her side, her heart filled with struggle and confusion. The timely arrival of the palace maid prevented a tragedy from occurring, but it could not immediately dispel the shadow in her heart.
The palace maid spoke softly, recounting stories of her homeland, the Northern Frontier, to Princess Qi Yuandong. Her eyes revealed a deep longing for her homeland: "Princess, the scenery of the Northern Frontier is vastly different from that of the capital. There are boundless grasslands, herds of cattle and sheep, and eagles soaring freely..."
Princess Qi Yuandong was captivated by the palace maid's description, and a hint of longing flashed in her eyes: "You must miss your hometown very much, right?"
The palace maid nodded and continued with a smile, "Yes, Princess. I originally entered the palace with Consort Yelü Yanyun, who was my former mistress. But because of Consort Yanyun's temper..." The palace maid paused, carefully choosing her words, "She was straightforward, and I offended her unintentionally, which led to my transfer and eventually to the Princess's residence."
A hint of sympathy flashed in Princess Qi Yuandong's eyes: "You've been wronged."
The palace maid shook her head, her expression resolute: "Princess, it is my greatest honor to serve you. Although I have left my hometown, I have learned a lot here, and life in the palace has helped me grow considerably."
Princess Qi Yuandong seemed to be deep in thought, and the palace maid's words seemed to have given her some inspiration: "You are very strong and optimistic."
The palace maid smiled and replied, "Princess, life always has its ups and downs, just like the grasslands of my hometown, sometimes sunny and calm, sometimes snowy and stormy. But no matter what, life must go on, and we must face it with strength."
A warmth welled up in Princess Qi Yuandong's heart; the palace maid's words were like a ray of light illuminating the gloom in her heart. She began to re-examine her life and values. Perhaps, like the palace maid, she could find her own direction and strength even in adversity.
The palace maid's words were like a gentle spring breeze, quietly nourishing Princess Qi Yuandong's parched heart. On that peaceful morning, Qi Yuandong sat by the window, playing with the bracelet woven from northern frontier grasses that the palace maid had given her, and ripples began to stir in her heart.
"Life is full of ups and downs, just like the grasslands of my hometown, sometimes sunny and calm, sometimes snowy and stormy." The palace maid's words echoed in Qi Yuandong's mind, and she began to reflect on her life and attitude.
She reflected on her willfulness and indulgence, and the impact these actions had had on those around her. She realized that although she had lost her loved one, she was not truly without anything. She still had the palace maids who cared for her, her elder brother who had high hopes for her, and the people of the entire Qi Kingdom.
Qi Yuandong stood up and walked to the mirror. Looking at herself in the mirror, the carefree princess was gone, replaced by a more mature and stronger version of herself who had experienced pain and struggle.
She took a deep breath and made a decision. She would no longer run away, nor would she wallow in sorrow. She would face life's storms bravely, like a palace maid, and find her own path.
From that day on, Princess Qi Yuandong began to change herself. She reduced her drinking and merrymaking, began to participate in palace affairs, and spent more time learning about the country. She also often chatted with palace maids, listening to them tell stories of the customs and culture of the northern frontier, and gradually developed an interest in the outside world.
After careful consideration, Princess Qi Yuandong made a momentous decision. She decided to marry a foreign prince to the northern frontier, hoping to quell the war between the two countries through a marriage alliance and use the opportunity to rescue Consort Mu, who had been kidnapped by enemy forces.
Princess Qi Yuandong stood before the magnificent palace gates, her eyes resolute and clear. She knew what her decision meant—she would leave her familiar land, abandon the comfortable life of royalty, and face an unknown future.
She summoned the palace maids, her voice carrying a hint of resolve: "I've made up my mind. I'm going to the northern frontier. Not only for Consort Mu, but also for the peace of the Qi Kingdom."
The palace maid looked at Qi Yuandong in shock, her eyes filled with worry: "Princess, the Northern Frontier is far away and unfamiliar, you...you've really made up your mind?"
Princess Qi Yuandong nodded. Although she felt a little uneasy, her will was exceptionally firm: "Yes, I have made up my mind. This is what I can do for the State of Qi, and it is what I should do."
The news quickly reached Emperor Qi Jingxuan, who felt a mix of emotions: reluctance at his sister's impending departure and admiration for her courageous decision.
In the imperial court, Emperor Qi Jingxuan officially announced the decision to send Princess Qi Yuandong to marry a foreign ruler. The court officials discussed the matter animatedly, but most expressed their respect for the princess's spirit of sacrifice.
Emperor Qi Jingxuan privately met with Qi Yuandong, his voice trembling slightly: "Yuandong, you really don't need to sacrifice yourself like this."
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