"Then what? Did the Prince agree?" Tangyuan exclaimed about the difficulty of Rong Heng’s marriages, but couldn’t help gossiping.
"What could he do if he didn’t agree? He certainly couldn’t be thrilled to be a father, could he? Besides, that lover was a friend our Prince grew up with, bare-bottomed. How could he not make it happen without letting himself be the cuckold?"
"So, he just let them leave?"
"Our Prince thought, since he already had a reputation for cursing his wives, why not let this second one fake her death and elope with her lover?"
To make such a sacrifice for others, Rong Heng must truly dislike these women foisted on him.
He would rather ruin his own reputation than entangle his future with these marital connections. He’s always struck me as a man with a plan. Now it seems his heart is truly firm. Not to mention, he’s quite the enlightened one.
"What about the third one?"
"The third Princess was not inferior to the previous two, be it in talents or family background, all matching our Prince. Unfortunately, she was assassinated on her wedding day, solidifying the rumor of the Prince’s curse, and no nobility dared to marry their daughters into our family. The Prince didn’t want to harm anyone else either, so he chose to wander abroad all year round."
Tangyuan, sensitive to the unusual circumstances, asked, "Such a coincidence?"
Everyone knew it was not a coincidence. It’s just unfortunate that the Princess became a pawn in others’ power struggles. To sever our family’s marital ties, they resorted to any means necessary. If you could call the third’s death a coincidence, what about the first two?
Tangyuan’s eyes widened in shock, "Are you suggesting that the first two were also part of the scheme?"
The expressions on Qingfeng Mingyue’s faces said it all. Over the course of these days, they didn’t treat her as an outsider, mainly because they saw how much the Prince valued her. It’s rare for a woman to stay by Rong Heng’s side in such a way. For them, she was very special, which is why they felt the need to speak openly beforehand, to prevent any misunderstandings.
Misunderstandings were the least of concerns. In reality, Tangyuan just wanted to lament the fates of these nobles. In her previous life as Yu Niang, she was luckier, meeting understanding people. But this life was clearly more rugged and challenging. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ Novᴇl_Fire(.)net
Because they had to travel from the southwestern direction to Southern, it would take at least half a month, so the party of four set off without delay.
Another challenge after seasickness was horseback riding. Tangyuan could ride, but this body couldn’t withstand the jostling of the saddle.
Traveling with these men was indeed troublesome. If it weren’t for her space that allowed her to wash up, change sanitary pads, and replenish food, she probably couldn’t have endured it.
On the road, they were fine if they encountered official rest stations, but otherwise they had to fend for themselves. Although she had made large Shandong pancakes and pickles, and preserved duck eggs and century eggs, during the long journey she still hoped for some soup. However, they traveled light, so they couldn’t carry any pots and pans, and even if they found a river, they couldn’t cook. Thanks to them, she did get to eat a lot of game.
Having the Empress of Dongru Country doing a maid’s chores, Qingfeng Mingyue initially thought she wouldn’t last long. But as time passed, they grew more and more respectful towards the ’Empress’ who could stoop and stand tall. She handled the tasks of a maid with such thoroughness and wisdom that in their hearts, they no longer saw her as just a maid...