The Double

In the still silence, Empress Dowager Liu stood facing off against Princess Yongning. After what felt like an eternity, she finally sighed and said, "Have you truly made up your mind?"

Princess Yongning declared, "My mind is set without a doubt!"

Empress Dowager Liu sighed deeply, her voice laced with resignation, "I promise you. Now put down the dagger."

"Mother," Princess Yongning lowered the dagger, and earnestly spoke, "This is not a sudden impulse. I have put too much effort into Shen Yurong, and, harboring the thought that all should not be in vain, he must become my Prince Consort. Mother must never think that appeasing me temporarily is the solution. If it never comes to pass, life holds no meaning for me, and I shall find a path to death."

This was an unmistakable threat.

Empress Dowager Liu was nearly angered, but seeing the determined look in Princess Yongning’s eyes, her heart softened. Well, her daughter had always had everything her way since she was little. Since this was the case, why not let her marry the man she loved? If she was unhappy later on, there were countless ways to make a change. After all, sooner or later, the world would belong to their family, what was a Shen Yurong in the grand scheme of things?

"There’s no need to threaten me. If I’ve said it, I will do it," Empress Dowager Liu said firmly.

Hearing Empress Dowager Liu give in, Princess Yongning knew the matter was settled. She instantly broke into a radiant smile, threw the dagger aside, stood up, ran to Empress Dowager Liu, and, hugging her arm, said with a laugh, "Mother loves me the most! I knew Mother would grant my request!"