Chapter 7
Before Lydia gave birth, the palace sent down two matrons.]]
Dad was anxious, afraid they’d have sharp eyes and take his son by mistake.
I was anxious too, afraid Lydia’s little trick would be discovered early.[]
Fortunately, the midwife first brought out a girl and congratulated Dad: “Congratulations, my lord, it’s a daughter!“]]
The two matrons exchanged glances and sighed.[]
The matrons took the girl back to the palace to report. Just moments later, the midwife brought out another child, this time with genuine joy:
“Congratulations, my lord, it’s a son!“]}]
Dad was so thrilled he forgot himself, quietly ordering that everyone receive double rewards.[]
AV
The midwife was about to kneel and bow when she saw Dad excitedly holding his son, casually ordering his trusted aide:[]
“Take her to the dungeon. Send the reward money to her family and tell them she was hit by a carriage.“[]
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The midwife’s sharp screams were instantly muffled by rags stuffed in her mouth. Dad stared darkly at the baby in the swaddling clothes, lost in thought.
After years, the Earl’s manor finally had a son. Aunt Empress issued a decree for our whole family to come to the palace and receive rewards.
Dad whispered to his wife with a smile: “The time is finally here.“]
I knew he’d already gathered his troops, just waiting for the signal
to
attack and take Uncle’s life.
Dad was confident of victory and much kinder to me.
- me.
4/
name your mother Empress.”
He even touched my head and whispered: “When I take the throne, the first thing I’ll do is posthumously
What good was his love now, when it came so late?]
Dad was smugly pleased with himself, never expecting to be met with Aunt Empress’s explosive fury.
She had us tied up. Dad looked baffled: “Sister, what’s this about?“]
A eunuch immediately stepped up and slapped him: “How dare you address Her Majesty so
casually!”
Dad stared at his aunt like she was a complete stranger.
Aunt let out a cold laugh: “I gave you chance after chance. I
ought keeping the child would make you behave, but look what you sent me!”
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A
She had someone bring the child over. When we looked closely, wrapped in the swaddling clothes was a snow–white fox!
“You think you can trick me with this thing – what’s your excuse?“]
Dad shook his head desperately: “That can’t be right, I clearly sent my daughter…”
“Drag him to the water dungeon first.” Aunt’s smile turned vicious: “You’ve been wreaking havoc for years – His Majesty and I are done with you.“]
In desperation, Dad yelled out his troop signal.]
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Chapter 7
I watched him frantically gesture to the guards by the door and had to admire how he’d managed to get his people into the palace guard – Dad really had some talent.[]
But the guard just waved dismissively, and no reinforcements came storming in.]]
At Aunt’s word, someone immediately grabbed that guard. Dad went white as a sheet, totally lost about how everything had gone wrong.
“Someone free Lady Lydia and bring her a chair.” Lydia took a seat beside Aunt, wearing the sweetest smile.[]
Dad’s eyes were practically shooting fire: “Lydia, you…“[]
“If my dear sister–in–law hadn’t given me a heads up, I never would’ve known you were playing such an elaborate game.” The Empress snorted, then fixed her stare on me:
“And this little brat too. I told you not to keep her around, but you wouldn’t listen. Now you and your daughter can rot together – what a devoted father.”
I knelt down reverently and kowtowed to Aunt:[]
“If Luna knows the rebel roster, would Your Majesty spare her?”
“Oh?” The Empress perked up, patting Lydia’s hand: “You only told me when he’d rebel, but not who else was involved. How would this child know?”
I swore earnestly: “Luna served tea and water to the rebels and saw the silk cloth with the names written on it.”
“I
Dad could barely stay upright, glaring hatefully at Lydia: “It was you! You taught her to read?”
“Luna is a proper young lady – how could she secure a good future without reading?” Lydia said righteously, then told a nearby maid: “Bring it up.”
When Dad saw what they brought up, he fainted on the spot.
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