Chapter 58: Nine Lifetimes of Tragic Fate, Part 3: The Princess's Tale of Love and Hate Amidst
Chapter 58: Nine Lifetimes of Tragic Fate, Part 3: The Princess's Tale of Love and Hate Amidst
Chapter Fifty-Eight: The Tragic Fate of Nine Lifetimes - The Third Princess's Story: A Song of Love and Hate Amidst the Bloodshed of the Palace Walls
On the edge of the imperial city, the Third Princess's wedding procession moved slowly forward like a magnificent yet solemn dragon. The Third Princess sat in the carriage, her bright red wedding dress like a burning flame, yet it reflected no warmth in her heart, only endless loneliness and unease. "Black Wind, where are you now? Do you still remember me?" she murmured silently to herself, her fingers unconsciously stroking the hem of her dress.
Soon, the procession arrived at the post station. The palace maids sent by the emperor were already waiting respectfully, and they escorted the Third Princess into the station. The Third Princess expressionlessly allowed them to serve her, but her mind was filled with memories of her time with Hei Feng. "This wedding dress should have been worn for him, but now I'm marrying an emperor I've never even met," she thought, her heart filled with sorrow, her eyes blankly staring at the post station walls.
Meanwhile, undercurrents were stirring within the palace. The regent, along with senior officials and courtiers, were plotting a rebellion. Soldiers moved like ghosts through the shadows of the palace, surrounding the gates and main hall, awaiting only the order to unleash a world-shaking storm.
In the post station, the Third Princess was meticulously dressed by the palace maids. Donning the Empress's wedding gown, beneath the phoenix coronet and embroidered robes, she was breathtakingly beautiful, yet cold as ice. "These magnificent garments are nothing but heavy shackles to me," she sighed inwardly, her eyes filled with helplessness.
With everything prepared, the Third Princess boarded the wedding carriage and headed towards the palace. People lined the streets to watch and chatter, but she paid no attention, only tightly clutching the handkerchief in her hand.
Upon entering the imperial city and arriving at the palace gates, the Third Princess strode solemnly through the gates. Each step seemed to pound on her shattered heart, making a heavy sound. Emperor Gou stood outside the main hall, surrounded by a throng of ministers. A hypocritical smile graced his face, but a sinister glint shone in his eyes.
The Third Princess ascended the steps, heading towards the main hall of the palace. When she finally saw Emperor Gou, a strange sense of disgust welled up within her. Emperor Gou reached out and took the Third Princess's hand, and under the direction of the Imperial Observatory, they prepared to walk towards the altar to offer incense to the imperial ancestors.
Just then, a command was given, and in an instant, countless soldiers surged out like a tidal wave, completely surrounding them. The Third Princess looked around in astonishment, only to spot the figure she had longed for day and night in the crowd—Black Wind. Her heart pounded, her eyes flashing with surprise and disbelief. "Black Wind, is it really you?" she cried out in her heart, her lips trembling slightly.
The Regent gazed at the Third Princess, his heart filled with mixed emotions. "Princess, how could it be you?" he murmured to himself, his eyes brimming with complex feelings. Three years of longing and yearning surged into his heart at this moment, yet the current situation left him anxious and anxious.
The third princess, tears welling in her eyes, stared intently at the regent, wanting to say something, but speechless with shock at the chaotic scene. The regent forced himself to remain calm; he knew the situation was extremely dangerous and he had to control it first. He loudly ordered his soldiers to surround the emperor, while simultaneously reminding him, "Don't harm the innocent!"
Emperor Gou was terrified by this sudden turn of events, his face turning pale. He looked around frantically, and when he saw the Regent's concerned gaze towards the Third Princess, a wicked thought suddenly struck him. He grabbed the Third Princess, pressed a sword against her neck, and said viciously, "Don't come any closer, or I'll kill her!"
Seeing the Third Princess being held hostage, the Regent was frantic. He stepped forward and roared, "Release her! Don't hurt the innocent!"
Emperor Gou sneered, "Hmph, Regent, you seem to care a lot about this woman." As he spoke, he tightened his grip on the sword, and a thin line of blood instantly appeared on the Third Princess's neck.
The Regent felt a pang of pain in his heart. Helplessly, he raised his hands and said, "Fine, I'll put down my weapon. Just don't hurt her." He slowly lowered his sword and walked step by step toward the Emperor Gou.
Seeing the regent submit, Emperor Gou became even more smug: "Haha, Regent, you've finally met your match. Now, you mutilate yourself, or I'll kill her immediately."
The regent was furious, but seeing the terrified look in the third princess's eyes, he didn't hesitate to pick up his sword and stab himself. Blood instantly stained his clothes, but he seemed to feel no pain, only staring intently at the third princess.
Upon witnessing this scene, the third princess was heartbroken, tears streaming down her face. She silently mouthed to the regent, "Don't act impulsively, don't hurt yourself for my sake."
Emperor Gou, however, remained relentless, continuing to order the regent to mutilate himself. The regent gritted his teeth, swung his sword at himself again, and spat out a mouthful of blood.
The third princess struggled frantically, using all her strength to kick Emperor Gou. Caught off guard, Emperor Gou released his grip in pain. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the third princess broke free and ran desperately to the Regent's side.
"Black Wind, why are you so foolish?" she cried out, her hands trembling as she tried to stop the Regent's bleeding.
The Regent gently cupped the Third Princess's face and wiped away her tears: "Princess, I miss you so much. For three years, I have sent you letters, but I have not received a reply. I thought you had forgotten me."
The third princess wept uncontrollably: "I have never forgotten you, I have always been waiting for you."
The regent could no longer contain his emotions. He embraced the third princess tightly and said, "I love you. I will protect you for the rest of my life and never be separated from you again."
Just as they were embracing passionately, Emperor Gou saw this scene and was blinded by jealousy and resentment. He shouted, "Gou men and women, I will kill you!" and raised his sword to stab the Regent.
The third princess cried out in alarm and, without hesitation, pushed the regent aside, shielding him with her own body from the fatal sword strike. The sword pierced her chest, yet she only offered the regent a poignant smile.
The Regent watched helplessly as the Third Princess fell, as if his entire world had collapsed. He roared, picked up his sword, and charged at Emperor Gou like a madman, plunging it fiercely into his heart. Emperor Gou's eyes widened, and he slowly collapsed.
The regent frantically scooped up the third princess, shouting, "Quickly, summon the imperial physician!" He carried her into the inner palace, tears streaming down her face. "Princess, you must hold on. We still have so much to say, so much to do," he said, his voice trembling with despair and helplessness.
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