Zheng Feng took Consort Zhuang out of the palace and stopped in an alleyway, where a horse carriage was waiting for them. He gave her a set of peasant clothes, asking her to change out of the outfit of a palace maid. He himself did the same, changing into a handsome everyday attire.

Consort Zhuang accepted the clothes and got into the carriage. After she got changed, she curled into herself, and her icy heart gradually regained its ability to feel pain. How disappointed Father will be! Her family had great expectations for her, but the glory her father and brothers had earned through bloodshed would soon get destroyed because of her! She covered her face with both hands and choked, her low whimpers gradually evolving into quiet sobs.

I’ve doomed my family for a dream that would never become reality! It was a bet she could never win. If the emperor held her accountable, her crime would be so great that her entire family would be dragged down with her. How was she supposed to face her elders? Her siblings?

Zheng Feng hated her for what she had done, but her heartbroken wails tugged on his heartstring. He parted the curtains and said, “Consort Lin told me to send you home. It must mean she would be able to convince His Majesty to pardon you. I hope you’ll put away your vicious thoughts for General Xie’s sake!”

Consort Zhuang looked up at him, the venom in her eyes long replaced by deep sorrow. She muttered, “How can I face my father? This is...