I was rendered speechless by Princess Yongkang's theory. And what I never dreamed of was that eighteen years later, my daughter Hanzhen would take the same road as her aunt!

    "But, Sister, is there no true love in this world?" I hesitated to ask.

    "True love? What is true love? Like a father to a mother? The concubines all said that Mother was jealous and could not tolerate others. But who knows if this is the affection, and this is true love in our world! In the eyes of men, women are only clothes. When he wants to change, it's all in the man's mood." The princess gave a cold hum.

    "Nowadays, although the queen's position is unoccupied, it is only for the people of the world to see it! Father still has many concubines, and their children are in groups?" she continued.

    I knew that fathers usually doted on their children a lot, but now I was surprised to hear Princess Yongkang talking like this. "Sister, you . . . "

    "Ha-ha, Zhaopei, to tell you the truth, there are many rebellious descendants of Xiaoliang royalty. It has long been known that Princess Yongxing and her uncle had an unruly love. Xiao Zhengde, a self-righteous and arrogant fellow, and Xiao Zong, a foreigner, could be tolerated by Father. Besides, you and I just have to say a few words. Don't worry too much." Princess Yongkang disdained it.

    "Zhaopei, you and I are women. I advised you to grasp your own happiness and not let the villains win the victory and occupy the position. When necessary, you should use some tactics like my mother. You must never be soft-hearted. . . "

    Princess Yongkang's words made my mind swim like a flood. I couldn't help looking up at Shitai, who still had such a kind smile on her face.

    "What does Shitai think? How can we get rid of our worries?" I sighed.

    "The things in this world are born from the heart and perish from the heart. The reason why they can't be ended is because the heart is concerned about them."

    "What Shitai said is absolutely true," I said with a nod.

    "Well, although this speech is ruthless, it’s because of helplessness. I'm thinking of you from your point of view. Buddhism says that human nature should be pure, not all kinds of love and hatred. If the nature of mind is influenced by the love and hatred of the world, it must be disturbed and affected by it. As for how to grasp the future, it still depends on personalization," the princess said.

    "Thank you, Sister. Zhaopei has accepted this sentiment."

    "When the boat comes to the bridge, it's straight naturally; just let it be," Shitai continued.

    "Does Shitai think that people should not have love and hate?" I still had some doubts in my mind.

    "The sea is changing, and the world is changing. Looking at the former princes, generals, and pink beauties, all of them turn into dust in the end. Everything in the world is changing. Concubine, only the word empty can unravel the word change.”

    The word change? The word empty? I could not help nodding my head. What about love? What about hate? Love and hate were in the heart of the individual; one had to just learn to let them go.

    Princess Yongkang drank a cup of chrysanthemum lotus pistil tea that I let Bing soak, and she could not help giving praise. "So good; Zhaopei's taste is really good. This tea is fresh and refreshing. I like it. Those vulgar people are blind and ignorant of gold inlaid with jade. . . "

    As soon as I heard the princess’ words become more and more out of line, I quickly changed the topic. "Sister, how about inviting Shitai to stay with me for a few days?"

    "Well, what does Shitai think of it?" The princess looked at Jingyuan Shitai.

    "Amitabha, excuse me." Jingyuan Shitai nodded her head again.

    "Well, I’m tired; Zhaopei and Shitai should go rest as well!" Princess Yongkang got up to go.

    I quickly called Bing. "Bing, get some teas for the princess to take back and enjoy at her leisure."

    At this time, Qinglian, who had been standing behind me, bowed again, saying, "The maidservant respectfully welcomes the princess."

    Princess Yongkang suddenly turned her head and glanced at her. "I almost don't know you. I haven't seen you for a long time. Qinglian, you are getting more and more beautiful."

    "The maidservant thanks the princess for her praise."

    "Well, you must serve your concubine as you served my mother originally," Princess Yongkang advised.

    "Maidservants remember, please allow the princess to rest assured." When Princess Yongkang left, Qinglian led Shitai in to meditate.

    I sat in front of the Linghua mirror. My curved eyebrows were like the moon. Xiao Yi helped me draw them in the morning. Xiao Yi said, "I’m going to be Zhang Chang,① too!" At that time, his eyes were so focused that they were as deep as a pool of water.

    My eyes were getting wet and grew blurry. . .

    How can a wife not trust her husband? How can Xiao Yi abandon me? A couple's affection is the foundation of human relations! The most unforgettable is love between husband and wife.

    Snow danced in the sky. I looked forward to the return of Spring. Would Spring be far behind?

    Note 1: Zhang Chang: a scholar hailing from Pingyang during the Han Dynasty under Emperor Xuan’s rule. Zhang Chang famously painted his wife’s eyebrows on a daily basis. The old analogy implies that the love between husband and wife is very good.