A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1136: The Sacrificed Princess

Following the Emperor’s imperial decree, the daughter of King Hai Xiangjin of Western Xia immediately became the subject of intense public scrutiny, with opinions sharply divided.

A significant portion of the populace continued to condemn Hai Feng, spewing insults like, "Bah! Daughter of the Western Xia dog traitor!" and "No matter what she does, it can’t change the fact she’s that dog traitor’s daughter!" Others suspected her motives, stating, "Exactly, she might just be a spy from Western Xia!" The public also criticized her actions accompanying the Fifth Prince for disaster relief, deeming it, "Shameless! She might just be trying to earn fame!" Many felt sympathy for Prince Zhe, lamenting, "Such a pity for a good Prince Zhe to have married such a woman!" The outcry for her removal was loud: "Even though it’s a marriage alliance, we, the Great Chu Dynasty, do not accept such a Princess Consort! She should be divorced!" This sentiment was echoed forcefully: "Yes! She should be divorced!" and "Such a woman deserves to be divorced!!"

These harsh words struck Hai Feng like icy blades, and as public opinion spread from the Capital City to the Northwest, it only intensified.

Consequently, Hai Feng became increasingly hesitant to venture outdoors, as rotten eggs and leaves seemed to be hurled at her from unseen sources whenever she did.

The noble Commandery Princess of Western Xia, now the Fifth Princess Consort of Great Chu, had fallen to such a desperate state. She questioned what grievous sin she could have possibly committed to endure such humiliation.

One night, Hai Feng lay on her bed, sobbing uncontrollably. She had long lost count of how many times she had broken down.

After her spirit had been shattered, she was like a phoenix stripped of its glory. Her former pride, confidence, and carefree demeanor had vanished, replaced by a pervasive sense of caution and insecurity.

The Fifth Master remained indifferent to her distress. "What are you so sad about?!" he questioned. "Yinshan City was slaughtered by your father’s men, not leaving an official or civilian alive; it’s natural to anger people! Just don’t go out! Besides, not everyone is cursing you!"

Indeed, a segment of the population displayed more reason. Arguments like, "The sins of the parents should not implicate the married daughter; she has lived in our Great Chu Dynasty for years and even bore a child for the Prince; she can’t be that heartless!" and "I think so too!" were voiced. Others questioned her agency: "A woman trapped in the inner chambers doesn’t have such capabilities?!" and posited, "I think it’s just that Hai Xiangjin, heartless and ambitious, who doesn’t even care about his daughter’s life!"

This line of reasoning also seemed plausible, and indeed, people were saying all sorts of things.

Hai Feng ignored the Fifth Prince, glaring at him fiercely before turning her head away.

The Fifth Master offered a disingenuous smile, feigning comfort. "Don’t worry, my Princess Consort, you’ll soon be free!" he declared, a sinister smirk playing on his lips before he departed with a flick of his sleeve.

From that point onward, the rumors intensified, though it remained unclear whether the Fifth Prince was deliberately fanning the flames.

The whispers reaching Hai Feng’s ears grew increasingly unbearable.

Internally, Hai Feng let out a cold laugh. 'Are they trying to force me to commit suicide? I refuse!'

She turned her gaze towards the Capital City, a quiet sense of relief washing over her. 'Lucky I left Yingge behind! Before leaving, I left a large sum of silver, instructing Yingge to protect Liangliang no matter what! In the future, Yingge will be Liangliang’s only support. With that silver, they should live well!'

The thought of Liangliang's lively and adorable appearance, with his chubby little face, only strengthened Hai Feng's resolve.

For the sake of her child, she was determined to risk everything.

...

Following two torrential downpours, Yinshan City was thoroughly cleansed, the stench of blood significantly diminishing.

However, the muddy roads and the remnants of battlefield corpses remained, leaving the entire area a horrifying spectacle.

The Western Xia Army had retreated to a hillside fifty miles north of Yinshan City.

One night, Hai Xiangjin's tent received a crucial message.

"Reporting to the King, we have received information that Princess Hai Feng was dispatched by the Emperor of Great Chu to the Northwest for disaster relief!" a soldier announced. "She is currently in Yanguan City within the pass!"

"Disaster relief?" Hai Xiangjin questioned, perplexed. "What disaster relief?"

The soldier hesitated before explaining, "It is said that... due to the war, civilians were displaced, so..."

Upon hearing this, Hai Xiangjin's brow furrowed, his expression instantly hardening, followed swiftly by a surge of anger.

"Hmph! Relief, my foot!" he exclaimed. "That Emperor brat is simply trying to deliver my daughter to me! To remind me that my daughter is still in his hands! He wants to use her to coerce me!"

Hai Xiangjin let out a cold laugh. "Even this message was probably deliberately spread by the enemy!"

The few deputy generals present couldn't help but curse upon hearing this revelation. "As the King guessed, they really dare to use the Princess’s safety to threaten us!"