No matter what, Lu Yingying was kneeling for her father. It was a moving act of filial piety. However, Sun Lingshu looked at her as if she was a thorn by her side and wanted to punish her harshly for selfish reasons. She had no consideration for human relationships and was extremely narrow-minded. In reality, Empress Zhangsun was extremely disappointed in Sun Lingshu.
Fu Rou left Lizheng Palace and headed to the Seamstress Department. As she walked, she wondered if Empress Zhangsun had seen through Sun Lingshu’s intentions. In her opinion, ever since Sun Lingshu became the Crown Princess, she had always been on guard when facing others and accumulated resentment. Hence, she resorted to underhanded means to get her revenge. On the other hand, Lu Yingying did not care what others thought of her and did not even bother looking for the culprit after getting water thrown on her. She was not ashamed of kneeling for her father and brother and was able to judge right from wrong. Her sincerity could be felt.
The palace was like a maze, the more people walked astray, the more they got lost. One would only be able to escape if they persevered with their original intentions.
Fu Rou suddenly halted and turned to find Yang Bo.
The midday sun shone down on Lu Yingying. Although it was not very glaring, after kneeling for an entire day without food or water, along with fifty kilograms of metal armor, one would lose strength very quickly.
All of a sudden, a dark shadow blocked out the piercing sun. Lu Yingying took a deep breath and looked up to see an internal attendant smiling warmly at her.
“Have a sip of water.” The internal attendant sneakily took out a small water flask, the size of a palm, and helped her to open it.
From that angle, no one could see that the internal attendant was giving her water nor would anyone see Lu Yingying drinking. Lu Yingying shook her head.
The internal attendant whispered, “If you continue like this, you might not even be able to last long enough for the Emperor to change his mind. When that time comes, who else is going to save Duke Chen?”
Lu Yingying froze before extending her hand out to take the water flask. She did not expect to be so thirsty as she finished it in a single gulp.
She handed the flask back in embarrassment. “Thank you. What is your name?”
The internal attendant smiled before jutting his chin out in a particular direction. “You don’t have to thank me. Someone asked me to do it.”
Lu Yingying looked over and saw a slender figure. “Who?”
However, the internal attendant had already left. Lu Yingying wanted to call him to stop when two attendants appeared from the other side. One of them said, “Lu Yingying, His Majesty is ready to see you. Come with us quickly.”
Lu Yingying was delighted and got up too quickly, almost falling as a result. Luckily, the other attendant supported her. She then staggered in the direction of Ganlou Palace.
Yang Bo, who had delivered water to Lu Yingying, ran to the small door. Fu Rou was standing by it.
“Head Seamstress Fu, do you have some kind of relationship with her?”
“We met several times but do not really have a relationship. Moreover, I hate her father but admire her.” Fu Rou smiled. “Thank you for your help, Yang Bo.”
Yang Bo looked at Lu Yingying as she was led into the palace. “The Emperor is finally willing to see her. Head Seamstress Fu, your sip of water has brought her great fortune.”
“No, her filial piety has moved him.”
After being led into Ganlou Palace, Lu Yingying kneeled on the ground. “Greetings, Your Majesty. I am the daughter from the Lu family. Long live Your Majesty.”
The Emperor’s expression was unreadable. “Someone asked me if they should remove the picture of your father among the <<Twenty-four Officials>> in Lingyan Palace. I remember when Yunji was young, he was already famous for his martial art skills and bravery. In the earlier days of the Sui Dynasty, the empire was in chaos. He fought with me to conquer the east and west, achieving numerous outstanding feats. Back then, Li Yuanji, the King of Qi, tried numerous times to assassinate me. If not for Yunji, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Lu Yingying bowed even lower, not daring to look up. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for considering the former days.”
“However, your father has been acting out his own selfish desire, he plunders cities and robs them, killing the innocent. That is why he is being punished today.” The Emperor continued in a low voice, “It is not something that can simply be resolved with you, a girl, wearing the armor and begging for mercy.”
“This armor is the one that Father always brings back from the battlefield. There are scars all over the armor and even holes that were created from being pierced through in some areas. These holes were then mended on the request of my father, using metal threads.” Lu Yingying placed her palms on the ground and struggled to raise her head.
“Are you trying to help your father show off his contributions?” The Emperor was unhappy.
“Yingying wouldn’t dare. I have read Saint Mengzi’s book. Mengzi said that humans are different from beasts because humans have four hearts; the heart to despise evil, the heart to yield, the heart to judge between wrong and right…”
The Emperor finished her sentence. “And the heart for compassion.”
“Even the common people have compassion, what more the mighty ruler? There is no way to repay my debt to my father for raising me. Although I am just a girl, I am begging Your Majesty to have mercy and let me die in place of my father.” Lu Yingying once again bowed to the floor.
The Emperor fell silent for a long while. “People must have compassion. Although Yunji has committed a crime, he has accompanied me for so many years. Your devotion to your father is also moving and makes me hesitate to kill him. Convey my order, release Lu Yunji and Lu Qi from the prison. I will not reward him for his achievements, but I will also not kill him for his crime of plundering cities.”
Lu Yingying shed tears of joy. She thanked the Emperor but remained on the ground for a long while.
The Emperor found it weird and ordered an internal attendant to check. It turned out that Lu Yingying had fainted. The Emperor felt that her courage was admirable and purposely requested for her to be sent home using the Imperial Sedan. He even sent the best Imperial Physicians after her.
When the news spread, Lu Yingying had turned into the most sought after daughter-in-law in Chang’an.
Chapter 21.2: Filial Daughter
Fu Rou hugged a bundle to her body as she rushed along. She frequently glanced behind, afraid that someone would see her. However, whatever she was afraid of would come. As soon as she turned the corner, she bumped into Prince Zhou.
“Today is the ninth of the month. Head Seamstress Fu, I hope you haven’t forgotten.” He was calm and composed as if he knew that he would meet her.
“I…” I completely forgot. Fu Rou hugged the bundle tighter towards her as she kept her elbows tucked in. “I am heading to Princess Xinnan to deliver embroideries.”
Prince Zhou raised his eyebrows. “Delivering embroideries is nothing urgent. I will send someone to deliver it to Princess Xinnan for you. Come with me now.” He grabbed onto Fu Rou’s wrist and pulled her.
Fu Rou could not escape from his grasp. It was only when they reached Lingxiao Palace did Prince Zhou release her hand.
Fu Rou was unhappy. “Your Highness, what do you have for me that is so urgent?”
Prince Zhou could tell that Fu Rou was extremely anxious about the bundle in her arms. “What is inside the bundle?”
Fu Rou froze. “Embroideries…for Princess Xinnan.”
“Open it for me to see.” Prince Zhou did not believe her.
“What’s so nice to see about embroideries?” However, under Prince Zhou’s insistent gaze, she had no choice but to reluctantly open it.
Pouch, spice bag, clothes, etc. Each were made with intricate and outstanding embroidery.
“You made all these by yourself?” Even he could not help but exclaim.
“Yes, Princess Xinnan likes my work.” Fu Rou did not blink as she lied.