Princess Mei of Song dynasty is betrothed to Prince Jeongguk of Goryeo as a peace treaty. As she navigates her new home , she must confront her biases and prejudices. Can the silk princess find love and acceptance in foreign land?
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Her dreams are silenced by the weight of duty.
Emperor Zhao Xi looked up from his documents, surprised by his daughter's sudden outburst. He hugged her tightly and stroked her hair, trying to calm her down.
"Mei, Mei, what's wrong?" He asked softly. "Why are you so upset?"
Mei sniffled and looked up at her father, her eyes pleading.
"Father you always said that I could choose my own path, that I didn't have to marry, if I didn't want to. But now my mother is forcing me to marry someone I don't even know."
Emperor Zhao Xi's expression turned serious , and he sighed. "Mei as a royal family, we have a responsibility to our nation. Sometimes, that means making sacrifices for the greater good."
Mei looked at him, her eyes wide with understanding. "Father,are you saying that I should get married?"
He nodded, "I'm afraid so Mei. The marriage proposal came from a powerful nation, and its the only way to secure an alliance that will help us defeat Xiongnu and bring peace to our land."
Mei felt a pang of disappointment and frustration. She had always known that her life was not her own, but she had hoped that her father would understand her desire for autonomy and self determination.
"But father I don't want to marry based on such things, do you really believe that after marriage I'll be happy?and I'll be at peace? No matter what you say I won't get married, I'd rather go and die on the battlefield."
Mei's sudden outburst and defiant words shocked Emperor Zhao Xi. He had never seen his daughter lose her composure like that before. He felt a pang of concern and regret, realizing that he had pushed her too far.
"Mei! Wait" he called out, but she was already gone, running out of the room in tears.
Queen Lian who had been listening outside the room, was furious. She stormed into the room, her face red with anger.
"How dare she!" She exclaimed. "I'll go talk to her and make her understand her duties."
But Emperor Zhao Xi stopped her, "No my dear, give her some time to think. She's just upset , she'll come around eventually."
Emperor Zhao Xi sighed and rubbed his temples. He knew that his daughter was struggling, and he didn't want to make things worse.
"Let's give her some space, my dear. She'll come to her senses, as she's very intelligent, we both know that."
Both king and queen smiled bitterly, it was more hard for them.
