The Little King

2 | Marrying Away

Translator: PastTimer

Editor: PastTimer
_________

A few days before Xia Xi got married, he was rewarded by the Emperor and allowed to see his concubine mother.

Concubine Yu was imprisoned inside the Cold Palace, but she wasn't as miserable as outsiders may think. She was still graceful but she was no longer luxurious, her clothes weren't as good as before and she looked a little plain. Xia Xi had no concept of wealth; although he had learned in books what money could buy, how much money an ordinary person's household would cost to maintain in a month and how much a minister's salary was. All of it was just a bunch of numbers to him, there was no practical point.

Concubine Yu's previously always present golden hairpin was also missing. Seeing Xia Xi, she showed a bitter smile, she took his hand and looked at him carefully. Her first sentence was: "Are you afraid?"

Xia Xi had never lied or concealed anything from his mother, he nodded gently and habitually laid on her lap, he asked in a low voice: "Mother, can I not go?"

Concubine Yu held his hand and stroked his long black hair, she whispered: "If you don't want to go, then you can only die in this Palace."

Xia Xi trembled and Concubine Yu said: "It's said that it's sometimes better to live than to die, Xi'er, go. Go and see the outside world, maybe there'll be a chance." Although she said that, she knew that Xia Xi had a better chance of living staying in the Palace. It was bad, bad luck. He wasn't a full woman, if the Barbarian King saw his physique, he would be humiliated- if not killed. Concubine Yu felt bitter in her heart and whispered: "Princess, your mother brought you in this world but couldn't bear to see you die at such a young age on unwarranted charges. She raised you secretly like this. I had always suspected that I was too greedy while I was pregnant with you and caused you to have such a body. Xi'er, your life is too hard, if your sister was still alive, maybe she could've talked sweetly and pleased him. Maybe she could've saved you from today's disaster..."

Xia Xi listened to his mother's words. Ever since he was a child, he liked listening to his mother's voice the most. Although it wasn't the sweetest voice, it was the gentlest and most reassuring. He had great fear towards the future hidden in his heart, but as she said, he had no choice but to obey destiny.

Concubine Yu took out what she had prepared for him; a beautiful small gold hairpin with a green emerald embedded on it. There were also a few books and some porcelain bottles filled with medicine.

Concubine Yu said: "Once you go, I don't know if we could still have a chance to meet. This hairpin was given to me by my mother when I entered the Palace. I originally wanted to pass it on to your sister, but she went to a better place. I hid it and I'm now I'm giving it to you. I usually read these few books. I know you like to read books. The destination is far and the journey long, you can use it to pass the time. And these... this is to relieve headaches. Also, salves, this is a salve for trauma, this is a salve for colds. I have it here for simple illnesses. Take it. If there's a headache on the way, you should be alert and remember to apply it. And this jar..." Concubine Yu picked up one of the jars. The porcelain vase was red with plum blossoms painted on it, it was easily twice as big as the others. She said slowly: "This was specially prepared by the imperial physician by my request. You can wipe it there. You'll feel less pain during intercourse. You're smaller than others and barbarians are known to be fierce..." She seemed both sad and embarrassed and her voice gradually became quieter and quieter.

Xia Xi was a little puzzled, "What is mother saying?"

Concubine Yu had to tell him more frankly. After Xia Xi understood his face flushed with shame and he nodded obediently.