Transmigration: From Farmer To Empress-Chapter 1998 - 2006: Spices (3)

My actions just now were indeed despicable. No wonder people criticize me. In more than twenty years, I have never lost composure like I did today. Alas, they all say liquor is as alluring as a beautiful person, and this is certainly true!

Prince consort Dong saw me bow my head in silence and advised, "Princess, don’t be angry. In my view, this matter must not be known by the Empress, nor should it be spread around. Otherwise, not only will Master Mu’s reputation for this lifetime be ruined, but Wan’er’s maiden reputation will also be lost. I think it’s best to reconsider this thing carefully over time. What do you say, Master Mu?"

Prince consort Dong spoke as he glanced at me, seeking my opinion.

I said guiltily, "I’m at fault. Punish me as you see fit. Whatever punishment you give, I will fully bear it!"

Hearing this, Prince consort Dong stroked his beard in contemplation for awhile and said, "It has come to this. The best option is to put a brocade quilt over it, covering all the shameful and ugly aspects."

"No way!"

I resolutely refused. Prince consort Dong meant for me to marry his daughter, but how could I possibly marry someone unappealing to me?

Therefore, I resolutely said, "I will try my best to compensate for this matter, except for marrying your daughter. Anything else you two ask for, I am willing to do."

The Eldest Princess Zhao Qing suddenly erupted upon hearing this, shouting loudly, "How does Master Mu plan to compensate us? Do you think our home is from a small and humble family, where our daughter is bullied and you give a few taels of silver to call it even? Or you offer us other benefits to let this go unaddressed, pretending as if nothing has happened?"

Prince consort Dong also said unpleased, "Master Mu, I suggest you think carefully. If this matter spreads, not only will your reputation be ruined, but Wan’er cannot get married. And what’s more, my daughter comes from a reputable family, and your ages and appearances match well. Marrying each other would be better than two people’s reputations being tarnished."

They all say a great man should possess a lifelong illustrious reputation. Reputation is crucial to women and equally important to men. Of course, I don’t want to be burdened with the reputation of losing control due to liquor or harassing women. However, my persistence in not marrying all this time is to find the girl I admire, to live together in companionship for a lifetime. I truly can’t marry Dong Wan’er!

"Sorry, I can’t," I said, knowing I’m in the wrong and lifted my robe to kneel before Eldest Princess Zhao Qing and Prince consort Dong.

In this lifetime, apart from kowtowing to ancestors and kneeling before parents, older sister, and brother-in-law, it was my first time kneeling to outsiders. Although it felt humiliating, having acted confusedly, I had to bear it.

"Can’t? Master Mu, do you wish to act without taking responsibility? Do you believe I won’t take this to the Jinluan Hall and ask the Emperor for justice?" Eldest Princess Zhao Qing slammed the table, angrily shouting, her face flushed with rage.

I knelt upright and calmly said, "Even if this goes to the Jinluan Hall, I still can’t marry your daughter. I sincerely apologize..."

Before I could finish, Dong Wan’er already stood up and walked to my front. Her beautiful eyes brimming with tears, she cried out, "Master Mu, is your apology meant to account for my Dong Family’s full reputation and my happiness in the latter half of life? Don’t you find your apology too precious, unbearable for me?" 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

After finishing, she knelt beside me slowly, kowtowing to Eldest Princess Zhao Qing and Prince consort Dong, saying, "Father, Mother, your daughter is unfilial, unwittingly committing this disgraceful act damaging family honor. Fearing that our family will be mocked, sister will face difficulties in getting married, and that our Dong Family will be subjected to criticism, your daughter has committed such a grave sin. I am deeply ashamed before you, ashamed of the reputation the Dong Family has earned through generations. Now, for the shame I’ve brought upon our home, I have no choice but to end my life. Parents, take care. Your daughter is leaving!"