Chapter 5

As I was carried like a bundle of goods, I covered my face with both hands and hung my head.

"Here we are."

After a while, I was brought to a palace that resembled a detached house. Finally set down on the floor, I glared at the man with tears in my eyes.

Without even turning to look at me, he pushed open the heavy door with his right hand. Inside, I could see several musical instruments, such as a wooden box containing an erhu and some bells.

These must be national treasures, I thought, too afraid to take a single step.

"Go ahead, choose something. Though, there are quite a few, aren't there?"

He walked to the back as if he knew the place well and opened a crimson tube with practiced hands.

"How about this?"

Was he a connoisseur, or was it just a coincidence? He handed me a rather high-quality erhu.

"Um..."

When I confirmed it, I could tell it had been well-maintained. Sitting on the floor, I tried playing it and was pleased by the smooth, comfortable sound it produced, which was even softer than the one I had brought.

"How is it?"

His voice came from above me.

"Thank you. I will borrow this one."

As I looked up, he smiled contentedly. It felt like he was a different person from the one who had just said something nasty to me, asking if I was desperate to be chosen as the empress.

"Well, we don't have much time left. Let's go back."

"Huh?"

He grabbed my arm forcefully and made me stand up. I had a bad feeling and took a step back, hugging the erhu.

"Are you going to carry me again!?"

"I told you, we don't have time."

Ahhh!

I absolutely don't want to be carried like that again!

I resisted with all my might.

"I can walk! I can run on my own, so please just show me the way!"

"Is that okay? Women don't run, you know."

Indeed, only the maids run hurriedly. As a daughter of the Liu family, I know it's not proper to run in the corridors. However, being carried by a stranger is even worse!

He sensed my strong aversion and chuckled, nodding.

"Alright. Let's go."

I'm relieved that you understand.

I held the erhu in the tube and followed him, hurrying along behind him.