May Every Year Be Free of Worry, May Chang’an Always Be at Peace

My mother was once the least favored princess in the palace. With no power or influence, she married my father, who was obscure at the time.

When I was little, I fell gravely ill. My mother carried me in her arms and knelt outside the palace gates day and night, begging for the best imperial physician.

But later, she sent me away to a country estate. I was so sick I was close to death.

Meanwhile, my mother brought the child of her beloved into the palace and secured her the status of a commandery princess.

At last, I gave up. I no longer wanted anything: wealth, status, or my mother's love.

I asked my maternal grandmother for an imperial decree allowing me to go to my fief, but my mother regretted it. She asked me why I didn't want her anymore!