Upon Princess Ling'an's safe return, what awaited her was not tears of joy or excitement, but rather a slap in the face and confinement.
The slap came from the Prince's consort, and the confinement was ordered by the Prince of Wutong.
Having never been hit by a family member in her life, Princess Ling'an wept until she could barely breathe.
The Prince's consort looked at her tear-swollen eyes and hoarse throat, and felt both pity and anger, wildly pounding her chest and stamping her feet in anguish. "It is my fault, my neglectful upbringing that has spoiled you. Had I known this would happen, I would have tied you up at home and made you sit quietly with your sisters, embroidering and reading, rather than cause such trouble!"
Princess Ling'an sobbed, "I simply disciplined a servant. Why are you all treating me like this?"