"Her Highness Princess Jin and Madam Muyang has arrived"

Empress Wenqian and the Crown Princess were sitting outside in the garden when the eunuch made the announcement. Looking up, they could see Princess Ting, her mother, and a line of maids each holding a tray of beautiful pastries.

"Wu Ting greets her Majesty and her Highness Crown Princess"

"Come sit beside me Ting"

The last few months, Wu Ting reverted back to her usual calm and sweet temperament. Spending most of her time beside the Empress, Wu Ting often makes delicacies for her to enjoy. Naturally, the Empress was moved by the young princess efforts.

"Princess Jin" The Crown Princess opened some of the scrolls on the table. "You've arrived just in time"

Wu Ting and her mother knew what was in the scrolls before they were opened. Hidden under the table, Madam Muyang held onto Wu Ting's tightly as paintings of suitors were revealed.

"The Empress has gone through a great deal of effort to find these suitable princes" The Prince smiles were warm. "Only the best Princes were chosen. Many are even Crown Prince of notable countries"

"Ting is still young" Wu Ting ignored the paintings and took hold of the Empress' arm while leaning her head against her shoulder. "Ting wish to stay with her Majesty side"

"Foolish girl" The Empress patted the young princess cheek. "A woman's spring is short. A flower will wilt if it remains unloved"

"Ting is willing to be by her Majesty side..."

"Princess... Of all the princesses, her Majesty loves you most. How could she bear to watch you remain unwed?"

Before Wu Ring could refute, the Empress placed a hand over hers.

"Ting, I will make sure you will have someone to care and cherish you." The Empress took the scroll that the Crown Princess handed to her. "Prince Shuang Ming is the Crown Prince of Buxi. He had express his admiration for you and vowed to make you his Empress when he ascends as the next Emperor."

"Prince Shuang Ming also promised not to have Fei's unless Princess Jin accepts. Every woman who enters the inner palace must be approved by Princess Jin."

It was extremely rare for a Crown Prince to make such promise, so for this certain prince to make such commitment showed his affection for Princess Wu Ting.

"Princess Jin" The Crown Princess said gently. "You are Wu Xi's precious princess. No one will dare slight you. The Emperor and Empress will hold Prince Shuang Ming to his words"

"Your Majesty..." Wu Ting bowed her head. "Ting only asked for her Majesty to allow Ting to stay a few more years to show her fidelity"

"Princess Jin, a few years and your spring will wilt"

"Crown Princess" Madam Muyang bit out resentfully. "Ting-Ting only has this small wish, why must you continue to_"

"Madam Muyang, this Crown Princess only speaks her concern. As a mother, can you bear to watch a beautiful daughter waste her spring years like this?"

"Crown Princess is correct" The Empress sighed tiredly. "Ting, the Emperor and I do not want you to remain unwed like this. It is decided. You must be wedded by spring."

In less than six months, Wu Ting will leave to Buxi. As a first rank Princess, she must be matched with a suitable Prince. No one in Wu Xi had equal status to Princess Jin, thus the Empress was forced to find the princess' match from another country.

Later when the Crown Princess walked the Empress back to her palace, she noticed the Empress' troubled expression.

"Empress Mother... are you worried?"

"I know Ting is unhappy, yet I am forced to do this to her." The Empress rubbed at the side of her head. "How can I not worry...?"

"Empress Mother..."

"I had hoped Jian would choose Ting..." The Empress was completely disappointed. "That grandson of mine..."

"Empress Mother, what done is done. The most important thing now is to ensure Ting's future. You have found her a suitable match. Prince Shuang Ming will treat her well"

The Empress sighed softly – still unsettled by the situation.

"Empress Mother, this is for the best. Princess Quan Yi is carrying Prince Jian's child. Ting's future with Prince Jian is no longer possible." The Crown Princess reminded gently. "One mountain cannot contain two tigers. One cage cannot contain two lovebirds"

The Empress understood that well.