Chapter 356 Book 7 Final Preparations
Concubine Su reached across the table and took Li An's hand. Her expression was one of profound understanding and sorrow. "My dear girl," she began, her voice barely a whisper. "A marriage contract is a difficult thing to navigate. In my time, it was a weapon. It was an obligation. It was a tool for the empire. You, however, have turned it into a compromise. You have given yourself space to breathe, and you have, in a way, given him space as well. But my heart aches for you. A contract… it is so cold. You deserve a husband who looks at you with warmth and affection, not a signed agreement."
Li An squeezed her hand. "I know, Mother. But that is the life of a royal. Affection is a luxury we cannot afford. This way, we have a clear path forward. He can continue his life in the army, and I can continue to help build Xian Town."
