I concealed my identity as a princess and married a mere scholar, Rhett Murphy.
Unexpectedly, after he became the top scholar in the highest imperial exams, he thought my lowly status was unworthy of him. He tried every means to break up with me and marry a high official's daughter.
But he didn't know I could ruin his career as an official of the government with a single word.
—
Three years had passed since I got married to Rhett. Over these three years, we spent a happy time and developed a close bond. He studied diligently day and night and hoped to distinguish himself in the imperial competitive exams and become an official. I supported him by mending clothes and managing household expenses.
However, everything changed after he became the top one in the highest imperial exams. In the beginning, I thought that now he could finally hold his head high. Before his success, we lived in poverty despite my dowry, and he was often mocked for his failures, as he had been trying for years without success. Now, with his achievement, he could finally prove himself.
Moreover, there was another piece of good news: that I was pregnant.
This was unexpected, and I wasn't prepared for a baby.
But it seemed fortuitous that I discovered my pregnancy when Rhett's success was announced.
I was thrilled. Although I didn't expect to have the baby, it would bring us even more joy.
I decided not to tell Rhett about the pregnancy immediately and planned to surprise him when he returned after meeting my father, the emperor.
However, things didn't go as planned.
After coming back from the emperor's place, Rhett became silent. At dinner, I tried to tell him about my pregnancy but was scared to shut my mouth by his somber expression. I assumed my father had been hard on him. I was puzzled how my father knew about Rhett, as I had cut ties with my parents' family before marrying Rhett without revealing his identity to my father. I had even slipped past the guards arranged by my father to marry Rhett secretly.
Could it be that Rhett was unfamiliar with the court's etiquette and had offended my father?