She had to depart quickly because the time for a chance to break the curse was very short.

Shaman Wu, a wizened figure with eyes that seemed to pierce through Mei Ling's soul, sobbed. "Princess Mei Ling, The curse is not mine to make. It is the will of Heaven. You sought the truth, and Heaven has revealed it. Now, your task is acceptance."

“But Shaman Wu,” Mei Ling pleaded, her voice trembling, “It is barely half a year until my 18th birthday. How can I possibly cross three countries, find the prince, and win his love in such a short time?"

Shaman Wu, his gaze steady, said: "Time, Princess, is a concept we create for ourselves. The journey requires not speed, but resilience. The whispers, the stares, the taunts… these are all tests. If you let them consume you, you will fail. But if you walk with your head held high, with your heart filled with the love for the prince, then half a year is absolutely enough time for you.."

Mei Ling gestured to her bare skin, the chill of the air a stark reminder of her predicament: "What if I am not strong enough? What if the whispers, the stares, the cruel jokes… they break me? I fear I will be **** to live this… this naked sentence."

Her voice faltered, unable to voice the shame she felt: "To walk naked through Yan and Zhongshan... surely the people would mock, would throw stones, would… would…"

Shaman Wu, his face a mask of stoic wisdom, studied her. "You fear the whispers, the stares, Princess Mei Ling. But what is it you truly fear? The judgment of others, or the judgment of your own heart?"

Mei Ling swallowed, the harshness of her own fear making her lips dry. "I fear… I fear failing. Failing him, failing myself. If I cannot reach him in time, if he does not feel… love…"

Shaman Wu nodded, his eyes gleaming with understanding. "Then understand this, Princess. The path you must take is arduous, but it is a test of your spirit. It is the journey of a thousand steps, each one a testament to your true desire. Do not let the whispers of others steal your courage. Do not let their mockery turn your heart cold. Remember, your journey is not about them, it is about you and your love. Time is a construct of this world, Princess. It is only as long as you make it."

Mei Ling took a deep breath, her gaze hardening. "I understand. I will walk this path, Shaman Wu. I will not let shame nor mockery stop me. I will reach Prince Zinxi. And I will make him love me."

The Shaman Wu smiled, a faint flicker of approval in his eyes. "So be it, Princess. May your journey be filled with strength and your destination with love."

Mei Ling took a deep breath, her gaze hardening. "I understand. I will walk this path, Shaman Wu. I will not let shame nor mockery stop me. I will reach Prince Zinxi. And I will make him love me."

Shaman Wu smiled, grabbed the princess's bare shoulders and pulled her up, urging: "You must leave quickly, princess, 6 months time will not wait for you. The road is long, but the reward is worth it."

Determined but scared, Princess Mei Ling began her journey naked at dawn, her heart pounding as the cold surrounded her body.

As she entered the small village on the border of the two countries of Guzhu and Yan. She began to hear the laughter of the villagers echoing in her ears, and she felt the burden of shame clinging to her soul.