Chapter 1 — Light as Down

My elder sister had been lost in the countryside for ten years, just in time for the Crown Prince to hold his selection for a consort. From the very first moment he laid eyes on her, the Crown Prince lost all composure, immediately issuing an imperial decree to name her the Crown Princess. I had been betrothed to the Crown Prince since childhood; this selection process was merely a formality to ensure I fulfilled the protocol. He broke off our engagement, though he felt a measure of shame toward me. To compensate, he arranged for me to marry the Chief Councilor, Bui Tri Yen.

"Although I have let you down, this marriage will by no means leave you at a disadvantage," he had insisted. "Bui Tri Yen is exceptionally talented, a master of both letters and arms, and he is a perfect match for you."

Little did anyone expect that during the wedding ceremony, a sudden, violent gust of wind would sweep through, tearing the red veil from the bride’s head. The Crown Prince’s face changed instantly, and he lost all decorum right there in front of everyone.

The Crown Prince leaned back lazily in his chair, sitting with an air of nonchalant ease. The noble ladies present were all exquisite, composed, and virtuous. When it was my elder sister's turn, she stepped out from the crowd, instantly capturing every gaze. She possessed a natural, captivating allure; her phoenix eyes were bewitching, and her delicate, willow-leaf brows only emphasized her gentle, refined grace. Every glance she cast, every subtle smile that graced her lips, was beautiful enough to topple kingdoms. The moment the Crown Prince lifted his eyes and met hers, he could no longer remain still. His brows flickered, and his eyes brimmed with an overwhelming joy, as if he were encountering a long-lost soul. He spoke in a hoarse, urgent voice:

"Who is this?"

Eunuch Ly, sensing the shift in the air, covered his mouth and chuckled. "This is the eldest daughter of the An Quoc Duke's estate, To Nguyet Ngon. She lived as a vagrant in Duong Chau for ten years and was only recovered at the start of this spring."

The Crown Prince seemed momentarily stunned. He quietly turned the jade ring on his thumb, whispering to himself, "Duong Chau..."

As if suddenly struck by a memory, he did not even wait for my sister to play the zither. He strode forward and seized her hand, his gaze filled with a firm, unshakable conviction that swept away his earlier lethargy.

"Imperial Mother, the selection for the Crown Princess can end now. My heart is set only on To Nguyet Ngon."

The great hall fell into a deathly silence. Every eye turned toward me. Some held pity. Some held mockery. Some held disdain. There was even envy directed at my sister. Since childhood, the Empress had personally designated me as the future Crown Princess. This selection was merely a ritual, a process the royal family had to perform for appearances. The Crown Prince knew well that the decision had been made for him, so he had acted with utter indifference from the start, as if the matter had nothing to do with him. Yet now, he was brazenly choosing my long-lost sister before the entire court. It was a clear, deliberate attempt to strip me of all my dignity. My entire body trembled; my fingers tightened until my knuckles turned white. I opened my lips, intending to demand an explanation, but the words withered in my throat. I could only retreat quietly into a corner. Seeing the Crown Prince treat the selection process like a child's game, the Empress slammed her hand down on the table. The force caused the tea in her cup to spill, spreading across the sandalwood surface like dark, ink-stained flowers.

"The selection of the Crown Princess is not a trivial joke. You would do well to think carefully!"

Her voice was laced with fury and implicit threat. Since he was a child, the Crown Prince had despised being coerced by authority. He gripped my sister’s hand even tighter, as if deliberately challenging the Empress.

"Imperial Mother, I will never regret this!"

His voice rang out, absolute and resolute, leaving no room for negotiation. My legs grew weak, and I nearly collapsed to the floor. Fortunately, the daughter of Councilor Ly was standing nearby and managed to catch me.

"Khinh Nhu, are you all right?"

At that moment, all eyes converged upon me. A few days prior, I had eaten some osmanthus cake and broken out in a red rash, so I had worn a veil to avoid distressing others. Hearing the commotion, the Crown Prince approached. Perhaps feeling a pang of guilt, he sighed softly.

"Second Miss To, my heart belongs to your sister. I hope you will not hold it against Nguyet Ngon. Everything that happened today is my fault."

His gaze rested on me, and upon seeing that I was still veiled, he frowned, a look of distaste flashing across his face. It had long been rumored in the capital that the second daughter of the Duke’s estate was hideously ugly and afraid to show her face, which is why she remained veiled year-round. It seemed the rumors had been confirmed. His voice grew impatient, cold and detached.

"Today is the day of the selection. Why are you still wearing a veil?"

I clutched the veil, answering tensely, "Reporting to Your Highness, several days ago I developed a rash, and fearing I would offend the eyes of those present, I chose to—"

At the words "offend the eyes," the Crown Prince’s expression shifted instantly. He flicked his sleeves and turned away. He walked to my sister’s side, gazed upon her heaven-sent beauty, and let out a sigh of relief, secretly feeling fortunate. When he looked at her, his eyes were brimming with tenderness.

"I wonder, did you spend the last few years in Duong Chau?"

Upon hearing the words "Duong Chau," my sister covered her face with her hands, and the rims of her eyes instantly turned red.

"Years ago, I was separated from my family and lived as a vagrant in Duong Chau..."

Hearing the confirmation he sought, the Crown Prince seemed to awaken, his heart finally set at ease.

"Imperial Mother, in this life, I shall marry no one but To Nguyet Ngon. I beg you to grant your consent!"

The Empress’s face darkened, and she asked coldly, "Crown Prince, have you truly thought this through?"

"I will never regret this!"