Chapter 5 — Light as Down

The coughing fit was so violent that it felt as if my lungs were tearing themselves from my chest. My eldest sister’s expression turned deathly pale, and she instinctively pulled her hand back. To think that she had the audacity to rebuke my fiance for disregarding proper decorum to save me, when her own flesh and blood had nearly perished in the lake, was both unreasonable and cruel. Seeing my complexion begin to steady, the Crown Prince stepped forward, his voice low and measured.

"Second Miss Su, what exactly happened here?" he asked. "Is it true, as Yan has claimed, that Miss Li intentionally pushed you into the lake?"

I curtsied, my movements graceful yet weary. Casting a cold glance at Miss Li, who was still retching up lake water on the bank, my eyes grew icy. "Your Highness, Miss Li harbors an unrequited affection for Master Pei. Driven by jealousy, she pushed me into the water, intending to take my life so she might take my place. She simply failed to find her footing and fell in after me."

Miss Li had been dragged from the depths by Xiao Cheng, the youngest son of the Duke of Zhen’s estate and a well-known rake throughout the capital. The Crown Prince’s lips curled into a faint, calculating smile. "If Miss Li and Master Xiao have had such intimate contact, then I shall act as matchmaker. I decree that you two shall be wed, forming a most suitable pair."

Miss Li scrambled to her knees, desperate to protest, but the Crown Prince cut her off. "It seems Miss Li is quite pleased with the union I have bestowed. Even in such a weakened state, you insist on kneeling to express your gratitude. There is no need for such ceremony; return to your estate at once and consult a physician, lest you suffer any lasting harm."

Before she could utter another word, the Crown Prince’s guards forcibly ushered her away. Seeing me drenched to the bone, the Crown Prince frowned and turned to Pei Zhiyan. "Yan, why have you not yet escorted the Second Miss back to her manor?"

Zhiyan offered his thanks and helped me into the carriage. He took a heavy cloak from a guard and draped it over my shoulders, his voice softening. "Be careful not to catch a chill. The evening winds are harsh; do not linger, and be sure to drink a bowl of ginger soup the moment you arrive."

I lowered my gaze. "My thanks, Master Pei. I shall take my leave now."

As the carriage rolled away, I parted the curtain just enough to peer back. To my surprise, Zhiyan stood exactly where I had left him, watching my departure in silence. My heart began to race; I quickly dropped the curtain, only then noticing that my cheeks were burning hot.

Upon returning home, my parents turned dark-faced at the sight of my sodden clothes, coldly ordering me to bathe and change. My eldest sister, Moon Speech, was escorted back personally by the Crown Prince. My parents sent me out to greet them, and as I stepped out, I realized I had forgotten my veil. The red blotches on my skin had not yet faded, and I did not wish to be an object of ridicule. Fortunately, my maid, Spring Ivy, had already prepared a veil for me. Just as I donned it, the Crown Prince glanced in my direction, his gaze lingering for a fleeting second before he caught himself, letting out a self-deprecating laugh as he spurred his horse away.

The Crown Prince had not only escorted Moon Speech home but had also bestowed upon her countless jewels and treasures. My parents could barely contain their glee, heaping praises upon their eldest daughter. "Moon Speech is truly gifted," they remarked, "to have the Crown Prince so thoroughly under her thumb."

Moon Speech, hearing this, grew even more conceited. That night, she pushed open my door, tossed a simple silver hairpin onto the table, and said triumphantly, "This is a gift from the Crown Prince for you. He had not intended to give you anything, but as my rewards were so bountiful, I felt it would be improper to leave you empty-handed. I asked him for a portion, but he remarked that the most precious trinkets only suit my stature, and he simply reached for this common silver pin to give to you. He even said that such modesty is what suits you best."

My hands clenched until they trembled. I fought down the urge to strike her and forced a stiff smile. "I thank my sister for her kindness."

She curled her lips in a sneer. "Do not be so formal. Just remember who bestowed this favor upon you."

I did not reach for the hairpin. Her hand, holding the gift, hovered awkwardly in the air, her expression darkening with impatience. "Why do you not take it?"

I smiled, offering a polite refusal. "I cannot accept this. Please, Sister, do me the favor of returning my gratitude to the Crown Prince instead."

Her face clouded over instantly. She shoved the hairpin back into her sleeve, let out a sharp scoff, and swept out of the room. It was another sleepless night.

The next morning, Pei Zhiyan arrived with a grand procession, his carriages filled with bridal gifts. He wore a deep crimson robe, a pair of jade fish pendants at his waist, and a jade crown securing his hair. He looked more radiant than he had the day before, sitting atop his horse with a confident, effortless charm. As he gazed down at me, his eyes crinkling, the small red mole at the corner of his eye added to his striking, almost ethereal beauty. My face grew hot. Moon Speech, witnessing this, ground her teeth in fury and stormed away.

As the chests of gold and silk were carried into the house, my parents beamed. My mother picked up the most exquisite hairpin, her eyes gleaming. "This is truly a masterpiece. We shall set it aside for Moon Speech’s dowry; it will surely make her shine."

My expression froze. I stepped forward, snatched the hairpin from her, and said with a cool smile, "Mother, this is a gift meant for my betrothal. How can it possibly be repurposed for my sister’s dowry? I know you have always felt a sense of regret toward her, leading you to favor her above all else. I understand that, and I have always respected it."