Chapter 9 — Paper Kite, Mirror Dream

Seeing him achieve his heart's desire, I truly felt happy for him. My eldest sister was now married, and she and her husband shared a deep, harmonious bond, utterly devoted to each other. Only... every time she met me, she would look at me with anxious eyes and ask, What is the matter with you, my sister? Is there something heavy weighing upon your heart?

I would force a smile, shaking my head to brush aside the quiet sense of loss echoing within my chest. With my silent consent, my parents began the search for a suitable husband for me. The young gentlemen who called upon us were all refined, graceful, and possessed of striking, noble appearances. Yet, I always felt as though something vital was missing. It seemed as though anyone would do, and yet, at the same time, it seemed as though no one would do at all. Finally, yielding to the wishes of my parents, I was betrothed to the young master of General Tran's household. Lady Tran was overjoyed, going so far as to personally enter the palace to beseech the Empress for an imperial decree of marriage.

The Empress sighed softly. After writing out the decree with her own hand, she handed it to Bui Huyen.

Huyen, my child. For the past six months, I have tried every possible means to bring you and Au Ninh together. But the two of you have repeatedly found excuses to avoid one another. It appears all my efforts have been in vain. Now that the young lady has chosen her own husband, take this imperial decree of marriage to the Shen household on my behalf. Take along some generous rewards as well, to bid her farewell in my stead.

Bui Huyen lowered his gaze slightly. As you command.

The Empress watched his calm, retreating figure, letting out a soft sigh filled with lingering regret. Behind the shelter of my parents, I dared not raise my head to look at Bui Huyen. He unrolled the imperial decree and began to read in a slow, measured voice, Bestowing marriage upon Shen Au Ninh and... and...

His voice abruptly trailed off. I could not help lifting my gaze to look at him. Our eyes met instantly. This time, I did not shrink away; I only wished to look at him one last time, with the utmost clarity and depth. Bui Huyen stared back at me in the exact same manner, neither moving nor uttering a single word. Yet, the hand clutching the bright yellow scroll tightened unconsciously, crushing the precious paper until it was marred with wrinkles.

My father, failing to comprehend the situation, gently prompted him, Your Highness the Crown Prince? Your Highness the Crown Prince?

Bui Huyen snapped back to reality. He lowered his head, attempting to resume reading, but no matter how hard he tried, the words simply refused to pass his lips. Having once served as his imperial tutor, my father knew he must be facing some deeply troubling dilemma. Therefore, he spoke with utmost courtesy, Your Highness, if you would be so kind as to leave my daughter Au Ninh's marriage decree with this subject. With the blessings of Her Majesty the Empress and Your Highness the Crown Prince, Au Ninh is bound to live a long, harmonious life with her husband and be blessed with numerous descendants.

Bui Huyen's hands began to tremble faintly. Tutor Shen, the name written upon this decree... is incorrect. Once Her Majesty has corrected it, I shall return to proclaim the decree once more.

My father looked astonished, stepping forward as if to inspect it. The name is incorrect? Does it not bear the name of the Tran family's young master? Whose name has it been written as instead? I wonder if Your Highness might allow this subject a brief glance?

However, Bui Huyen swiftly rolled up the decree and tucked it away. Then, right before the astonished eyes of everyone present, he strode directly toward me, his voice carrying a slight hoarseness. Shen Au Ninh, do you truly wish to marry the young master of the Tran family? Do you genuinely like him?

I froze in place, a sudden, inexplicable wave of grievance swelling up within my heart. Your Highness, what does it matter whether this subject likes him or not? Could it be that merely liking someone... gives me the right to marry them?

Bui Huyen's gaze was extraordinarily steadfast. I will do my utmost... to ensure your wishes are fulfilled.

I looked up at him and asked softly, What if this subject were to tell you... that the person she fancies... is you?

At that moment, my parents' eyes widened in sheer disbelief, darting rapidly back and forth between the two of us. Meanwhile, Bui Huyen kept his intense gaze fixed entirely upon me. The slight frown that usually rested between his brows visibly smoothed out, and the corners of his lips curved upward into a gentle arc. If it is me... that is also acceptable.

Bui Huyen abandoned his intention of taking monastic vows. The moment he returned to the palace, he petitioned the Empress for a new imperial marriage decree. Not only the Empress, but even the Emperor himself was overjoyed beyond measure. The decree granting my hand in marriage was stamped with both the Emperor's jade seal and the Empress's phoenix seal. As if terrified that Bui Huyen might change his mind at any given moment, the entire imperial court and every official in the Ministry of Rites stayed awake throughout the entire night, pouring every ounce of their strength into preparing the wedding ceremony to welcome the Crown Princess within the shortest time possible.

In less than three days, I found myself sitting inside the bridal chamber alongside Bui Huyen. Gazing at him dressed in vibrant crimson wedding robes, I swallowed hard before finally managing to ask, Your Highness, are you truly giving up on becoming a monk? Have you thought this through completely? Will you... regret this in the future?

Bui Huyen's eyes held an infinite tenderness as he replied in a calm, soothing voice, Au Ninh, from the very day your paper kite struck me right upon the head, I should have simply surrendered to the will of heaven. For the past six months, I struggled endlessly against my own obsessions. My mind was constantly filled with your face. I knew my heart was in turmoil; even copying the Buddhist scriptures could no longer bring me peace. Au Ninh, having you here in this chaotic world of mortals... is truly wonderful. I do not regret it.

Later on, Bui Huyen would pull me into his embrace, leaning close to my ear with a soft laugh. Au Ninh, do you remember how you bullied me just like that on that very day?

It was only then that I realized the aloof, otherworldly Crown Prince whom everyone held in such high reverence could also possess such a playful, teasing side.

From that day onward, Bui Huyen surrendered to the flow of destiny and remained within the bustling world of mortals. He began wearing the soft, light-colored garments I chose for him with my own hands, abandoning the perpetual stark white he used to favor. At his waist, he constantly wore a fragrant sachet I had embroidered, changing it for a new one every single day while stubbornly insisting that I wear a matching pair alongside him. Bui Huyen painted my portrait and delicately drew my eyebrows himself. In return, I led him through the lively streets to discover all sorts of fascinating toys and trinkets from the common folk that he had never laid eyes upon before.

The Empress would often smile and remark that Bui Huyen had transformed completely, saying that it was my presence alone that had breathed the warmth of humanity back into him. But as for me, I only felt that I was merely following the true desires of my heart, while he... was simply following the gentle current of fate. The end.