Chapter 3 — Red Plum Blossoms in the Snow

I had concocted the name Chu Huynh on a whim to deceive him, yet even after my true identity was unmasked, he clung to that moniker. I shook my head, pulling my wandering thoughts back to the present, and raised my eyes to meet Bui Minh Vien.

Bui Young Master, three years ago, your honorable household publicly annulled our engagement and drove me out of the capital. From that moment on, all ties between us were severed. Since leaving the city, I have wed into the palace of the Prince of Vinh Xuong. I underwent every traditional rite, from the three letters to the six ceremonies, and was carried through the gates with full propriety. My marriage contract and household registration are both perfectly in order. If you harbor any doubts, feel free to dispatch your men to the magistrate to verify the records.

Bui Minh Vien staggered back half a step, forced to grip the edge of a table to steady himself. Chu Tinh Dao, standing behind him, grew so frantic that she dug her nails into his arm, whispering something unintelligible. He seemed not to hear her at all, his gaze locked solely onto me.

Can it be that you truly remarried? Are you just acting out of spite? Surely you still harbor feelings for…

Tieu Thua Tac stepped forward, his cold voice slicing through the man’s delirious rambling. Guards, he commanded. This Bui Young Master has spoken with grave insolence during the banquet, offending my Princess consort. Escort him out at once so that he may collect his senses.

The warmth had vanished entirely from Tieu Thua Tac’s tone. He shifted his gaze to Chu Tinh Dao. And what was it that this Madame Bui said a moment ago? That a concubine has no place showing her face? Very well. I shall petition the Emperor for a decree to strip you of your status and demote you to the rank of his concubine.

With a wave of his hand, four guards stepped forward. Two seized Bui Minh Vien, while the other pair gripped Chu Tinh Dao. Despite their desperate protests, they were hauled directly toward the exit.

Your Highness, Prince! Chu Tinh Dao shrieked, her voice thin and desperate. Spare me, Highness! I was ignorant of the fact that my sister had already married you. It was my tongue that faltered; I beg for your mercy!

Tieu Thua Tac did not even blink. Instead, he leaned in to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear—a gesture so tender it stood in stark contrast to the severity he had just displayed. Huynh, this banquet has become a chore, he murmured, his voice softening. Shall we retreat to the rear chambers for our meal? The kitchen has prepared that lotus root with osmanthus syrup you favor, along with the crab-meat lion’s head meatballs they spent all day perfecting. Won't you taste them and see if they are to your liking?

His breath tickled my ear, and I turned my head to shy away. Just as I was about to yield, I caught a glimpse of a figure hurrying in through the side entrance. It was my mother—the woman who had harbored such deep-seated favoritism. She must have arrived with Chu Tinh Dao earlier and only just received news of the commotion at the women’s tables. Upon entering and seeing the guards dragging them away, her expression contorted in fury. She rushed forward, clawing at the guards’ sleeves. What are you doing! This is my own daughter, who dares to lay a hand on her?

Finding she could not budge them, my mother fixed her venomous glare upon me. Is it you, you wretched, manipulative harlot, who is behind this?

I closed my eyes, my fingers tightening around Tieu Thua Tac’s sleeve. Have them throw her out as well, I whispered.

Tieu Thua Tac did not hesitate. He signaled the guards, then leaned down once more. I shall handle the matters out here. If you are weary, go to the inner chambers to rest. Luc Chi, attend to the Princess consort.

As I turned to leave, I heard my mother’s voice behind me, trembling with confusion and terror. Princess consort? What princess consort? What are you people babbling about?

My footsteps faltered, but I did not turn around, continuing my steady exit from the grand hall. Once back in the rear chambers, Luc Chi brought hot water to soothe my face. The two slaps I had received at the Chu residence had been vicious. Though two days had passed, the imprints remained vivid. During the day, they were easily hidden by powder, but in the dim light, they looked alarming. When Tieu Thua Tac entered, I instinctively tried to shield my face, but the movement was not lost on him. Without a word, he lifted my chin, using the candlelight to scrutinize the side of my face.

It is still swollen, he frowned, his thumb grazing my cheekbone with feather-light pressure. Does it pain you?

Seeing his genuine distress, I felt a flicker of mischief. It hurts. Will my husband seek vengeance for me?

Tieu Thua Tac immediately reached for his sword to march back out, but I reached out to stop him. Seeing you, my husband, the pain vanishes.

He let out a cold hum and sat down on the edge of the bed, producing a small porcelain jar from his sleeve. As I moved to take it, he pulled it away. A cooling sensation touched my skin as he began to apply the balm, his movements careful yet endearingly clumsy. I shall protect you well from now on.

I recalled the years spent in misery, driven to the remote city of Thanh Chau, where my father’s kinsmen had cast me out for the shame I brought upon them. I had possessed nothing, not even a place to rest my head, forced to cower in a derelict temple, waiting for the end. It was Tieu Thua Tac who had reached out to save me back then, speaking those very same words. My eyes stung with sudden moisture. Tieu Thua Tac wiped the tear from the corner of my eye.

What do you intend to do about your mother? he asked.

I fell silent for a moment. Tieu Thua Tac had refrained from punishing her solely for my sake, but I knew well that with his nature, such an offense would never be easily overlooked. I did not speak, and he did not press, leaving the choice entirely to me.