Chapter 4 — Song of the Venom Pearl

Fine sunny days were rare in the depths of winter. Outside the capital walls, the Princess hosted a grand banquet to admire the winter blossoms, and to my surprise, she sent an invitation to me as well.

My mother was initially reluctant to let me attend. Although the Prime Minister treated her with genuine kindness and respect, she remained acutely self-conscious of her position as his second wife, hesitant to reveal to high society that I was the daughter of her late first husband. The Prime Minister, however, reasoned that noble ladies from across the capital would gather at the feast. Among the guests would be many eligible young gentlemen, presenting a fine opportunity to find a suitable match for my marriage.

Lately, under the strict guidance of my nanny, I had been learning the proper etiquette expected of a young lady, so I was confident I would not disgrace the family. "Duong Duong, you should take this chance to observe the young gentlemen of the capital," the Prime Minister said warmly. "If anyone catches your eye, simply return and let your father know."

Beside us, Te Chu’s hand holding his teacup suddenly froze, his eyes fixing silently onto the dark depths of his tea. Catching sight of his darkened expression, a brief thought flickered through my mind—was he displeased because his father was treating me with such warmth?

Amidst my confusion, I suddenly recalled the words he had once spoken, and a faint understanding of his feelings began to dawn on me. The Prime Minister was indeed kind to me, but my true father had also loved me with all his heart. If I were to view the Prime Minister as my father, would that not betray my real father, who was guarding the distant borders?

Bowing respectfully toward the Prime Minister, I curtsied and said, "My thanks to the Prime Minister." Though a shadow of disappointment crossed his face, his expression remained gentle, and his smile remained broad and forgiving.

However, on the day I was set to depart for the banquet, little Ah Dyc threw a temper tantrum. He grabbed tightly onto my skirt, steadfastly refusing to let me leave. "That wicked woman wants to become my sister-in-law! She isn't inviting you out of goodwill!"

"Dyc, let go at once," Mother coaxed softly, attempting to pull him into her arms. The Prime Minister reached for his wooden rod, intent on enforcing family discipline, but I quickly threw my arms around Ah Dyc to protect him.

"Prime Minister... I... I don't really wish to go after all... May I stay?" I asked tentatively. Surprised, the Prime Minister realized I was shielding the boy. He pressed the matter no further and let out a gentle sigh. "Very well then, stay home and keep Dyc company. As for your marriage, I shall handle the matter and keep a watchful eye on your behalf."

Ah Dyc squealed with joy and pulled me into his room, insisting that I fold paper toys with him. Yet halfway through folding, he suddenly slipped away. From behind the shadow of the courtyard wall, a pair of pale, slender hands reached out and dropped a piece of candy into Ah Dyc's palm. Delighted as though he had received a grand prize, the little boy scurried off happily into the distance.

Though I did not attend the banquet, the Princess herself personally escorted a young gentleman right to our doorstep. Taking my hand in hers, she smiled warmly, though her eyes remained entirely cold. "Last time, I didn't realize you were Ah Chu's younger sister. Did I frighten you?"

I hastily shook my head, replying that it was my own lack of manners that day. "You truly are Ah Chu's good sister, so well-mannered," she praised smoothly. "The winter blossoms bloomed so brilliantly today; what a pity you could not come. Coincidentally, this gentleman is Cao Tuan, the son of the Minister of Revenue, and the winner of today's painting competition. Merely gazing upon his work makes one feel as though they are standing right amidst the scenery."

A gentleman of elegant bearing stepped out from behind her and offered me a polite bow. "Cao Tuan, do you not often say that a beautiful painting must be matched with a beautiful lady?" the Princess chimed in. "I have found a true beauty for you today. She happens to be Ah Chu's sister." The Princess deliberately emphasized the word "sister." Cao Tuan's eyes lit up with intense brightness, lingering on me with unhidden admiration. I lowered my head slightly, turning away from his burning gaze.

Cao Tuan bowed slightly and presented a wrapped scroll. "I appreciate the master's good intentions," I demurred softly. "However, this painting represents your hard work and talent; it is far too precious..."

"Even the finest painting is wasted if there is no one to appreciate it," he insisted. "I pray the lady will not reject it." Unable to decline his repeated insistence, I was forced to accept it.

But the moment my fingers touched the scroll, Ah Dyc rushed out from nowhere, cheering loudly, "Found it, found it!" In one swift motion, he snatched the painting out of my hand. Before I could stop him, he tore the masterpiece into shreds.

"Ah Dyc!" I feigned outrage.

"Sister, I was just worrying about having no paper to fold dragonflies!" he chirped cheerfully. "Look, this is perfect!"

Turning to the young gentleman, I said apologetically, "Master Cao, I am deeply sorry for this outrageous behavior. My little brother is young and ignorant; please allow me to offer my sincerest apologies on his behalf."

Cao Tuan's face darkened instantly. Suppressing his brewing rage, he forced a strained smile and gritted his teeth, uttering just two words: "It's nothing."

"You little brat, how dare you be so impudent?" the Princess snapped, likely remembering the previous occasion when Ah Dyc had stomped on her foot, now eager to settle both old and new grievances.

Ah Dyc stuck out his tongue playfully. "You aren't my family! By what right do you get to discipline me?"

The Princess gave a cold sneer. "Your elder brother will marry me sooner or later. As your future sister-in-law, why shouldn't I discipline you?"

"You lie!" the boy yelled back. "My big brother will never marry you! It's just your own unrequited dream!"

"Why, you..."

Just as the Princess was about to fly into a rage, Te Chu appeared, as if he had calculated the exact moment to arrive. Seeing him, the Princess instantly dropped her anger, her face lighting up with a radiant smile as she stepped forward to greet him. "Ah Chu! Look at your little brother—he is always bullying me!"

A gentle smile touched the corners of Te Chu's lips as he patiently listened to her grievances. He had never once looked at me with such gentle tenderness. Moments later, however, his expression turned stern as he looked at Ah Dyc and chided lightly, "Ah Dyc, apologize to the Princess this instant."

"Oh, and this gentleman here... what was your name again?"

"This humble one is Cao Tuan."

"Ah, right, this brother named Grass." Catching a subtle wink from Te Chu, Ah Dyc immediately declared in a loud, bright voice, "My apologies, Brother Grass!"

Cao Tuan's pale face contorted, struggling to maintain a polite smile in my direction. Unable to contain myself, a soft chuckle escaped my lips. Te Chu caught the smile on my face, and his eyes instantly grew deep and dark.