Chapter 2 — The Simpleton’s Serendipity

At these words, the noble ladies gathered around me retreated in unison, as if repelled by an invisible force. My head hung heavy, and my spirits plummeted in equal measure. My mother, advanced in years and often frail, had long harbored a singular hope: to secure a virtuous marriage for me so that I might be well-cared for in the years to come. Now that I had single-handedly ruined such a prospect, what was I to do? Just as the tears threatened to spill, a gentle touch brushed against my elbow. It was the young princess. Her lips curved into a mischievous, almost wicked smile as she leaned close to my ear, whispering in a low tone:

I have an imperial brother even more fearsome than you are. People call him the Lone Star of Heavenly Destruction. Would you be interested?

I cast a surreptitious glance at Chu Yen amidst the crowd. A man nearby chuckled, saying, Let us just make Bao Nguyet a secondary daughter-in-law in my house. Since she is a fool, she surely cannot stir up any trouble.

Chu Yen’s expression stiffened. Immediately, he tightened his grip on his sleeves, though he maintained a mask of indifference, shaking his head. Bao Nguyet is a harbinger of misfortune; be careful, or she will bring ruin upon your entire household. Do not set your sights on her.

True enough, the man replied, his interest instantly extinguished. I hung my head in dejection and whispered to the princess, So... might I meet this imperial brother of yours first?

03

The princess agreed without a moment’s hesitation. However, before I could even catch a glimpse of her brother, the drunken matchmaker had sobered up at home and discovered she had misread the birth dates. Distraught and pacing in circles all night, upon hearing that the Chu family had called off the engagement, she rushed to our doorstep to offer her desperate apologies. Years ago, when her son had fallen ill and required a rare medicinal herb, it was I who had begged my stepfather to procure it for her. She had never forgotten that kindness. At this moment, she began to slap her own face repeatedly.

It is all this old woman’s fault. I swear I shall never touch wine again. I have ruined your prospects, miss. You must go to the Chu residence and explain the truth immediately.

I, too, was overcome with anxiety and ran straight to the Chu estate. Clinging to the birth record I had kept so carefully, I requested an audience with Chu Yen.

It was all a mistake, I called out. The person with the great ill omen is not me, but my cousin.

No sooner had I finished speaking than a small pebble struck me squarely on the forehead. It stung sharply. I looked up to see Chu Yen; he had emerged from the grand gate, his face clouded with irritation, a slingshot gripped in his hand.

Bao Nguyet, do you wish to destroy your cousin’s reputation by shouting such things? She is my benefactor. You must treat her with respect, do you understand?

I quickly clapped both hands over my mouth, answering in a downcast voice, I... I am sorry. I did not consider the consequences.

He shot me a frustrated glance. You fool. Are you so desperate to be married to me?

At the mention of this, his temper flared again. I am only seventeen. Must I end up like my cousin, subjected to the constant pestering and control of a wife every single day?

I did not know how to respond. Chu Yen was tall and possessed a naturally refined, dashing air. Everyone hailed him as the most carefree youth in the capital. To marry so young indeed seemed like a disservice to his spirit. Chu Yen slammed the door shut behind him, only to re-emerge moments later, placing a bowl of my favorite sweet drink into my hands.

Fine, take this and be off. I ran through three streets to buy it for you; eat until you are fat. Do not breathe a word about your cousin’s affairs to anyone else; she still has to find a husband.

I nodded earnestly. When I returned home, the matchmaker had already confessed the error of the birth records to my parents. My cousin sat nearby, dabbing at her eyes with a silk handkerchief. How can I ever show my face to anyone again?

I scratched my head in confusion. But just yesterday, cousin, did you not tell me that one’s fate is determined by the heavens, and that if one lacks the blessing, one should simply accept their lot?

My cousin’s face turned deathly pale. Seeing my parents’ visible displeasure, she began to weep even more piteously. Younger sister, do you intend to mock me as well?

My mother sighed and patted my head. Phuong Phi is clearly distressed. Nguyet, go back to your room and rest.

I fumbled with my fingers and retreated, feeling as though I had blundered yet again. Why was everyone so unhappy? Should I have kept silent about the truth? By midnight, the more I thought, the more remorseful I felt. The next morning, I rose early and hurried to the Tan Van Temple outside the city to pray to the Buddha.

Venerable Buddha, please do not let my cousin suffer any great misfortune. Mother once said that a daughter should live in peace and was born to enjoy blessings.

I offered three incense sticks with the utmost sincerity. As I exited, the sky suddenly opened, the rain washing the leaves until they shone, the wind carrying a faint, lingering fragrance. I huddled under the temple eaves to avoid the downpour. Accidentally looking up, I caught sight of a familiar figure in a green robe. It was Chu Yen. He took a single step and then bowed to the ground, repeating the motion again and again. The rain drenched his clothes, yet he remained utterly indifferent.

May my benefactor, Giang Phuong Phi, be granted a beautiful union, and may all her misfortunes dissolve into nothingness.

His face bore an expression of such profound devotion. I had seen him wear that look once before—long ago, when my cousin first arrived at the Giang manor. Back then, Chu Yen had disliked her, finding her far too fragile, and had only ever wanted to play with me.