Chapter 3 — The Simpleton’s Serendipity

I did not want my cousin to feel lonely, so I coaxed her into joining us for a spring excursion. Unexpectedly, we encountered mountain bandits along the way. In the ensuing chaos, my cousin vanished. Chu Nghien tripped and fell, his head striking a stone, rendering him unconscious. As a bandit raised his heavy blade toward him, I closed my eyes and shielded Chu Nghien with my own body. Surprisingly, the blade halted. The bandit laughed.

You little girl, you have quite the backbone. Hand over all your jewelry and silver, and I will spare your lives.

I frantically surrendered everything I had. Once the bandits departed, I intended to run for help, but in my confusion, I wandered through the mountain paths for a long time, unable to find the way out. It was only when my mother brought men to search for us that we were finally discovered. Chu Nghien, with a bandage wrapped around his head, flicked my forehead hard.

You heartless thing, only knowing how to run away for yourself. If it had not been for Cousin, I would have died, do you know that?

I felt a vague sense that something was wrong, though I could not quite put my finger on it. It was simply the way Chu Nghien looked at my cousin back then... it was exactly the same as how he looks at her now. I do not know why, but my heart suddenly felt incredibly heavy. Even though Chu Nghien was praying for my cousin's blessing, I should have been happy, should I not?

Jiang Baoyue, do not be a wicked child.

I muttered to myself, failing to notice Chu Nghien glancing in my direction. The wind chimes under the corridor tinkled softly. The corners of his mouth curled upward as he suddenly spoke aloud:

I vow to sacrifice the bond between Jiang Baoyue and myself, if only to trade for a blissful union between myself and Cousin.

His voice was clear and resonant, carrying across the space. I heard every single word. I stood frozen in disbelief. So, the reason the Chu family broke off our engagement had nothing to do with our birth charts. Even if my cousin’s birth chart had been incompatible, Chu Nghien would never have held it against her. I pressed my hand against my chest, trying to suppress the stifling sensation, but it was in vain. The rain ceased, and I slipped away toward the back gate of the mountain path. The stone steps were still slick with moisture. I was not paying attention, and with a heavy thud, I fell, my head hitting the stone edge. After that... after that...

Young Mistress!

Little Lien pulled me from the depths of my memory.

There is someone outside waiting to see you.

The visitor was the older brother branded as a harbinger of doom, the one the princess had once mentioned: Tieu Liem. He stood by the recessed gate, clad in black robes, looking cold and distant. The serving girls passing by dared not even glance at him. Yet, I knew he was an exceptionally kind man. When I fell on those stone steps, it was Tieu Liem who was heading up the mountain and rescued me. He even applied the finest medicinal ointment to my wounds. His palms were warm, entirely unlike the frigid person the rumors described. During the journey back, I learned of his identity. Remembering the words of the princess, I clutched my aching forehead and asked him if he would be willing to marry me. I even added a condition:

The birth chart sent to the Chu family was not mine, but I cannot tell you whose it actually is, or it would ruin her reputation.

He agreed with a stoic expression. I felt anxious and restless in my heart. It was not until I stepped off the carriage and heard his attendant remark that he had never seen the master look so happy that I finally felt at ease. Seeing me emerge, he remained silent, simply offering me a begonia hairpin. The attendant beside him hurriedly spoke on his behalf:

This is a gift our Prince meticulously selected...

He did not even finish his sentence before Tieu Liem tapped him on the head with his folded fan. The attendant immediately clutched his head and changed his tone:

This is just a trinket the Prince picked up while passing by; it is nothing precious. Miss Jiang, please accept it.

Seeing me hesitate, Tieu Liem pursed his lips, a flash of dejection crossing his eyes.

My apologies.

Everyone in the capital knew that Tieu Liem had caused the deaths of his biological mother and younger brother, making him a born Yama of misfortune. Because of this, no one dared to associate with him. At this moment, he clearly assumed he had frightened me. As he began to withdraw his hand, I quickly reached out and grasped it.

The hairpin is beautiful, and I love it very much. I was only thinking that I have run out of the fine silk used for making scent pouches. I must go buy more so I can start sewing one for you... although the pouches I make are quite ugly.

Tieu Liem looked at our joined hands and asked softly:

Are you not afraid of me?

I shook my head.

The princess promised you to me. Now we are fiance and fiancee. Besides, you saved me.

Even though I constantly felt as if something in my mind was slowly fading away, I still remembered the kindness of him saving my life. Tieu Liem managed to pull off a stiff smile. He reached out cautiously and gently stroked my hair.

It is not ugly.

What was that?

Little Yue's scent pouches are the most beautiful in the world; they are worth more than a thousand pieces of gold.

After the truth about the birth charts came to light as a mere misunderstanding, the Chu family felt a sense of remorse. Madame Chu urged Chu Nghien to go and apologize.

Even now, the rumors in the streets persist that Jiang Baoyue’s fate is unlucky. More than half the responsibility lies with you; you must go and make amends. Moreover...

Chu Nghien was defiant.

Moreover what?

Madame Chu laughed.

Moreover, do you not fancy her? How could you truly wish to hurt her heart?

Hearing this, Chu Nghien acted like a dog that had had its tail stepped on. He stormed straight to my house, brandishing a jade bangle of exquisite quality, and held it up for me to see.

How is it? Beautiful, right? Do you want it?

I felt slightly dazed. Inside the bangle was a streak of vermillion, looking very much like the family heirloom of my maternal grandmother, which my mother had lost many years ago. I nodded.

I want it. What would you like in exchange...

Before I could finish, Chu Nghien let out a loud, mocking laugh.

Even if you want it, I would not give it to you. Did you actually think I would ever fancy a fool like you? This bangle is for Cousin.

Oh.