Chapter 4 — The Simpleton’s Serendipity

Though a twinge of regret brushed my heart, I felt no true pain. As for jade bracelets, Xiao Lian had delivered an entire chest of them to me just yesterday. There were enough for me to wear a different one every single day until the day of our grand wedding. Beyond the jewels, he had also gifted me ten rolls of precious Gleaming Light silk. Xiao Lian had told me that for the sachets I made for him, common cloth would suffice, but the Gleaming Light silk must be set aside to be fashioned into my wedding robes.

Then give them to your cousin, I said. She will certainly like them.

My reaction was entirely beyond Chu Yan’s expectations. He waited for a long time, but I did not weep. Chu Yan looked somewhat unsettled, his expression stiff. Look, if you truly want them, it is not as if you cannot have them…

I ignored him. His face hardened, only relaxing when his gaze drifted downward and he realized what I was stitching. Chu Yan let out a laugh, leaning against the window frame with his chin propped lazily in his hand.

Another sachet? Oh, and using such fine Gleaming Light silk for it? Can you not come up with something more inventive? If you keep making sachets, how am I supposed to carry them all?

I replied slowly, This one is not for you.

Chu Yan looked as though he had arrived at a sudden, smug realization. Still sulking over the matter of the bracelet, I see. I told you, how could Jiang Bao Yue ever have become so magnanimous on her own?

Satisfied with his deduction, Chu Yan took his leave. He had originally intended to return home, but the image of a girl clumsily embroidering a sachet kept flickering in his mind. Such a fool, he muttered under his breath, though his feet led him faithfully into a cosmetics shop. After all, he could not keep accepting gifts from a young lady without offering anything in return. It would not do to appear ungentlemanly. Shopkeeper, pack up the most popular items you have in the store.

The proprietor hurried over, bowing deeply. My apologies, honored guest. Every single item of rouge and powder in the shop has already been purchased by this gentleman here as a gift for his betrothed.

Chu Yan followed the shopkeeper’s gaze and felt a jolt of surprise. Xiao Lian? Are you not supposed to be out suppressing bandits? Why are you back so close to the wedding date? Which young lady has managed to tame such a formidable force of nature as you?

Xiao Lian stood draped in robes as white as snow, holding a small box of rouge, contemplating whether Bao Yue would appreciate the shade. Hearing the question, he merely glanced at Chu Yan, his voice indifferent. The bandit suppression is nearing its end; my subordinates are handling the final tasks.

And your betrothed…

Xiao Lian did not answer. Instead, the shopkeeper brought over a box of silk flowers. Previously, Lady Jiang had come to look at these but did not purchase them. I will include them as a gift for the Prince; I am certain she will love them.

Chu Yan’s expression grew peculiar. He gripped the shopkeeper’s arm and asked urgently, Which Lady Jiang? How many Lady Jiangs are there in the capital? Is the person you are referring to Jiang Bao Yue?

The shopkeeper looked him over with a guarded expression before recognition dawned. Oh, you are the young master from the Chu household. The Lady Jiang I just spoke of is not the one who usually walks by your side.

Chu Yan’s heart settled back into place. He recalled the times he had accompanied Bao Yue to this very shop to pick out birthday gifts for Jiang Fang Fei. Back then, Bao Yue had blinked slowly at him and asked, Why is it that on my birthday, there are no gifts for me?

He had not known how to answer, too embarrassed to admit that his monthly allowance had been entirely set aside for Fang Fei’s gifts. In the end, he could only snap sharply, Was the sweet drink I bought you that day not a gift enough?

Bao Yue had beamed instantly. Then does that mean I receive a birthday gift every single day?

The shopkeeper had been standing right there at the time and, in a moment of kindness, had even gifted Bao Yue a wooden hairpin. That was why he recognized both of them. Chu Yan let out a long breath, silently chiding himself for overthinking. Of course, while there was only one Jiang family in the capital, there were two daughters—Bao Yue and Fang Fei. Chu Yan looked at Xiao Lian earnestly.

If it is you, then you are a worthy match for her. Just see that you cherish her with all your heart. She is a truly, truly good person.

Xiao Lian lowered his eyes and tucked the silk flowers away. He offered no reply. He would naturally treasure Bao Yue, but he did not require a lecture from Chu Yan. Bao Yue might not see the truth of it, but Xiao Lian saw clearly enough: Chu Yan had never treated her well. He had no desire to converse with someone who failed to cherish her. Chu Yan felt a bit dissatisfied but could not press the matter. He turned and stepped out, wandering into the sweet shop across the street. As he emerged holding a bowl of chilled nut soup, he suddenly caught sight of a familiar lotus-pink silhouette.

Jiang Bao Yue!

Chu Yan waved happily. Realizing he was being too demonstrative, he gave a soft cough and waited in place for her to run toward him. It was just like when they were children; the other youths disliked him for being too studious to play, but not Bao Yue. After that first time he had shared a bowl of sweet soup with her, she would always come stumbling toward him with a radiant smile. She would share whatever treasures she found—sometimes a kite, sometimes a piece of pastry.