Chapter 5 — The Simpleton’s Serendipity

Every time she used to run toward him, she did so with such haste that he almost never had to take a single step in her direction. It was meant to be the same this time. Yet, that familiar pink silhouette had stepped into the carriage of Xiao Lian. Xiao Lian even reached out to shield her head with his hand, his movements displaying an air of profound tenderness. Only then did Chu Nien realize that the woman must have been Jiang Fangfei. Still, a shadow of hesitation lingered in his heart. He and Jiang Baoyue had spent many years together; he was not so easily deceived by a mere glimpse of a back. Furthermore, he had only just broken his engagement to Jiang Baoyue—could she truly have married someone else out of spite? Chu Nien dismissed his own thoughts as absurd, yet a strange, irresistible impulse compelled him to walk toward the Jiang manor. The bowl of chilled milk pudding he carried had already begun to melt, though he paid it no mind. He assumed, as always, that Jiang Baoyue would finish it regardless.

Where is your young mistress? I have come to bring her a sweet treat.

The gatekeeper glanced at him with a look of practiced indifference. He had witnessed how Chu Nien once snatched a hairpin from Jiang Baoyue only to present it as a gift to Jiang Fangfei, acting as though he were offering a great charity. The gatekeeper also knew that Jiang Baoyue was now betrothed to the esteemed Prince Xiao. With a flicker of his eyes, the man replied, The young mistress is currently helping her cousin embroider a bridal veil; she is not seeing visitors.

Chu Nien felt an immediate sense of relief. Of course, that made sense. How could Xiao Lian ever set his sights on a simpleton like her? He gave a mocking laugh. Still holding a grudge against me? I certainly will not be the one to coddle her.

He set the wooden box containing the melting dessert on the ground and turned to leave.

Six

Xiao Lian carefully pinned the silk flowers into my hair one by one, finally selecting a soft pink bloom and a pale violet one. These two are the most beautiful, he remarked.

I tugged at the corner of my sleeve and said in a small voice, I am getting older now; these youthful colors no longer suit me.

Xiao Lian’s gaze chilled instantly. Who told you that?

His voice carried a frost that made me fear I had angered him. A young attendant standing nearby quickly interjected, The Prince means that Mistress Jiang is the most beautiful lady in the capital; she looks exquisite in anything. Who could be so malicious as to fill the Mistress’s head with such nonsense?

Xiao Lian nodded firmly. Baoyue looks beautiful in anything she wears.

I relaxed, trying to concentrate. For some reason, the features of that person who had spoken to me before seemed to have blurred into obscurity. I cannot remember. I only know that once, there was someone who said such things.

Xiao Lian placed the remaining silk flowers back into the wooden box. Then that person is of no importance. Baoyue, you must not pay heed to the words of those who do not matter.

I nodded vigorously. I understand.

Seven

After I returned to the estate, Little Lotus brought me a bowl of milk pudding that had completely liquified. I glanced at it, feeling a sudden, inexplicable melancholy. Has something happened at home? I asked, before trying to lift my spirits, But Xiao Lian has given me so many fine things; we can surely use them to support the household.

Little Lotus shook her hands frantically. This was sent by Young Master Chu.

Young Master Chu? Chu Nien? For some reason, every time he came to see me, we seemed to be on intimate terms. Yet, whenever I tried to recall our history, I could not remember how we had met or how we had lived before. Merely thinking of his name made my heart feel heavy. Xiao Lian’s attendant had once told me never to associate with people who caused me distress. Xiao Lian, too, had told me not to keep unimportant people in my thoughts. I let out a soft breath. Throw it away.

Xiao Lian had provided me with enough silver to buy countless delicious sweets. There was no need to consume a bowl of melted, flavorless pudding.

Eight

The marriage arrangements between Xiao Lian and me proceeded smoothly. After meeting Xiao Lian, my mother was satisfied beyond measure. She told me that what mattered was not what a man said, but what he did. When I spat out a cherry pit, Xiao Lian had instinctively reached out to catch it. That, she said, was proof of his love and devotion. Unlike... unlike whom? Mother did not finish her sentence, only sighed and stroked my face, mentioning that Chu Nien had come looking for me several times recently. Seeing my blank expression—as if I had completely forgotten who Chu Nien even was—she smiled. He is merely an unimportant person. Baoyue, you may prepare for your wedding with a tranquil heart.

Hearing his name this time stirred no sensation within me at all. I nodded earnestly and showed Mother the wedding robe I had finished embroidering. On the eve of my wedding, my cousin suddenly fell ill with a fever. She had only one small maid to attend to her. I felt deeply worried. Even though Mother told me to focus on my own wedding preparations, I rushed over to help the maid fetch water and wipe my cousin’s brow, tending to her until midnight. When she finally opened her eyes, I was nodding off from exhaustion. She tapped me awake with a gentle finger. Under the flickering candlelight, her features—usually so soft and kind—appeared cold and distant.

You fool, she whispered. Go back. I am better now.

After I left, Little Lotus pulled me aside in secret. The young cousin seemed to bathe in cold water on purpose just to bring on that fever.

A cold wind blew, and I let out a sneeze. She must be freezing, then.

Little Lotus stomped her foot in frustration. How can you still not understand? It is obvious that the cousin wants everyone’s attention focused on her to ruin your wedding day!