An Oriental Odyssey

The grand red wedding invitation, announcing the union of Princess Xinghui from Prince Jing's mansion and Pei Xianya, the third son of the high official Pei, arrived at Ye Mansion. It almost left Yuan'an bewildered, making her double-check if she was mistaken: "Could this be true?! Someone must have made a grave error! Just the day before yesterday, Pei Xianya was locked up in Luoyang County Office, and now they claim the wedding is in three days?!"

Her stepmother, Lady Ye, chuckled and said, "You're not the only one finding it peculiar. The whole of Luoyang city is buzzing with discussions. They say Princess Xinghui is resolute and honorable, while young Master Pei enjoys smooth sailing!"

Yuan'an retorted, "Smooth sailing, you say? Pei Xianya is nothing but a despicable and wicked scoundrel! He's a villain!"

Lady Ye replied, "Calling him a villain won't change anything! This matter is about feelings and destiny. Even Prince Jing, the Princess's brother, couldn't stop it. They'll be married in three days, and we're invited."

Yuan'an pouted, "Hmph, what's there to envy about their wedding? I see why you're so eager."

Madam Ye approached affectionately, "Yuan'an, listen to your mother. Look at how determined Princess Xinghui is to find a perfect match for herself. It shows that every girl will reach this stage! I'm also looking for a match for you."

Yuan'an pushed her away, "Stop! Don't talk about it!"

After saying that, Yuan'an turned and left. Madam Ye didn't stop her but secretly smiled, making plans in her heart. Shortly after, a maidservant led Madam Yang, a woman who had a good relationship with her, to come.

Madam Ye hurriedly and warmly said, "Sister, regarding the matter I asked you to help with, have you found someone?"

Madam Yang replied, "I came here precisely for this matter."

Madam Yang showed the prepared portrait and name card to Lady Ye. In the portrait was a handsome and imposing man. Madam Yang then provided background information and praised his character. Hearing this, Yuan'an's stepmother was elated. It turned out she had already taken action and was trying to find a match for Yuan'an!

Madam Ye was quite satisfied and held Madam Yang's hand, saying, "Sister, you've thought about it thoroughly. This candidate is excellent. I value your judgment! However, I need to discuss it with her father first before giving you a final answer. During this period, please help me make arrangements. Don't let this good man slip away and end up with another girl from another family!"

Madam Yang replied, "You can rest assured!"

Madam Ye savored some refreshments and felt delighted. The person they found was indeed impressive. Once she marries off this daughter, she won't have to endure Yuan'an's temper anymore, and Yuan Ning won't have to be constantly picked on by his elder sister, Yuan'an!

In the residence of the Imperial Tutor, Pei Xianya, who had survived the ordeal, was now kneeling and listening to his father's scolding. "Xianya, everything has its cause and effect. If you had been more self-disciplined and cautious, how could you have encountered such a disaster?! From now on, you must change!"

Pei Xianya covered his face and wiped away tears, "Father, I know my mistakes! I will mend my ways from now on, I will speak cautiously and be careful in my actions! I won't let you and Mother down again!"

His mother came forward and helped Pei Xianya up, "You must thank the imperial court for sparing your life, and you must also thank Princess Xinghui! If she hadn't stood by you so faithfully, I'm afraid not only you, but I as well would have perished in this calamity. My son, you must be grateful to her!"

Pei Xianya nodded, "I will remember, Mother!"

After his parents left, he returned to his room and couldn't help but recall the court scene, how Princess Xinghui had done everything in her power to rescue him. Previously, he had admired her for her beauty and noble status, and he was satisfied with the marriage because of the match between their families. However, this ordeal made him see Princess Xinghui in a new light. He felt incredibly fortunate to be chosen by such an affectionate and devoted girl. If he wanted to repay her, there was only one thing he could do: give her the treasured Buddhist Heavenly Bead from the hidden compartment.

The next day, the sun was shining, and the breeze was gentle, swaying the willow trees in the Baima Temple.

Princess Xinghui's carriage stopped at the temple's entrance, and she descended from the carriage with Jiang Ren holding her hand.

Inside the temple, thin smoke enveloped the air, and a constant stream of worshippers came and went. Pei Xianya was waiting.

The two met, and Xianya quickly stepped forward as Xinghui gave a slight smile. "The wedding is just a few days away. Why are you so eager to see me?"

Xianya remained cautious, avoiding Jiang Ren, and led Xinghui into the temple to talk. "You once mentioned something to me before. Do you remember?"

Xinghui pondered for a moment. "I remember, the treasured Heavenly Bead, a national treasure."

Xianya continued, "By fortunate coincidence, I did obtain one. I didn't take it out before because I still felt somewhat unfamiliar and lacked trust in you. However, after going through these recent events, I am certain of your genuine affection for me. I have no adequate way to repay you, so I wish to present this treasured heavenly bead to you as a token of my feelings."

Xianya handed the small black box to Xinghui.

Holding the box, Xinghui fell momentarily silent. Her eyes widened, and she appeared incredibly nervous. Her thick eyelashes and thin lips trembled slightly. It seemed she realized her emotional display and closed her eyes to regain composure. With faith and reverence, she carefully opened the box, revealing the treasured heavenly bead, with a tiny universe of its own.

Only daring to glance at it once, she snapped the box shut and asked in a solemn voice, "Young Master Xianya, are you truly giving this heavenly bead to me?"

Xianya, emotionally moved, replied, "This treasured Buddhist heavenly bead, though a precious treasure, is just an external possession. Compared to your wholehearted care for me, it means nothing. Before the Buddha, I dare not make empty promises, so I am presenting this Heavenly Bead to you!"

Xinghui nodded deeply, "Thank you, Young Master!"

She put away the bead, and he could tell she was delighted. He knew he had finally done something to repay her, and from then on, they would grow even closer. He reached out to embrace her, and she didn't resist, but she felt somewhat rigid. He sensed this stiffness as well.

That night, after bathing and changing clothes, Princess Xinghui dismissed the attendants serving her, leaving only herself. In the dark, she took out the small box gifted by Xianya and gently touched the treasured heavenly bead.

The bead gleamed under the moonlight, appearing even more beautiful and mystical than during the day. A subtle change came over Xinghui's serene and composed face; her smile transformed into a greedy, triumphant expression, overcome with joy. She muttered to herself while holding the bead, "Ah, so this is what that person was looking for! Finally, my efforts have paid off! I finally have it!"

Her joy was soon mixed with other thoughts, and she became agitated, frowning. "This Heavenly Bead is not an ordinary gift; it's not something you can snatch or steal. It must be given sincerely by the owner. I have come a long way from the initial engagement with Young Master Xianya, where he was not willing to cooperate. Until he caused trouble and I wholeheartedly took responsibility, finally touching him and obtaining the Heavenly Bead. It has been a convoluted journey, and now that I have the bead in my hands, what should I do next? Do I really have to marry Xianya? That weak and spineless coward, the one who betrayed that dancer!"