20 · A Jade Pendant, A Fate Sealed Early

In the nineteenth year of Chengqing, as spring tiptoed into Dayan, the apricot blossoms of Xinghua Village bloomed across the hillsides—lush as rosy clouds, dazzling as brocade. When the wind stirred, petals rained gently down like a soft, silken snow.

Today, the village was livelier than ever. Nearly every villager, young and old, had gathered near the village entrance. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity and joy, whispers passing through the crowd in hushed excitement.

"They say a prince of Dayan is coming to betroth the little princess of Western Liang—what a grand affair! Once in a century!"

"Oh yes! If only my child could have such fortune. Forget a prince—even a noble heir would have me laughing in my sleep!"

The village pavilion had been decorated in festive red silk. Matchmakers with bright smiles bustled about, their mouths full of blessings and auspicious phrases.

Soon, the distant sound of hoofbeats and carriage wheels drifted on the wind. All eyes turned as an ornate carriage, flanked by imperial guards, slowly approached.

The curtain was lifted.

The first to descend was the Empress Dowager of Dayan, stern in bearing yet smiling with satisfaction. Following her was a boy of around ten—Prince Xiao Zhengyu.

With clear reluctance written on his face, Zhengyu appeared less than thrilled about this match arranged by the elders. But defying the Empress Dowager was not an option. He forced a stiff smile and followed her toward the pavilion.

Outside, a few noble youths joked loudly.

"His Highness shall win his bride today!"

"Why so stiff, Your Highness? Afraid of your future wife?"

Their teasing deepened the frown on Zhengyu's brow. He cast them a cold glance, the irritation in his eyes only feeding their laughter.

Moments later, the delegation from Western Liang arrived.

From their carriage emerged the Princess Consort of Liang, holding the hand of a delicate four-year-old girl—Shen Ruoyao.

She wore a pink-and-white embroidered gown. Her porcelain face was radiant with youth and innocence, her silver bangles tinkled at her wrist, and golden thread gleamed across her sleeves, lending her an air of gentle nobility.

After polite greetings were exchanged, the Empress Dowager turned to her grandson with a smile and nudged him forward.

"Zhengyu, go on now—take your future bride's hand."

Suppressing a sigh, Xiao Zhengyu stepped forward reluctantly. As he took Shen Ruoyao's tiny hand in his own, he caught sight of a phoenix-shaped birthmark on her wrist. He blinked, curiosity flickering in his heart.

Then, the Empress Dowager withdrew a pair of lustrous jade pendants. She raised them high, her voice warm and clear:

"Today, these two families are bound in kinship. Let these jade pendants serve as the token of their engagement. When Ruoyao reaches coming-of-age, the formal wedding will be held. May they walk together in harmony for all their days."

Xiao Zhengyu hesitated before taking one. Then, with awkward care, he placed the other into Shen Ruoyao's small palm. As he looked down, her crystal-clear eyes met his—something unfamiliar stirred within him, a nervous flutter that left him momentarily unsteady.

Laughter and teasing rose around them.

"What a perfect pair—beauty and grace, young talent and noble birth!"

"Your Highness, be gentle now! Don't scare our little Liang princess!"

Zhengyu's ears flushed red, and he stood stiffly, mortified beneath the crowd's warm blessings. The teasing words only deepened his embarrassment. He glanced sideways at the tiny girl beside him, barely reaching his waist, and looked as if he'd rather vanish into the floor.

She, on the other hand, beamed with joy. Her laughter rang like silver bells, her crescent-shaped eyes glowing with delight, and a faint blush graced her cheeks. The stark contrast between their reactions drew amused looks from the crowd—though none dared laugh aloud.

Beneath the shaded trees, partially hidden from view, Xiao Zhongyan stood with his attendant, watching quietly.

"…A pair of star-crossed mandarin ducks," he murmured.

The attendant lowered his voice cautiously.

"Your Highness, do you truly believe trouble is coming to Western Liang?"

A cold smile curved Xiao Zhongyan's lips.

"Power shifts are near. Western Liang will soon be thrown into chaos. We need not interfere, nor inform them. Let the winds play their course."

Petals drifted through the air, soft and dreamlike, as if hinting at a tangled fate yet to unfold.

In the warmth of celebration, none noticed how destiny had already begun weaving its threads—binding the lives of Xiao Zhengyu and Shen Ruoyao with a quiet, irreversible knot.