Chapter 1: Engagement

Liu Yuru awoke to the melodic crowing of a rooster and the warm caress of sunlight spilling into her chambers.

Yin Hong, her maidservant, returned bearing a bouquet of freshly plucked impatiens from the courtyard, arranging them artfully in a vase. With a gentle smile, she inquired, “Miss, are you awake?”

A soft gasp escaped Liu Yuru’s lips as her mind lingered on the haunting, tormented eyes that had plagued her dreams. Noticing her mistress’s distress, Yin Hong furrowed her brows and approached with concern. “Miss, did you have a nightmare?”

Yin Hong’s words gradually drew Liu Yuru back to reality. Patting her forehead, she sighed, “Indeed, a nightmare.” And quite an absurd one at that.

In her dream, she had encountered Gu Jiusi, a man she had never met. She had also borne witness to Prince Liang’s revolt and the subsequent descent of the world into turmoil.

However, it was common knowledge that Prince Liang, who commanded a formidable army in the southwest, was loyal and devoted. He had rescued the emperor from danger several times and had even sent his entire family to the Capital as hostages to allay the emperor’s suspicions. If he really harbored the intent to rebel, then he would have done so long ago.

Although she didn’t know the identity of the current military governor of Youzhou, rumor had it that he bore the surname Zhao, not Fan Xuan as in her dream.

As for Gu Jiusi and Wang Rong, their families had always been on good terms. While tales of their interactions were scarce, their relationship couldn’t be too bad. The whispers of Gu Jiusi breaking Wang Rong’s leg seemed far-fetched.

Upon reflection, Liu Yuru found it ridiculous that such a dream had left her so shaken. Why had she even dreamt about Gu Jiusi? They had no connection at all.

He was the legitimate scion of Yangzhou’s most affluent family, while she was merely the unfavored legitimate daughter of a humble cloth merchant. The only reason she was even aware of his existence was due to his exploits being the talk of the town.

One day, she would hear tales of him squandering thousands of gold at the Chunfeng Pavilion just to win a smile from the most beautiful courtesan. The next, she would catch wind of him gambling away 10,000 taels of silver in a single night.

During her visits to the market, she would occasionally catch a glimpse of Gu Jiusi, resplendent in his white attire, a folding fan in hand and a birdcage by his side. His strikingly handsome features always bore a carefree smile, with an undercurrent of arrogance and disdain evident in the corners of his eyes and the arch of his brows.

With such handsome looks and ostentatious behavior, it was nigh impossible not to take notice of him. Liu Yuru couldn’t be certain if Gu Jiusi recognized her, but she suspected he might, given her own notoriety in Yangzhou. However, this reputation was not one to be celebrated, for she was known for her difficult circumstances.

Her family had barely managed to secure a place among the wealthy merchants, eking out a living through the trade of silk and cloth.

Her father, Liu Xuan, was a promiscuous man, while her mother, Su Wan, had been wed to him through a matchmaker arranged by their parents. Despite being the principal wife, Su Wan was not favored, and her health was fragile. Over the years, she had only given birth to a daughter, Liu Yuru. In contrast, the concubine, Zhang Yue, had borne two sons and a daughter.

Not having a son was the greatest fault of a woman in this era. Thus, despite Su Wan’s status as the principal wife, it was Zhang Yue who managed the household.

Su Wan had the title but wielded no true power, rendering her life an unfulfilling one. As a result, the streets of Yangzhou had long echoed with tales of Liu Xuan favoring his concubine and neglecting the wife. Whenever Su Wan and Liu Yuru ventured out, they were met with pitying gazes from all who crossed their path.

Amidst such circumstances, Liu Yuru had learned to always abide by the rules, to be sensible, to know when to advance and when to retreat, and to maintain harmonious relationships with everyone.

She had never done anything improper and had embodied the very essence of a well-bred young lady. Her lifelong aspiration was to secure a suitable husband and lead a decent life.

She was a person with clearly defined goals and the unwavering determination to see them through. To ensure a life of comfort and prosperity, she had long ago resolved to wed Ye Shi’an, the eldest son of the esteemed Ye family.

The Ye family’s scholarly lineage set them apart from the merchants. They had been long-time neighbors of the Liu family, making them the ideal prospective in-laws. Liu Yuru had forged a close bond with Ye Yun, the Ye family’s eldest daughter, and frequently visited her in their residence.

She had noticed early on that their family upheld good ethics and was not one to despise the poor and favor the rich. Moreover, Old Madam Ye seemed to hold Liu Yuru in high regard.

As for Ye Shi’an, the eldest son, Liu Yuru had met him on a few occasions before he departed for the Bailu Academy. Though still young at the time, his appearance, while perhaps unremarkable, possessed a certain charm all its own. He was often a man of few words, but his actions bespoke a down-to-earth nature. Ever since he was young, he had the best grades among his peers, which brought much hope of him attaining a scholarly title in the future.

In Liu Yuru’s eyes, Ye Shi’an was a good man, and the Ye family, a respectable one. To marry into their household would be to fulfill her aspirations of leading a “stable and peaceful” life.

In her quest to marry Ye Shi’an, Liu Yuru had often visited the Ye family over the past eight years, using the pretext of finding Ye Yun to accompany her in taking care of Old Madam Ye.

This approach had pleased the elderly woman, who had grown fond of Liu Yuru. Old Madam Ye believed that it would be better for her grandson to marry the familiar and considerate Liu Yuru rather than a woman of unknown background.

On the day Liu Yuru came of age, Old Madam Ye graced their home with her presence as a guest. In a private moment, she confided to Liu Yuru, “I shall return in a few days to discuss a matter with your parents.”

Liu Yuru, upon hearing these words, instantly grasped Old Madam Ye’s intent and had since been waiting with anticipation.

This morning, having washed her face to dispel the lingering unease from her nightmare, Liu Yuru’s ears caught Yin Hong’s gleeful announcement, “Miss, Old Madam Ye has arrived!”

Liu Yuru’s heart pounded at the news. Despite her fervent desire to rush to the front hall and hear Old Madam Ye’s words firsthand, propriety dictated that she, as a member of the younger generation, could not do so without an invitation.

An agonizing wait ensued until finally, a servant came to summon her. With her morning preparations complete, Liu Yuru inhaled deeply and trailed behind the maidservant to the front hall.

Inside, three figures were seated. Old Madam Ye held the position of honor to the left of the main seat, while Liu Xuan occupied the right. Concubine Yue, engaged in pleasant conversation with Old Madam Ye, had taken the chair nearest to her father.

Momentarily taken aback, Liu Yuru swiftly lowered her gaze to mask the flicker of discontent in her eyes.

Upon noticing her arrival, Old Madam Ye cheerfully called out, “Yuru, my dear, come sit beside me and let us talk.”

Liu Yuru raised her head, a smile gracing her features, but not before paying her respects as custom demanded. Once her father granted his permission, she took her place next to Old Madam Ye.

The elderly lady clasped Liu Yuru’s hand, beaming as she spoke, “Yuru, you are truly the most well-mannered and courteous young lady I have ever encountered. I once believed that the Liu family’s exceptional upbringing was responsible for raising such a remarkable daughter. If only you were my own granddaughter, it would be perfect.”

“Old Madam, your praise is too generous,” Liu Xuan replied, a smile playing on his lips as he poured tea for their esteemed guest. “Yuru’s commendable qualities are a result of the time she spends under your tutelage. The Ye family’s scholarly influence has allowed our Yuru to be immersed in the fragrance of ink.”

Following an exchange of mutual flattery, Liu Xuan at last broached the primary reason for Liu Yuru’s presence. With a slight cough, he began, “Yuru, Old Madam has come today to discuss your matrimonial prospects. It is her wish that you wed Ye Shi’an, the eldest son of the Ye family. We have summoned you here to seek your thoughts on the matter.”

Upon hearing her father’s words, Liu Yuru quelled the elation within her and softly replied, “I shall abide by my parents’ decision.”

The room erupted in laughter, and Liu Xuan declared, “Then it is settled. However, I believe your grandson is currently preoccupied with the provincial examination. When shall we proceed with the engagement?”

As he spoke, a hint of concern crept into Liu Xuan voice. “I have also heard that the Gu family’s eldest son has come of age, and his mother is actively seeking a suitable match. Not long ago, they paid a visit to the Liyu family. Old Madam,” Liu Xuan turned to face Old Madam Ye, “we must act swiftly.”

The implications of Liu Xuan’s words were clear to all present. Gu Jiusi, despite his notorious reputation as a tyrant in Yangzhou, was the son of an influential and wealthy family. Naturally, his parents sought to secure the most desirable bride in the city for him.

However, the respectable young ladies of Yangzhou held Gu Jiusi in low regard. Liu Xuan’s words imply that they might set their sights on a less prestigious match, such as Liu Yuru.

Although she was an exceptional young woman, her family’s status was merely average. Should Gu Jiusi choose to pursue her, the might of his family would leave her with little choice but to accept, even if it was against her wishes.

Yet, with Gu Jiusi’s recent visit to the Liyu family, it seemed unlikely that he would approach the Liu household.

After all, Liyu Siyu, as the daughter of the Liyu family, boasted a more elevated background compared to Liu Yuru. Liu Xuan’s mention of this matter was merely a gesture to save face for his daughter.

At the mention of the Liyu family, Liu Yuru instinctively raised her head, a sense of unease settling over her. Liyu Siyu was a dear friend with whom she shared a deep bond. Had Gu Jiusi truly visited her family?

Lost in thought, Liu Yuru silently resolved to visit Liyu Siyu later.

Old Madam Ye, seemingly unfazed by Liu Xuan’s concerns, simply stated, “Fret not. Once the provincial examination concludes, I shall promptly arrange for my son to accompany Shi’an in proposing marriage.”

“Why not have Master Ye propose first?” Zhang Yue interjected opportunely. “This is a matter that falls under the purview of the elders. The eldest son’s presence is not essential. It would be prudent to settle the arrangement promptly to avoid any potential changes.”

“It’s not possible,” Old Madam Ye shook her head. “My son’s friend had recently been appointed as the military governor of Youzhou, and he has gone to offer his congratulations. He has yet to return.”

The mention of the military governor of Youzhou prompted Liu Yuru to impulsively inquire, “Is his surname Fan?”

All eyes turned to her, and Liu Yuru found herself momentarily stunned, unsure of what had compelled her to pose such a question.

Perhaps it was the lingering haze of her morning dream that had clouded her judgment. Nonetheless, the words had already been uttered, and it wasn’t really a big deal. Adopting a softer, more innocent tone, she pressed further, “Is the newly appointed military governor of Youzhou surnamed Fan and called Xuan?”

“How do you know?” Old Madam Ye asked, visibly surprised.

Liu Yuru’s heart jolted, as though struck by an unseen force. Yet, she maintained her composure and replied, “I heard a friend mention it before, but I didn’t believe it. How could the position of military governor change hands so easily?”

“You raise a valid point,” Old Madam Ye chuckled. “However, Fan Xuan has served in Youzhou for thirteen years and has cultivated a strong base of support. The previous military governor succumbed to illness and, before his passing, nominated Fan Xuan as his successor, thus securing his appointment.”

Liu Xuan nodded in response, sighing, “Such are the twists and turns of life…”

With the matter of his grandson’s marriage settled, Old Madam Ye engaged in pleasant conversation for a while longer before taking her leave.

In the wake of Old Madam Ye’s departure, Liu Yuru retreated to her room and dismissed Yin Hong. Overcome with a sense of urgency, she hastened to her desk and feverishly recorded the details from her dream.

“Military Governor of Youzhou, Fan Xuan.”

“Gu Jiusi, Wang Rong”

“Prince Liang”

…

As she committed every aspect of her dream to paper, the image of Gu Jiusi’s eyes surfaced in her mind.

“Save me…” 

She slowly closed her eyes as she pondered. Was Fan Xuan’s appointment a mere coincidence or a premonition? Perhaps it was just a coincidence?

Liu Yuru tried to convince herself that she might have heard this news before and had simply forgotten…

She grasped at countless explanations, but as time wore on, she found herself unable to resist the compulsion. She stood up and said, “Go and inform Concubine Yue that I need to make a trip to the Liyu family. Please ask her permission.”

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Translator’s Notes:

In Chinese, Liu Yuru’s surname is 柳 (Liǔ), while Liyu Siyu’s surname is 刘 (Liú). As you can see, their surnames are pronounced similarly and are written as “Liu” in English but they are different characters with different meanings in Chinese. It’s really confusing in English so I decided to use “Liyu” instead.