Late Bloomer Brings The Light

Chapter 1

A young man looks at his reflection in a tall mirror, but it doesn't feel like he is looking at himself. Little braids in his hair are pinned taut and tight with lotuses, not a single strand out of place. His face is powdered white, and his lips are painted the best shade of rouge. He is dressed in sheer layers of exquisite lavender robes embroidered with golden lotuses along the linings of his sleeves and hems. It screams at him to run away and never look back. However, there is nothing he can do about his predicament.

Jiang Ying, the third heir of Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan, is a late bloomer. He has been given the finest in life, spending time on frivolous and pointless things and never caring for anything. He had more freedom in his life choices until his mother placed weight on his shoulders to uphold the honor of their family. Just like that, his carefree life has turned upside down.

There isn't much else to do or say. Things have turned sour recently: their resources are dwindling, their supplies are at an all-time low, and their morale is at rock bottom. All because Jiang Yanli's engagement to the finance minister's son, Jin Zixuan, has broken off. It's not their fault, but the blame and consequences seem to fall on their shoulders.

Wanting to halt the challenges and rumors, Yu Ziyuan, a renowned fighter, seized the opportunity for a marriage alliance with Crown Prince Lan Xichen through her favor with the court. Whoever marries the crown prince must bear an heir for him, so Jiang Cheng is out of the question since he is an alpha. Jiang Yanli isn't ready to accept another proposal, making Jiang Ying the final hope for their family's future.

Jiang Ying knows he should feel ecstatic that he is going to marry into the imperial family and help his family during a troubling time, but instead, all he feels is a loss of freedom and a sense of inadequacy. It is common knowledge among people that Crown Prince Lan Xichen is a powerful alpha at a young age and accomplished in the six arts, while he himself, a late bloomer, hasn't experienced his first heat and doesn't wield a sword. How can he possibly compare?

He paces nervously around his spacious room. He is unsure how he will manage to make a public appearance today for his engagement party when his nerves are shot. His fiancé won't even be here! Crown Prince Lan Xichen won't be able to attend for another three days. So, Jiang Ying doesn't understand why they are having the party now.

Before, he never cared about what others thought of him—not that people paid him any attention anyway—but now his actions will reflect not only on the Jiangs but also on the Lans! What if he messes it all up? What if his fiancé ends up hating him?

He gives himself a whack on the head, the slight pain bringing him back to reality. "Stop being so dramatic, Jiang Ying! Who could hate you? Mother always says that no one can hate you because you have a face that melts anyone's heart. So, stop worrying and be happy that you are useful to your family. You're going to fulfill your duty and represent your family with honor and dignity."

He lets out a deep sigh. Even if this isn't what he wants for his life, it is something that he has to do, so he may as well give it his best shot. He turns to look at himself in the mirror and sees a reflection of determination staring back at him. "I'm going to bring light not only to my family but also to this empire."

***

Lotus Pier bursts like a pomegranate with energy as servants, lords, and ladies scatter around, greeting guests and making last-minute preparations. The place itself is decorated with purple and white banners, glowing scarlet lanterns dangling from rooftops, and fresh lilac petals blowing in the wind. The pond's fragrance, filled with precious lotuses, attracts guests and children, causing them to stop for a moment to admire it all.

"A-Cheng, I don't think I have ever seen Lotus Pier look this stunning," Jiang Yanli says, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"It's like a dream." Jiang Cheng nods, his eyes shining with pride at the sight of his family's ancestral home bustling with life and color. "Just like Jiang Ying would be. Who would have thought he would be the first to marry?"

Jiang Yanli remains silent, turning around to take in the view of lotus flowers blooming in the pond. A wave of nostalgia washes over her as she remembers the days when they were all just children running around Lotus Pier. She can still hear the sound of laughter echoing in her mind. "Do you think A-Ying is ready for this engagement?" she asks softly, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

She senses the weight of responsibility that now rests on her brother's shoulders, and she wonders if he will be able to handle it. After all, he is still so young, playful, and carefree. He doesn't even know what lies beyond Lotus Pier, let alone the challenges that lie ahead. So, she fears what his life will be like. It isn't a play in which they can change the script if things do not go well. It is life—her brother's life. She wants him to embrace a life in which love binds his wrists, not rules.

Wanting the same, Jiang Cheng will do anything, even speak against their mother if Jiang Ying shows no interest in marriage. Before the thought flames high, an unexpected entry quells the fire. "Even if he doesn't, he will be married off to the prince!" The voice startles both, making them hang their heads low.

With the sway of exquisite purple robes, shadowed by ever-present handmaidens, Yu Ziyuan comes into view. "This marriage is not only for our family's purpose; it's also for his own good. Since he is a male omega and doesn't know how to defend himself, it will be good if a powerful alpha like Lan Xichen stays by his side. That way, he can be protected and cared for properly."

"But Mother," Jiang Yanli interjects, her voice calm but firm as she holds Jiang Cheng's hand for support. "A-Ying is just 18 years old."

Yu Ziyuan shifts her gaze toward them, her expression unreadable. "I know my son is so young that he doesn't even know what praise and criticism mean. But think about me. How can I tolerate A-Ying smiling every time people call him a late bloomer? How can I help him realize that being called a late bloomer is not something to be proud of, but rather a form of criticism about what he lacks?"

The silence compels her to continue, her words heavy with a mix of frustration and concern. "Some things I can't change, no matter how hard I try. Because of this marriage, everyone will acknowledge him as the prince's mate instead of the late bloomer. This opportunity will not present itself again, so we must seize it."

"Sorry, Mother. We didn't think about it," Jiang Yanli apologizes, and Jiang Cheng can't help but nod in agreement.

"Mother always thinks about her children's well-being! Go and doll him up beautifully. Don't listen to his whining and pouting," Yu Ziyuan declares, head held high, casting a look at her handmaidens before walking to another corner of the main hall and beckoning a few servants over to decorate it.

Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng glance at each other before walking over to Jiang Ying's room. They find him nervous, scared even. It's understandable. If anyone had told him that this would be his life a few days ago, he would have laughed. He has just turned 18, and he doesn't even know how to walk gracefully, yet he is going to walk alongside the prince to rule the empire.

Jiang Cheng can't help but laugh, earning a glare from his twin brother, whose eyes are wide and hands are on his hips. If looks could kill, Jiang Cheng would be ashes by now. But Jiang Ying's glares don't even have the strength to hurt a fly, so he laughs even more.

Feeling offended, Jiang Ying grabs Jiang Cheng by the arm and shoves him out of the room before slamming the door right in his face. Can anyone blame him?