In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, the Jiangs make a strategic move to secure a marriage alliance between a late bloomer, Jiang Ying, and the crown prince, Lan Xichen. However, their plans are disrupted when Jiang Ying is abducted before the mee...
An internal crisis is ransacking its way through Nie Huaisang's mind. He thinks to himself, "Jiang Ying hasn't returned, and there is still no news of him." Though he received this information a few days ago, the weight of it feels a thousand times heavier today. This is because the wedding is set to take place in just two days, and he must perform the necessary rituals at the Guanyin temple for a successful and blessed union. Instead of...
Clenching his fists, he feels a mixture of anger and helplessness. He knows he must remain calm and focused during this time, but the lack of news regarding Jiang Ying's whereabouts won't allow him to do so. As good and crazy an idea as this whole fiasco is, it has to crash and burn somewhere. No one in their right mind would play with the imperial family, but he did it willingly, and now he regrets it.
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His fingers wrap around the silk curtain, feeling the smooth texture against his skin as he tries to distract himself from the chaos swirling in his mind. The sedan jostles along the bumpy road, making him feel even more anxious. Taking a deep breath, he pulls the silk aside to look out, hoping for a sign that everything will be okay. The view outside is a blur of greenery and admiring crowds, but he can't shake the feeling that danger is closing in around him. Believing in the Jiang siblings and his luck, he closes the curtain and prepares himself for whatever lies ahead.
An hour later, the sound of murmurs and drums grows louder, signaling their arrival at the temple. As the sedan comes to a stop, he can feel his heart pounding in his chest. Stepping out of the sedan, he is greeted by the sight of a crooked path leading through an overgrown forest, the branches tangled and twisted above him like grasping claws. He swallows hard and prays that he will make it out alive. After all, he is still so young and has many things to experience in life.
"What is it, A-Ying?" Jiang Yanli asks, placing a comforting hand on Nie Huaisang's shoulder and reminding him that he is not alone. She can't speak aloud since her parents and servants are nearby, preparing offerings and prayers for the upcoming ritual. With a small smile, she hands him a bundle of rice sheaves to carry as an offering and urges him to walk forward before her mother approaches them.
Taking a deep breath and feeling the weight of the sheaves in his hands, Nie Huaisang walks beside Jiang Yanli down the crooked path. With each step, he feels the eyes of people watching him, their whispers filling the air like a buzzing swarm of bees. Walking a step behind, Jiang Cheng carries a large incense burner in his hands, his expression tense yet determined.
"Are we there yet?" Nie Huaisang asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
Jiang Yanli looks back at him with a reassuring smile and nods, "Just a little further, I guess."
"No offense, but why are we visiting this old, neglected shrine?" Nie Huaisang inquires, his curiosity piqued.
Jiang Yanli's smile falters, her gaze shifting to the overgrown trees and crumbling stone walls surrounding them. "Our ancestors used to visit this shrine regularly, but over time, it has been left to decay. A fortune-teller advised Mother that if she visits this temple and pays her respects, the problems surrounding our family will be resolved. We will receive blessings and good fortune."
