Beauty is a curse

When Xiao Diting returned to his palace in the twilight, the icicles on the eaves were dripping meltwater, the dripping sound hitting the bluestone slabs, and the palace was silent.

Chunyan had already prepared a brazier and hot tea and was standing guard at the door. Seeing her hurriedly step forward to take the cloak, and noticing her mistress's solemn expression, she tentatively asked, "Your Highness, would you like some refreshments?"

"No need." Xiao Diting waved her hand and walked straight to the soft couch by the window to sit down. She was a little unsure how to face Chunyan.

The Second Prince Xiao Yunheng's words, "what you promised me before," pierced her heart like a fine needle.

She searched through the original owner's fragmented memories, only remembering that the original owner did seem to have some dealings with this second prince, but it was all very vague. She couldn't recall what exactly happened, nor could she remember how the original owner had agreed.

“I’ll kill you every time you try to escape. Don’t forget the lesson from five years ago.” Xiao Yunheng’s voice still seemed to echo in my ears, carrying an almost pathological obsession.

Xiao Yunheng's madness is annoying, and Chunyan was sent by him, so naturally she's not exactly clean either.

However, Xiao Diting still had her own selfish motives. After so many days of contact with Chunyan, she still had some feelings for her. In any case, she had gotten used to being under surveillance all along, so she simply didn't say anything.

Seeing that her complexion was not good, Chunyan thought that she had been exposed to the cold wind outside, so she specially came over to take good care of her, pulling her hand into her palm and letting her warm body temperature seep through her.

Xiao Diting was suddenly moved.

"Chunyan, you should go to sleep too, don't worry about me."

"Your Highness seems to be in a bad mood. If you don't mind, you can confide in me."

"Go to sleep." Xiao Diting reached out and patted Chunyan's fluffy head, repeating firmly, "Go to sleep, don't worry about me."

Since her mistress had said so, Chunyan stopped insisting and walked out, turning back every few steps. Before closing the door, she still looked at her with great concern: "Your Highness, please rest early."

Xiao Diting's breath hitched, a bitter feeling filling her chest. She gave a pathetic, bitter laugh, her eyes welling up with tears, whether from anger or some other reason, she didn't know.

If there were no master-servant relationship whatsoever, Chunyan's words and actions just now would have been far too realistic.

...Swallows, oh swallows.

Time flies, so instead of worrying about uncertain futures, it's best to live well in the present.

Before we knew it, it was the eve of the Lantern Festival. The festive atmosphere in Beijing had not yet dissipated, and the streets were already filled with all kinds of lanterns, red, pink and yellow, hanging in strings under the eaves and on the treetops, illuminating the whole street with a warm glow.

As Xiao Diting watched the palace servants bustling about outside the window, she suddenly felt a bit weary—the recent intrigues and power struggles made her especially miss the everyday life of ordinary people.

Then, on a whim, she immediately tore off a piece of Xuan paper, picked up a brush, wrote a few words on it, and had a young eunuch secretly deliver it to the Zhenfu Division.

Her calligraphy was mediocre; she had tried her best to imitate the original owner's handwriting, but writing too much would easily give her away... although everyone probably already knew about it. Outsiders just thought the princess had changed drastically, but those close to her always had some doubts.

In less than an hour, the young eunuch returned, carrying a small brocade box. He said respectfully, "Lord Pei asked me to pass on a message to Your Highness, saying that he will be waiting for you under the willow tree at the intersection of West Market Street at three-quarters past dusk. He also asked me to give you this."

Xiao Diting opened the brocade box, inside lay an exquisite silver hairpin. The hairpin's head was a silver butterfly with outstretched wings, its wings inlaid with tiny pearls that shimmered softly under the lamplight. Her fingertips traced the butterfly's wings, and a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips.

This is quite in line with his usual way of doing things; he wants to wait until she is all dressed up and ready before they get together for a small get-together.

On the night of the Lantern Festival, the moon shone brightly, its silvery light spilling onto the streets and alleys of the capital, intertwining with the warm glow of the lanterns, creating an exceptionally enchanting scene.

Xiao Diting changed into a light pink casual outfit. She rarely wore clothes of this color. As a young princess, her sudden girlish heart led her to choose this most charming one among all the gorgeous clothes.

She styled her hair in a simple bun, inserted the silver butterfly hairpin, dismissed most of her attendants, and quietly slipped out of the palace through a side gate with only Chunyan in tow.

The West Market was already packed with people, filled with the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, laughter, and traditional music. The stalls along the street were filled with all sorts of trinkets, including sugar paintings, dough figurines, paper cuttings, and a dazzling array of snacks, all emitting enticing aromas.

Xiao Diting hadn't felt this relaxed in a long time, and his steps became much lighter. He walked and stopped along the way, finding everything new and exciting.

At three-quarters past dusk, she arrived precisely at the willow tree at the street corner and immediately spotted a tall figure.

Pei Wenjin was already waiting there, leaning against a tree and nodding frequently to the laughing girls passing by. It was no wonder, he had changed into casual clothes today, the moon-white brocade robe making his figure even more upright, and his eyes and brows had a touch of gentleness, making him particularly eye-catching.

Upon seeing her, his eyes lit up instantly. He apologized to her like a young lady trying to strike up a conversation and quickly walked towards her, saying, "Your Highness, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

"I'm early." Xiao Diting smiled and glanced at him. "Lord Pei is exceptionally popular."

Pei Wenjin shook his head helplessly and reached out to gently tidy her wind-blown hair: "Your Highness, please forgive my rudeness."

His fingertips, slightly cool in temperature, touched her earlobe, and Xiao Diting instinctively shrank back, her cheeks flushing slightly.

The two walked side by side, not discussing court disputes or old cases, but just like ordinary young men and women, chatting about the lanterns on the street and sharing interesting stories.

"Look at that rabbit lantern, it's quite cute." Xiao Diting pointed to a lifelike rabbit lantern not far away, his eyes lighting up.

Upon seeing this, Pei Wenjin immediately pushed through the crowd, bought the rabbit lantern, and handed it to her, saying, "Take it."

Xiao Diting took the rabbit lantern, the warm light of the candle reflecting on her face, making her look exceptionally charming. As she walked forward with the lantern, she suddenly caught sight of two familiar figures not far ahead and couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Lin Huaiyu and his group of five walked ahead, slowly waving folding fans in their hands, occasionally stopping to point at the novelties on the stalls.

Song Chenjing followed behind him, carrying a bunch of things in his arms—newly bought clay figurines, kites, and several packets of snacks. He looked somewhat reluctant, but still followed obediently, and occasionally paid for Lin Huaiyu's things.

"Lord Lin, Lord Song!" Xiao Diting called out in greeting.

Lin Huaiyu and Song Chenjing turned around at the same time, and were both stunned when they saw it was them.

Song Chenjing quickly stopped and tried to bow, but tripped over what he was carrying and almost fell. Lin Huaiyu swiftly caught him, his gaze sweeping between Xiao Diting and Pei Wenjin, a look of sudden realization flashing in his eyes, before a playful smile appeared on his lips.

"So it's Your Highness and Lord Pei." Lin Huaiyu stepped forward, fanning himself with a folding fan, his tone casual. "What a coincidence, I didn't expect to run into you here."

His gaze lingered on their clasped hands—Pei Wenjin had instinctively taken her hand earlier, fearing she might get lost in the crowd, and they hadn't let go yet.

Xiao Diting's cheeks flushed, and he tried to pull his hand away, but Pei Wenjin gripped it even tighter.

"Lord Lin, you've come to the lantern festival too?" Xiao Diting changed the subject, his gaze falling on the things in Song Chenjing's arms. "Lord Song, how many good things have you bought?"

Song Chenjing blushed and said somewhat awkwardly, "They were all chosen by Lord Lin, and he asked me to... to take them."

Lin Huaiyu laughed and patted him on the shoulder: "Little Song is honest and straightforward. Alright, I won't disturb your enjoyment any longer, we still need to explore further."

He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture to the two men and said meaningfully, "You two had a great time."

After saying that, he turned around and continued walking forward. Song Chenjing quickly followed, and after taking two steps, he looked back. Seeing Xiao Diting smiling at him, his face turned even redder. Without turning his head, he quickly caught up with Lin Huaiyu.

Watching their retreating figures, Xiao Diting couldn't help but chuckle, "Lord Lin certainly knows how to order people around, and Lord Song is truly good-natured."

"Lord Lin may seem carefree, but he is actually very shrewd and has genuinely taken care of Song Chenjing," Pei Wenjin explained. "Song Chenjing comes from a complicated family background, and it is not easy for him to gain a foothold in the Dali Temple. Lord Lin often gives him advice, so he can be considered his benefactor."

Xiao Diting nodded, said no more, and continued walking forward with the rabbit lantern in his hand.

More and more lanterns appeared on the street, some depicting auspicious dragons and phoenixes, others symbolizing abundance year after year, and still others featuring various figures and stories, all exquisitely crafted and lifelike. The two strolled along, stopping occasionally to buy snacks to share, and sometimes pausing to watch street performers. The warm atmosphere made Xiao Diting almost forget the perilous life he had experienced in the palace.

She even thought how wonderful it would be if things could stay this way forever. No power struggles, no conspiracies, just the everyday joys and tranquility of ordinary people.

But this peace was ultimately short-lived.

"Fire! Help!"

Just as they reached the busiest central area of ​​the West Market, they suddenly heard a loud "boom," and then a restaurant not far ahead suddenly burst into flames!

The fire spread extremely quickly, instantly reaching the rooftops, and thick smoke billowed into the sky, turning half the night sky red. The crowd in the streets erupted in cries and screams, turning the once bustling lantern festival into chaos.

"Not good!" Pei Wenjin's expression changed drastically. He immediately pulled Xiao Diting to his side and shielded her behind him. "It's dangerous here. Let's get out of here first!"

He tried to lead her to a less crowded place, but Xiao Diting broke free of his hand. She looked at the burning restaurant, the people fleeing in all directions, and those trapped by the fire, calling for help from the windows, and grabbed Pei Wenjin's arm.

"No, I can't leave." Xiao Diting's tone was calm and composed, without the slightest panic. "So many people are trapped inside, including many elderly people and children. I can't just stand by and watch something happen to them."

"But Your Highness, it's too dangerous!" Pei Wenjin said urgently. "The fire is too big. There's no use in us staying here. Let's take shelter for now and wait for the soldiers to arrive!"

"It will be too late if we wait for the soldiers to arrive!" As soon as Xiao Di finished speaking, she lifted her skirt and strode towards the chaotic crowd.

She stood on a high platform, took a deep breath, and used her inner strength to project her voice: "Everyone, don't panic! Calm down!"

Her clear and powerful voice pierced through the chaotic noise, causing many fleeing people to instinctively stop in their tracks. Xiao Diting continued loudly, "I am Xiao Mingzhao! The soldiers are on their way! Now listen to my command: able-bodied men, come with me, cover your mouths and noses with damp cloths, and break open the windows at the back door of the restaurant to rescue people! The elderly and children should retreat to the open space on the side of the street. Women, be responsible for calming people down and preventing crowding!"

Her status exuded authority, and coupled with her calm and clear tone, the initially chaotic crowd gradually calmed down.

Xiao Diting was never a pampered flower raised in seclusion. When many people heard the name "Xiao," they felt as if they had heard a savior. Even more people felt reassured after seeing her face.

"It's the Third Prince!"

"Quickly! Listen to His Highness's instructions!"

"Lord Pei, over here!"

Seeing that she had become the backbone of the group, Pei Wenjin knew he couldn't dissuade her, so he could only sigh helplessly and turn to the servant who had come to him, instructing him: "Quickly go to the nearby shops to borrow buckets and wet cloths, and send someone to urge the soldiers to speed up!"

After saying that, he picked up a damp cloth he had just borrowed and handed it to Xiao Diting: "Cover your mouth and nose, be careful of the thick smoke."

Xiao Diting took the damp cloth, covered his mouth and nose, nodded to him, and rushed towards the back door of the restaurant.

Pei Wenjin followed closely behind, and the two of them together smashed open the wooden back door. Thick smoke rushed out instantly, choking people so much that they could hardly breathe.

"Don't panic, people inside! Follow us!" Pei Wenjin shouted. By the light of the fire outside, he could vaguely see many people huddled in a corner inside.

Xiao Diting and Pei Wenjin led several young men, groping through the thick smoke to rescue people.

They carefully avoided the fallen wooden beams and burning tables and chairs, helping the trapped people out one by one. Xiao Diting moved with great efficiency, and when he encountered frightened and crying children, he would gently comfort them and carry them out in his arms.

About half an hour later, the soldiers finally arrived. Leading them was the imperial guard commander who had detained Pei Wenjin at the city gate that day. Seeing that it was Princess Pei personally directing the rescue, he quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, this humble servant has brought men!"

"Quickly!" Xiao Diting immediately ordered, "Split into two teams, one to continue rescuing people, and the other to fetch water from nearby to put out the fire. Be careful not to let the fire spread to the shops next door!"

"Yes!" The commander immediately accepted the order and directed his officers and soldiers to carry out the rescue in an orderly manner.

With the addition of officers and soldiers, the efficiency of firefighting and rescue greatly improved. Xiao Diting stood at the edge of the fire, calmly directing manpower and comforting the rescued people. Like a pillar of strength, he brought a lot of peace of mind to everyone.

Pei Wenjin stayed by her side the whole time, never leaving her side, and would shield her from the flying sparks and chaotic crowd from time to time, his eyes full of worry and admiration.

The fire was finally extinguished in the middle of the night.

The restaurant had been burned to the ground, and the air was thick with the pungent smell of burning and steam. The rescued people gathered in the open space by the street; although their clothes were tattered and their faces were covered in soot, they were all unharmed.

Looking at the scene before him, Xiao Diting let out a long sigh of relief, his tense nerves finally relaxing.

She was covered in dust, her hair was disheveled, and the silver butterfly hairpin was nowhere to be found, making her look extremely disheveled.

"Alright, we're safe now." She said gently to the people around her, "The government will arrange accommodations and food, so don't worry."

The people thanked her profusely, their voices filled with gratitude.

Xiao Diting waved his hand, signaling them to follow the soldiers to the resettlement point, then turned to Pei Wenjin and said, "It's getting late, I should go back to the palace."

Pei Wenjin nodded, his gaze falling on her dusty face, and reached out to wipe the dust from her forehead: "I'll escort you to the palace gate."

The two walked side by side toward the palace. Most of the lanterns on the street had been destroyed by the fire, leaving only a few stubbornly burning, which looked rather desolate.

They walked in silence until they reached the palace gate, where Xiao Diting stopped and said, "Let's stop here. You should go back and rest early."

"Take care, Your Highness." Pei Wenjin looked at her, hesitated, and finally only said these four words.

Xiao Diting smiled at him, then turned and walked into the palace gate.

By the time they returned to their palace, it was almost dawn.

Chunyan was startled to see her like this and quickly helped her wash up and change. Xiao Diting lay on the soft bed, and exhaustion overwhelmed her instantly, but her mind was in turmoil, and she couldn't fall asleep.

That fire was lit in a very strange way.

The restaurant is located right in the center of the West Market, and security is usually extremely tight. How could it suddenly catch fire? Moreover, the fire spread so quickly, as if someone was secretly helping to start it.

Her intuition told her that this was no accident.

She closed her eyes, and the gentle yet sinister face of the Second Prince Xiao Yunheng flashed frequently through her mind, as did the old emperor's gloomy eyes and the complex attitude of the Crown Prince Xiao Yiyu.

As she pondered, she gradually fell asleep, her dreams filled with images of raging fires and the cries of fleeing people.

The next morning, Xiao Diting was awakened by Chunyan's hurried voice.

"Your Highness! Your Highness! Something has happened!" Chunyan rushed into the inner hall, her face pale, holding a crumpled piece of paper in her hand.

Xiao Diting sat up abruptly, his heart skipping a beat: "What's wrong?"

"Look at this!" Chunyan handed her the paper, her voice trembling with tears. "They're all saying... they're all saying you're a jinx! They say wherever you go, misfortune follows!"

Xiao Diting took the paper, which contained a nursery rhyme circulating among the people, each word piercing the heart: "When the bright light arrives, disaster strikes; plague strikes Huaizhou, fire breaks out in the West Market; a beautiful woman brings calamity to the capital..."

Her hand clenched the paper tightly, her knuckles turning white. Yesterday, she risked her life to save someone, and instead of praise, she received such slander!

A chill ran up from the soles of her feet and instantly spread throughout her body. She finally understood that the fire had been aimed at her from the very beginning.

Behind this, someone is secretly manipulating public opinion, wanting to nail her to the pillar of shame as a "jinx".

And who could this person be?