In late spring in the capital, sunlight filtered through dappled leaves, casting a shimmering golden glow across the ground. Wang Banxian, a down-and-out scholar who usually set up shop in front of a dilapidated temple in the city's western slums, was being hurriedly escorted to the Prime Minister's residence by servants. His steps were unsteady, his calves trembling uncontrollably, and his heart was filled with anxiety and unease. He was just a nobody, eking out a living by concocting fortune-telling tales for the common people. How could he suddenly be summoned by the Prime Minister's daughter? Could there be some hidden secret?
As Wang Banxian entered the imposing gates of the Prime Minister's residence, he felt an aura of opulence wash over him, making him even more nervous. Lingge led him to Zhixia Hall, where he met Su Jinli, seated at the head of the hall. She wore a pale blue brocade robe embroidered with delicate orchid patterns, a matching ribbon cinched at her waist that accentuated her graceful figure and elegant demeanor. Her face was calm, yet her eyes revealed a wisdom and courage that could not be underestimated.
"Wang Banxian, please sit down." Su Jinli raised her hand slightly, motioning Wang Banxian to sit down, her voice soft but not without dignity.
Wang Banxian hurriedly bowed and sat down carefully, his butt just touching the edge of the chair, appearing extremely reserved.
Su Jinli smiled slightly, picked up a silver ingot from the table, and handed it to Wang Banxian. The silver shone with an alluring luster in the sunlight, making Wang Banxian's eyes go straight.
"Wang Banxian, I heard that you are very accurate in fortune-telling. I invited you here today to help me predict my marriage." Su Jinli said.
Wang Banxian looked at the glittering silver and could not help but swallow his saliva. He quickly said, "Miss, please tell me your birth date and I will calculate it carefully for you."
Su Jinli slowly told him her birthday. Wang Banxian feigned composure, counting on his fingers and mumbling to himself, but he was actually terribly flustered. He secretly looked up at Su Jinli's expression, trying to find a clue on her face, to guess what kind of answer this daughter of the prime minister wanted to hear.
A moment later, Wang Banxian's face suddenly changed drastically, and he shouted exaggeratedly: "Oh, Miss! Your horoscope... is not a bad omen for your husband!"
Su Jinli raised her eyebrows slightly, a barely perceptible smile flashed across her eyes, and she deliberately asked, "Oh? What is that?"
Wang Banxian, upon seeing this, felt relieved. His eyes lit up, and he exclaimed, "You are destined to be a lucky husband! And it's incredibly lucky! Whoever marries you will surely have a prosperous career and rise to high positions. His future is simply limitless!"
Young Marquis Su, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but mutter, "Is this true? This is even more outrageous than the story my sister wrote."
Su Jinli glared at him, signaling him to shut up, and then continued to ask Wang Banxian: "Then tell me, how prosperous can it be?"
Wang Banxian looked at the silver ingot, gritted his teeth, and said with determination, "At least... at least you can become prime minister! Miss, your fate is a rare blessing for a husband. In the future, your husband will definitely reach the highest position in the country."
Su Jinli smiled with satisfaction; this was exactly the effect she had hoped for. She leaned closer to Wang Banxian and whispered, "Okay. Tomorrow I'll go to the temple, and you'll wait there. This and that..." She whispered a few words into Wang Banxian's ear.
Wang Banxian nodded repeatedly as he listened, saying, "I understand! I will definitely see to it! Don't worry, young lady, I'll take care of this matter."
After sending Wang Banxian away, Su Jinli fell into deep thought. She knew that this was only the first step in her counterattack, and every subsequent step had to be taken with extreme caution, without the slightest error.
In the evening, the setting sun was blood-red, dyeing the entire capital city a swathe of orange and red. Jiang Yan, dressed in a moon-white robe and clutching two strings of candied haws, walked briskly into the Prime Minister's residence. As he entered Zhixia Hall, he saw Su Jinli sitting by the window, staring blankly at the pomegranate tree outside.
"Jinli, I'm here." Jiang Yan said with a smile and handed the candied haws to Su Jinli.
Su Jinli turned her head and saw Jiang Yan, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. She took the candied haws, took a bite, and said vaguely, "Well, I heard someone spread rumors?"
Jiang Yan couldn't help but chuckle as he watched her adorably eating the candied haws. He reached out and gently wiped the sugar residue from the corner of her mouth, saying, "Yes, they say you're unlucky for your husband. But that's just fine, I'm strong and not afraid of unlucky people." He paused, his expression becoming serious. He looked at Su Jinli with a firm gaze and said, "Jinli, no matter what they say, I'm determined to marry you. You're the wife I've chosen, and no one can change my mind."
Su Jinli looked at the unwavering love in his eyes, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She was deeply moved. She said softly, "I know. But we can't let those who spread rumors get away with it. We have to let them know who has the final say." Then she went over her plan for tomorrow with Jiang Yan in detail.
After listening to this, Jiang Yan's eyes flashed with approval, and he raised an eyebrow and said, "Good idea. It seems that you have already made up your mind. Then I will go to 'accidentally' meet you tomorrow and cooperate with you to perform this drama. I want to see what other tricks those people can play."
The two smiled at each other, their eyes full of tacit understanding and trust. They knew that there might be many difficulties and challenges ahead, but as long as they worked hand in hand, nothing could stop their determination to be together.
Over the next few days, Jiang Yan and Su Jinli carefully discussed some details to ensure the plan was foolproof. Jiang Yan also shared some of the news he had heard at court. The two analyzed the possible next moves of the Wang family and the Liu family's relatives, so as to prepare for them in advance.
Before they knew it, the sky was gradually darkening, and the moon was high in the sky. Jiang Yan stood up to say goodbye. Su Jinli saw him to the door and watched his back disappear into the night, silently praying in her heart that tomorrow's plan would go smoothly.
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