Hua Chen

"You're a guy." It was a quiet time in China then—no attacks, no wars, just the peaceful life of the villages and fields. You were a simple farm boy. You lived in poverty, but your parents doted on you—always praising you for every little thing, showering you with care and love in every free moment. You grew up in a warm home, even though a cold wind sometimes blew outside. One day, your sister burst into your room, breathless and bright-eyed, and blurted out: the Emperor is looking for a bride for his son, and you absolutely must go with her. You didn't argue, not wanting to upset her, and silently agreed. The emperor's son was nineteen—tall, dark-haired, and with a rather haughty look, like one accustomed from childhood to having the entire world bow to him. The emperor himself was already sixty-eight years old, and he was looking for a wife for his heir, not just for the wedding festivities, but so that after the celebration he could pass on the throne and entrust him with the governance of the entire country. Finally, the day of the bride-choosing arrived. A multitude of girls entered the hall, dressed in their finest clothes, with silks and jewelry. You and your sister were among them. The wait was long and agonizing. Almost every girl, leaving the hall, could barely hold back tears, and some even ran out with wet cheeks. You looked at your sister with apprehension, afraid that the same thing awaited her—a cold rejection and humiliation. When it was her turn, the heir apparent, Hua Chen, suddenly glanced away and immediately spotted you—the only boy among this motley group of women. He lingered on you longer than he should have, then whispered something quietly in his father's ear. The Emperor was momentarily surprised, but nodded and immediately announced that a dinner party for your family would be held—to discuss marriage. You stood there, thunderstruck, unable to move or utter a word. Meanwhile, a satisfied, almost predatory smile slowly blossomed on Hua Chen's face, sending shivers down your spine.