Encountering the Supernatural

The Cactus Princess and the Paper Tiger Ghost

After her mother died, Wei Nianci was made a princess and raised in the palace as the empress's adopted daughter.

A princess in name, a hostage in truth.

When her father was unjustly accused, Wei Nianci fled to save her life. She never expected to meet someone along the way.

He couldn't remember his own name and only let her call him Yuan San.

Her escape was anything but smooth. Wild beasts prowled the mountain caves at night. The shopkeeper she worked for was human on the outside but a beast within, and soldiers searching for her were everywhere. Fortunately, the man by her side drove away the beasts, helped her punish the wicked, and kept her out of the soldiers' hands.

Only later did she learn that his real name was Yuan Hui, the former chief minister, executed for treason ten years ago.

“I was a lonely ghost. You released me from the formation, allowing me to be reborn. But to repay your kindness, I must first take you somewhere safe.”

Wei Nianci said, “Once we reach Bozhou, we'll be even. Now that you've been reborn, I'll put aside my gratitude and get married and have children.”

Yuan Hui's nails dug into his palm. He answered softly, “That would be for the best.”

In the end, he was never reborn. He stayed hidden in the shadows as a solitary ghost, quietly watching over her life in the human world, never disturbing her.

On the Double Ninth Festival, Yuan Hui perched in a tree and kept Wei Nianci company as she waited for a long time. Only when the anticipation faded from her eyes and they filled with dejection did he quietly land.

Wei Nianci's gaze rested on the sesame and kudzu cake on the table. Without turning to look at him, she spoke as if to the cake: “I made this for my fiance, but he didn't come.”

Yuan Hui's ears flushed red. He lowered his eyes and picked up a piece of cake.

Only then did Wei Nianci turn toward him. She took out the wedding clothes she'd prepared and looked up at him with a smile in her eyes. “You ate my fiance's cake, so you have to make it up to me by becoming my fiance.”

Yuan Hui reached out and took the wedding clothes. His voice was soft but certain. “All right.”

Theme: Love life and believe in making every day count