The Culinary Chronicles of the Court Physician: The Disgraced Princess Consumes Poison to Create Medicine
As dusk fell, a single star appeared in the sky.
Before long, night would descend.
Fei Ling had just finished examining the imperial consorts and was on her way back to the detached palace from the Spring Palace, hoping to return before lanterns were needed. However, an unusual commotion made her stop in her tracks.
A sharp scream from one of the consorts was followed by an unfamiliar man’s voice.
“What the hell? Is this place full of nothing but women reeking of face powder? This so-called harem is nothing but a bunch of cheaply adorned women. How boring.”
No eunuch would speak in such a crude manner.
The owner of the voice rounded the corridor’s corner and headed straight toward her.
Fei Ling instinctively braced herself.
The man who appeared was a foreigner. He had deep blue eyes reminiscent of stormy seas, tanned skin, and wore rare sarasa-woven garments. His neck and waist were adorned with multiple golden ornaments, and a sword hung at his side. He seemed to be around twenty-five years old, lean yet muscular, and roughly the same height as Gua-Lang.
But why was there a man in the harem—?
The moment the man laid eyes on Fei Ling, his expression changed.
“Hah, well now, so there is at least one fine woman here.”
Without warning, he grabbed Fei Ling’s arm.
She stiffened as he pulled her close, and to her horror, he began removing her green silk robe.
A chilling shudder ran down her spine.
“No! Stop!”
Acting on instinct, Fei Ling slapped the man’s cheek.
He had clearly not expected to be struck, his blue eyes widening in surprise as he momentarily fell silent.
Then, unable to contain himself, he burst into laughter.
“Ha! I like strong-willed women. Fine then. Come to my chamber—that should be acceptable, right?”
“I said stop!”
“Come on now, don’t be so stubborn.”
She struggled to break free, but he tightened his grip around her wrist, locking her in place. His rough, calloused fingers dug into her skin, making her bones creak as if they might snap. No matter how hard she resisted, a young woman’s slender arms were no match for a man’s strength.
“You should be honored that I chose you. Show me a proper welcome.”
She glared at him defiantly, but he only laughed, his throat rumbling.
“That is quite enough of your insolence, King of Shin.”
A familiar voice rang out, making Fei Ling turn.
It was Zhen.
Unlike before, he was now dressed in imperial purple, signifying his royal status. His silver hair ornament and kanzashi added an air of refinement. Though his gaze was sharp and dangerous as he looked at the foreign man, he quickly masked it with a courteous smile and spoke with calm authority.
“The consorts of this palace are not courtesans. Moreover, the harem is strictly forbidden to men.”
The foreign man sneered.
“You don’t even offer proper food. At the very least, let me choose my own women. Isn’t that how you treat a guest who has traveled across the sea?”
Zhen remained composed.
“You are an honored guest, but as such, you must abide by our rules. If you disrupt the order here, I will have no choice but to take appropriate measures. And that is not something I wish to do.”
“Tch. So uptight. You’ve killed the mood.”
The King of Shin released Fei Ling’s arm with an air of disinterest, flicking his sleeve as he walked away.
He was like a midsummer storm, sudden and intense.
So that was Shin’s—
“Fei Ling…”
Zhen hurried over to her.
.
.
.
.
.
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How to Invest in Index Funds for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
Investing can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. With so many options available, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. But there’s one investment strategy that stands out for its simplicity, low cost, and proven track record: index fund investing. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly way to grow your wealth over time, index funds are a great place to start.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about index funds—what they are, why they’re ideal for beginners, and how to get started. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to begin your investment journey.
What Are Index Funds?
An index fund is a type of mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Instead of trying to pick individual stocks, index funds aim to replicate the performance of the entire market or a specific sector.
For example, if you invest in an S&P 500 index fund, your money is spread across the 500 largest companies in the U.S. This means you’re not betting on a single stock but on the overall growth of the market.
Why Index Funds Are Perfect for Beginners
Index funds are often recommended for beginners because they offer several key advantages:
- Diversification: With one investment, you gain exposure to hundreds of companies, reducing the risk of losing money if one stock performs poorly.
- Low Costs: Index funds typically have lower fees than actively managed funds because they don’t require a team of analysts to pick stocks.
- Simplicity: You don’t need to be a stock market expert to invest in index funds. They’re a “set it and forget it” strategy that works well for long-term investors.
- Proven Performance: Over time, index funds have consistently outperformed many actively managed funds, making them a reliable choice for building wealth.
How to Start Investing in Index Funds: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps to begin investing in index funds.
Step 1: Choose a Brokerage Account
To invest in index funds, you’ll need a brokerage account. A brokerage is a platform that allows you to buy and sell investments. Some popular options for beginners include:
- Vanguard: Known for its low-cost index funds and user-friendly platform.
- Fidelity: Offers a wide range of index funds with no minimum investment requirements.
- Charles Schwab: Provides excellent customer service and a variety of investment options.
When choosing a brokerage, look for one with low fees, a good selection of index funds, and an easy-to-use interface.
Step 2: Select the Right Index Fund
Once you have a brokerage account, it’s time to choose an index fund. Here are a few popular options:
- S&P 500 Index Funds: Tracks the 500 largest U.S. companies. Great for broad market exposure.
- Total Stock Market Index Funds: Includes small, mid, and large-cap stocks for even more diversification.
- International Index Funds: Invests in companies outside the U.S., helping you diversify globally.
For beginners, an S&P 500 or total stock market index fund is often the best starting point.
Step 3: Make Your First Investment
After selecting your index fund, it’s time to invest. Decide how much you want to start with—many brokerages allow you to begin with as little as $100. You can also set up automatic contributions to invest a fixed amount each month, which is a great way to build wealth over time.
Benefits of Index Fund Investing
Index funds offer several benefits that make them an attractive option for both new and experienced investors:
- Lower Risk: By diversifying across many companies, you reduce the risk of losing money on a single stock.
- Tax Efficiency: Index funds tend to have lower turnover, meaning fewer taxable events compared to actively managed funds.
- Long-Term Growth: Historically, the stock market has returned about 7-10% annually over the long term, making index funds a solid choice for retirement or other long-term goals.
Risks to Consider
While index funds are generally considered low-risk compared to individual stocks, they’re not without their downsides:
- Market Volatility: Index funds follow the market, so if the market drops, so does your investment. However, history shows that markets recover over time.
- No Chance to Beat the Market: Since index funds track the market, you won’t outperform it. But for most investors, matching the market is a solid strategy.
Tips for Long-Term Success with Index Funds
To make the most of your index fund investments, keep these tips in mind:
- Stay Consistent: Invest regularly, even if it’s a small amount. This strategy, known as dollar-cost averaging, helps smooth out market fluctuations.
- Diversify: Consider adding international or bond index funds to your portfolio as you grow your investments.
- Avoid Panic Selling: Market dips are normal. Stay the course and avoid selling during downturns.
Real-Life Success Story: The Power of Index Funds
Take the story of Sarah, a 30-year-old teacher who started investing $200 a month in an S&P 500 index fund. Over 30 years, with an average annual return of 7%, her investment grew to over $240,000. This simple, consistent approach allowed her to build a substantial nest egg without needing to pick individual stocks or time the market.
Conclusion: Start Your Investment Journey Today
Index funds offer a simple, low-cost way to start investing and build long-term wealth. By following the steps outlined in this guide—choosing a brokerage, selecting the right fund, and investing consistently—you can take control of your financial future.
Ready to take the next step? Open a brokerage account today and make your first investment in an index fund. Your future self will thank you!
