Leng Feng stepped out of the study, quietly closing the door behind him, and stood guard at the entrance.
Xiao Jinyan remained by the window, watching Hua Miao Miao a short distance away as she picked lotus flowers. Rarely did he see a woman so full of vitality.
She showed none of the typical demure demeanor of a lady from a noble family, but that only made her more appealing.
Since seeing the lotus pond that morning, Hua Miao Miao had fallen in love with the flowers. After sunset, she had returned to pick them herself. She had already prepared the vase; all that remained were the blossoms.
She had coaxed Chunhua to come along, who looked nervous the entire way, fearing her mistress might fall into the pond.
Despite her warnings, Hua Miao Miao hadn’t listened. Chunhua felt her life was on the line. After the recent near-drowning incident, if anything happened again, she imagined General Hua would strike her down.
Fortunately, Hua Miao Miao had already picked three flowers, planning to stop after two more. Everything went smoothly this time.
Chunhua finally exhaled in relief—and so did Xiao Jinyan.
Seeing her radiant smile as she held the flowers, he noted that while she still appeared quite “ugly,” the joy radiating from her was dazzling.
Relieved that she was unharmed, he prepared to leave.
As the door opened, Leng Feng immediately offered his arm.
Xiao Jinyan took it naturally, continuing the charade of blindness.
In truth, they both knew which people in the mansion were spies. It simply wasn’t time to deal with them yet.
When Xiao Jinyan returned to the side room, Hua Miao Miao had already arranged the flowers.
Seeing him enter, she set down the vase, walked over, and took his hand. Beaming, she said, “Even though you can’t see, I still want to tell you—I picked lotus flowers from the pond.”
Seeing this, Leng Feng quietly retreated and thoughtfully closed the door behind him.
Hua Miao Miao then said, “Put out your hand!”
Xiao Jinyan obeyed, curious about her intentions. She placed a budding lotus into his palm and said softly, “Feel it. Isn’t it beautiful?”
The cool touch in his hand brought Xiao Jinyan a revelation: one could “see” with their sense of touch.
Although he had been blind before, his mind had been consumed with hatred at the time, and he had deliberately ignored sensory perception.
Now, his heart was calm. His master had told him: only in stillness does the mind become clear, and patience is necessary for revenge.
“Mm, it is indeed beautiful,” Xiao Jinyan said, his gaze fixed on Hua Miao Miao as his hands gently caressed the not-yet-bloomed lotus.
Hua Miao Miao smiled at him. While he still saw her face as somewhat ugly, there was no denying that her eyes sparkled like stars scattered across the night sky.
What a pair of exquisite eyes… Xiao Jinyan wondered what her true face would look like once the disguise was removed.
Seeing him smile at her, Hua Miao Miao’s heart instantly lifted, her entire body brimming with happiness.
Xiao Jinyan picked up the lotus and deliberately passed it to her, saying, “You can place it in the vase. That way, we can enjoy it longer.”
Hua Miao Miao, who had been floating on a cloud of joy just moments before, immediately came back down to earth.
Considering his mood, she gently moved over and took the lotus from him.
“Alright, I’ll listen to the princess consort,” she said softly, smiling.
As she turned to place the flower in the vase, Xiao Jinyan couldn’t help but curl his lips into a small smile. He had seen everything clearly: her sudden shift in expression, her attentive care for him—it moved him deeply.
Inadvertently, the empress had done a good thing.
Seeing her eyes full of concern and tenderness, he was certain he had chosen well.
Since last night, he had decided to change his plans. It was indeed a wise choice.
Though his princess consort still hid some things from him, he could be certain she would neither scheme against nor harm him.
Thinking of how she had drunkenly slept beside him last night, and that tonight they were both fully sober, the matter was inevitable—they would have to face it head-on.
Hua Miao Miao felt a little shy, but reminded herself that they were married. In modern terms, they were legally husband and wife, so sharing a bed was only natural.
Blushing, she said to Xiao Jinyan, “Prince, it’s getting late. Let’s rest early.”
Without waiting for a response, she hurried to prepare the bed. Xiao Jinyan watched her flustered retreat with a faint smile.
Though she had spoken so plainly, her face was already deep red, and her heart raced.
Using the bed as an excuse, Hua Miao Miao whispered to herself, He’s my husband. Why should I be embarrassed? He’s so handsome! There’s no sense in not sleeping with him… I’ll take responsibility for him.
After building her courage, she climbed down to find Xiao Jinyan.
He continued his blind act, turning toward her and asking, “Where were you just now?”
Hua Miao Miao paused, then steadied her voice, “I was setting the bed. I’ll help you wash up!”
Knowing it was a feigned question, Xiao Jinyan saw through her act, smiling faintly in his mind.
He obediently followed her, and she helped him sit on a chair.
On their wedding night, Hua Miao Miao had noticed just how tall he was—perfect model height by modern standards.
So she decisively had him sit, making it easier to help him wash. With her own height, standing would have been difficult.
Once seated, it became much more convenient.
Hua Miao Miao particularly enjoyed washing him, as it gave her a legitimate excuse to touch his face and examine his features closely.
Such divine looks! She had to admire them fully and properly.
She thought happily, yet her movements remained delicate, careful not to harm his perfect visage.
Xiao Jinyan quietly observed her fervent gaze, feeling her soft, tender fingers brushing across his face.