Xiao Jinyan looked at her adoring gaze and couldn’t help but laugh and shake his head.
Yet, such a devoted princess consort was undeniably adorable.
Hua Miaomiao, after indulging in her infatuation, scolded herself sharply—but then thought, we’re legally married, so what’s wrong with a little fangirling? With that, she boldly touched his hand again.
“I told you, I’ll protect you. If I’m smart and capable, I can be your support! From now on, if there’s trouble, come to me. And I’m really good at fighting too. Not bragging, my kung fu is decent!”
Hua Miaomiao happily ‘recommended’ herself to him. Hearing her, Xiao Jinyan could no longer contain his laughter. “Alright, then I’ll rely on you for protection from now on. Much obliged, Princess!”
He patted the hand she had placed on him, and seeing his agreement, Hua Miaomiao excitedly threw herself into his arms. “Perfect! From now on, wherever you go, take me with you. I’ll be your personal bodyguard!”
She nuzzled against him excitedly, and Xiao Jinyan embraced her fully. How could he not be pleased? To have such a wife—what more could a man ask for?
Just as the two were wrapped in their cozy intimacy, a sudden message arrived from the palace: the Emperor had issued an edict that they were to enter the palace the next day.
Upon hearing the decree, Xiao Jinyan’s previously good mood was instantly dampened.
Hua Miaomiao noticed the smile vanish from his face and guessed that this palace visit might not bode well. Thinking quickly, she said, “Prince, don’t frown. I’ll handle everything. It’s just going into the palace—I’ll protect you!”
Xiao Jinyan looked toward her and gave a faint smile. “Alright, then I’ll follow the princess’ lead.”
That night, in preparation for the palace visit, Hua Miaomiao asked Xiao Jinyan many questions about palace etiquette. She wanted to avoid any mistakes tomorrow that might give others a chance to criticize them.
Xiao Jinyan noticed her care for him—and her nervousness regarding the palace visit. Gently, he pulled her into his arms and whispered soothingly, “It’s alright, don’t worry. They shouldn’t make things difficult for us.”
Hua Miaomiao nestled obediently against him, feeling his heartbeat and breath. His embrace had an almost magical effect, always making her feel safe. The sheer sense of security made her heart flutter. She turned to hug his waist tightly, taking a deep breath. “Mm, even if they make things difficult, I won’t be afraid. I’ll stand up for you, Prince!”
Xiao Jinyan couldn’t help but laugh at that.
Feeling his chest shake with amusement, Hua Miaomiao giggled foolishly in response.
Under the night’s cover, the two silently held each other, enjoying the softness of each other’s touch and the faint scent of his body—utterly intoxicating. Had he not feared startling her, Xiao Jinyan might have acted on his impulses.
Unexpectedly, his princess consort was even bolder than he anticipated, which only delighted him further.
Hua Miaomiao quietly snuggled closer, feeling his firm muscles—she still wondered how he had trained them. She indulged herself, secretly enjoying the closeness, and Xiao Jinyan happily allowed it.
Though her thoughts were mischievous, she was cautious, knowing to take things slowly. My ‘flirtation plan’ definitely needs to be executed soon! she thought.
Meanwhile, Xiao Jinyan, holding her, gradually realized she had probably fallen asleep. He curled his lips into a small smile and lifted her slightly until they were face to face, finally satisfied.
By the dim light, he gazed at her flawless sleeping face and stole a quick kiss on her lips before contentedly falling asleep himself.
The next morning, Hua Miaomiao woke early. After lying in bed to gather her senses, she gently slipped from his arms. But before fully moving away, she secretly kissed his chin—why not the lips? Because she was timid and dared not be too bold.
Xiao Jinyan noticed, thinking to himself how adorable and shy his princess consort truly was.
After the little kiss, she quietly got out of bed to wash up. She didn’t worry about clothing yet, as she wasn’t sure what to wear for the palace visit.
Once she finished, she returned to the bed and gently shook his arm. “Prince, it’s time to get up. Today we must pay our respects to the Emperor.”
What she didn’t know was that her prince always woke before her. He would lie awake, watching her, stealing little kisses and touches, enjoying the moments endlessly.
Xiao Jinyan opened his eyes, sitting up slowly while holding her hand. “Alright, alright, get up,” he said in a voice so indulgent it was irresistibly charming.
Hua Miaomiao, flustered but amused, couldn’t help smiling brightly. Her radiant smile made Xiao Jinyan momentarily lose focus, which conveniently fit his “blind” disguise. She found this slightly dazed prince rather endearing and said gently, “Then I’ll help you get up, Prince.”
Xiao Jinyan reined in his gaze and smiled, nodding.
Hua Miaomiao’s long hair flowed freely. Xiao Jinyan already knew how silky it was; he had felt it many times in the dark. Today, she hadn’t changed or styled it, and she held his hand as they went to wash.
After washing up, she asked slowly, “Prince, for today’s palace visit, should we wear formal court attire? I’m not sure what’s proper.”
Xiao Jinyan, seeing her serious expression, finally understood why she hadn’t dressed yet—she didn’t want to offend etiquette. He gently reassured her, “Don’t worry, princess. Court attire will suffice.”
Hua Miaomiao realized she had been overly anxious. The palace seemed intimidating, but she knew she needed to remain serious—after all, the Empress would surely keep a close watch on her prince.
She decided to stay calm and vigilant.
After quickly disguising herself, she called out, “Chunhua, Qiuyue, come in!”
When the two maids entered, Hua Miaomiao instructed, “Chunhua, get our court attire from the wardrobe. Qiuyue, tie the Prince’s hair carefully today.”
Seeing their normally cheerful young mistress so serious, the two maids were momentarily stunned, but quickly reacted instinctively.