Xiao Jinyan looked at her—alert, ready to fight at a moment’s notice—and was genuinely touched.
Even though she now wore a face that could easily be disguised, he still felt that his princess consort was exceptionally heroic and striking at this moment.
Chunhua helped her into the formal court attire of a principal consort and pinned her hair into an elegant bun.
Since today she was to enter the palace to meet the Emperor, both Chunhua and Qiuyue were already waiting by the door.
The last time her hair had been styled so carefully was on her wedding day. She had only just relaxed for a day before being styled again. The daily life of an ancient woman truly seemed exhausting.
Hua Miaomiao watched Chunhua meticulously pinning ornaments and floral hairpins in her hair, and couldn’t help but complain inwardly.
Although she knew her current face would never truly match such adornments—like Zhu Bajie wearing flowers—she felt relieved that the art of disguise could hide her real appearance. Otherwise, she might have caused trouble by stepping into the palace.
Once they were both ready, Hua Miaomiao looked at Xiao Jinyan. Now in his formal court attire, he appeared even more handsome and majestic.
But when she noticed his eyes, a pang of pain struck her heart. She felt a surge of anger on his behalf and resolved that during this visit to the palace, she would not allow anyone to harm him.
Xiao Jinyan noticed her changing gaze, sensing her concern. He now understood that his princess consort truly cared for him. Her promises to protect him were sincere, and he felt incredibly fortunate.
Before leaving the mansion, they had a simple breakfast of pastries and then boarded the carriage.
This was only Hua Miaomiao’s second outing since arriving in this world, so naturally, she was curious about the outside. But she also knew that her current appearance made it best to remain inconspicuous.
As the carriage moved along, Hua Miaomiao leaned against Xiao Jinyan’s shoulder, and he, pleased by her gesture, adjusted his position to make her more comfortable.
Leng Feng drove the carriage, and guards rode ahead to clear the way. Since their palace visit was by imperial decree, they would have to wait until morning court concluded before entering.
The carriage arrived at the palace gates, but morning court had not yet ended, so they could only wait inside the carriage.
Since the death of his mother, Consort Wu, and his elder brother Xiao Jinyu, there had been no place for him in the vast imperial palace. His elder brother, despite being the Crown Prince, had not escaped the Empress’s treachery. And his own father, the Emperor, had refused to believe him, taking slanderous reports at face value, leaving Xiao Jinyan to suffer step by step.
Since losing his sight, this was his first return to the palace. All past grievances seemed distant, but the seed of hatred had long since taken root.
He had wondered what he would feel upon returning, but with her by his side, he now felt stronger. His heart was calm—even a little joyful. Thinking of how the Empress had schemed against him yet inadvertently brought him a good marriage, he couldn’t help but smile inwardly.
Through the carriage window, Hua Miaomiao glimpsed the palace gates and saw the ministers walking out—among them, her father. Strong and imposing as ever, she finally felt her tension ease.
Turning to Xiao Jinyan, she saw him sitting quietly beside her and felt completely at peace. As long as everyone she cared about was safe, that was enough.
Once the ministers had left, Leng Feng drove the carriage into the palace through a side gate.
After disembarking, they stood at the gates of Zhengyang Palace. The Emperor, having concluded morning court, instructed them to wait there.
However, he did not summon them immediately, leaving them to wait at the palace gates.
Hua Miaomiao found this behavior baffling. They had been there a while—why the delay? Who were they trying to intimidate?
Passing palace maids and eunuchs, curious about the Third Prince’s princess consort, often sneaked glances at her. Almost everyone knew he had married what was rumored to be the ugliest woman in the capital, and they took this as an opportunity to gawk and ridicule him. Even at his wedding, the Emperor hadn’t attended.
Xiao Jinyan stood beside her, completely composed, as if unfazed by the ridicule.
Hua Miaomiao’s initial irritation wasn’t about her appearance—she didn’t care what the servants thought—but at how her prince’s own father treated him so unfairly. The Emperor’s indifference felt cruel and callous.
Seeing Xiao Jinyan remain calm, she restrained her emotions and, like him, stood tall and proud.
Together, they stood like twin pines, unyielding, silencing even the hidden onlookers who had intended to mock them.
When Chief Li arrived to summon them, he found them in this stance.
Though the Third Prince was blind, his noble bearing was unchanged. And beside him, his princess consort—though extremely unattractive—radiated a remarkable air, reminiscent of General Hua.
“Prince, Princess, the Emperor summons you,” Chief Li announced and led the way.
Hua Miaomiao held his hand and followed slowly. Noticing her nervousness, Xiao Jinyan squeezed her hand, and seeing his faint smile, she returned the gesture.
Hand in hand, they proceeded, silently in sync. Xiao Jinyan surveyed everything before him. Though many years had passed since he last walked here, the palace remained unchanged in layout and decoration. Yet his heart had entirely transformed—he felt no attachment to this place.
Had it not been for today’s summons, he doubted he would ever set foot here again.
Once Hua Miaomiao stopped with him at the appointed spot, Chief Li respectfully stepped aside. Xiao Jinyan and Hua Miaomiao saw the Emperor seated on the throne.
They bowed deeply, performing the full formal court ritual—thanks to Hua Miaomiao, who had carefully studied it with him the night before.