Deep within the mountain ranges, endless ridges rose and fell in graceful succession.
Mountains met the clouds, clouds touched the water, and the vast blue sky reflected the lush green peaks below.
Across the sprawling slopes bloomed a sea of peach blossoms, dazzling and magnificent. Countless pink petals drifted gently through the air before settling upon the crystal-clear mountain stream.
Bathed in warm sunlight, the valley was filled with the delicate fragrance of flowers carried by the breeze.
“Wow, this place is absolutely beautiful!”
Qin Man couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
She had spent the morning gathering medicinal herbs in the higher mountains and had stumbled upon this hidden valley while making her way back down.
Unable to resist the breathtaking scenery, she removed the heavy basket of herbs from her back and set it beside a smooth stone near the stream.
Then she sat down comfortably.
Tilting her head toward the blue sky and drifting clouds, she allowed herself to relax completely in this untouched paradise.
Not far away stood a towering ancient tree.
Hidden among its dense branches was Prince Mo Xuan.
Having drunk far too much wine, he was drifting between consciousness and sleep.
In his hazy state, he felt as though he were dreaming.
And in that dream, a young woman appeared beside the stream.
Qin Man slipped off her boots.
Her delicate, fair feet touched the cool water.
She splashed playfully, sending droplets scattering across the surface as she laughed like a carefree child.
The valley was completely deserted.
No one else was around.
Taking advantage of the privacy, Qin Man decided to let her skin breathe for a while.
With a thought, she entered her dimensional space and retrieved several jars of skincare ointment.
After returning to reality, she soaked a cloth in the stream and carefully wiped away the dark medicinal paste covering her face.
The black layer gradually disappeared.
Beneath it was flawless, smooth skin.
Her complexion was fair and radiant, without the slightest imperfection.
After applying a layer of cooling ointment, Qin Man sighed contentedly.
The sensation was wonderfully refreshing.
She lifted her face toward the sunlight and enjoyed the gentle mountain breeze.
Unfortunately for her, the direction she happened to face was directly toward Mo Xuan’s hiding place.
From within the tree canopy, Mo Xuan stared blankly.
The girl in his dream possessed exquisite features.
Her skin was as white as snow.
Her temperament was elegant and ethereal.
Most captivating of all were her eyes.
They sparkled with life and intelligence, making her seem almost unreal.
For a moment, he completely forgot to breathe.
Throughout his life, Mo Xuan had considered himself an expert on beauty.
He had met countless beautiful women.
He had even believed Liu Yueyan’s beauty to be unmatched in the world.
Yet compared to the woman before him, all the celebrated beauties he knew seemed insignificant.
It’s her…
Muxi?
The realization struck him like lightning.
A wave of joy surged through his chest.
He didn’t dare move.
He feared that even the slightest disturbance would shatter this perfect dream.
After drying her feet, Qin Man put her boots back on.
She moved beneath another large tree opposite Mo Xuan and sat down.
Now that her face had been restored to its true appearance, her mood was exceptionally good.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves and danced across her figure.
She looked like a fairy who had descended into the mortal world.
Gradually, however, her smile faded.
“I miss home…”
Her voice became soft.
“I really miss Mom and Dad.”
After the excitement of transmigration had worn off, homesickness often crept into her heart.
She gazed into the distance quietly.
Mo Xuan continued watching her.
He still couldn’t determine whether he was dreaming or awake.
Why does she look different now?
Is this her true appearance after her face healed?
Lost in thought, he remained completely silent.
Meanwhile, Qin Man began humming a familiar melody from her previous life.
“The wind blows the sand, the butterfly loves the flower, an eternal legend…”
Her voice drifted gently through the valley.
As she sang, she rose to her feet.
Then she began to dance.
Medicine was her greatest passion, but she also loved music and dance.
Whenever she wanted to relax, she would sing or move to a melody.
Beneath the peach blossoms, her sleeves fluttered gracefully.
She looked like a butterfly dancing among flowers.
Mo Xuan was completely mesmerized.
Time passed unnoticed.
Qin Man remained in the valley for nearly two hours.
Only when dusk began to approach did she reluctantly prepare to leave.
Before departing, she entered her dimension once more.
Mixing the dark medicinal powder with her ointment, she carefully disguised her appearance again.
Moments later, the breathtaking beauty vanished.
In her place stood the familiar herb-gathering girl.
After hoisting her basket onto her back, Qin Man headed down the mountain.
She never realized she had left behind a completely lovestruck prince.
Mo Xuan watched her departing figure.
Almost instinctively, he reached out his hand, as though trying to hold onto the fading dream.
Unfortunately, the alcohol finally overwhelmed him.
A wave of dizziness swept through his head.
Before he could organize his thoughts, he drifted into a deep sleep beneath the ancient tree.
By the time Qin Man reached the foothills, she spotted Xiao Ya anxiously waiting beside a carriage.
Several household servants stood nearby.
The moment Xiao Ya saw her, she nearly burst into tears.
“Miss! You’re finally back!”
Her face was full of worry.
“Madam learned that you went into the mountains alone to gather herbs and was worried sick. She immediately ordered me to bring the carriage and wait for you.”
Qin Man had deliberately left everyone behind today to ensure privacy while collecting herbs.
After an entire day of climbing mountains, however, she was genuinely exhausted.
Her legs felt heavy.
Looks like this body still needs much more training.
By the time they returned to Qin Manor, lanterns throughout the estate had already been lit.
The official wife stood waiting anxiously at the main gate.
The moment Qin Man saw her mother standing there in the evening chill, her heart softened.
She immediately ran forward and hugged her tightly.
“Mother, I’m back.”
“I’m sorry for making you worry.”
The official wife sighed in relief.
“As long as you’ve returned safely.”
Her tone carried both affection and gentle reproach.
“Come inside and eat.”
“And you’re not allowed to wander into the mountains alone again.”
“Alright, alright.”
Qin Man linked arms with her mother.
“I’ll listen to Mother from now on.”
“I won’t go anywhere. I’ll stay home and keep you company.”
The official wife couldn’t help smiling.
Together, they walked back into the manor.
The next morning, Qin Man rose early.
She arranged the medicinal herbs she had gathered across the courtyard to dry.
Several rare varieties were among them.
Back in the modern world, she had only ever seen descriptions of these herbs in ancient medical texts.
Finding them growing naturally in the wild filled her with excitement.
Just then, Su Li’s voice rang out from outside.
“Second Miss, Eldest Miss is currently occupied in the courtyard.”
The deliberate emphasis immediately alerted Qin Man.
Looks like it’s finally time to meet Qin Muyao properly.
A moment later, Qin Muyao and Qin Muchu entered the courtyard.
The sisters approached gracefully.
“We greet Eldest Sister.”
The two curtsied politely.
“We’re family.”
Qin Man smiled lightly.
“There’s no need for formalities.”
At the same time, she quietly observed them.
Qin Muyao was exceptionally beautiful.
Her appearance was delicate and gentle, enough to evoke sympathy from anyone who saw her.
Yet Qin Man clearly remembered how composed and calculating she had been on the day of her return.
This woman was far from simple.
As for Qin Muchu, she was younger and considerably more straightforward.
Although she performed the proper greeting, the reluctance on her face was impossible to hide.
“Eldest Sister has been home for over a month now.”
Qin Muyao smiled softly.
“As your younger sister, I should have visited sooner.”
“Unfortunately, I was ill these past weeks and couldn’t come.”
As she spoke, her gaze swept across the courtyard.
Rows of drying herbs lined the area.
Numerous planters contained unusual medicinal plants.
To her, many looked no different from weeds.
“Eldest Sister grew up in the countryside.”
Qin Muyao smiled.
“Could it be that you understand medicine?”
“I only learned a few basics from a village physician.”
Qin Man answered casually.
“Nothing worth mentioning.”
She had already decided this would serve as her explanation for any future displays of medical skill.
“I knew it!”
Qin Muchu immediately interrupted.
“How could Eldest Sister possibly know real medicine?”
“Third Sister.”
Qin Muyao frowned lightly.
“You shouldn’t speak to Eldest Sister that way.”
Then she turned back toward Qin Man.
“Eldest Sister spent many years in the countryside.”
“Now that you’ve returned, we’ll naturally help you learn the things you’ve missed.”
Her words sounded considerate.
Yet the hidden implication was obvious.
She was subtly calling Qin Man an uncultured country girl.
Qin Man couldn’t have cared less.
Her goals in this world were simple.
Study medicine.
Search for clues regarding the mysterious medical text.
Find a way home.
As long as nobody provoked her, she had no interest in petty household schemes.
But if someone targeted her first, she would return the favor without hesitation.
“Thank you for your concern, Second Sister.”
Her tone became noticeably cooler.
“However, as you can see, I’m quite busy.”
“If there’s nothing else, we’ll speak another day.”
Qin Muyao’s eyes narrowed slightly.
For the first time, she realized her elder sister was much more difficult than she appeared.
At the very least, those bright eyes were annoyingly captivating.
“Very well.”
Qin Muyao smiled.
“Actually, we came today to deliver a message.”
“The Imperial Consort has issued invitations.”
“The day after tomorrow, a Grand Flower-Viewing Feast will be held at the palace.”
“Mother instructed us to bring you along.”
Beside her, Qin Muchu eagerly added,
“Eldest Sister, the Grand Preceptor and Prince Mo will both be attending.”
“I understand.”
Qin Man nodded.
“I’ll attend with you.”
Then she lowered her head and resumed sorting herbs.
Seeing that she had no interest in continuing the conversation, the two sisters soon departed.
The moment they were gone, Su Li rushed over anxiously.
“Miss!”
“I heard this banquet was personally arranged by the Empress Dowager.”
She lowered her voice.
“The real purpose is to select wives and consorts for princes, nobles, and prominent young officials.”
“I see.”
Qin Man responded calmly.
“Miss!”
Su Li nearly stomped her foot.
“You must prepare a beautiful outfit!”
“We can’t let them outshine you.”
Qin Man laughed.
“Your mistress has absolutely no interest in becoming anyone’s consort.”
“So there’s no reason to be nervous.”
“Miss…”
Su Li sighed helplessly.
“Fine.”
“But I’m still choosing the most beautiful dress for you.”
After Su Li left, Qin Man settled into a wicker rocking chair.
Closing her eyes, she entered her dimensional space.
She carefully organized the newly gathered herbs.
Then she began preparing a fresh batch of detoxifying facial treatments.
After more than a month of consistent care, her skin had fully recovered.
Standing before the mirror inside the dimension, she examined her reflection.
The face staring back at her was stunningly beautiful.
Her complexion was fair and flawless.
Every feature was delicate and refined.
Qin Man smiled with satisfaction.
Not bad.
Before leaving the dimension, however, she once again applied the familiar dark medicinal paste over her face.
Until she found the ancient medical text that might return her home, she had no intention of attracting unnecessary attention.