Mo Qianhan was surprised—her reaction was so sharp that she had instantly noticed his gaze.
Everyone in the city whispered that the Xiang Residence’s eldest daughter was talentless, plain, and unremarkable—utterly the least favored of the family. Not long ago, she had been rejected by Prince Jing and had fallen into the lotus pond, nearly drowning.
Yet, in that brief moment, the sharpness in her eyes revealed a hidden depth; Mo Qianhan realized that this Miss Su was far from the mediocre girl the rumors had made her out to be.
As for her appearance, it was not stunningly beautiful, but a rare, refined elegance—growing more attractive the longer one looked, possessing a unique charm of its own.
Mo Qianhan withdrew his gaze.
He had never been so unguarded in staring at a young lady before.
He lowered the curtain, lightly tapped his folding fan twice, and collected himself.
Outside, the attendant Liuxing understood immediately, helping the prince into his wheelchair and wheeling him down from the carriage, heading straight to the Jisheng Herbal Shop.
Su Hua stood there, watching the man in the wheelchair approach.
Earlier, peeking through the carriage curtain, she had only seen half his face—but that glimpse had already left her impressed.
Now that she saw him fully, he was breathtaking.
Even in her original world, where top-tier male celebrities abounded, none would compare.
She had seen many handsome men, but this one instantly claimed the top spot.
Considering he was exceptionally good-looking, she decided, for once, to overlook his earlier attempt to spy on her.
Wait…
Though seated in a wheelchair, he gave off a slightly frail impression, yet the aura surrounding him was far from ordinary.
His simple attire was made from fine brocade, beyond the means of most, and the jade pendant at his waist marked him as royalty.
Su Hua immediately understood his status—he was a member of the imperial family.
Today, he had come because of the imperial edict granting the marriage.
At that moment, Yun Shuang ran up. “Miss, the elder’s affairs have been taken care of. I’ve gathered all the staff in the herbal shop. Unlike other businesses, most of them have been here a long time. When they learned you would take over Madam’s dowry, they were overjoyed—just waiting for you.”
Su Hua replied calmly, “No rush. Tell them the shop will not open today. Have them wait there; I’ll be there shortly.”
Yun Shuang nodded and went to follow her instructions.
Su Hua stepped forward and stopped squarely in front of the man in the wheelchair.
Their eyes met.
After a moment, Mo Qianhan spoke first, breaking the silence.
“Miss Su, it seems you have already recognized my identity. Meeting you for the first time today, I must admit, you’ve surprised me.”
A smile played at Su Hua’s lips. Rumors in the capital said that Prince Ning was a crippled man, but her judgment told her otherwise—this person was not so simple.
“Your Highness, the feeling is mutual,” she said.
“Oh? And why do you say that?” Mo Qianhan asked.
Su Hua didn’t reveal her true thoughts.
She smiled faintly. “Your Highness is more handsome than imagined. This imperial marriage edict seems fair—at least, to me, you are far preferable to Prince Jing.”
Mo Qianhan was momentarily stunned. “Miss Su, you do not mind that my legs are crippled?”
Su Hua replied lightly, “I judge by appearance. There’s no emotional foundation between us. Marriage is simply a matter of partnership. Your face alone is pleasing enough—any frustrations afterward can be eased by simply looking at it.”
A small smile curved Mo Qianhan’s lips. “Miss Su, your reason for judging by looks is refreshingly candid.”
“Just the truth,” Su Hua said.
Liuxing, standing nearby, was astonished.
The prince had actually smiled while talking to this Miss Su.
Su Hua continued, “Your Highness did not come merely to exchange pleasantries, I take it.”
Mo Qianhan, impressed by her intelligence, said, “This marriage is not just influenced by Mo Jingyao and your sister. Are you aware of the full situation, Miss Su?”
Su Hua responded immediately, “No matter how many are involved, the marriage will not affect me. I do as I wish, and Your Highness can do as you wish.”
Mo Qianhan met her gaze steadily. “It won’t be as easy as saying that.”
Su Hua’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Then remove all obstacles completely.”
Mo Qianhan studied her, dropping much of his guard, and asked directly, “What if this obstacle is a mountain?”
Su Hua smiled faintly. “Then I will become greater than the mountain itself.”
A smile tugged at Mo Qianhan’s lips. “Speaking with Miss Su is truly enlightening. To have you as my wife would be my fortune.”
Su Hua chuckled lightly. In her mind, marriage to Mo Qianhan was purely practical—a partnership without interference, with the only bonus being the occasional pleasure of observing a handsome man up close.
She diverted her gaze from his face, cleared her throat, and said, “Your Highness, is there anything else? If not, I have matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave.”
Mo Qianhan said, “We’ve just met today. There will be many opportunities to see each other after the marriage edict. Miss Su, you may act as you wish. I shall take my leave.”
Su Hua replied casually and turned toward the Jisheng Herbal Shop.
Mo Qianhan sat in his wheelchair, watching her retreating figure. Even a brief encounter left him certain she was exceptional.
Liuxing, standing by, noted the prince’s gaze following Miss Su, and recalled the smile he had shown her. He understood—the prince’s attention was fully captured by her.
Inside the Jisheng Herbal Shop, Su Hua entered, and Yun Shuang came forward.
“Miss, who was that outside? Why were you talking with him so long?”
“That? He’s my fiancé, Your Highness Ning,” Su Hua said casually.
“Ah—!” Yun Shuang was startled. She had never met Prince Ning before, and could hardly believe that the man in the wheelchair outside was him. “Prince Ning! Miss, why didn’t you invite him inside?”
“He just came to see me, exchange a few words, and get acquainted. I have things to do here; there’s no need to let him in,” Su Hua replied.
Yun Shuang was speechless.