Chapter 423 Flower Valley

Because of this farce by the Northern Desert Mission, the hunt did not last long.

A few days later, the event was hastily concluded, and the large group began packing their belongings, preparing to break camp and return to the capital.

On the day of departure, Huo Lin arrived at Jiang Huan's camp.

He waved the others away, stepped forward, carefully tied the ribbon at the collar of Jiang Huan's cloak, and then placed a hand warmer into her hands.

"It's windy on the road. I'll take you on another route, one that's sheltered from the wind and quieter."

He spoke in a flat tone, as if it were just a casual remark.

Jiang Huan, bundled up tightly, looked up at him, her fair face peeking out: "Another route? Is it far? Will it delay our journey?"

“It’s not far, just a slightly longer route. The scenery is… a bit more special, so you won’t have to suffer from the wind and bumps along with the main group.” Huo Lin avoided her gaze and lowered his head to straighten his dark cloak.

[I had my men scout that path thoroughly beforehand. At this time of year, the flowers in the valley should be in full bloom; she'll surely like it.]

[Hopefully the weather cooperates, the wind isn't too strong, and nothing goes wrong, so we can give her a perfect surprise.]

Upon hearing the heartfelt words, Jiang Huan felt as if she had a warm stove in her heart.

She pretended not to know anything: "Alright then, we'll do as the Emperor says. But is it just the two of us?"

"Shadow One will lead men to follow us in the shadows, so we're safe. As for the route, I've already had someone scout it out beforehand."

Seeing that Jiang Huan did not object, Huo Lin's lips curled up slightly, but he quickly suppressed it.

"Let's go, the carriage is ready, and it's warm inside."

[It's good that she didn't ask any more questions!]

I need to leave quickly, lest I get entangled with Ayina or someone else again.

I will not let their plan to steal my partner succeed.

Jiang Huan suppressed a laugh and let him lead her into the carriage.

As expected, the carriage did not follow the main group, but instead drove onto a secluded side road.

The mountain road wound its way through the air, the wheels making a soft sound as they rolled over the dry grass and hard soil.

Outside the car window, the trees were bare, but some slightly swollen buds could be vaguely seen, and a few tender green shoots occasionally emerged on the withered yellow grass.

The air was crisp and dry, carrying the scent of earth and withered grass, and the wind whistled through the treetops.

Huo Lin appeared to be resting with his eyes closed, but in reality, his mind was far from at peace.

Is this road a bit bumpy? I should have had it dug up and repaved.

According to the itinerary, they should be arriving soon, right?

[But the wind sounds stronger than before? I mustn't let her get cold.]

Jiang Huan leaned against the cushion, looking at the scenery outside the window while listening to his rich inner thoughts, almost bursting with laughter.

She deliberately pointed to a stream outside the window with a thin layer of ice: "Your Majesty, look at that stream, there's still ice on the banks."

Huo Lin opened his eyes, glanced at it, and gave a faint "hmm".

[It's just an ordinary stream, not comparable to the place I've prepared.]

Just a little longer, it's almost here, and something even better is yet to come.

After the carriage had traveled a while, Huo Lin called for the driver to stop.

He got out of the car first, then turned around and reached out his hand to Jiang Huan: "Get out and walk around, the cars ahead can't get through."

Jiang Huan placed her hand in his warm, dry palm, and he carefully helped her out of the car.

A cold wind immediately swept over her, and she couldn't help but shrink her neck.

Huo Lin pulled her closer to him and used his cloak to shield her from the cold.

Before us lay a path covered in withered grass, winding its way into the depths of the valley.

"Stay close to me." Huo Lin gripped her hand tightly and walked ahead, his steps steady, clearing away the occasional stray branches from her path.

After walking a short distance, Huo Lin stopped, turned aside to avoid being seen, and spoke with a deliberately suppressed calm, but could not hide the anticipation in his voice.

"arrive."

Jiang Huan looked up and instantly held her breath.

Before me lay a sheltered valley, and unlike the desolate landscape outside, a large patch of flowers was already in full bloom at the bottom of the valley.

Large swathes of primroses, pansies, and kale spread out, their vibrant colors standing out against the backdrop of gray-brown rocks and withered grass.

In the center of the valley lies a still-cold pool, surrounded by camellias. The clear water reflects the blue sky, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty, like a paradise on earth.

[I remember she was afraid of the cold, but she liked bright and vibrant colors. These flowers are bright and vibrant enough, aren't they?]

[I think I made the right choice, right? Will she like it?]

Huo Lin appeared calm on the surface, standing with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the distant sea of ​​flowers, as if he were just showing her an ordinary scene. Only a hint of tension was revealed in his eyes.

Looking at the vibrant flower field and listening to his slightly hesitant words, Jiang Huan felt a warmth and tenderness in her heart.

She took a small step forward, stepping onto the soft, dry grass, took a deep breath of the fragrant air, turned around, and a big smile bloomed on her face.

"Wow, where did you find this amazing place? It's really beautiful!"

Looking at her radiant smile, Huo Lin finally felt a huge weight lifted from his heart.

She likes it, she says she likes it!

[Excellent! All my secret preparations and painstaking efforts have been worthwhile!]

Her smile is truly beautiful, more dazzling than all the flowers in the valley combined.

He suppressed the upward curve of his lips, walked to her side, and pulled her cloak tighter.

"I stumbled upon this place and thought you might like it."

Jiang Huan didn't believe his chance, but she didn't expose him. She just smiled and took his arm, leaning half her weight on him.

Her gaze shifted, looking towards the edge of the flowerbed, where a small wooden house could be vaguely seen.

"Hmm? There seems to be a house over there?"

"It's a wooden hut used by the mountain guards for the winter. I had it tidied up in advance and a fire lit. We'll rest here tonight."

As Huo Lin spoke, the slight redness at the base of his ears seemed to become even more pronounced.

Jiang Huan felt sweet inside, as if she were immersed in a honey pot, and pulled him along, stumbling along the wooden house.

"Great! It's windy outside, let's go inside and warm up!"

The cabin wasn't far away, and the two arrived quickly.

Although it has a simple exterior, it is warm and cozy inside, with a blazing brazier dispelling all the chill.

A thick wool blanket was laid on the floor, the tables and chairs were wiped clean, and a bunch of freshly picked flowers were placed in a ceramic vase on the table, emitting a faint fragrance.

Huo Lin rolled up his sleeves and clumsily heated the snacks he had brought by the brazier, and also served hot soup.

The snacks were a bit dry, and the soup was only lukewarm, but Jiang Huan ate them with great relish.

Huo Lin spoke much more than usual. Although Jiang Huan did most of the talking and he listened, he would respond, look at her and smile, and reach out to brush the grass clippings off her cloak.

If only things could stay like this forever, but unfortunately, after returning home, official duties became very busy, and I had less time to spend with her.

Listening to his slightly regretful words, Jiang Huan leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "From now on, every year at the end of winter and the beginning of spring, when the snow melts and the flowers bloom, let's take some time to come here and stay for a couple of days, okay?"

Huo Lin looked down at her; the firelight danced in her eyes, warm and bright.

“Okay,” he said, pulling her closer, his voice solemn, as if making a promise, “I’ll do whatever you say.”

That night, the valley was completely silent, with only the cold wind whispering outside the house like a distant accompaniment.

There was no palace clamor, no power struggles, only the warmth of each other's bodies and the overflowing peace and happiness in their hearts.