When Feng Jin returned to the Jing Prince's Mansion, she had just entered Fuxi Garden when she heard a clear and melodious zither tune. Looking in the direction of the sound, she saw that the person sitting in the pavilion playing the zither was none other than Mu Beichen.
In the pavilion, a wide-sleeved robe draped softly over the strings of a zither, its fabric adorned with lifelike embroidered birds and beasts. Mu Beichen half-closed his eyes, his emotions seemingly unmoved.
"I never expected that our Prince Jing is not only handsome, but also so talented. Even I, a humble servant, feel that I am not worthy of you."
Feng Jin carefully examined his god-like figure and complexion, and even she felt inferior in comparison.
Mu Beichen raised his hand slightly, and the gentle zither music that had been playing instantly vanished without a trace.
He strolled forward, patted his chest meaningfully, and smiled slightly, saying, "Instead of belittling yourself here, Your Highness, you should think about how to repay your savior."
Under the clear blue sky and amidst the blooming flowers and lush trees, fallen leaves, tinged with crimson, fluttered about. Mu Beichen looked up and saw her deeply furrowed brows. He suddenly realized that this was the first time Feng Jin had shown such a worried expression in front of him.
Feng Jin let out a long sigh, gazing at the fallen leaves fluttering all over the ground. A trace of weariness appeared in her clear and bright eyes. She almost wanted to tell all the secrets in her heart in a moment.
She wanted to tell him that the real Feng Jin was dead, and that she had married into the Jing Prince's mansion only to use the identity of the Jing Prince's consort to avenge herself.
But... not now.
As night fell, twilight descended.
Feng Jin lay peacefully on the rooftop, gazing up at the cold moon, which appeared transparent through the clouds. Her eyes sparkled with a layer of brilliant light. In her memory, Chu Mingxi was tall and straight, her white robe more sacred than snow.
"Come on, let's get acquainted. My name is Yu Qianqian. What's your name?"
Deep in the secluded mountain forest, a girl in white, leaning against a lush treetop, is surrounded by mist, her innocent face beaming with delight.
The boy looked up at the sound and saw Yu Qianqian sitting on the towering sycamore tree, resting her chin on her hands, laughing at him with great amusement.
After a long pause, he slowly lowered his eyes and said in a low voice, somewhat disappointed, "I... don't remember."
“Look, the light of dawn, that’s the most beautiful color in the world. How about… you be called Chu Mingxi from now on…” Yu Qianqian smiled and pointed to the rising sun on the horizon, her eyes clear and full of spirit.
She still remembers ten years ago, on that snowy day, she rescued a little boy being chased by people in the forest, brought him back to the mansion, and personally named him Chu Mingxi.
He once told her: In this world, I don't even have a single relative or friend. From today onwards, you are my everything. When the mountains and rivers are safe and the world is at peace, I will take over protecting you, okay?
Ten years, it's been ten years... Chu Mingxi, I miss you so much.
Feng Jin sighed, turned to the side in frustration, closed her eyes and plugged her ears, and unknowingly spent the long night.
The next day, it was still early.
This day was the birthday of the reigning emperor, Mu Qiye.
All the servants of Fuxi Courtyard were busy serving Feng Jin as she dressed and ate. Finally, the time came for her to leave, and Feng Jin walked out of Fuxi Courtyard.
She saw Mu Beichen appear in front of the Prince's Mansion from afar, and quickly waved to him before running over.
"I apologize... for keeping Your Highness waiting."
"It's alright, I only waited for you for half an hour longer." Mu Beichen slightly curled his lips, but there was no smile on his face. His ambiguous expression seemed to be deliberately suppressing some emotion.
He knew that Feng Jin was usually unruly, but as long as she looked at him with her beautiful almond-shaped eyes and acted coquettishly, he would lose all his temper.
What can you do but spoil and indulge a woman who has a worse temper than you and can always come up with something new?
Let alone such a small matter, even if Feng Jin caused trouble right under Mu Beichen's nose, he could turn a blind eye like a tyrant.
In all his years, this was the first time he had ever been so indulgent with a woman.
"Not bad, you look quite unique today." Mu Beichen stared at her for a long time, then his fingers, which were lifting a strand of hair with one hand, suddenly paused. The sleeve of his black robe rolled up, revealing half of his wrist.
Only then did he notice that Feng Jin's jet-black hair had been styled into a fairy-like updo, and she was dressed in a light blue tassel dress. Her fair, jade-like neck with its beautiful lines was clearly visible. With just a touch of makeup, she looked exceptionally charming.
Feng Jin was born into an official family and had grown up with countless noblemen. Therefore, no matter how Mu Beichen treated her, she never felt uncomfortable.
"I'm glad Your Highness is satisfied." Feng Jin smiled calmly, her heart at peace as she looked at the man before her.
From her angle, she could just see Mu Beichen's slightly lowered eyes, deep and dark, calm like a cold pool or a mirror.
Mu Beichen frowned, his tall and straight body remaining tense, standing there like a piece of wood.
Seeing Feng Jin walk straight forward, seemingly wanting to hold his hand, Mu Beichen did not immediately dodge, but his expression was somewhat stunned.
She was so rowdy just a few days ago, as if she wanted to devour him alive, but now she's suddenly so gentle, which makes Mu Beichen feel a little uncomfortable.
His wary look made Feng Jin want to laugh.
"Your Highness, if we don't set off soon, we might miss the appointed time." Feng Jin raised her charming almond-shaped eyes and grasped Mu Beichen's hand without hesitation.
Not long after, the two stepped into the same sedan chair.
Feng Jin sat in the sedan chair, her arms crossed in front of her, her eyes gently closed; Father, Mother... Soon... Qian'er will be able to avenge the Yu family.
Now that she's at the imperial banquet, she'll inevitably meet some powerful officials and nobles. This is a perfect opportunity for her to build connections. At that time, she won't have to worry about dealing with a nobody like Zhao Tingxuan.
From Prince Jing's residence to the palace, the sedan chair traveled so smoothly that one could hardly feel the slightest bump. Before one knew it, the sedan chair had landed smoothly.
Within this secluded, classically magnificent palace, the Imperial Garden is undoubtedly a delightful sight. The exotic flowers and plants, the scattered pavilions and halls, and the crisscrossing pebble paths make the entire garden appear both ancient and tranquil, yet still exuding a grand and imposing imperial atmosphere.
The Imperial Garden was originally a place where the emperor and his concubines would relax and enjoy themselves after meals. It was also the venue for the annual moon-viewing ceremony and the selection of imperial concubines. This time, the grand banquet for the emperor was held here as well.
On the open-air platform in the Imperial Garden, princes and ministers were gathered together, chatting and laughing.
The laughter abruptly ceased the moment a man wearing a crown and a bright yellow dragon robe arrived, flanked by eunuchs and palace maids.
"Your Majesty, we respectfully wish you boundless blessings and a long and prosperous life!"
The crowd spontaneously made way for the emperor and knelt down to welcome him.
"All of you, rise!"
Mu Qiye stood in the center of the high platform with a beaming smile, waving his hands and raising his sleeves, his demeanor exuding an awe-inspiring aura.
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