Chapter 7 — The Man Who Couldn't See My Face

Seeing that I remained silent, he did not press further. Instead, he stepped closer, drew a brocade box from the folds of his sleeve, and placed it gently into my hands.

Open it and take a look.

I lifted the lid. Resting quietly within was a pristine white jade bracelet, its flawless luster immediately betraying its immense value. I raised my gaze to steal a glance at him, only to notice a rare trace of awkwardness upon his usually impassive features. Turning his face slightly aside, he maintained his characteristically cool tone.

It was sent over by the Imperial Household Department. I thought the color was subtle and elegant, so I brought it back. It should suit you well.

A smile touched my lips as I slowly slid the jade bangle onto my slender wrist.

It is exquisite. I love it dearly.

Only then did he turn back to look at me, the corners of his mouth lifting in a faint, involuntary arc.

There is no need to rise early tomorrow. I have been granted a day of rest from my official duties, and I shall take you to the riding grounds outside the city to clear your mind.

I froze for a fleeting moment before offering a soft reply.

Very well.

The following morning, Xiao Heng indeed did not attend court. He had changed into a sleek black riding suit with narrow sleeves, standing in the courtyard to await me while holding the reins of a snow-white steed by his side. Upon seeing me approach, he immediately assisted me onto the saddle, his strong hand gripping my waist to ensure my balance. Suppressing the rapid fluttering of my own heartbeat, I clutched the leather reins tightly. Only then did he mount his own prized steed of Fergana, riding abreast beside me. The gentle spring breeze swept past our faces, carrying the crisp, earthy fragrance of newly sprouted grass in the morning air. As we urged our horses forward, the rushing wind brushed against our skin, filling my soul with an overwhelming sense of boundless freedom. When exhaustion finally began to creep into our limbs, we reined in our horses by the edge of a winding stream and dismounted.

Xiao Heng.

I called out to him abruptly.

Hmm?

Raising my head to meet his gaze, I spoke with utmost sincerity.

Thank you.

He fell silent for a brief beat before raising his hand to gently stroke the crown of my head.

What is there to thank me for? You are the princess consort of my estate; treating you well is nothing less than my bounden duty.

In that fleeting, precious heartbeat, it felt as though the bitter years of endurance, of being mistaken for another and entirely overlooked in my past life, had truly drifted away into the distant mists of time.

As for the matters of the past, if you wish not to speak of them, I shall never ask.

Yet for all the days that lie ahead, you need only rest easy and be my cherished princess.

He drew me into his embrace. I rested my head gently against his steady, warm chest.

So be it.

In this lifetime, I had finally avoided marrying the wrong man. And at long last, I was truly able to live as my own self.