So it turns out I'm the demon!

Chapter 95 Bai Xiang: This is my gift (10,000 words) (Bonus chapter for Alliance Leader Gushan Wuming)

In the end, Lan Rou'er paid for the meal.

It turned out that after the girl ran home, she hid in her room and cried. While crying, she suddenly remembered that she hadn't settled the bill, so she hurriedly ran back to pay it.

This move at least won back a lot of goodwill from Jiang Mu.

She might be a bit naive and innocent, but she's honest and kind by nature.

By the time we finished eating, it was already dark.

Seeing that it was not safe for Lan Rou'er to go home alone, Jiang Mu asked Zhang Da and his brother to go back to the government office first, and he would personally escort her.

She's Little Doctor's best friend, after all. If something really happens to her halfway through, Chu Lingzhu will definitely fly into a rage.

The sky is overcast tonight, with no stars or moon.

The streets were pitch black, with only a few lanterns hanging under the eaves of a few houses casting a dim, yellowish glow.

Lan Rou'er was only wearing a thin dress, and with her arms crossed, her slender body looked even more pitiful.

"sorry----"

Lan Rou followed behind Jiang Mu with her head down, her voice low and apologetic.

Jiang Mu slowed her pace and said calmly, "I got angry at you earlier because I was angry that you didn't value other people's lives. But thinking about it later, you're just simple-minded and don't have any bad intentions."

Lan Rou'er pursed her lips, looking aggrieved, with tears still clinging to her eyelashes. She wanted to argue that she wasn't stupid, but didn't dare to speak. Her pitiful little face looked rather endearing.

Jiang Mu glanced at her, her tone softening slightly: "I understand your desire to avenge your family. But your enemies are in such a dangerous place; frankly, not many people would dare to risk their lives for such a small amount of money."

However, out of respect for Lingzhu, I'll remember this. Later, when my cultivation level is higher and I'm capable of venturing there, I'll help you slay those demons."

"Thanks----"

The girl looked up, her bright eyes exceptionally clear in the night, brimming with gratitude.

Speechless all the way.

The two soon arrived at the alley behind the Han residence.

Lan Rou'er stopped, her face flushed, and nervously rubbed the silk handkerchief in her hand. Mustering her courage, she said, "Lord Jiang, um—it's getting late, and you must be tired from your journey. If you don't mind, why don't you come inside for a cup of hot tea before you leave?"

Go in?

"No, let's do it another day."

Jiang Mu decisively refused and turned to leave.

"Master Jiang!"

Lan Rou'er suddenly jogged a few steps and caught up.

She pulled a delicate sachet, still warm from her body, from her bosom and shoved it into Jiang Mu's hand without a word: "My lord, I—I will work hard to save money! All the money I earn in the future will be yours!"

Before Jiang Mu could respond, she had already turned and run into the courtyard.

Her skirt was lifted by hurried footsteps, surging like waves, creating a youthful and lively effect in the night.

Jiang Mu looked down at the sachet in her hand, which contained a lot of loose silver.

He weighed it in his hand, chuckled, and shook his head: "Great, I'll have a little rich woman to support me now."

Money delivered to your doorstep is money you shouldn't refuse.

He tucked the sachet into his robes and walked out of the alley.

I had only taken a few steps when I bumped into a familiar figure.

Jiang Mu recognized him as Han Chenghu, the head of the Han family.

The other person was unsteady on their feet and swaying, as if they had drunk too much. As they approached, a strong smell of alcohol wafted over them.

"Master Jiang?"

Han Chenghu squinted his drunken eyes and paused for a moment after recognizing the person who had come.

"Master Han, you're back so late. Did you go to a banquet?" Jiang Mu asked.

A hint of unease flashed across Han Chenghu's face, forcing a smile: "Yes—yes, a few old friends invited me, and I drank a few too many. Lord Jiang, this is—"

"Just taking a casual stroll, routine patrol."

Jiang Mu gave a perfunctory reply.

"Oh, I see. Thank you for your hard work."

Han Chenghu smiled, his expression revealing a hint of unease, and cupped his hands, saying, "Then I won't disturb Lord Jiang's official business any longer."

'

Jiang Mu nodded.

As the two brushed past each other, Jiang Mu's nostrils twitched slightly, and her heart skipped a beat.

Besides the smell of alcohol, the other person also reeked of a woman's perfume. And beneath these two strong scents, there seemed to be—a hint of blood.

"Master Jiang!"

Han Chenghu, who had taken a few steps, suddenly stopped, turned around, and called out to him.

Jiang Mu turned around.

Even in the darkness, thanks to his "Earth Star Observation" supernatural power, he could clearly see the expression on Han Chenghu's face.

The other person's lips moved, and their face showed a struggle, as if they wanted to say something, but were also worried about something.

"My husband~~"

Just then, a soft, charming voice suddenly rang out.

Han Chenghu stiffened and slowly turned around.

Under the eaves, the plump Madam Han stood gracefully, her dress as vibrant as a peony in the lantern light.

Madam Han walked gracefully towards them with light, delicate steps.

She gave Jiang Muying a graceful curtsy, her smile gentle and dignified: "I just heard from Rou'er that Lord Jiang personally escorted her back. I thank you on behalf of the child."

It's late and the road is dark; thank you for your trouble, sir.

Jiang Mu returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "You're too kind, Madam. It's my duty."

Mrs. Han gently supported her husband's arm, her voice tinged with reproach: "Why did you drink so much again? Come back with me and rest."

"Okay, sure————"

Han Chenghu lowered his head, like a child who had done something wrong, and let his wife help him walk inside, not daring to look at Jiang Mu again.

Jiang Mu watched the couple's retreating figures.

Just as she was about to step through the door, Mrs. Han suddenly reached out her other hand behind her back.

The woman turned her head.

His eyes were captivating.

slut!

Jiang Mu cursed under his breath and turned to leave.

Back in the bedroom.

Mrs. Han released her husband, walked to the table, poured a cup of hot tea, and handed it to him.

"Thank you."

Han Chenghu took the teacup with both hands, still keeping his head down and not daring to look at her. He reported in a low voice, "I've dealt with that traitor. That kid got off easy. I originally planned to skin him alive, but I was afraid that too much noise would attract the attention of the Demon Slayer Division, so I poisoned him."

As Madam Han casually loosened her belt, she asked, "What did you want to say to Lord Jiang when you stopped him just now?"

"thump!"

Han Chenghu's knees buckled, and he knelt directly on the ground, splashing tea everywhere.

"No! Nothing! I—I didn't mean to say anything!"

"Then why are you so nervous?"

Mrs. Han took off her outer garment, leaving only a thin undergarment, and sat languidly in the chair.

She stretched out one of her white feet and stepped on Han Chenghu's head, pressing down slightly.

"Look at you, so clumsy, you've made the floor dirty again."

"He licked it."

"Yes—yes—"

Han Chenghu's face was deathly pale. He trembled as he bent down and slowly licked the tea from the ground.

Madam Han leaned back lazily in her chair, her voice soft yet chilling as she murmured, "Humans, deep down, all have a base nature."

When you crave food, you'd be willing to offer your heart, liver, and lungs as a treasure; but once you actually eat it, you find it cloying and want to discard it like trash.

Don't you think that makes sense?

The man's face turned deathly pale, and he cried out urgently, "No! Absolutely not! Senior Sister, I will be good to you for the rest of my life, I will never have any other intentions!"

"What senior sister?"

Madam Han flicked her toes and lifted his chin.

Her rounded toes gently pressed against his Adam's apple, but her eyes held no smile, only a chilling killing intent. "Remember, you are now my husband. Your name is Han Chenghu, understand?"

"Yes, yes!"

Han Chenghu nodded vigorously.

He hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Madam, the rebels in Yancheng have been suppressed, and the situation is dire. Perhaps—should we leave? Once the court has dealt with Yancheng, they will definitely come to purge this place; we can't win—"

"Heh, scared already?"

Madam Han closed her eyes, leaned back in her chair, and said indifferently, "The rebellion in Yancheng was just a test by the Lord. Besides, there are still many demons lurking there. What are you panicking about?"

Do you know what's most important to a country?

"What is it?" Han Chenghu asked instinctively.

"It is the fate of the nation."

Madam Han slowly asked, "Why did the Jing Kingdom choose to make a marriage alliance with the Daqing Kingdom and send over that princess who was known as the most beautiful woman in the world?"

It is because the national fortune of the Mirror Kingdom is declining and about to be exhausted.

They wanted to use the princess as a medium to graft the prosperous national fortune of Daqing onto the Jing Kingdom and prolong its life.

What a pity!

A mocking smile curved her lips. "The Mirror Kingdom ultimately perished. That princess was unable to transfer the kingdom's fate to it until her death."

If an individual loses their luck, at most they'll be plagued by bad luck and live a mediocre life. But if a nation loses its luck, it will suffer natural disasters and man-made calamities, leading to national subjugation and extinction!

Han Chenghu seemed to understand but not quite: "So the chaos in Yancheng was intended to deplete the national fortune of Daqing—and it seems to have succeeded now?"

"good."

"

"Don't worry, you won't die."

Madam Han opened her eyes and gently patted the man's cheek with her toes. "With me here, what are you afraid of? The higher that Jiang guy climbs, the more advantageous it is for us."

A hint of pain and struggle flickered in Han Chenghu's eyes: "It's not that I'm afraid of death, I just feel—we don't have to take this deadly path. Senior sister, you know, I've always loved you deeply, I just want to live a peaceful life with you—"

"Bang!"

A muffled thud.

Han Chenghu was kicked away.

Madam Han stood up, looking down at him with icy eyes: "If we don't take this path, we'll both die!"

Don't think I don't know your tricks. Love me? Ha, you're just after my body.

You stinking men, how many of you are truly sincere with women? Besides sex, what else do you think about?

Han Chenghu clutched his chest, wanting to explain, but upon meeting the woman's cold gaze, he swallowed his words.

Madam Han stopped looking at him, turned around and walked to the wall, gently stroking the cold wall as if caressing a lover.

"My husband, in this world, only you are truly good to me."

As she spoke, she slowly bent down.

Upon seeing this, the man's breathing quickened, and he got up and walked over.

Mrs. Han narrowed her eyes, and with a slight pressure from her fingernails as she stroked the wall, she scratched shallow marks on the surface.

She pressed her lips to the wall and gave it a gentle kiss, tears streaming down her face: "My husband, I love you so much, I miss you so much—"

"But we've been husband and wife for twenty years."

"But don't worry, if I die one day, I will definitely drag that Jiang guy down with me."

Then, we'll reunite in the underworld—my husband, you must wait for me.

The three of us—um—we'll definitely make a good life for each other—”

Jiang Mu returned home.

Yuan Aqing had thoughtfully prepared hot water.

After a quick wash, Jiang Mu lay in bed, her mind replaying the scene at the Han residence gate earlier.

screen.

Han Chenghu's expression at that time was very strange.

What was he trying to say at that moment?

He seems to be very afraid of his wife.

Jiang Mu then remembered that Lan Rou'er had said that she had seen her aunt hanging clothes in the house late at night.

Why are you hanging out and washing clothes in your room in the middle of the night instead of sleeping?

This whole thing has a sinister feel to it no matter how you look at it.

Something is wrong!

This woman is definitely not as simple as she seems; it seems necessary to investigate her secretly.

After all, Chu Lingzhu is close to Lan Rou'er. If the Han family really has some shady dealings, it's hard to guarantee that this girl won't be implicated.

But before that—

Let's celebrate tomorrow's birthday first.

Jiang Mu yawned, forcibly pulling her thoughts back.

I wonder what kind of surprise Bai Xiang has prepared for me.

inside the room.

Bai Xiang was soaking in a bathtub filled with flower petals, her face full of sorrow.

Even now, she still hasn't decided what gift to give that jerk tomorrow.

How about cooking a delicious meal?

Isn't that too perfunctory?

How about sending some gold and silver jewelry?

That's too tacky, and that guy isn't short of money these days.

The woman scooped up a handful of water in frustration and poured it over her head.

Water droplets slid down her long, black hair, flowing over her slender white neck and delicate collarbone, disappearing into the rising steam.

-

The candlelight flickered.

Reflecting the undulating, snowy curves in the bucket, every inch is breathtakingly beautiful.

"So annoying!"

She splashed water, muttering angrily, "If he keeps rushing me, I'll just give him this whole bucket of bathwater!"

After a headache lasted for a while, she remembered her important business.

He didn't know if his subordinate had found out the whereabouts of the "Pisces Jade Pendant".

The Pisces jade pendant is key to restoring the kingdom.

Because her natal chart position is tied to the fate of the Mirror Kingdom.

This is also why her father forced her to marry into the state, attempting to use the prosperous national fortune of Daqing to nourish her star position and prolong the destiny of Jing Kingdom.

Unfortunately, it did not succeed.

After the fall of the Mirror Kingdom, although the star positions remained, they became increasingly unstable.

It felt like it could slip out of control at any moment.

Especially on the night of the fire at Lutai, in order to avoid being spied on by the old ancestor of the Imperial Observatory deep in the palace, she forcibly used the Secret Technique of Concealing Stars and almost lost her star position.

Now, I have to be on tenterhooks every time I use my cultivation.

"Double Fish Jade Pendant — Double Fish Jade Pendant —"

Bai Xiang lifted one of her delicate little feet and placed it on the rim of the bucket.

Water droplets dripped down the delicate and lovely toes, creating ripples on the surface of the water.

"Could that blind fortune teller really be lying to me?"

"Could I really find the Pisces jade pendant here?"

The next morning, Bai Xiang thought Jiang Mu would come over with a grin and ask, "Have you prepared the gift yet?" as usual.

As a result, the other party hurriedly left the yard after breakfast, and no one knew what they were busy with.

After washing the pots and pans, Bai Xiang thought for a moment and called Yuan Aqing, who was cultivating, to go out together to buy meat and vegetables.

She planned to prepare a lavish dinner and take the opportunity to visit a musical instrument shop.

Perhaps it would be better to buy a flute or a xiao (vertical bamboo flute).

Although she has dabbled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, she hasn't touched a musical instrument for many years, so her skills have probably become quite rusty.

However, it should be enough to get rid of that uneducated, uncouth man by playing a tune.

By noon, Jiang Mu still hadn't returned home.

Bai Xiang didn't mind and continued working in the kitchen. Because the dishes were quite plentiful, Yuan A Qing also helped out.

Time slips away bit by bit.

As the sun set and the sky turned orange-red, Jiang Mu was still nowhere to be seen.

At this moment, the tables in the hall were already filled with exquisite dishes.

Braised, steamed, stir-fried—each dish was unique and exquisite, steaming hot and fragrant. Bai Xiang took off her apron, looked at the gradually darkening sky, and gazed at the table full of carefully prepared delicacies. Suddenly, she felt a little empty inside.

Is this guy not coming back?

If there's a mission or you're tied up with official business, why don't you send someone back to deliver a message?

The woman's once calm heart was now slightly flustered.

It should arrive soon.

She comforted herself.

However, as the last rays of sunlight sank below the horizon, Jiang Mu still hadn't gone home.

At this moment, Bai Xiang's heart sank completely.

Yuan Aqing was still busy moving between the kitchen and the main hall, setting out the bowls and chopsticks. Seeing Bai Xiang leaning against the door, looking somewhat dejected, she asked in confusion, "What's wrong, Sister Xiang? Are you feeling unwell?"

Bai Xiang made a gesture to her:

Don't bother, your husband probably won't be back tonight.

"what?"

Yuan Aqing was taken aback, blinking her big eyes. "Did Master tell you?"

Bai Xiang shook her head: "No, but I have a feeling he won't come."

No, it won't.

Yuan Aqing straightened her chopsticks and said crisply, "Master will definitely come back. He values ​​today the most."

Why are you so sure?

Bai Xiang looked at the young girl in front of her who had unreserved trust in Jiang Mu and was somewhat puzzled.

Yuan Aqing straightened up and said earnestly, "Because Master is the best Master in the world, he would never let Sister Xiang be sad."

Bai Xiang paused for a moment, then gave a self-deprecating laugh.

Silly girl.

She stopped gesturing and silently walked to the threshold and sat down. Resting her chin on her hands, she gazed blankly at the sky above, which was gradually being swallowed by the night.

As night fell completely and the stars became scarce, that familiar figure still did not appear.

Bai Xiang sighed softly, completely giving up.

Just as she was about to get up, there was a knock on the courtyard gate.

"It's Master back!" Yuan Aqing hurriedly ran to open the door.

Bai Xiang's lips curled up slightly.

Hmph, at least this guy knows to come back.

Since he almost missed his birthday, the flute music won't be played for him tonight. Anyway, a commoner like him wouldn't understand it anyway, so consider it a punishment.

She was just about to go back to the house to get the purple bamboo flute when she saw Yuan Aqing open the door and then run back.

The little girl's face showed no joy, but rather sadness: "Sister Xiang—it's not the master. It's Uncle Zhang Daxiao. He said—the master has been held up by urgent business at the yamen and won't be back tonight."

Bai Xiang stood there for a moment, then walked back into the hall with a blank expression, sat down at the dining table, and ate alone in silence.

Seeing Yuan Aqing still standing at the door, looking at her helplessly, Bai Xiang raised her hand and gestured:

What are you standing there for? Come and eat.

"oh----"

Yuan Aqing walked into the house dejectedly.

Perhaps it was because of the flickering candlelight, but she felt that Sister Xiang's eyes seemed a little red. However, upon closer inspection, her face remained as calm and serene as ever, no different from usual.

As Bai Xiang ate the dishes she had poured her heart and soul into cooking, she suddenly realized that tonight's meal tasted far worse than usual.

It's not tasty at all.

Thankfully, that guy didn't come, or he would have started nagging again.

She thought with a sense of relief.

As she was eating, she suddenly felt a cool sensation on her cheek.

With a gentle wipe, a damp mark appeared on my fingertip.

Bai Xiang was stunned.

Looking at the teardrop on her fingertip, she seemed a little dazed, but continued to pick up food with a blank expression.

I'm a little sad.

Why are you sad?

It was probably because that bastard had been laying the groundwork for a long time, nagging her day after day like a child begging for candy, that she was unknowingly drawn into that kind of expectation.

Emotions piled up little by little, growing high.

But at the last moment, the other party casually pulled away the base.

Collapsed suddenly.

That sense of disappointment is indeed very upsetting.

But Bai Xiang knew that this wasn't the whole reason.

What truly broke her defenses was—

Today is actually her birthday.

Jiang Mu was unaware of this; it was merely a coincidence.

But when Jiang Mu suggested celebrating her birthday, she secretly felt a sense of anticipation.

This accumulation of emotions is doubled.

It's as if this is also celebrating her birthday.

She didn't care about any gifts or surprises.

She just hoped that on this special day, in this quiet little courtyard in a foreign land, someone could have a meal with her.

Even if that person is annoying, shameless, and always makes her angry.

But as long as he's there, the house feels warm and inviting, and I'm never lonely; I'm always happy.

But now.

All expectations, all hopes—everything—have come to nothing.

"It doesn't matter."

Bai Xiang took a deep breath and swallowed the sour taste in her throat.

She glanced at the empty bowl left for someone, thought for a moment, picked up a piece of his favorite tofu, and gently placed it into the bowl.

Yeah, let's just pretend he's there.

"Bang—!"

Just then, a loud bang suddenly exploded.

The two women inside the room were startled.

Before they could even react to what was happening, the night sky outside the window was suddenly lit up.

Clusters of dazzling fireworks, like golden snakes dancing wildly, like silver flowers and fiery trees, burst open with a roar in the dark night!

Bai Xiang froze for a few seconds, then got up and rushed out of the hall.

She tilted her head back.

The sky was filled with dazzling lights, illuminating the small courtyard as bright as day.

"How was it? The birthday celebration that Master meticulously prepared was quite nice, wasn't it?"

A smug voice came from the courtyard wall.

Bai Xiang suddenly turned around.

Suddenly, Jiang Mu appeared on the wall.

He stood with his hands on his hips, his brocade robes shimmering in the firelight, a roguish grin on his face.

He had a smug look on his face, as if to say, "Come and praise me!"

Bai Xiang looked at him quietly.

As her gaze shifted, the reflection of the fireworks in the sky bloomed in her eyes, so dazzling that it seemed to fill the entire galaxy, flickering and fading.

Yuan Aqing, who was standing to the side, was already stunned, her mouth agape.

Jiang Mu leaped and landed lightly in the courtyard. She walked up to Bai Xiang and said with a smile, "How was it? Isn't your master awesome?"

Did you hear I wasn't going home and secretly cry under the covers? Haha!

Looking at the smug and annoying man in front of her, Bai Xiang clenched her fists tightly in her sleeves.

I really want to—

Give him two hard punches around the eyes!

Suddenly, Jiang Mu reached out and wrapped his arm around her slender waist, pulling her into his embrace.

Caught off guard, Bai Xiang was struck in the chest by two snowballs.

A cool, slightly sweaty scent wafted towards me.

She realized what was happening, her pretty face turning cold. She instinctively tried to struggle, but then she heard the man chuckle in her ear, "Don't move, I'll show you something good."

The woman's body stiffened as her breath hit her earlobe.

Jiang Mu didn't allow her to refuse, and lightly touched the ground with her toes.

Before he finished speaking, he leaped into the air and landed on the roof.

Bai Xiang had no choice but to give up struggling.

Fine, I'll hug you then.

Just this once.

Anyway—it didn't cross the line.

Jiang Mu looked down and called out to Yuan Aqing, who was craning her neck in the yard, "Little Light Bulb, there's a ladder over there, climb up yourself!"

"oh oh!"

Yuan Aqing suddenly realized what was happening and obediently ran to climb the ladder.

The wind was a bit chilly on the rooftop.

Jiang Musong released the cypress incense and pulled her to sit down on the roof ridge: "Wait a minute, the most beautiful part is coming soon. I thought this shabby place didn't have the technology, but I didn't expect those craftsmen to be so capable. I was amazed that they could actually make it."

Bai Xiang gazed at his profile illuminated by the fireworks, then looked up at the sky.

"call out-

—

A huge firework rose into the sky.

The fireworks were still dazzling.

A moment later, another cluster shot into the sky.

However, this time, after the fireworks exploded, the fiery sparks did not scatter and fall, but instead slowly condensed in the air.

The character "姜" (ginger) is vaguely outlined.

Immediately afterwards, another firework burst open, transforming into the Chinese character "香" (fragrance).

Two enormous characters slowly unfurled in the night sky, flowing with golden light, as if gently connected by invisible threads.

Sometimes they cuddle, sometimes they distance themselves.

The light spots fell like stardust, the handwriting was hazy like flowers seen through mist, seemingly so close yet so far.

Dongfeng night flowers and thousands of trees.

It blows down even more, and the stars are like rain.

Bai Xiang stared blankly, momentarily lost in thought, as if she herself were that firework.

The two clusters of light in the night sky looked just like her and him.

They appear to be close, but are actually far apart.

Yuan Aqing huffed and puffed as she climbed onto the roof, peeking out half of her little head.

I wanted to join them to watch, but looking at the two people sitting side by side from behind, I inexplicably felt a bit superfluous.

She scratched her head, then huffed and puffed as she climbed down again.

"I have a gift for you."

Jiang Mu suddenly pulled a ring out of his pocket and handed it to Bai Xiang. "Look closely, there are words engraved on it."

Bai Xiang lowered her eyes to look.

This ring is completely different from the previous storage rings.

This ring is different from ordinary storage rings; it is simply a piece of jewelry.

The design is simple yet elegant.

The silver-white ring has smooth lines, and a small but clear light blue crystal is set on the ring face, like frozen night dew.

It exudes a unique beauty that I have never seen before.

The inner side of the ring is engraved with a line of very small characters: "Jiang Mu presents Bai Xiang". Who is Jiang Mu?

This guy changed his name?

Bai Xiang held the ring up to her eyes and looked at the fireworks in the sky through the gap in the ring.

The crystal refracts tiny specks of light.

The light fell into her eyes, rippling with tenderness.

At this moment, her feelings were inexplicably complicated, and indescribable emotions rippled across her heart.

"Here, let me put it on you."

With a hint of mockery, Jiang Mu grabbed her left hand without saying a word.

He deliberately skipped her index and middle fingers, slowly pushing the ring into the base of her slender ring finger.

"Unless there are special circumstances, you are not allowed to take it off again. This thing has been blessed by the Goddess of the Nine Heavens, protecting your future—well, your future wealth and prosperity. Taking it off will make it lose its power."

Jiang Mu made up a story with a straight face.

Anyway, they're just little trinkets made in our own jewelry store, so they don't cost much.

But Jiang Mu gave this gift purely to commemorate their first meeting.

He wanted to create a shared memory for himself and for her on his birthday in this unfamiliar world.

Bai Xiang looked down at the silvery light between her fingers, then slowly raised her hand to examine the fireworks closely.

A smile unconsciously spread across her lips.

It was an ordinary face, but at this moment, against the backdrop of the flowing light, it revealed a captivating beauty.

very beautiful.

I really like this birthday gift.

The woman thought to herself.

The fireworks finally faded, and the night sky returned to silence.

Before Bai Xiang could recover from that tender moment, the man beside her suddenly sighed and said something that really ruined the mood: "It cost quite a bit of money—I'll deduct it from your wages later."

Baixiang: "————"

She gave him a playful, disdainful look.

This guy just knows how to ruin the mood.

Jiang Mu laughed heartily, put his arm around her waist, and gently carried her down from the eaves back to the ground.

It landed firmly on its feet.

He immediately opened his palm and held it out to Bai Xiang: "Alright, the fireworks are over, the surprise has been given, and the gift has been presented."

"Now, isn't it my turn to present?"

Bai Xiang gently bit her pink lips with her pearly teeth, a hint of shyness appearing on her usually aloof and self-possessed face.

Jiang Mu's eyes widened: "No way? You really weren't prepared?"

"Sister Xiang was prepared, she—"

Yuan Aqing ran forward and was about to speak when Bai Xiang covered her mouth.

Bai Xiang glared at Jiang Mu reproachfully and gestured to him, indicating "Wait a moment."

Then, she dragged the bewildered Yuan Aqing to the backyard like a gust of wind, and no one knew what secret they were up to.

Jiang Mu was getting bored while waiting, and seeing the table full of delicious-smelling dishes in the hall, she decided to go and eat first.

After a while, Yuan Aqing poked her little head in from outside the door: "Master, can you come out for a moment? Sister Xiang and I have a gift for you."

Why make such a big fuss about giving a gift?

Curious, Jiang Mu put down her chopsticks and walked out of the hall.

The courtyard was empty; there was no sign of Bai Xiang, only the cold moonlight spilling across the ground like silver frost.

Yuan Aqing brought over a chair: "Master, please have a seat."

Jiang Mu frowned, then chuckled and asked, "What exactly are you up to?"

"Please have a seat, sir."

Yuan Aqing pushed Jiang Mu to sit down, then ran to a osmanthus tree in the corner of the courtyard and picked up the gourd flute.

The girl calmed herself down and brought the mouthpiece to her lips.

A melodious tune flowed gently through the night.

The simple, ethereal voice carried a purity and tranquility that seemed to have been washed away from all artifice, spreading throughout the small courtyard.

As Jiang Mu listened intently, he suddenly saw a graceful figure quietly appear in the courtyard.

At that moment, the moonlight seemed to take on a physical form.

It transforms into a blooming snow lotus, gently enveloping the woman's figure.

What surprised Jiang Mu even more was that Bai Xiang had changed her clothes.

The simple long dress she usually wore was now replaced with a white, wide-sleeved dress with cloud patterns.

The clothing remained simple, without much embroidery.

But when she wore it, it inexplicably exuded an innate air of nobility.

It was as if she was meant to be dressed like this, standing amidst magnificent palaces.

She also wore a light veil over her face.

Only a pair of clear, autumn-water-like eyes were visible, adding a touch of mystery.

"This is----"

Under Jiang Mu's astonished gaze, amidst Yuan Aqing's melodious tune—

With a gentle wave of her slender hands and flowing sleeves, Bai Xiang danced gracefully.

Dancing clear shadow, like in the world.

The woman moved as lightly as a swallow and her waist was as supple as a willow.

With each turn, the hem of her skirt blooms like layers of epiphyllum flowers, as if it has crushed the spring breeze and hidden it in the hem of her skirt.

"Her beard is like light clouds veiling the moon, her movements are like swirling snow in a flowing wind."

The poem involuntarily came to mind for Jiang Mu.

Her dance moves were not deliberately crafted coquettishness, but a natural harmony with the rhythm of heaven and earth.

It was as if she was no longer an ordinary person.

Yes, that's right.

Bai Xiang's greatest talent is dancing.

As the most honored princess of the Mirror Kingdom, she once served as a priest.

During every grand ceremony, a dance must be performed before the altar to pray to Heaven.

But the dance she was performing at this moment had shed its solemnity as a ritual and gained a touch of feminine tenderness.

Aside from her long-deceased mother, she has never skipped over anyone else in this world.

This is her gift.

At the moment the fireworks soared into the sky, at the moment the character "香" (fragrance) bloomed in the night sky, at the moment he slipped the ring engraved with his name onto her finger—

She made up her mind.

I will dedicate this dance to him.

Whether it's based on emotion or impulse.

She might regret it or feel remorse tomorrow, but at this moment, she is willing.

Inside the courtyard, all is peaceful and serene.

A graceful young girl plays a tune, a fairy-like woman dances, and a handsome man gazes at the figures in the painting.

The wind whispers in the treetops, the clouds weave across the sky, and the moon is half-hidden in the clouds.

At this moment, they seemed to have become an old dream sealed in the amber of time.

No matter how time changes, this scene will never fade.

The courtyard is quiet and peaceful, and the atmosphere is harmonious and joyful.

As the moon dipped below the western horizon and the night deepened, this joyous and romantic experience for the three of them finally came to an end.

After washing up, Jiang Mu lay down on the bed.

With my eyes closed, all I could see in my mind was Bai Xiang's fleeting glimpse of her dance.

Lingering.

He had to admit that at that moment, he was truly moved.

I have never seen anyone dance so beautifully. It's not the kind of flirtatious, seductive dance, but a kind of beauty that goes straight to the heart, making you forget to breathe.

"This woman—she's quite good at hiding her true nature."

Jiang Mu stroked his chin. "Being a wife would be really great. She can dance and manage the household well."

but----

Should we let him propose again?

That's impossible.

I also have my pride.

This time, we have to wait for the woman to speak for herself.

hum.

inside the room.

Red candles flicker, and a light veil veils the moon.

On the bed, Bai Xiang, who was in a state of "regret and utter embarrassment to the point of digging her toes into the ground", was wearing a thin nightgown, her long hair was messy, and she was rolling around on the bed like a giant snow cake.

Ahhhhh!

What am I thinking? Why am I dancing?

Am I crazy?

How embarrassing! How shameful!

Bai Xiang clutched her hair, wishing she could turn back time.

On what grounds?

Why should I, a princess of a nation and the nominal empress of Daqing, have to dance for a spoiled young master?

-

What kind of bewitching potion did this Jiang fellow give me?!

How awful! Absolutely awful!

Thinking of the man's unwavering gaze and the smile on his face as she danced—

"He must be laughing at me! He's definitely laughing at me in his heart!"

"Ah!!! That bastard!"

Bai Xiang was filled with shame and indignation, and pulled the quilt over herself tightly.

If those who had once seen her with her magnificent bearing and unapproachable aloofness were to see the dignified princess of the Mirror Kingdom displaying such girlish behavior, they would probably be so shocked that their jaws would drop to the ground.

Even her closest maid had never seen her like this before.

People always overlook her age.

In fact, she is still young.

She also wanted to play around like an ordinary girl.

I once thought of being innocent and carefree.

After a while, when the blanket was almost suffocating, Bai Xiang finally poked her little head out for some fresh air.

The woman's exquisitely beautiful face was flushed red, as if it had just been steamed, radiating heat.

Oh well—since I've already jumped, I might as well jump.

Next time, make him jump back!

She raised her left hand and, by the candlelight, gazed quietly at the ring on her ring finger.

The woman seemed slightly lost in thought.

"Why did he put it on this finger? And it fits perfectly. Before, when he touched my hand, it seemed like he was always gesturing for my name—"

Bai Xiang was completely baffled.

But regardless, tonight is destined to be sleepless.

Of course, Yuan Aqing, who was the little light bulb, slept very soundly.

The little girl curled up in bed, clutching the "Other Shore Sword" that her master had given her tightly in her arms.

Perhaps because she had recognized her as her master, this sharp divine weapon was exceptionally close to her, showing no sign of coldness and not fearing that she would be cut.

Ah Qing had a dream.

She dreamt that her husband was holding her hand, walking slowly along the ridges of the fields in their hometown.

At the other end of the ridge, her deceased father, mother, grandmother, and younger brother were all smiling as they watched her.

The setting sun cast long shadows, the rice stalks swayed gently in the wind, and the air was filled with the fragrance of soil and grass.

In her dream, Ah Qing did not cry.

She looked up at the old man and said, "Look, my mother is here."

In a daze, she was back in her mother's arms.

She smiled and said to her mother, "Mother, Qing is doing very well now."

"You said that as long as Ah Qing is safe and well, it will always be a sunny day."

"Mother, now that we have Master, Ah Qing's world will always be sunny."

Mother just smiled, her eyes full of satisfaction.

The sleeping girl had two shallow dimples at the corners of her mouth, and her smile was very sweet.

The sword in his arms seemed to sense its master's state of mind; its blade trembled slightly, and a gentle, flowing light emanated from it.

When thoughts are clear, all knots in the heart are untied.

At this moment, the girl's internal energy flowed naturally without any stagnation, and she quietly broke through in her deep sleep.

There were no obstacles or bottlenecks; everything proceeded naturally.

At the very moment the girl broke through to the heavens, in the vast Milky Way, an inconspicuous star seemed to flicker slightly, casting a faint ray of starlight before gradually fading away—

The path to enlightenment is long and arduous, and opportunities are determined by fate.

Some people spend a hundred years in arduous practice and still fail to grasp the essence, while others wake up from a dream and find themselves already on the path.

The so-called destiny with immortals may lie in the freedom of letting go in a single thought.

Tonight, the gentle breeze understands our intentions, and the bright moon bears witness to our truth.

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