The Mirror of Startling Beauty: Her courtiers are everywhere

Drunken Snow Residence by Mirror Moon Lake.

Icicles hung from the eaves of Zuixueju, gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight.

"Be careful, everyone. These were all carefully selected by the Crown Prince. You can't afford to pay for them if you break even one."

"Clean this area up too."

"Yes."

The snow under the eaves had been carefully swept away, revealing the bluish-gray stone slabs.

Hua Rongshi was watching his servants carefully arrange the newly purchased items one by one.

"Cousin, look how it is now! Isn't it much cozier?"

Today he wore a pink peach blossom robe, its flowing sleeves making his already handsome and refined face even more alluring.

Like a peach blossom just beginning to bloom on a branch in March, it is dazzlingly beautiful, yet retains a refined elegance.

"I also had all the paintings I painted hung up."

He leaned lazily against the door frame, toying with a folding fan in his hand, his peach blossom eyes filled with satisfaction.

It was still very cold in Baiyujing in early spring. His breath condensed into a thin mist in the cold air, making him look like a misty ink painting.

"Rong Shi, are you really planning to stay here?"

Bei Chenji stood with his hands behind his back, wearing a purple robe and a golden crown, exuding an air of nobility and coldness.

He stood under the eaves, his boots crunching on the thin snow.

He looked around. He had only given the house away casually, but he never expected Hua Rongshi to take it so seriously.

The flowers and plants in the courtyard have all been trimmed, and a new beaded curtain has been hung under the eaves. When the wind blows, it tinkles, creating a truly elegant and charming atmosphere.

"Rongshi, your uncle has already gone back. Why aren't you going back to Qimeng Huadu with him? What are you doing staying here?"

"Our Beichen is not suitable for raising such a delicate flower as you."

Bei Chenji's tone was cold, implying that he wanted to get rid of him.

"Of course. Beichen is a place of outstanding people and beautiful scenery. If I want to stay a little longer, what's wrong with that?"

Hua Rong nodded in satisfaction.

This place is right next to the Prince Beichen's mansion, in an excellent location, quiet amidst the hustle and bustle.

The misty waters of Mirror Moon Lake are fully visible, and a thin layer of fog covers the lake at this moment.

The snow reflected the sunlight, creating a vast expanse of white, with a unique and serene charm.

"This isn't a place where you can act recklessly."

Beichen frowned.

"Isn't my cousin protecting me? What am I afraid of!"

Hua Rong closed her folding fan and leaned comfortably against the soft couch that had just been set up in the courtyard, her long legs casually crossed.

A thick velvet blanket was laid on the soft couch, so it didn't feel cold.

He exhaled a puff of white breath and laughed:

"Anyway, my cousin has already given me the house, so I don't need to bother the Beichen Prince's Mansion anymore when I come to Baiyujing in the future."

A hopeful smile appeared in his peach blossom eyes.

He will always be with his little snowflake.

Then, the two of them will be inseparable, all lovey-dovey.

How could my cousin's cold and impersonal palace compare to the freedom and tranquility of this place that belongs only to them?

Moreover, living in the Prince of Beichen's residence would be quite inconvenient.

How could he still be so affectionate and tender with Xiaoxuehua everywhere... whispering sweet nothings to her?

Just imagining that scene made his heart flutter.

Even the snow covering the courtyard seemed to have taken on a touch of spring.

"By the way, the painting studio that my cousin had built is truly exquisite."

Hua Rongshi got up and led Bei Chenji deeper into the house, praising him as they walked.

"It's spacious and bright, with windows on all four sides facing the lake."

"How perfect this room would be! My wife could paint here with me."

He was extremely satisfied with the house.

My cousin spent a lot of money to have this made by skilled craftsmen; every detail shows his dedication.

"But what I find strange is..."

Hua Rongshi suddenly changed the subject, tilting her head to look at Bei Chenji, her eyes filled with a mischievous glint.

"Doesn't Shen Yan dislike painting? She doesn't have much talent in that area."

"I used to be in charge of art assessment in Lintai. The paintings she submitted were clumsy in brushwork and lacked any artistic conception. I always gave her the lowest score."

He pointed to the plaque hanging under the corridor, which read "Painting Studio" in vigorous calligraphy.

A couplet also hung nearby, its ink still dripping:

"A small stove emits smoke and snow, I lie on the couch reading leisurely."

A few flakes of unmelted snow still clung to the edges of the couplets, which, against the backdrop of the ink-painted characters, truly evoked a sense of elegant, misty snow.

"My cousin prepared a house for her, with such a large studio, and even inscribed such a couplet."

"This isn't a gift, it's a slap in the face! She'll probably be so angry she'll tear this plaque down and burn it for firewood tonight."

When Hua Rongshi said this, her peach blossom eyes were full of smiles, and she had the expression of someone who loved to watch the fun.

Bei Chenji was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, and his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

"Oh, she doesn't know painting? That's because I didn't notice."

He lowered his eyes, his tone still as indifferent as a thin layer of frost in winter.

"However, the swing in the courtyard and the swing bed inside the house are designed to suit a young lady's taste."

Hua Rongshi strolled into the courtyard again and reached out to push the swing that was entwined with flower vines.

The flowering vines had long since withered and were now entangled in the accumulated snow.

The swing swayed gently, and the accumulated snow fell softly, making a slight creaking sound.

"It seems my cousin put some effort into this. The curve and height of the swing are just right; it should be very comfortable to sit on."

"That swing bed is even more wonderful. Hanging under the flower stand with its curtains hanging down, it is perfect for a nap on a spring afternoon or for drinking together under the moonlight."

His comments were very insightful and well-reasoned.

As they were talking, a gust of cold wind swept through the room, causing the curtains of the swing bed to flutter like butterflies.

The begonia flower pattern embroidered on the curtain was faintly visible in the snow.

"Yes, the design drawings were personally drawn by me."

Bei Chenji's gaze swept over the swing, lingering for a moment on the knot of the swing's rope.

The way he tied the knot was something he had painstakingly drawn in his youth, and now tiny ice crystals hung from the knot, making it exceptionally beautiful.

"But, sir, have you forgotten?"

Qian Su couldn't help but step forward and whisper a reminder.

"Shiyin said that Miss Shen is afraid of heights. She doesn't even dare to stand on ordinary high places, let alone swings."

"If it swung three feet off the ground, she'd probably cry from fright if she sat on it. With the swing bed suspended in mid-air, how could she dare touch it?"

As Qian Su spoke, she secretly glanced at Bei Chenji's expression and complained in confusion.

"Miss Shen isn't the one who likes swings at all. Sir, when did your memory become so bad?"

He regretted it as soon as he said it.

Because Bei Chenji's gaze suddenly darkened.

Like the thick ice that has formed on Mirror Moon Lake all winter, the chill is bone-chilling.