Chapter 101: You Are the Woman I Desire (Bonus Chapter with Red Envelope)

"Miss, what are you making this for?" Xiao Die asked, unable to suppress her curiosity while assisting.

"This is Snow Skin Cream, used for removing scars. Although the wound on my shoulder has healed completely, I still need to apply this cream for a period of time; otherwise, that unsightly scar will stay with me forever. The ointment I brought with me has run out, so I have to make more," Jin'er explained as she worked.

"Wow, Miss, you are so amazing! Can you give me some? I have a scar on my leg from when I fell as a child," Xiao Die said. Having been trained by Jin'er over these past few days, she had grown much bolder and no longer referred to herself as 'this servant.'

"I can give you a bottle, but you must save it for later. This medicine is only effective on scars that are less than two years old. Older scars have already set into the flesh and cannot be restored." Jin'er felt a pang of regret that the remedy had such limitations; she so desperately wished to remove the ugly scar on her own left wrist.

Perhaps, when she had more time in the future, she could study further and see if she could formulate something capable of erasing any scar.

"Oh, I see," Xiao Die said, looking disappointed. But then, thinking that the scar was on her leg where it wasn't usually visible, she didn't mind so much.

After working for most of the day, Jin'er successfully completed the batch and filled four small jars.

"Here, this one is for you," Jin'er said, handing a jar to Xiao Die.

"Thank you, Miss!" Xiao Die’s eyes lit up. She took it with immense excitement, feeling incredibly lucky to have such a brilliant and kind mistress. Treasure like this was hard to buy even with money.

Seeing Xiao Die’s satisfied and happy face, Jin'er couldn't help but shake her head with a smile, then turned to carry the finished products back into her room.

"What are you giggling at by yourself?" Mo Yan appeared behind Xiao Die, looking puzzled at the jar in her hand and the residue of herbs and powders on the stone table. "What is this?"

Startled by his sudden appearance, Xiao Die stuck out her tongue, raised the jar, and laughed. "It's Snow Skin Cream made by Miss, for removing scars. She gave me one; it's a real treasure."

Mo Yan raised an eyebrow, nodded in understanding, and then, ignoring her, stepped up the stone stairs into the room.

"Jin'er, come, I'm taking you to see someone," he called out the moment he reached the doorway.

"See whom?" Jin'er asked, turning around at the sound of his voice.

"My Imperial Father. And we'll take a walk through the Imperial Garden while we're at it." She had been here for over half a month, and he felt bad that he hadn't found the time to take her out.

"See your father??" Jin'er asked, surprised.

"Don't be afraid, I'll be there. And I believe my father will definitely like you," Mo Yan said, stepping forward to comfort her.

"Do I really have to?" Jin'er asked awkwardly. It wasn't his status that frightened her, but the thought of meeting his father made her nervous.

"Of course, we have to meet sooner or later. Besides, my father has wanted to meet you for a long time; he's very curious about you," Mo Yan said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Curious? Curious about what?" Jin'er asked, feeling even more anxious.

"Curious about what kind of woman managed to bewitch his handsome and talented son," Mo Yan said with a brilliant smile.

"What are you saying!" Jin'er playfully punched his arm, her lovely face flushing with a deep blush. Though she was well aware of Mo Yan's feelings, she often played dumb, pretending not to notice.

"I'll wait for you outside," Mo Yan said with a smile, turning to leave.

***

Xiao Die closed the door, happily preparing to help Jin'er dress.

"Why are you so happy?" Jin'er asked, watching Xiao Die's excitement.

"I'm happy for you, Miss! You're going to see the Emperor. His Majesty has always doted on the Second Prince, so whatever the Prince likes, the Emperor will surely like as well. Who knows, he might be so pleased that he grants you two a marriage decree right then and there!" Xiao Die chirped while combing her hair.

"Ah? A marriage decree??" Jin'er was startled, her mind instantly thrown into a whirl.

Seeing Jin'er turn pale, Xiao Die worried she was too nervous or might be disappointed later if the Emperor said nothing, so she quickly stuck out her tongue and laughed. "Hehe, I'm just guessing. It might not happen that quickly."

Jin'er rolled her eyes at her, finally letting out a long sigh as her heart settled back into place.

"Keep the makeup and hair accessories simple. Don't make it too flashy," Jin'er instructed as Xiao Die brought out a collection of rouge, powders, and ornaments.

"Wouldn't too simple be bad? This is your first time meeting the Emperor; first impressions are important." Although her mistress was naturally breathtaking—even without makeup, she was a peerless beauty—Xiao Die still felt it was safer to be careful.

"Just a light touch. I want a fresh and elegant look. Just do as I say," Jin'er said, staring at her reflection. She believed the Emperor, accustomed to heavy makeup, would find a fresh, elegant style refreshing.

"Oh, alright then," Xiao Die pouted, complying with Jin'er’s wishes.

Once finished, Jin'er nodded in satisfaction, stood up, and chose a new outfit. Though Mo Yan rarely came by lately, he had sent many things for her—over twenty sets of clothing alone, half of which she hadn't even worn yet.

Dressed and ready, Jin'er looked at herself in the mirror one last time before opening the door.

Mo Yan, hearing the door open, turned around and was instantly dazzled.

Her long hair was lightly coiled into a bun, adorned with only a white jade plum blossom hairpin, and matching teardrop earrings sparkled with a soft, crystalline light. Her face, dusted with light makeup, featured finely traced brows and soft pink lips, her skin as flawless and delicate as jade.

She wore a moon-white silk gown embroidered with white orchids at the hem, and a matching silk sash cinched her slender, graceful waist. From head to toe, she exuded an ethereal, otherworldly temperament—elegant, refined, and transcendent.

He had to admit, whether she wore heavy makeup, light makeup, or none at all, she was incomparably beautiful and enchanting, always making his heart skip a beat.

"Your Highness..." Xiao Die covered her mouth, giggling softly to remind him.

Coming to his senses, Mo Yan heard Xiao Die's stifled laughter, coughed awkwardly, and walked down the stone steps.

Jin'er clearly saw a faint blush on his fair face and, in a good mood, smiled and followed him.

Mo Yan stopped after a few steps, and when Jin'er reached his side, he reached out and took her hand.

"What are you doing?" Jin'er tried to pull her hand away, but he held it firmly and led her forward.

"It won't look good if people see us."

"What's wrong with it? You're the woman I've chosen, everyone knows that," Mo Yan said, looking ahead with a relaxed and smug expression.

***

Jin'er opened her mouth, unsure of what to say. She gritted her teeth and channeled her inner energy, trying to forcefully pull her hand back, but he countered with his own strength. After a brief, secret struggle, she failed.

With no other choice, she gave up and let him lead her out of the Haoyue Palace toward the Imperial Study. Along the way, they encountered many palace servants and guards; their looks of awe, shock, and envy made Jin'er feel deeply uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, a radiant Mo Yan kept glancing at Jin'er’s frustrated expression, looking as if he couldn't be happier.

When they finally arrived at the Imperial Study, he reluctantly let go of her hand.

"Your son pays his respects to the Imperial Father."

"This commoner, Jin'er, pays her respects to the Emperor."

"Rise," the Fire Emperor, seated behind the desk, said with a beam, rising to walk toward them.

"So you are Jin'er?" the Fire Emperor asked, smiling as he approached her. "Look up."

Jin'er bit her lip, composed herself, and slowly raised her head, a faint smile on her lips. However, a flicker of nervous tension remained in her clear eyes.

The moment she looked up, the Fire Emperor’s brows shot up in silent amazement. She was indeed a peerless beauty, but more importantly, she possessed a transcendent temperament, her almond eyes bright and clear, devoid of any vulgarity.

After a long pause, he suddenly threw his head back and laughed heartily.

Seeing him laugh for no reason, Jin'er turned to look at Mo Yan in confusion.

Mo Yan used his eyes to reassure her, telling her not to be nervous.

"A truly peerless beauty; it is no wonder my son is so deeply devoted," the Fire Emperor said, stopping his laughter and looking at Jin'er with meaningful eyes.

Jin'er blushed slightly, quickly averting her gaze and lowering her head. "I am unworthy of such praise," she said softly.

Mo Yan then took Jin'er’s hand from under her sleeve, holding it in his warm palm, and smiled at the Emperor. "Father, Jin'er is highly skilled in medicine. I noticed you haven't been looking well lately—would you like her to take a look?"

"Oh? She knows medicine??" The Fire Emperor was astounded.

"Yes. Perhaps even better than the Imperial Physicians," Mo Yan said confidently.

In truth, Mo Yan had never mentioned his own medical knowledge to his father, mostly because he felt his years of study were too few compared to the top physicians in the palace, so he had never treated the Emperor himself.

However, he believed Jin'er’s skills surpassed those of the palace physicians. By letting her demonstrate her talent, he hoped to help ease his father's suffering and, at the same time, make his father like her more, so that he would not block his plan to make her Empress in the future.

"Truly?" A spark of surprise appeared in the Emperor's somewhat cloudy eyes. Looking at the woman before him again, he felt three parts more favorably inclined toward her.

"Very well, please examine me, young lady."