Tianmiao changed into a light purple long dress, the most popular style of this dynasty. The design was magnificent, with many pleats on the skirt, and the entire dress was covered with a layer of translucent gauze. As she moved, it flowed like moonlight, exceptionally beautiful.
The next moment, Tianmiao appeared on the streets of the Capital City.
On this day, Qi Haoxuan would meet the woman who would change his destiny, the one who instigated him to rebellion, that "transformation."
Qi Haoxuan was strolling leisurely on the street, playing with a fan in his hand, swaying his head as he walked. Behind him were two eunuchs, followed by several well-trained guards. Qi Haoxuan was still quite eye-catching in appearance. The Empress Dowager, back in the day, had stood out among the three thousand women in the harem, continuously enjoying favor as the Imperial Concubine. Needless to say, she was beautiful. With such excellent genes, Qi Haoxuan’s looks were naturally handsome beyond compare.
Among the two eunuchs, one was carrying a birdcage, inside which was Qi Haoxuan’s favorite myna. The other eunuch was also holding a birdcage, which contained a parrot.
He had just bought it today, planning to teach this parrot to say auspicious words, and then give it to the Empress Dowager.
"Xiao Anzi, are there any new restaurants or tea houses that have opened lately?" Qi Haoxuan asked, "I’m tired of all the restaurants in the Capital City. Isn’t there anything new?"
The eunuch called Xiao Anzi thought carefully and then shook his head, "To answer the Prince, it seems there really aren’t any new restaurants opened recently."
"Ah, boring. Hmm? What’s that commotion up ahead? Let’s take a look." Qi Haoxuan became interested and walked quickly ahead.
The people behind him hurried to follow. Several guards became more vigilant. The more people there were, the more easily trouble could arise. The Prince must not be harmed, otherwise, they wouldn’t need their heads anymore.
A group of people was gathered in front, apparently engaged in a lively discussion.
Just as Qi Haoxuan was about to walk forward, the two eunuchs rushed ahead. In such situations, how could the Prince be allowed to clear the way himself?
"Prince, please wait." The two eunuchs handed the birdcages to the guards behind them, then reached out to push through the onlookers.
"Make way, make way. Make way for our Prince." The two eunuchs diligently parted the crowd, clearing a path for Qi Haoxuan.
The crowd quickly parted because they all knew there was only one Prince in the Capital City who could be so unconstrained — the Emperor’s own brother, the Carefree Prince.
This Prince, idle all day, loved excitement and was extravagant and uninhibited. The common people secretly mocked him, saying he only chased chickens and dogs, indulged in eating and drinking. But fortunately, his extravagance had its limits, and he didn’t commit heinous acts. So the people didn’t harbor much resentment towards him.
When Qi Haoxuan pushed through the crowd and reached the front, he saw what everyone was gathered around.
It was a woman exuding exotic allure, both alluring and beautiful. This woman was clearly not a native; she wore little clothing, with large expanses of fair skin faintly visible, causing eyes to stay fixated. Her deep-set eyes, high nose, and graceful figure made onlookers unable to avert their gaze.
"I’ve lost my family. Could any kind-hearted person help me?" The foreign woman pleaded in imperfect Dongyang Country language. Although she looked pitifully at the crowd for help, her gaze was fixed on Qi Haoxuan.
Qi Haoxuan too was staring steadily at the foreign woman before him, having never seen such an extraordinary woman, he suddenly felt dizzy.
He cleared his throat lightly and stepped forward.
At this moment, a gentle laugh suddenly reached his ears.
This voice, like a clear stream flowing, like melting snow, instantly pierced his soul.
He awoke suddenly, turning his head towards that laugh, searching for its owner.
Then he saw a woman sitting by a window on the second floor by the street.
She was smiling at him.
At that moment, she was the only thing he saw.
It seemed like everything disappeared from the world, except for her.
A glance, an eternity.