Chapter 317: 317 Only peonies are the true color of the nation (first update)

The bed in the flower room was also covered with white gauze.

It looked very clean.

Although it was the heat of summer, there was a cool breeze in the flower room, not at all stuffy and hot, as if air conditioning had been switched on, extremely refreshing.

Mo Zhixuan pursed his lips and strode forward, carefully laying Chu Jin onto the wooden bed.

A gentle breeze passed by, messing up her black hair. Mo Zhixuan lifted his hand to brush her hair behind her ear. His usually stern brows softened remarkably with tenderness, as gentle as if handling a treasure without equal in the world. In his deep, phoenix-like eyes was an undeniable doting.

Dai Yu felt ripples in her heart.

The woman lying on the bed seemed to be sleeping, her breathing even. Her skin was pale, her lips red, and she possessed a complexion as exquisite as jade. This was the first time Dai Yu had taken a proper look at Chu Jin.

She couldn’t help but sigh, realizing that such a woman indeed existed in the world.

She seemed as if she had stepped out of an ancient painting of court ladies, perfect in every way. Although she was just lying there, she still gave off an aura of being out of this world, captivating and impossible to look away from.

These lines of poetry involuntarily sprang to Dai Yu’s mind.

The peony in the courtyard doesn’t need other flowers for grace; on the pond, the lotus is pure but lacks sentiment.

Only the peony is the true beauty of the nation, stirring Capital City when it blooms.

Although this was a poem meant to describe the lotus, it wasn’t the least bit excessive when applied to the woman before her.

She just lay there, doing nothing, yet still managed to draw everyone’s gaze.

This indeed was what one called a national beauty.

Even a beauty like Dai Yu could not help but admire her grace and appearance.

Seeing Mo Zhixuan remaining by the bed, Dai Yu couldn’t help reminding him, "Mr. Mo, I have prepared the bath..."

What she meant was that Mo Zhixuan could leave now.

A woman bathing, what was a man doing by staying on the side?

Ancient books stated, for a woman not yet betrothed, her reputation was of utmost importance.

"Hmm," Mo Zhixuan let out lightly from deep in his throat, then lifted his gaze and said, "Remember to close the door when you leave."

His presence was commanding, casually uttering a phrase like a sovereign from ancient times giving an edict, causing a jolt in one’s soul and an unconscious surrender at his feet.

"Mr. Mo?" Dai Yu lifted her gaze in disbelief, and then reminded him, "It is time for Miss Chu’s bath."

Could Mr. Mo not understand the implication of her words?

After a moment’s thought, Dai Yu continued, "Mr. Mo, I know you are concerned about Miss Chu, but after all, men and women are different. It would be more proper for me to bathe Miss Chu. Isn’t it inappropriate for you to be present?"

Mo Zhixuan then turned his head to look at Dai Yu, his distinct features shadowed under the light, adding a touch of mystery, his lips parting slightly, "I will bathe her, you may leave."

His voice was deep and magnetic, with a cold edge, very pleasant to the ear, causing Dai Yu’s breath to catch slightly and her heart to race.

The feeling was strange, yet also novel.

Dai Yu had perused many ancient texts from a young age, but none of those books had ever described such an odd sensation.

After a pause, Dai Yu came back to her senses.

"Mr. Mo, it is you who would bathe Miss Chu... this seems somewhat improper, right? Miss Chu and I are both women, it would be better if I did it."

Dai Yu instinctively didn’t want Mo Zhixuan to see Chu Jin’s naked body.

It had nothing to do with reputation.

Ancient books say that men and women should not touch, and after a girl comes of age, only her husband may see her naked body.

If Mo Zhixuan were to see Chu Jin’s naked body, wouldn’t he have to take responsibility for her?

This was somewhat unacceptable to Dai Yu.

"I am bathing my fiancée, is there a problem?" Mo Zhixuan’s expression turned slightly cold, every word as if dipped in ice.

What!?

Fiancée?

Dai Yu almost thought she was hallucinating.

She’s actually his fiancée?

This Miss Chu is truly envied for her good fortune.

Actually being able to have someone like Mr. Mo as her fiancé.

It took quite a while for Dai Yu to digest this significant news, a smile spreading across her lips as she looked up and said, "Of course, there’s no problem."

The master once said that she looked her best when smiling, like a plum blossom blooming in the midst of snow, or like a clear spring flowing through the woods, capable of making one forget all worries.

Therefore, she wanted to show Mr. Mo her most beautiful self.

Dai Yu calmly brought the wooden tray over to Mo Zhixuan’s side, "Mr. Mo, these are the clothes I have prepared for Miss Chu to change into. The bottle on the side contains the unique pills made by the master. Remember to dissolve three pills in the bath later."

Mo Zhixuan took the tray and said, "Thank you."

"Mr. Mo, you’re too polite," Dai Yu continued, "Then I’ll leave first, I’ll be outside the door. If you need anything, feel free to call for me."

Dai Yu behaved in an easy-going manner, as intimate as the girl next door.

Mo Zhixuan nodded slightly without a word.

He was accustomed to being aloof, and he seldom spoke much to those who didn’t matter much to him.

Dai Yu didn’t care, glanced at him once, then gracefully walked out and even closed the door behind her softly.

As she had said, she truly stayed outside the flower hall, her hands supporting her chin, gazing at the garden, her thoughts drifting far away.

Whatever she was thinking about, the brightness in her eyes grew stronger, and the curve of her lips deepened.

Inside, Mo Zhixuan carried Chu Jin through layers of gauzy curtains to the inner bathing area.

It wasn’t clear what kind of herbs had been put into the water, as it seemed quite pungent. The round wooden tub was also covered with layers of peony petals.

Next to the bathing tub was a soft couch.

Mo Zhixuan gently placed the person in his arms onto the couch.

The clothes she was wearing were likely also Dai Yu’s, a white button-up dress, simple in design and very elegant. Just undo the vintage-style buttons, and the clothing could be easily removed.

Mo Zhixuan slowly knelt down, his fair, slender fingertips slowly touching the first button, then the second, the third...

Soon, her exquisitely beautiful collarbone was revealed.

Her skin was fair, soft, and delicate, like smooth milk, turning red at the slightest press, leaving a mark.

With the buttons undone, and the sash loosened, the spring scenery was partially concealed, inspiring imagination yet arousing no wanton thoughts.

Looking at the person lying on the couch, Mo Zhixuan’s eyes deepened a shade, then immediately, without changing his expression, he slipped off her dress and carried her into the bath. The peony petals floating on the water quickly covered the spring sights of the bath.

Mist rose like a dream, shrouding her jade-like features in obscurity, extinguishing all worldly desires.

Her hair cascaded like a waterfall, spreading over the back of the tub. Mo Zhixuan looked at the scene before him and, as if inspired by a thought, stepped over, pushed aside the white gauze, and went to the outer room. He picked up a wooden comb and a white ribbon from the window sill and walked slowly back to the inner room.

Her hair was exceptionally soft, tangling round his hand, giving a feel akin to expensive silk, still carrying a hint of coolness, shining like black jade.

Liking someone meant liking everything about them, even her strands of hair seemed different to him from everyone else’s.

This was the first time Mo Zhixuan had combed a girl’s hair; his actions were unfamiliar yet deft.

The icy depths of his eyes were slowly thawing, revealing a warm tenderness.

Both decide to trim their hair, he too divides his silken tresses. In a private place, they tie a lover’s knot, pledging their hearts as one.

Dai Yu was still guarding outside, where time had barely passed, and the sun was no longer as intense. A cool breeze filled the air.

And with it came the figure of a young lad, "Junior sister, so you were here! No wonder I couldn’t find you anywhere."

The lad looked around eighteen or nineteen, handsome with a pleasant smile, emanating an inexplicable affinity.

"What do you want with me?" Dai Yu glanced at him indifferently, her interest seemingly lacking.

Although the lad called Dai Yu ’junior sister’, he was about her age. They had grown up together and could be considered childhood friends.

However, while the childhood friend harbored affection, she remained oblivious.

The lad’s eyes were attractive, warm, as if filled with a myriad of twinkling stars. He looked at Dai Yu with his hands behind his back, mysteriously hinting, "Junior sister, guess what nice thing I’ve brought for you?"

"What nice thing?" Dai Yu blinked, puzzled, raising her eyes to him.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read