Anyone looking at the couple strolling in the garden would have their hearts skip a beat. They looked magnificent together.
Hand in hand, they were both smiling, seemingly enjoying a hidden joke. King Jin had never been this happy before, maybe except with his little sister. But that was so long ago, and he didn't want to recall those painful memories right now. At this moment, he wanted to cherish the woman in front of him.
Yi Ling was thinking the same. She had always been afraid before. Her looks had brought her nothing but trouble. Now that she had an ordinary face, she felt at ease. King Jin didn't like her for her face; he always looked at her eyes, like someone who was trying to remember her soul and not her body.
Both of them were having the time of their lives. By noon, he invited Yi Ling to dine with him in the Main Hall. She agreed, mesmerized by him at the moment.
When they arrived at the main hall, Yi Ling couldn't help but remember her dream. At that time, King Jin was too cold. He didn't have the smile in his eyes and was yearning for a different woman.
King Jin didn't notice the slight pain in her eyes. Yi Ling kept her thoughts to herself. It wasn't time to ask, she thought.
The throne was the same as in her dreams. Maybe it wasn't a dream; she had met a young man and Mu Xin after that. If it wasn't a dream, who was that woman?
Yu Ran got a table set up in the Main Hall, so King Jin wouldn't be sitting on his throne. King Jin had ordered it secretly. He wanted to stand equally with her.
They sat down at the table, and the servants brought food and wine. Yu Ran had arranged everything with King Jin's favorites and some new dishes. He stood by the side, observing and making sure everything was alright. He also kept an eye on Yi Ling, noting which dishes were to her taste. If she became the King's Consort, he would have to serve her too.
They happily ate and chatted. King Jin asked about her childhood and where she came from. Yi Ling answered everything but didn't mention the bad parts. King Jin didn't notice any difference. She hid it all with a smile in her eyes. She was truly happy at the moment.
Half an hour later, Rabbit, who was always guarding Yi Ling in the dark, came out of nowhere. She whispered something to Yu Ran's ear. After conveying the message, she bowed and disappeared.
King Jin noticed everything but didn't say anything. Yu Ran walked to King Jin and whispered in his ear.
"Let them in. Let this King see what they came here for," he ordered.
"But your highness?" Yu Ran was hesitant.
"No buts, let them in." King Jin picked up some dishes for Yi Ling to try. Yi Ling was puzzled. It looked like someone had come. He doesn't seem to like whoever it is, though?
Looking at Yi Ling, her thoughts were transparent on her face.
"They are disturbing my time with you," he said shamelessly. Yi Ling's mouth dropped, and she blushed. He chuckled at her. He liked teasing and making her blush.
Yu Ran shook his head. The King was totally a different person now. He then left to welcome the guests.