In the backyard of the Pavilion Office, apart from two guards, there was a woman in black clothes sitting there. The woman was slender, with her black hair piled high, revealing a snowy white and slender neck like a swan. As the Pavilion Head said, her face was covered with a black veil, leaving only a pair of deep and bright eyes visible.
"Old Liu, do you feel a cold draft in the air?" one guard asked, looking at the woman and accidentally meeting her profound gaze. A strange chill instantly swept over his body, and despite tightening his clothes, he still felt a chilling sensation.
Old Liu glanced at the woman, whispering, "Since this woman arrived, the room has never warmed up. I think she's the cause."
The other guard muttered, "In my mother's words, this kind of woman is a disaster, bad luck! Whoever marries her will be unlucky!" He clicked his tongue, looking at the woman's slender figure with pity as he shook his head. "No wonder she's still not married at this age. Mute and a disaster, who would marry her?"
Judging by her figure and half-covered face, the woman seemed at least twenty-three or twenty-four years old—a so-called 'old woman' in this era. Little did the guards know, their seemingly discreet whispers were heard word for word by the astute Jing Ni. Even the Pavilion Head's words from outside were clearly heard by her.
Jing Ni's calm gaze was like stagnant water. The negative comments from the guards didn't elicit any emotional reaction. As a top assassin of the Luo Network, her emotions had long been extinguished by endless killings, making her like an emotionless machine. She only needed to know what she had to do and what was required of her.
Finally, Jing Ni grew weary of this life. She wanted to end her existence as an assassin, like a robot awakening to consciousness, wanting to break free from a controlled destiny. So, she defected from the Luo Network, evading their pursuit and fleeing to this place. Coincidentally, a new decree was issued by Han Province. Jing Ni thought that marrying an ordinary person and living a mundane life would be good, allowing her to assume a new identity. Moreover, being far from Xianyang and within Han territory, she believed the Luo Network wouldn't find her easily.
Thus, she became the mute woman mentioned by the Pavilion Head, with her identity unconfirmed. Since her arrival, she hadn't spoken a word, communicating only through nods or shakes of her head, leaving no proof of her identity. So, the Pavilion Head decided to keep her in the pavilion's backyard, waiting to verify her identity before making any plans.
Coincidentally, Li Mo arrived late and hadn't chosen a bride. Under financial pressure, the Pavilion Head couldn't consider too much. By handing this woman over to Li Mo, he could save trouble, earn money, and even exempt Li Mo, a blind man, from military service. It was a win-win for all three parties!
Suddenly, the silent Jing Ni lifted her head, her deep gaze calmly looking toward the entrance. After a moment, three figures appeared. Seeing Li Mo, Jing Ni's calm gaze finally showed a slight disturbance—a kind of surprise, a kind of astonishment. It was a look that had never appeared in her eyes before! Jing Ni didn't expect that the blind man mentioned by the Pavilion Head would be such a handsome young man. Although he couldn't see, the warm and bright smile on his face shone like a light into the depths of her darkened heart.
With his hands in his sleeves, the Pavilion Head gestured toward Jing Ni. "There, take that woman away. I'll make a note here for you, so you don't have to go to the military."
Li Mo, unable to see, could feel the three presences in the room. Two were heavier, and one was gentle and steady. If one didn't pay attention, they might not even feel her breathing. After a quick assessment, the village leader furrowed his brow. "Is she too thin? She doesn't look like she could do any work."
Jing Ni's figure was extremely well-proportioned, with long and slender arms. But in the village chief's eyes, those thin arms and legs seemed like they could be blown away by a gust of wind. However, whether the village chief could knock Jing Ni away with a slap was unknown. But Jing Ni could definitely slap him to pieces!
The Pavilion Head, irritated, said, "Still picky? If not, go back and wait for military service!" He muttered under his breath, "No refunds for the money."
Li Mo's mouth twitched slightly, and he calmly said to the village chief, "Uncle Zhang, if I can get married, it's already good enough. I just don't know if this lady is willing to marry a blind man like me?" He held the bamboo stick in his hand and raised his hand toward the direction of Jing Ni's breath. After speaking, he hesitated for a moment, apologizing, "Oh, sorry, I forgot you can't speak."
"Here's the deal: if you're willing to marry me, nod your head; if not, shake your head." Jing Ni's gaze moved from the black cloth over his eyes to his sincere smile. She nodded gently!
The Pavilion Head grinned, "It's settled, then. A blind man and a mute woman—a perfect match. Let's go, lead them to the bridal chamber!" He impatiently waved his hand, eager to finish his work and spend the money Li Mo had just handed him on some drinks.