Chapter 7: Unwanted Affection & Accidental Insults
The golden morning sun streamed through the carved window of the Mei estate, highlighting the silk drapes and paper lanterns. Mei Lin—or rather, Mei Xiao in Mei Lin's body—stared blankly at the bowl of congee in front of her.
"Young miss… are you alright?" asked a soft voice.
It was her maid again—Lan'er, the one who seemed half-concerned, half-terrified of her.
"I'm fine," Mei Xiao muttered. Then she poked at the congee. "But why does this taste like sadness and defeat?"
Lan'er blinked. "It's ginseng and lotus seed. Very nourishing…"
"Oh. Then sadness tastes nutritious here."
She sighed and stood up, her movements clumsy. Her legs still didn't feel like hers. Her hair felt too heavy. And her dress? She could barely breathe in it.
Great. I've transmigrated into an ancient noble lady… and I can't even eat breakfast properly.
Later that day, she was summoned to greet her "husband." That word still felt so… surreal.
Murong Jing He stood in the courtyard like a painting brought to life. Long robes, cold eyes, and an expression that screamed, Don't talk to me.
Naturally, Mei Xiao did.
"I hope you're not expecting me to call you husband. I barely know your name."
He lifted an eyebrow. "You said quite the opposite last night."
"Last night I was concussed. You can't trust a woman with amnesia and head trauma."
He stared.
She stared back.
A long silence.
Then she suddenly smiled, stepping closer. "You know, you're awfully grumpy for someone who married a beauty like me."
He turned away, robes flowing. "Do not get too comfortable. This marriage is political."
She scoffed. "Trust me, Ice Prince, I wouldn't have married you even in my dreams. Literally."
He paused. Was that… sarcasm