Chapter 455.1: a resplendent visage

Amidst the howling wind, every house had their doors and windows tightly shut, each of the residents tightly snuggled under the blankets as their homes were warmed by a heater. It was amidst this frigid night that a s.p.a.cious horse carriage stopped at the entrance of the small village located at the bottom of a mountain.

A guard leapt down from the horse and deferentially reported, Commandery Prince, we have arrived at Willow Village.

The clear voice of a man could be heard from within the carriage. Mmm.

Xie Yun then lifted the curtain, swiftly alighting as his white robes were illuminated by the moonlight. Observing his surroundings, he found an old sign by the entrance of the village that read, Willow Village.

This is the place Su Xi-er once lived in; 20 kilometres away from the capital. Its a desolate place that is self-sustained, and thus, they dont come into contact with outsiders. As a result, its considerably impoverished.

A woman dressed in colourful coa.r.s.e clothes was holding a bamboo basket as she happened to pa.s.s by. She had never seen a horse carriage before, and couldnt help but exclaim at how pretty it was. She then noticed the man standing beside it.

Dressed in white robes and extremely handsome. Those eyes of his are especially catching; twinkling like they can speak.

Xie Yun turned towards this woman.

Shes around 16 or 17 years old.

He walked forward and approached her with a smile, his gentle aura causing the woman to be smitten. Miss, where does the Chief of Willow Village stay?

Stunned by his smile, the woman found herself at a loss for words. Only when he called out to her again did she come back to her senses. The Village Chief stays at the easternmost side of the village, but hes probably asleep by now.

It was currently not the paddy planting season; making it inevitable that villagers in such an isolated area would sleep early.

You must be looking for the Village Chief because of urgent matters; Ill take you there. The young lady stared at Xie Yun.

Ive never seen such a good-looking man.

Xie Yun smiled. Many thanks, Miss. May I ask what your name is?

The tip of her ears flushed red upon hearing him ask for her name, and she lowered her head. Im called Su Miao, as in the miao in crop seedling.

The corners of Xie Yuns mouth curled up.

Surname Su. Theres only one family in Willow Village with the surname Su. She should be Su Xi-ers relative.

Thus, he continued to probe. Do you know Su Xi-er?

Su Xiao instantly froze, and her eyes widened as she stuttered. Su-su-su Xi-xi-er, you know my younger cou-cousin[1]? That year, she had no choice but to leave the village, and I havent seen her in many years. Everyone says that shes dead.

So it turns out that Su Miao is Su Xi-ers elder cousin.

Xie Yun couldnt help but pa.s.s a few more glances at her, noticing that Su Miao only looked delicate and pretty, a far cry from Su Xi-ers appearance.

Arent they supposed to be blood-related? Why do they not resemble one another at all? Or perhaps its because Su Xi-er is not the Su Familys legitimate child, but one born from her mothers illicit affair?

Su Miao, you dont have to take me to see the Village Chief. Ill just go straight to your house. Xie Yun replied with a smile before ordering the guard to wait.

Go to my house? Not only were Su Miaos ears flushed red, her face also blushed even harder.

He asked for my name, and he now wants to go to my house. Could he have taken a liking to me?!

Lets go, Su Miao. Xie Yun walked forward and patted her shoulder.

Su Miaos shoulder shook before she stiffly took two steps back and stammered, The village is small, and there are strict rules. Only my husband can enter my house. You should still go to the Village Chiefs house.

The reason for my visit is related to your younger cousin. It has nothing to do with the rules. His tone was gentle and his face was wreathed in smiles, causing Su Miao to enter a daze again as she stared at him.

1. Specifically, a younger female patrilineal cousin