Chapter 68: The emperor and empress will be impressed
Once Xia Lin was done with everything, Hua Jing looked at herself in front of the bronze mirror and sighed dramatically. "Oh my God, I can’t believe I’m this beautiful."
Xia Lin’s lips twitched, and she laughed lightly. "You’ve always been very beautiful, young lady."
Hua Jing touched her face with an exaggerated sense of pride, tilting her head to admire her reflection. "That’s what I’m seeing too," she replied. Her tone was neither humble nor modest. Instead, it carried a playful confidence that radiated from her expression.
Her reflection was striking—her smooth, delicate features framed by hair styled perfectly by Xia Lin’s deft hands. She had a face that could inspire ballads, move mountains, and perhaps even start wars. It was the kind of beauty that demanded attention without even trying.
Xia Lin, watching her from the side, didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "Young lady, we need to hurry. The carriage will be here soon."
Hua Jing nodded reluctantly, a little disappointed to leave the mirror. This was one of those rare moments when she could look at herself and marvel at her beauty. She stood and adjusted her dress, her movements poised.
As much as she didn’t like being stuck in this strange world, Hua Jing knew she had no choice but to follow the duties of the original Hua Jing. If she wanted to avoid unnecessary suspicion or trouble, she had to play her part perfectly.
When Xia Lin left the room momentarily to fetch something, Hua Jing remained standing before the mirror, studying her reflection more intently. She leaned closer, her fingers brushing the intricate embroidery on her dress.
"If I have to live in this world," she whispered to herself, "then I’ll make sure the real Hua Jing has nothing to worry about when she returns. I’ll pave the way for her to live in peace, surrounded by these people."