After removing the veil, what awaited him was not a faceful of poison smoke or concealed weapons, but an exquisite face without the slightest flaw. Bright eyes, snow-white skin, a delicate nose, red lips—her brows and eyes held a beauty unlike any other.
The candlelight in the room slanted across her face. It was impossible to tell whether the candlelight illuminated her, or she illuminated the candlelight.
She was nervously studying the man so close before her. Her lashes trembled slightly, making it clear that her heart was far from calm.
Song Qingshu secretly marveled. Elegant, noble—this was likely the sort of goddess countless people dreamed of. If those swarm-of-bees-and-butterflies scholars in Lin'an City saw her true face, they would probably be overflowing with poetic inspiration, though he did not know what words they would use to describe her beauty.
But Song Qingshu had seen much in his life. After a brief moment of distraction, he coldly said, "What, are you planning to seduce me with your beauty?"
Gu Zixian shook her head slightly and said softly, "Of course not. It is simply that the descendants of our Dual Cultivation Manor have always observed a rule: after growing up, they may only show their faces to their parents or their future husbands..."
As she spoke, a few agate-red hues appeared on her jade-like, glazed skin.
Song Qingshu released her and pushed her aside. "I already have enough women. I'm afraid I can't enjoy such a blessing."
A flicker of embarrassed shame passed through Gu Zixian's eyes. She hurriedly explained, "That wasn't what I meant. I merely wanted to use this method to show that I had no intention of harming you."
Song Qingshu nodded to show that he understood. "By the way, why did your Dual Cultivation Manor establish such