"Wow, perfect," Lu Chen said, gazing at his reflection in the full-length mirror with satisfaction. He was utterly satisfied with the transformation. His once dull face was now radiant, a true result of the hard work of the past two weeks.
Shortly afterward, Jimin arrived with towels and perfume to prepare a bath for Princess Lu Mei.
Knock, knock, knock.
A knock sounded from outside, interrupting Lu Chen's reverie as he admired his new face.
"Come in," Lu Chen said without turning around, knowing it was Jimin.
As soon as the door opened, Jimin entered with light steps. But a moment later, his eyes widened in disbelief. He eyed his princess from head to toe.
"G-Greetings, Princess… Would you like breakfast or a bath first, Princess?" he asked politely, bowing slightly, but his voice was trembling.
Lu Chen turned his head slowly. His smile was faint but cold. Jimin almost didn't recognize the figure before him—how amazing Princess Lu Mei had become.
"Princess… i-is this really you?" Jimin asked, his eyes not even blinking.
"Hey, why? Don't you believe it's me, Lu Mei?" Lu Chen replied evenly, his voice cold yet compelling. "Do I look like someone else?"
"N-not that, princess," Jimin said quickly, waving her hands frantically. "I mean… you're different now! Very, very different! Your beauty is like a goddess from the heavens, princess. I almost couldn't recognize you because you were so stunning!"
Lu Chen lifted his chin slightly. He said nothing, but his lips curved slightly. A small, almost imperceptible smile—the satisfied smile of a general who had just conquered the battlefield known as beauty.
"Prepare the bath first, Jimin. I want to take a bath," Lu Chen ordered coldly yet gently.
"Yes, princess," Jimin replied quickly. But unconsciously, he muttered under his breath, "Even if you don't take a bath, your beauty won't fade, princess…"
Lu Chen heard the murmur and raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, Jimin?" he asked sharply, narrowing his eyes.
Jimin immediately froze. "Ah, n-no, princess! I'm sorry, this servant was presumptuous! This servant deserves to be punished!" he exclaimed quickly, then knelt down and bowed his head deeply.
Lu Chen was shocked to see Jimin suddenly prostrate. "Get up, Jimin! What are you doing? Don't prostrate yourself to me like that! I'm not a goddess!" he said, pulling his hand to his maidservant to help him up.
"S-sorry, princess…" Jimin replied softly, his face red with embarrassment.
"Okay, don't do something like that to me again, understand?" Lu Chen said flatly but authoritatively.
"I understand, princess," Jimin replied quickly, bowing.
"Good. Now prepare the bath, then prepare breakfast," Lu Chen ordered, returning to his firm tone.
"Yes, princess. This servant will prepare it immediately," Jimin said, and hurried off.
A few moments later, the bath was ready. Lu Chen walked to the bathroom with steady steps, while Jimin prepared breakfast in the dining room. After bathing and changing, Lu Chen donned an emerald green hanfu (traditional Chinese traditional dress). Her hair was pulled back into a graceful bun with a simple jade ornament—making her beauty even more striking.
Today, he planned to go to Chang'an, the capital of the Lu Empire. He was getting bored of being in the Cold Palace every day. Since arriving in this ancient era, he hadn't seen the outside world once. Today, he decided to go out and see what life was like back then.
After dressing, Lu Chen sat down at the dining table. Not long after, Jimin arrived with breakfast—fragrant porridge, hot tea, and fresh fruit. However, his eyes kept darting curiously at his daughter's appearance.
"Princess... where are you going? Why do you look so neat and charming today?" Jimin asked, finally unable to contain her curiosity.
Lu Chen put down his spoon slowly. "I'm going to the capital," he replied casually but coldly. "I'm tired of being in the palace all the time."
Jimin nearly dropped her tray. "W-what!? The Princess is going to the capital, Chang'an? But… but the Princess hasn't left the residence all this time! What if something happens on the way? This servant is so worried!"
Lu Chen stared at Jimin for a moment, then rolled his eyes lazily. He was holding back a laugh. If only Jimin knew I was General Lu Chen of the Lu Empire, 'The Frozen Blade,' he wouldn't have said this.
"Calm down, Jimin," he finally said. "I can protect myself. You don't need to worry. I'm skilled in martial arts and swordplay. No one will be able to touch me in the slightest."
Jimin was immediately stunned. "S-skilled in martial arts and swordplay?" he muttered, confused. He knew full well that Princess Lu Mei had never studied martial arts, let alone swordsmanship. "Excuse me, Princess… but since when did you become skilled in martial arts and swordplay?"
Lu Chen was silent for a moment, then chuckled. "Haha, you ask too many questions, Jimin. Just think of me as just learning. Who knows, maybe I have a hidden talent I haven't realized yet?"
"But…" Jimin still looked hesitant. "I'm just afraid that Princess will get hurt. The outside world is full of dangers. There are many foreigners, unscrupulous merchants, and even thieves in the capital city of Chang'an."
Lu Chen looked at her with a confident smile. "Danger? Danger is my friend, Jimin. I'm used to it. You don't need to worry. Besides, I'm just going for a short walk and see the city."
"At least bring a few bodyguards, Princess," Jimin requested gently. "So you'll be safer."
"No need," Lu Chen replied quickly. "I don't like crowds. Besides, I don't want to attract anyone's attention. You know, with a face like this, I could bring an entire market to a standstill just because everyone would be staring at me."
Jimin chuckled nervously. "Hehe, that may be true, Princess. But that's precisely why you must be careful. The men might swoon, but the women might be jealous and spread rumors throughout the palace."
Lu Chen smiled lopsidedly as he took off his veil. "That's why I'm wearing this. If I go out without it, the entire city of Chang'an could be in chaos. I don't want to cause trouble just because of this beauty."