The chill of early spring was piercing, yet it could not halt the revival of all things. The earth was a sea of green, and delicate buds sprouted from the once-barren brown branches, swaying in the breeze.
This gorge was already filled with the hues of spring, with many blossoms on the verge of blooming, a remarkably pleasing sight. A small creek ran through the gorge, bringing boundless vitality to the area. However, beyond the gorge lay expansive dense forests, with towering trees reaching skyward, scarcely allowing sunlight to penetrate.
The scenery of the gorge was so enchanting that it often attracted people to enjoy a spring outing here.
On this day, in the gorge, a group of splendidly dressed youths rode in from afar, closing in. Each youth was attired in lavish garments, immediately marking them as extraordinary individuals.
The leading youth had a lean face, filled with arrogance, with a hint of coldness between the brows.
After the group halted, this youth dismounted and turned to another youth behind him, saying, "Young Marquis, let's camp here. The scenery is exceptionally delightful. Ah, forgive me, I forgot you can't see." The tone of apology was sincere, yet his eyes held no trace of regret, instead displaying a flash of barely detectable disdain.
"No matter, let's rest here then." The youth addressed as the Young Marquis was named Xiao Anning, the sole grandson of the current Duke Dingguo. Xiao Anning smiled faintly and dismounted gracefully. He was tall and poised, with extraordinary bearing and handsome features, exuding the warmth of a spring breeze. Yet, beneath his long eyebrows, his beautiful eyes were unfocused.
This elegant gentleman was surprisingly blind.
In the past, the Duke Dingguo followed the Emperor, expanding territories and saving the throne multiple times, earning the Emperor's deep favor. As the only grandson of Duke Dingguo, Xiao Anning naturally received much affection at home. Even his name, Anning, reflected the family's wish for him to live peacefully, prosperously, and safely throughout his life.
Born into such a distinguished family, it was expected many would envy and be jealous, but upon learning the Young Marquis Xiao Anning was blind, that envy and jealousy for many turned into pity and schadenfreude.
However, after the engagement of Young Marquis and the most talented woman of the time, Ji Liruo, it once again stirred a wave of envy, jealousy, and resentment.
That was Ji Liruo, the most talented woman of the day, the legitimate granddaughter of the current Prime Minister. Not only was she remarkably beautiful, but she was also gentle, elegant, kind-hearted, and exceptionally talented, even praised by the Empress for her brilliance and poise. Naturally, such an outstanding woman was not short of admirers. Upon hearing that the Emperor decreed the marriage of Xiao Anning and Ji Liruo, many were indignant for Ji Liruo.
Though Xiao Anning had a noble status, he was blind. Even if he married a beauty, could he appreciate her? Truly, a flower inserted into dung, squandering a treasure. How could the Emperor bear to use such a gifted woman merely to grant favor? How could he bear to let such a spirited woman wither away like that? Yet, these words could only be whispered in private; who dared to question the Emperor's decision?
While many voiced their indignation for Ji Liruo, she showed not a hint of complaint, quietly waiting at her residence to be married. Some who voiced their indignation for her were even rebuked by her, earning her even more praise.
Today, the one who invited Xiao Anning for the spring outing was Ji Liruo's cousin, Tan Weizhi.
Since Xiao Anning and Ji Liruo were to be married, as Tan Weizhi said, they were all family. Thus, inviting Xiao Anning for a spring outing was only natural.
And Xiao Anning's cheerful acceptance of the invitation made the group of youths who always followed Tan Weizhi cheer with joy. Someone of the Young Marquis's status was not someone they would ordinarily have the privilege or opportunity to encounter.