Wei Linxia realized he was going to pin another large flower on her head that would “overshadow her face.” How could her husband be so relentless?
“Come, sit down,” Xi Linxuan said.
Facing south, Wei Linxia chose a seat on the west side, still not raising her head, feeling not just shy but also a bit angry.
“Why didn’t you sleep a bit longer? There’s still time before the audience, and the Emperor is currently holding a morning court that won’t end until almost noon,” Xi Linxuan said.
His casual tone made Wei Linxia feel sour inside. She knew imperial family relationships were cold, but this Emperor seemed to care so little about his son that it was no wonder Xi Linxuan never called him “Father Emperor.”
“Your Highness woke up even earlier!”
Wei Linxia spoke softly.
Xi Linxuan laughed lightly: “You woke up late today.” This made Wei Linxia blush.
A palace maid presented a large, unusual green peony that resembled carved jade. Wei Linxia admired its size.
Xi Linxuan picked up the flower and called for Wei Linxia. She stepped forward and bent down to pin the flower securely. Xi Linxuan seemed satisfied, remarking, “Not bad, not bad. This flower is really good.”
The light green flower on Wei Linxia’s head added liveliness to her deep black court dress. While it lacked the richness of red, it suited her calm disposition.
After breakfast, Xi Linxuan, in a rare good mood, took her on a tour of the Eastern Palace. Just before noon, a summons arrived, announcing the Crown Prince’s illness and his use of the Emperor’s sedan chair. Xi Linxuan glanced at the luxurious nine-dragon sedan chair and refused, turning to Wei Linxia: “Crown Princess, assist me in moving forward.”
“Yes,” Wei Linxia replied, stepping back and gripping the wheelchair’s sides.
Before, she had pushed this wheelchair only to pick a few flowers without so many people watching and not heading to meet the supreme ruler. Now, everything was different.
Because of Xi Linxuan’s refusal, the procession included palace maids and eunuchs leading the way, the Crown Princess pushing the Crown Prince’s wheelchair in the middle, with a nine-dragon sedan chair carried by four men behind, creating a strange sight.
