Inside, only soft breathing sounds remained. Wei Linxia clenched her fists, reluctantly held in his embrace.
“I want to get up,” she murmured, aware it might invite laughter.
“Will you listen next time?” Xi Linxuan’s hand drew circles on her back.
She nodded.
“Hmm?” He was dissatisfied with her lack of conviction.
“I’ll listen.” The response was barely audible.
“Don’t listen.” His capricious expression returned.
“Ah?”
Wasn’t it Your Highness who told me to listen?” Wei Linxia accused.
“If you don’t listen to me, how will I find a reason to punish you?” Xi Linxuan’s mouth was close to her ear, his breath sending chills down her spine.
The darkness concealed her blush as Weilingxia pushed him away, dragged the blanket, and got out of bed. Using the faint light outside, she quickly changed. Just then, a voice came from outside: “Your Highness, shall we prepare the evening meal?”
Flustered, Weilingxia struggled with her ribbons. A candle had been lit, and when she turned around, she saw Xi Linxuan standing there in his inner garments, his two ribbons in her hand tangled.
“Come and serve me,” he said, then gently beckoned: “Crown Princess, come and help me.”
As palace maids and eunuchs entered, Weilingxia, though displeased, moved closer to assist him.
“These two ribbons are tied incorrectly. Come here,” Xi Linxuan said again.
Weilingxia reluctantly stood before him, head lowered, watching as his larger hands untangled and retied the ribbons, softly criticizing her: “So clumsy.”
Because of this episode, when bedtime came, Weilingxia hardly dared to approach the bed.
Xi Linxuan seemed not tired, sitting by the desk reading.
Weilingxia suddenly remembered Li Weiheng’s situation and sat across from him: “Your Highness, I have a request.”
Xi Linxuan didn’t lift his eyelids, his fingers turning a page: “What?”
“I heard that Official Wang from the Eastern Palace will be accompanying this northern journey. Would it be possible for Miss Li to remain in the capital?” Weilingxia asked.
Xi Linxuan glanced at her: “Stop worrying.”
“Your Highness, although Empress Dowager Huo has betrothed them, the six rites have not been performed. Henger is not yet truly Wang family’s wife. If she follows north, it would be improper,” Weilingxia argued.
“Fine, I agree. Anything else?” Xi Linxuan asked.
“No,” Weilingxia thought he seemed quite reasonable today.
