On another class day, Wei Linxia arrived early to inspect the servants’ table arrangements. Upon entering, she heard a thud and found the servants clustered around the bookshelves.
“What happened?” she asked. A servant replied that the Thirteenth Prince had fallen. This was serious – a prince falling was a significant event.
Wei Linxia hurried over to find Xi Linxuan awkwardly supporting himself on the bookshelf, carefully moving to his wheelchair with several books scattered around. They had fallen from the top shelf.
“Are you alright, Your Highness?” she asked.
“It’s nothing,” Xi Linxuan replied, annoyed.
“Next time, have the servants retrieve books for you,” Wei Linxia advised. “Though my father has them dust the shelves daily, they often slack off. Best not to touch it.”
She spoke at length, but Xi Linxuan only responded with a “Hmm,” glancing at the fallen books before rolling to his desk to read.
From today, Wei Linxia won’t keep staring at his leg, Xi Linxuan thought.
Today, Li Weiheng didn’t come to class; her family sent a servant to say she was unwell and would return next time. Master Wei didn’t care much, as a teacher would supervise. However, Xi Zhaoting appeared restless, frequently glancing at the bronze water clock on Master Wei’s desk, which Wei Linxia noticed too.
Master Wei suddenly proposed practicing calligraphy, asking what characters they usually practiced and whose works they copied.
After hearing their answers, he instructed each of them to memorize a section of “Li Sao.” Although they couldn’t guess his intention, the task was not difficult. Master Wei had gained fame for his calligraphy after passing the imperial examination through the “Filial and Incorrupt” recommendation. Earning his praise motivated them to put effort into their writing. Master Wei stood in front, solemn and lost in thought, making Wei Linxia feel uneasy and more careful with her brush.
After finishing and submitting their work, class was dismissed. Wei Linxia stayed behind to clean up and noticed her father still examining their calligraphy. She tidied up her small desk before leaving.
She soon forgot about the assignment, as reciting texts was common for her since she was three. Unexpectedly, on the third day around noon, a maid came to summon her to the study. Just awakened from a nap, she was hurriedly led away.
