Due to the Empress’s grand funeral, Wei Linxia’s wait extended by three months. When the white decorations were finally removed, the vermilion box containing Xi Linxuan’s memorial was solemnly returned by palace eunuchs. Upon opening it, they found only a small pile of ash—its meaning self-evident.
To Wei Linxia, the ash symbolized her hopes being burned in a bronze basin.
After that, Xi Linxuan attended court more often, while the Eastern Palace remained quiet.
Wei Lindong understood that people came and went, but she remained isolated within the inner palace, feeling that some things were beyond her control.
Her daughter, Xi Yaya, had grown, exhibiting a carefree personality unlike her parents. After visiting her grandmother in the palace, she was restless and smeared something on half her cheek. Wei Lindong wiped her clean with a silk handkerchief.
“Just because he raised her for a year, how did she become so carefree? Xi Yaya, you’re really good at learning the wrong things.” Wei Lindong tapped her daughter’s forehead. The little girl thought it was a game and playfully tapped back with her tiny finger.
Upon seeing her mother’s amused expression, Xi Linxuan, now able to walk without a wheelchair, looked increasingly elegant and handsome. Wei Lindong inquired, “Is there something dirty on your mother’s face?”
Wei Lindong remarked that Her Majesty had missed Xi Linxuan, but with a granddaughter now, she was less concerned about him. He opened his mouth as if to speak but paused, knowing that some things were inevitable and explanations were unnecessary.
Now, they, or rather all the princes, were merely chess pieces in the power struggle between the Emperor and the court officials.
“Wei Shenbi, have you learned to cook?” Xi Linxuan asked suddenly.
“With so many people in the Eastern Palace, why would I need to cook? Besides, I have this little demon to watch, and there’s plenty of time. But Your Highness, haven’t you been too busy lately? Your complexion doesn’t look good. I’ll have the kitchen prepare some ginseng soup for you,” Wei Lindong replied.
“No excuses. Learn culinary skills properly,” Xi Linxuan said, holding their daughter, “Don’t let her grow up without a good role model.”
