Xi Linxuan pondered how it would look if the flower were on Wei Linxia’s head. After a long contemplation, he decided that the flower was more charming than the person.
Meanwhile, Wei Linxia lay in bed, pulling the blanket over her forehead in frustration. She couldn’t shake the memory of the afternoon, particularly the face she had seen through the flowers, which lingered in her mind despite her annoyance. It was just an accident, she told herself.
As Xi Linxuan’s birthday approached, Wei Linxia waited in the medical clinic to inform Young Master Jing. However, after waiting longer than usual, she grew restless. When Young Master Jing finally arrived, he was accompanied by an unexpected companion. They appeared very familiar, chatting and laughing together.
When Wei Linxia went to get her needle bag, her hand shook severely.
What had caused Xi Zhaoting to become so close to Young Master Jing? Weren’t they supposed to be at odds after their fight? If Xi Zhaoting exposed her publicly, it would not only embarrass her but also ruin the Wei family’s reputation and her father’s career.
As she worried, the curtain was lifted, revealing Xi Zhaoting’s face. He winked at her knowingly, but addressed her as a stranger: “Doctor Xia, ready for needling?” The curtain fell again, and Wei Linxia took a deep breath before slowly walking out.
Her hands were indeed trembling. After the needling, Young Master Jing inquired, “Doctor Xia, are you unwell? Why are you sweating?” Wei Linxia nodded and asked about his recent condition. The chubby doctor joined the conversation. Despite the crowd, Wei Linxia’s forehead was slick with sweat. She glanced at Xi Zhaoting, who remained composed, chatting with Young Master Jing as if he hadn’t looked at her.
Once the needles were removed, Young Master Jing mentioned he had something to discuss. Wei Linxia looked at Xi Zhaoting, who smiled at her. “This is my friend Zhao Ting.”
A friend of his has a leg ailment and heard about Doctor Xia’s excellent medical skills, so he came to request treatment,” Young Master Jing said.
Xi Zhaoting added that it was troublesome, clearly intentional.
Wei Linxia stated she only treated patients at the clinic and did not make house calls. However, after hearing about his friend’s long-term illness and weak body, she reluctantly agreed to meet.
“I’ll come the day after tomorrow,” Young Master Jing said.
“I wanted to tell you that I won’t see patients for the next two days due to family matters,” Wei Linxia replied.
After they left, Wei Linxia collapsed into a chair, her forehead covered in cold sweat. She wondered if Xi Zhaoting would expose her and what he would do to scare her during their two days at the villa.
To avoid going, she feigned illness when visiting Xi Linxuan after paying respects to her mother. Seeing the palace maid packing items for tomorrow, Wei Linxia tried to speak but swallowed her words.
“Wei Linxia, are you feeling unwell?” the person practicing acupuncture behind her suddenly asked.
“Ah?” The question caught her off guard; she hadn’t yet thought of an answer.
Xi Linxuan turned his back to her, slightly tilting his head to reveal a sharp side profile. He gazed outside, where the afternoon sunlight illuminated the courtyard but did not touch his face, which appeared somewhat lonely.
“If you’re not feeling well, don’t go. This birthday banquet will surely be boring. I don’t want to go either,” he said faintly, seemingly indifferent.
“It’s not that I’m unwell, just that I slept late yesterday and have a bit of a headache. I’ll be fine if I sleep early today. I can still attend tomorrow’s banquet. Your Highness, the Princess went to great lengths, pleading with the empress and the king. If you don’t go, it would hurt her feelings,” Wei Lindong said hurriedly.
Xi Linxuan remained silent and turned back. Unable to see his expression, Wei Lindong stared at his back. “Yesterday? Why couldn’t you sleep?” he asked, his voice sounding somewhat ethereal.
At this question, Wei Lindong’s face turned red, recalling the images from lying on the embroidered couch, especially with Xi Linxuan so close. Wei Lindong felt his heart race.
“Nothing,” he evaded, gently biting his lips.
Xi Linxuan faced the white wax figure and smiled softly, as if reminiscing about a happy memory.
The Villa mentioned by Yan Junzhu was located at the foot of Huo Mountain outside the royal city, known for its beautiful scenery and excellent feng shui. The area was home to many court officials. The owner of Willow Garden had lost it due to a crime, and despite interest from many, Prince Huo had not yet granted it to anyone.
Although visible from the city, Huo Mountain was not easily accessible. Wei Lindong and Xi Linxuan were called early by the maids to prepare for departure. Yu Mo noted that Wei Lindong seemed lacking in spirit, as if she hadn’t rested well. Wei Lindong gently shook her head; how could she sleep well? The thought of meeting Xi Zhaoting made her heart race with guilt.
Upon arriving at Willow Garden, Xi Zhaoting, Yan Junzhu, and two others were waiting. The two girls were chatting animatedly. Wei Lindong carefully lifted her skirt while getting out of the carriage, trying to keep her gaze lowered to avoid Xi Zhaoting. However, Li Weiheng quickly commented on her poor complexion and asked if she was unwell. This prompted Xi Linxuan to look over, and Wei Lindong forced a smile, explaining that she had lost track of time while reading and had slept late.
Xi Linxuan furrowed his brow, noticing Xi Zhaoting’s knowing smile, which deepened his frown.
Wei Linxia gently parted a few willow strands and tiptoed towards the water, seeing beautiful lotus flowers in full bloom. She discovered that the owner had built stakes in the water, large enough to accommodate two feet standing. The lotus pond had not been well-maintained for two years, and the stakes were mostly hidden by lotus leaves. If she hadn’t squatted to pick a burr from her skirt, she might not have noticed them at all.
Seeing no one around, and appreciating the design that allowed her to enter the pond, she stepped onto the stakes, carefully parting the lotus leaves with each step. Being close to the lotus and the flowers delighted her. She recalled a martial art technique learned by standing on high stakes in water, making her feel somewhat ethereal.
As she walked deeper into the pond, she saw withered flowers and some lotus pods. She tried to pick them but couldn’t reach, so she parted the leaves to find a nearby stake. So focused on her task, she didn’t notice a person in dark clothing standing in the half-pavilion carved into the stone wall at the pond’s depths.
Wei Linxia jumped around and picked a few lotus pods, using her clothing hem to hold them since her hands were full. As she reached the stone wall, she looked up and unexpectedly met a pair of mischievous eyes.
In the morning mist, Wei Linxia stood among the lotus, her clothing hem filled with pods, facing the person in the half-pavilion. She inwardly lamented her bad luck—who would have thought Xi Zhaoting would appear here so early?
Wei Linxia wanted to turn back but hesitated since Xi Zhaoting wasn’t speaking. She stood with her head lowered, as if having done something wrong.
“Looks like you’ve picked some lotus pods. I’m hungry, so give me those,” Xi Zhaoting said.
“The pavilion is too small to sit in. I’ll have my maid bring the pods to you later,” Wei Linxia replied.
“I won’t be hungry later. Come here,” Xi Zhaoting said, slightly annoyed. It was just a few lotus pods, and if he hadn’t gone without eating all year, he wouldn’t bother.
Wei Linxia was reluctant, still remembering the incident from the day before, feeling anxious about facing Xi Zhaoting directly. With no choice, she adapted to the situation.
