After the meal, the Thirteenth Prince smiled faintly and said, “Staying at the residence is indeed a disturbance. I’ll have my meals in my own room from now on to avoid making everyone uncomfortable.” His youthful voice carried a cool indifference, and even his smile seemed insincere.
Master Wei hurriedly responded, “Your Highness, you’re overthinking it. I’ve always required my children to be silent during meals and bedtime, so this is their usual manner, not a constraint.” He glanced at his son, who, despite his carefree attitude, only offered a polite smile at his father’s signal, showing no respect.
“Your Highness, please don’t take it to heart. You’ve just arrived and will get used to it soon,” Wei Linxia, who rarely spoke during meals, added. Master Wei nodded, grateful for her thoughtfulness.
Wei Feng Zhi started to call her sister but stopped, glancing at Wei Linxia, then smiled at the Thirteenth Prince. “Yes, Your Highness, please don’t take it to heart.”
His father, no longer needing his additional comment, shot him a stern look. The Thirteenth Prince finally seemed to notice the Wei family’s daughter and looked at Wei Linxia.
She was not as charming as the young lady with double buns who had disguised herself as a maidservant. If she had remained silent, she would not have drawn attention. But when she spoke, her surprisingly soft voice had a calming effect. Her smile was warm, appealing—much to his surprise.
After dinner, Master Wei sent someone to escort the Thirteenth Prince to rest. Behind closed doors, he glared at his son, who, hunched his shoulders and explained, “Dad, we’re both men. Saying such things would be awkward.” He glanced at Wei Linxia, who ignored him to tell her parents she was tired and wanted to rest. As soon as she left, Wei Feng Zhi followed, muttering, “Ouch, that kick to my shin really hurt. I wonder if you’re my sister or someone else’s.”
“I wonder if you were adopted, not helping Dad out and being unfilial,” Wei Linxia said calmly.
Wei Feng Zhi snorted and left. Wei Linxia sighed, wondering when her brother would grow up.
