Until it began snowing in Huo City, Xi Linxuan had not seen Wei Linxia in the study hall. The first snow in Huo City was fierce, and Xi Linxuan, who had never seen such heavy snow, found it novel. He had the eunuchs and palace maids open the door and place two large braziers to enjoy the view. As he watched, he thought of the palace in Yan City, where he had a secluded palace east of the east wing, near a lake where many eunuchs and palace maids had drowned annually. His wet nurses and nannies used to scare him with tales of water ghosts to keep him in bed while they drank and gambled.
A hand waved in front of him, bringing him back to the present. It was Princess Yan, dressed to go out. She asked, “Your Highness, we’re going to see the snow. Will you join us?” Xi Linxuan declined, and Princess Yan’s beautiful face showed a hint of helplessness. She smiled, “Thirteenth Brother, come with us. You must not have seen such beautiful snow in the capital.”
Of course, it’s not as good as our Yan Kingdom. If I can convince you, I can then ask Wei Taifu to let Miss Wei come.”
This long sentence touched Xi Linxuan only with two phrases: “Thirteenth Brother” and “Miss Wei.” Although his heart was turbulent, his face remained indifferent: “What does Miss Wei’s presence have to do with me?”
“Of course it does. If I can convince you, Thirteenth Brother, Wei Taifu won’t refuse my request. Besides…” Princess Yan’s face showed a small dimple, “Don’t you want to know why Wei Linxia was punished?”
“No,” Xi Linxuan said.
Princess Yan finally said, “Then I’ll tell Wei Taifu that Thirteenth Brother invites Miss Wei to enjoy the snow.”
“As you wish,” Xi Linxuan replied indifferently. After half a shichen and four cups of tea, he finally couldn’t bear it and agreed to go. Princess Yan then cheerfully jumped into the snow and ran away.
With Xi Linxuan’s consent, the six-person trip was set in motion.
Xi Linxuan was not good at walking, so he took a carriage. Wei Linxia also took a carriage. Yan Junzhu, dressed in a feminine male outfit, rode alongside Wei Fengzhi.
