New Year’s Eve ended early, with only Wei Linxia and her mother keeping watch. As the Grand Tutor, her father had to accompany the King of Huo in the palace, and Wei Fengzhi had to follow Xi Zhaoting. They would usually have dinner at dusk and enter the palace, where officials sometimes had to stay until early morning for banquets. Thus, the family typically only reunited on the evening of the first day of the New Year. This year, the thirteenth prince, Xi Linxuan, from the distant capital, was an additional guest.
The gifts for Xi Linxuan had already been sent from the capital but were not generous. He was uninterested and had the eunuchs divide them to be given away.
During the watch night, Madam Wei brought Xi Linxuan and Wei Linxia to listen to the firecrackers and watch the fireworks. It felt somewhat desolate. Wei Linxia secretly observed Xi Linxuan, searching for signs of loneliness, but found none. He wore his usual indifferent expression. Wei Linxia felt dizzy from the meridian diagram and tired from accompanying Xi Linxuan up the mountain.
Before the bell of Lengxi Temple rang in the new year, Wei Linxia fell asleep in Madam Wei’s arms. A maid soon rushed in to announce that the Empress Dowager and the Queen had bestowed auspicious cakes. Madam Wei placed a pillow under her daughter and hurried out.
Although several maids were present, Xi Linxuan could not help but look at the sleeping Wei Linxia by the candlelight. For the New Year, Madam Wei had made her a festive reddish-brown dress embroidered with silver lotus flowers, along with two rarely worn hairpins. This made her appear more lively, resembling a girl about to turn thirteen.
“Yin Lingquan, Yang Lingquan…” Wei Linxia muttered a few names and paused, frowning before continuing: “Baili, Jieshi…”
“Still reciting lessons even in her dreams, what a fool,” Xi Linxuan thought.
Suddenly, firecrackers exploded outside like thunder, startling Wei Linxia awake. Momentarily confused, she blinked as she met Xi Linxuan’s gaze. He felt a sudden discomfort.
“Where’s my mother?” Wei Linxia asked, still lying on her side.
“A reward came from the palace, and Madam Wei went to receive it,” Xi Linxuan replied.
Wei Linxia responded with an “oh” and closed her eyes to sleep again.
