She was worried, and so was Xi Linxuan. His thick book and narrow-sleeved outfit made it hard to conceal things. He couldn’t let anyone know his situation, so he felt anxious. Soon, he thought of a solution and softly called Wei Linxia over. She approached and saw a thick “Imperial Dynasty Mirror” on his lap, looking puzzled.
Xi Linxuan pointed to the top shelf, adding, “I thought the Grand Tutor or a servant might be here, so I didn’t bring an attendant.” Meaning he couldn’t return the book.
Wei Linxia nodded in understanding, took the book from his lap, and explained, “It’s almost a festival, and with fewer staff, the steward sent them to help in the front yard.” She thought to herself that the prince wasn’t telling the truth, as she had seen her father using this book yesterday.
After Xi Linxuan left, Wei Linxia opened the windows and doors to ensure no one was present, then pretended to organize the bookshelf. She moved books from the third row’s bottom shelf to the fourth row. Her father wrapped rarely-used books in thick scrolls and placed them horizontally, so switching the horizontal books would go unnoticed.
After completing this, she sat down and later took a genuine “Music” book and left during twilight.
Later, Xi Linxuan checked the third shelf but found nothing, thinking perhaps Wei Linxia had damaged a book and was afraid of her father’s scolding. When Wei Linxia next visited the study, she measured the shelf’s height, realizing Xi Linxuan could reach the book if standing straight. Thus, every time she saw him, she would subtly glance at his legs, and being sensitive, he noticed.
On another class day, Wei Linxia arrived early to inspect the servants’ table arrangements. Upon entering, she heard a thud and found the servants clustered around the bookshelves.
“What happened?” she asked. A servant replied that the Thirteenth Prince had fallen. This was serious – a prince falling was a significant event.
Wei Linxia hurried over to find Xi Linxuan awkwardly supporting himself on the bookshelf, carefully moving to his wheelchair with several books scattered around. They had fallen from the top shelf.
“Are you alright, Your Highness?” she asked.
“It’s nothing,” Xi Linxuan replied, annoyed.
“Next time, have the servants retrieve books for you,” Wei Linxia advised. “Though my father has them dust the shelves daily, they often slack off. Best not to touch it.”
She spoke at length, but Xi Linxuan only responded with a “Hmm,” glancing at the fallen books before rolling to his desk to read.
From today, Wei Linxia won’t keep staring at his leg, Xi Linxuan thought.
Today, Li Weiheng didn’t come to class; her family sent a servant to say she was unwell and would return next time. Master Wei didn’t care much, as a teacher would supervise. However, Xi Zhaoting appeared restless, frequently glancing at the bronze water clock on Master Wei’s desk, which Wei Linxia noticed too.
Master Wei suddenly proposed practicing calligraphy, asking what characters they usually practiced and whose works they copied.
After hearing their answers, he instructed each of them to memorize a section of “Li Sao.” Although they couldn’t guess his intention, the task was not difficult. Master Wei had gained fame for his calligraphy after passing the imperial examination through the “Filial and Incorrupt” recommendation. Earning his praise motivated them to put effort into their writing. Master Wei stood in front, solemn and lost in thought, making Wei Linxia feel uneasy and more careful with her brush.
After finishing and submitting their work, class was dismissed. Wei Linxia stayed behind to clean up and noticed her father still examining their calligraphy. She tidied up her small desk before leaving.
She soon forgot about the assignment, as reciting texts was common for her since she was three. Unexpectedly, on the third day around noon, a maid came to summon her to the study. Just awakened from a nap, she was hurriedly led away.
In the study, Wei Fengzhi was also present. Master Wei looked displeased, while Wei Fengzhi hung his head listlessly.
“Kneel down,” Master Wei commanded, slamming the table. The loud noise made Wei Linxia tremble, and she quickly knelt beside Wei Fengzhi, who glanced at her with a woeful expression.
Wei Linxia was puzzled about what rule she had broken. Master Wei threw a stack of papers in front of them—homework since learning to read and write, including recited texts, essays, and word games. Understanding the situation, Wei Linxia gave Wei Fengzhi a sidelong glance, which he returned.
“Stop making eyes at each other. Both of you go out and kneel. You’re not allowed to get up without my permission. Kneel for an extra hour,” Master Wei said, showing no mercy to his twelve-year-old daughter.
Knowing that arguing would be futile, Wei Linxia glared at Wei Fengzhi and stood up to leave. Kneeling on the cold stone path for hours would be devastating. To avoid future leg problems, she decided to play weak. Just as she knelt, two maids brought out thick dictionaries. Wei Linxia thought her father didn’t want to ruin their legs.
Little did she know they were to be held overhead.
One quarter-hour passed.
Two quarter-hours passed.
Three quarter-hours passed.
Wei Linxia’s arms ached, but she dared not lower them. Her father was watching from the study.
“Wei Chenli, I won’t let you off,” Wei Linxia whispered.
“One hour,” Wei Fengzhi said somewhat gleefully.
“Wei Chenli, forget about me helping you ghostwrite in the future,” Wei Linxia said.
“One hour,” Wei Fengzhi replied, slightly turning his head: “You won’t even have the chance to ghostwrite.”
” Their father would probably watch them write essays from now on – their good days were over.
“Hmph, just you wait,” Wei Linxia’s arms were killing her.
Li Weiheng’s cheerful voice came from outside: “Sister Shenbi…”
Wei Linxia and Wei Fengzhi looked towards the door. A figure in a light pink dress, her face once smiling, froze upon stepping into the courtyard. Behind her was Xi Zhaoting.
“Sister Shenbi, why are you kneeling?” Li Weiheng was surprised. In her impression, Wei Linxia had always been gentle and proper, praised even by the empress dowager. She couldn’t imagine her being punished. Looking at Wei Fengzhi, she realized and asked, “Was it Brother Chenli’s fault?”
Wei Fengzhi made a sound, neither confirming nor denying.
An extra hour of kneeling – father was brilliant.
Wei Linxia didn’t dare look up, especially in front of Xi Zhaoting – she was utterly devastated.
Master Wei came out to meet them. When Li Weiheng asked what Wei Linxia had done wrong, Master Wei said, “It’s nothing, just a family matter, a small issue.”
Xi Zhaoting looked at Wei Linxia, who wanted to bury her head in the ground, knowing Master Wei was doting and wouldn’t punish her severely for a small matter.
He noticed the sweat on her chin, indicating she had been kneeling for a long time. Because of the guests, Master Wei allowed them to get up after half an hour. Wei Linxia’s legs were numb, and she stumbled when standing. As Wei Fengzhi instinctively tried to help, she dodged. Master Wei then instructed them to reflect in their rooms. Her legs felt like ants were gnawing, and she trembled with each step.
While walking through the garden, she was unexpectedly bumped by Princess Yan. With her weak legs, she fell to the ground, landing in the damp grass, which left her in a sorry state. Her disheveled hair made her appear as if she had suffered severe punishment.
After a moment, Princess Yan regained her senses and inquired about Wei Linxia’s punishment. This question left Xi Linxuan stunned.
