Wei Linxia focused on embroidering the fragrance pouch as her brother, Wei Fengzhi, returned home after days away, supposedly accompanying Xi Zhaoting in his studies. He had a red mark on the right side of his face, which he claimed was from a willow branch, avoiding further questions from his father. He also brought a message from the Empress Dowager, stating that Lady Wei hadn’t visited the palace recently and needed companionship.
Lady Wei looked at her husband, who stroked his beard thoughtfully. Wei Fengzhi’s gaze darted between his parents before settling on his sister, Wei Linxia, where an exaggerated smile spread across his face, catching even the usually silent prince’s attention.
Wei Linxia calmly returned his gaze, prompting Wei Fengzhi to emit a strange “hehe” sound.
“That mark on brother’s face looks quite like father’s disciplinary whip, doesn’t it, mother?” Wei Linxia’s tone was seemingly concerned.
Xi Linxuan noticed a whip-like mark on Wei Fengzhi’s face.
Wei Fengzhi’s face flushed. “Nonsense! It was a willow branch…”
“Oh, a willow branch. The palace has introduced a new variety, how interesting,” Wei Linxia replied smoothly.
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Wei Fengzhi hastily bowed to Xi Linxuan and his parents before fleeing. Xi Linxuan also took his leave, with the eunuch pushing his wheelchair and asking if he was returning to his room. Xi Linxuan merely tilted his head, and the eunuch fell silent.
Xi Linxuan pondered Wei Fengzhi’s peculiar look when mentioning the old empress dowager and the brief exchange between the Wei couple. He didn’t dwell on it; compared to his neglected mother in the palace, everyone else was inconsequential, including the emperor who bestowed noble blood but not status. His brothers called the emperor “father,” but as a child of a palace maid, he had no such right. He had only seen his father once in fifteen years.
Prince Xun stayed in the palace for two days before the Dragon Boat Festival, a grand celebration in Yan, which Xi Linxuan hated, just like many other things. He deeply despised those who easily gave up their lives.
Sitting in his wheelchair, Xi Linxuan coldly observed the Wuli Lake below, where noble young masters raced dragon boats to the cheers of elegantly dressed ladies on the shore.
