August was approaching, and the summer heat was slowly dissipating. This was good for Wei Lindong, who was afraid of heat. After returning home and having a meal, she briefly rested before going to see Xi Linxuan.
Passing through the garden, Wei Lindong smelled a fragrance and noticed several newly bloomed jasmine flowers, pure white clusters reminiscent of jade hairpins. She had always loved these flowers but wondered why the gardener had planted them on a steep slope. At thirteen, she often had to jump to reach them.
Seeing the lovely flowers made her want to pick one. She jumped multiple times in frustration and decided to give up for now to see Xi Linxuan instead. Upon arriving at the courtyard, a eunuch informed her that the prince was taking a walk in the garden and would return soon.
With nothing else to do, she examined the acupuncture techniques on a wax figure. Less than a quarter of an hour later, Xi Linxuan returned, calm and composed. Wei Lindong expressed her delight, praising his progress and saying he might be able to apply needles in fifteen days, feeling as if the improvement was her own.
Xi Linxuan looked at her, still picturing a scene he had just witnessed: on the path below the slope, the wind carrying fallen lilac petals, a girl in a light-colored dress jumping to pick flowers swaying in the gentle breeze, failing multiple times and reluctantly looking back at the flowers.
“…Your Highness, are you listening to me?” Wei Lindong asked, frowning slightly.
Recalling the romantic young girl now furrowing her brow and looking at him, he knew she wouldn’t throw a tantrum. Wei Xiaoshi would never act mature alone but would be well-behaved when with a group.
“No,” Xi Linxuan said.
Wei Lindong twisted her mouth, with an “I knew it” expression, then repeated patiently: “Just be serious. Your leg will definitely get better.”
After treating Zheng Hai and Young Master Jing, Wei Lindong felt confident.
“Really?” Xi Linxuan wasn’t very interested. He wondered when he might see Wei Lindong express her happiness or unhappiness openly, like Miss Li.
“…Your Highness?” Wei Lindong frowned again.
“What?” Xi Linxuan asked.
Wei Lindong looked at his indifferent expression, perplexed. Although he usually liked to argue with her, he had never been so distracted. What was wrong?
“Your Highness, are you unhappy today?” Wei Linxia asked.
