He noticed Xi Zhaoting at the bow of a victorious dragon boat, waving triumphantly. Li Weiheng, beside Lady Li, gleefully exclaimed, “Brother Zhaohuan won!” Her cheerful voice soon became irksome to him.
Moments later, Li Weiheng approached him, her almond eyes shining with joy as she clutched his hand. “Brother Zhaohuan won,” she repeated. He typically disliked being touched, but her expression softened his irritation. After a brief pause, he withdrew his hand, causing her face to flush red, reminiscent of a peach’s delicate hue. She hurried away, followed by laughter from the women, which left Xi Linxuan feeling uncomfortable. He suddenly looked up and met a pair of eyes that held neither joy nor mockery, as if they had merely crossed paths.
Xi Linxuan did not look away, but the owner of those eyes did, quietly observing the lake’s surface. Soon, Xi Zhaoting approached the pavilion triumphantly, presenting the flag he won in the dragon boat race to the Queen Dowager and Queen, looking proud. Xi Linxuan turned away, not wanting to watch.
He despised those who were full of spirit, believing it was something he could never possess.
After the dragon boat race, the Queen Dowager, feeling tired, decided to return to the palace for rest before the evening lake tour. As palace maids helped her up, she smiled and gestured to Wei Linxia, “I can’t compare to you young people. I need to rest. Linxia, come, send me back to the palace and chat with me.”
Wei Linxia obediently assisted the Queen Dowager downstairs and back to the palace.
Xi Linxuan found it strange that, with so many noble ladies present, she specifically chose Wei Linxia. He suspected there must be a unique reason. Xi Zhaoting followed under the pretext of escorting the Queen Dowager, walking beside Li Weiheng, who was discreetly placing something from her sleeve into Xi Zhaoting’s hand. Though he could not see their expressions, he imagined they must be pleased.
Just then, Li Weiheng suddenly looked up, met Xi Linxuan’s gaze, and quickly lowered her head, quickening her steps.
Upon arrival at the Queen Dowager’s Shouan Palace, Xi Zhaoting attempted to slip away.
