“Has Your Highness inserted any needles today?” she asked.
“No,” he replied, slightly tilting his head. The eunuchs and palace maids sprang into action, and one palace maid brought tea for Wei Linxia.
“Miss Wei, please have some tea,” she said gently. Wei Linxia recognized her as the one who had been scolded yesterday.
Taking the tea, Wei Linxia felt much calmer today. The tea tasted better than usual. After finishing, she poured another cup and examined the pattern on the screen.
It was a painting of a fisherman in seclusion, featuring layered mountains, winding waters, a small cottage in the forest, and a boat by the water. However, the single human figure was often overlooked amidst the scenery.
“Is there something different about today’s tea?” Xi Linxuan asked.
“The tea? I just ate something salty,” Wei Linxia replied, regretting having another cup of water, which felt impolite.
“What did you eat?”
“Flower-steamed quail, jade bud soup, salted beans,” she answered, puzzled by the prince’s interest in such mundane matters.
“No wonder it’s salty. Feng Shou, go cut two slices of lemon and brew water for Miss Wei,” Xi Linxuan directed.
Soon, a eunuch brought a white jade cup with slices of pale yellow fruit floating in it. The drink was slightly sour with a hint of sweetness, refreshing compared to bitter tea.
Wei Linxia laughed happily, sending another cup to Wei Feng.
Days returned to their usual routine. Wei Lin often treated Lian Yi, but after Xi Zhaoting sent her once, he rarely accompanied her. His absence was fine; Wei Lin felt less nervous.
Lian Yi was not as enthusiastic in Xi Zhaoting’s absence and was reluctant to engage in conversation.
Wei Lin’s hope of hearing Lian Yi’s story seemed distant. However, she guessed that Lian Yi was previously a palace guard or worked in the Eastern Palace—not a eunuch, as he had a beard and his voice wasn’t sharp.
