When Wei Linxia’s knees began to ache, a voice came from slightly below her.
Xi Linxuan coldly said, “move aside.” Wei Linxia curtsied and replied, “Yes, Your Highness,” then stepped to the side of the corridor, head lowered, watching the wooden wheel roll across the blue stone floor.
She recognized his cold and ungrateful demeanor and expected to uncover more of his characteristics over time.
After the Dragon Boat Festival, Xi Linxuan returned to the Wei residence. Lady Wei’s maternal heart overflowed, especially when recalling the festival: “So many princes raced dragon boats, but the Thirteenth Prince remained on the shore. I wonder how he felt. Those ladies kept looking and whispering because he sits in a wheelchair. It’s truly embarrassing for our Huo nation.”
Her mother’s words helped Wei Linxia understand Xi Linxuan’s expression. Lady Wei continued, “The Thirteenth Prince’s sachet is too old. I wanted to make him a new one, but I’ve been unwell. Daughter, you’re skilled; would you make a sachet for him?”
Wei Linxia was initially reluctant, as a sachet was not a gift to be given casually.
But her mother explained that the Thirteenth Prince was the same age as her brother, so what could not be given? Moreover, it would be presented in her mother’s name. Thus, Wei Linxia agreed.
Given the prince’s status, choosing an embroidery pattern was challenging. She eventually settled on a snow pine tree. Embroidering it was difficult—often taking a whole morning to complete two branches. By the time it was finished, half a month had passed since the Dragon Boat Festival.
That evening, Lady Wei presented the sachet to the Thirteenth Prince. Rather than expressing gratitude, the prince merely nodded indifferently to the eunuch to accept it, which felt somewhat embarrassing.
This fellow was truly cold-hearted. What could touch his heart? Her hard work seemed wasted. Wei Linxia considered asking Wei Feng Zhi to retrieve the sachet but withdrew her gaze when she met his indifferent eyes again.
This Thirteenth Prince was truly difficult to like.
As she walked away, she remembered seeing Xi Linxuan wearing the embroidered sachet she had made. At least one prince appreciated her work, she thought, but when she looked back, she met his indifferent gaze. Wei Linxia hurriedly lowered her head and continued on.
