As the turmoil surrounding Gu Nianzhi gradually subsided, the palace seemed to return to its former tranquility. However, beneath this peace, several feelings were quietly blossoming.

That afternoon, Xiao Chengyu was practicing calligraphy in his study when a palace maid came to report that the Crown Princess Su Wanqing had arrived.

Xiao Chengyu quickly rose to greet her. She had a good impression of her soon-to-be sister-in-law. Su Wanqing was the legitimate daughter of Hanlin Academy scholar Su. Although she came from a respectable family, she was not at all pedantic. On the contrary, she was gentle, generous, and exceptionally talented.

"Is Yu'er practicing calligraphy?" Su Wanqing walked in with a smile, her gaze falling on the desk. "Such beautiful small regular script."

Xiao Chengyu was a little embarrassed: "I just wrote it randomly for fun, it can't compare to Sister Su's handwriting." She had seen Su Wanqing copy scriptures for the Crown Prince, and her handwriting was neat and elegant, making her feel ashamed of her inferiority.

Su Wanqing smiled slightly, walked to the desk, picked up the brush, and said, "I think the strokes of your character '永' could be stretched a bit more." Then she demonstrated.

The two were discussing calligraphy when they suddenly heard footsteps outside the door. Xiao Chengji was still in his court robes, clearly having just come over after court.

"Big brother," Xiao Chengyu called out with a smile.

Xiao Chengji's gaze fell on Su Wanqing, and he nodded slightly: "Miss Su is here too."

Su Wanqing quickly put down her pen, curtsied, and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince." Her demeanor was dignified, but her ears were slightly red.

Xiao Chengyu observed this and chuckled inwardly. Her elder brother was usually serious and composed, but his gaze would soften unconsciously when he was facing Su Wanqing.

"I was discussing calligraphy with Yu'er just now and got carried away. Please forgive me, Your Highness," Su Wanqing said softly.

Xiao Chengji walked to the desk, looked at the calligraphy model, and then at the characters Su Wanqing had just written. He smiled slightly and said, "Miss Su's calligraphy has improved more and more."

"Your Highness flatters me." Su Wanqing lowered her eyes, her voice even softer.

Xiao Chengyu cleverly found an excuse to slip out of the study, leaving the two of them inside. She peeked out from outside the door and saw her elder brother pick up a pen, seemingly teaching Su Wanqing something. The two were very close, and the atmosphere was warm.

"What are you looking at?" Someone suddenly tapped her on the shoulder.

Xiao Chengyu was startled. He turned around and saw Qi Mingyue. He quickly gestured for her to whisper, "Shh! Big Brother and Sister Su are inside!"

Qi Mingyue immediately perked up and leaned over to peek, covering her mouth and laughing: "His Highness the Crown Prince can be so gentle! It seems this marriage is a good match."

The two were whispering when they suddenly heard a soft cough behind them. Turning around, they saw Qi Mingxuan standing there, looking helpless.

"Two young ladies peeking through the crack in the door, what kind of behavior is that?" Qi Mingxuan shook his head.

Xiao Chengyu stuck out his tongue: "We're just concerned about our eldest brother." Then, lowering his voice, he added, "Cousin Mingxuan, do you think our eldest brother has feelings for Sister Su...?"

Qi Mingxuan glanced into the study and smiled slightly: "His Highness the Crown Prince is a man of deep thoughts, beyond my comprehension. However, Miss Su is intelligent and kind-hearted, and is indeed a good match for His Highness."

Just then, a young eunuch rushed over: "Princess, the Second Prince and that Northern Di princess are arguing again! They're almost coming to blows over at the martial arts training ground!"

Xiao Chengyu sighed. Ever since the Northern Di delegation left Princess Ashina Yun behind to "learn Central Plains culture," she and Xiao Chengrui had been like sworn enemies from a past life, arguing every three days and having a major fight every five.

When the group arrived at the training ground, they indeed saw Xiao Chengrui and Ashina Yun facing off with swords drawn.

"You Northern Di people are barbaric! Is this how you use a bow?" Xiao Chengrui angrily held up a bow.

Ashina Yun was not to be outdone, her beautiful eyes widening: "You Central Plains people are so old-fashioned! This is how we shoot arrows on the grasslands! Unlike you, who just put on a show!"

"Who are you calling a show-off?" Xiao Chengrui's face turned ashen with anger. "If you're so capable, let's have a match!"

"Let's have a contest! The loser has to bark like a dog!" Ashina Yun snatched the bow.

Xiao Chengyu was about to step forward to dissuade them, but Qi Mingxuan stopped him: "Let them compete. The Second Prince has been in a bad mood these past few days, it's good for him to vent."

"What's wrong with Second Brother?" Xiao Chengyu asked, puzzled. Xiao Chengrui had indeed been acting strangely these past few days, always seeming absent-minded.

Qi Mingyue leaned closer and whispered, "I heard it's about Miss Lin Chuchu."

"Lin Chuchu?" Xiao Chengyu remembered her. She was the orphan girl adopted by the Lin family, the magistrate of the capital. It was said that she was extremely skilled in embroidery, but was very timid.

Qi Mingyue nodded: "A few days ago on the street, Cousin Rui's horse got spooked and almost hit someone. Miss Lin stopped the horse without regard for the danger, but she herself fell and got injured. Cousin Rui felt bad and wanted to visit her, but the Lin family politely declined, saying that it was inappropriate for a young lady to see outsiders."

Xiao Chengyu suddenly realized. Her second brother, though seemingly careless, was actually the most loyal and affectionate, and must feel indebted to her.

On the field, the competition had begun. Xiao Chengrui's arrows never missed, displaying his superb archery skills. Ashina Yun, however, took a different approach, firing arrows repeatedly while riding at full speed. Although not as accurate as Xiao Chengrui's, he still displayed a dashing and heroic style.

In the end, it was a draw.

Xiao Chengrui snorted coldly: "You do have some skill."

Ashina Yun raised her chin and said, "You're not bad either." Her eyes were much softer than before.

The argument was resolved inexplicably.

At dinner time, Xiao Chengyu made a special trip to Xiao Chengrui's palace.

"Is Second Brother still troubled by Miss Lin's matter?" she asked softly.

Xiao Chengrui sighed: "If it weren't for her that day, the runaway horse would have hit a child... I owe her my life."

Xiao Chengyu pondered for a moment: "The Lin family has strict family traditions, so it is inconvenient for Second Brother to go. Why don't I go and visit her on your behalf? I happen to have some embroidery skills that I would like to ask her for advice."

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