A slender hand picked up the handkerchief. Gu Nianzhi stood there, watching the graceful figure gradually disappear into the distance, her fingertips caressing the small magnolia embroidered on the corner of the handkerchief, a glint of determination flashing in her eyes.
In the distance, Qi Mingxuan, who was about to leave with the Crown Prince, inadvertently turned around and happened to see this scene. His gentle eyes darkened for a moment, then returned to normal, and he turned around to talk to Xiao Chengji in a low voice.
A spring breeze caresses the palace walls, bringing fragrance to the imperial gardens. Beneath the surface of this prosperous and glamorous era, something is quietly brewing.
A few days after the grand court banquet, the annual spring royal festival arrived.
The procession was magnificent, and the music was solemn. Xiao Chengyu, dressed in an elaborate princess gown, stood quietly beside the Empress, watching her father preside over the sacrificial ceremony. The sun was quite strong, and after standing for a long time, fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, yet she still maintained her dignified demeanor.
Suddenly, a plain cotton handkerchief was silently handed to her. Xiao Chengyu was slightly taken aback, and turned her head to see that Qi Mingxuan had somehow moved to a slightly behind her side, his gaze still respectfully fixed on the altar, as if he had done nothing.
She quietly took the handkerchief, her fingertips touching it, and discovered a few refreshing mint leaves wrapped inside. A warmth welled up in her heart, and she nodded slightly in thanks towards Qi Mingxuan. He remained focused on his work, but the corners of his lips curved into a barely perceptible smile.
This scene was witnessed by Gu Nianzhi, who was accompanying his father to the sacrificial ceremony not far away. He lowered his eyes, concealing the deep thought in them.
After the ceremony, everyone moved to a side hall to rest. The noble ladies surrounded the Empress and the princess, and Xiao Chengyu responded politely, but a hint of weariness was already showing in his eyes.
Xin Jiuwei gently patted her daughter's hand: "Go get some fresh air, come back in a quarter of an hour."
Xiao Chengyu felt as if she had been granted a pardon, and quietly retreated to the small garden behind the palace with two palace maids. Spring was in full bloom, and the crabapple blossoms were just beginning to open. She sat on the swing and swayed gently, finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Your Highness, are you well?" A gentle male voice sounded from behind.
Xiao Chengyu turned around and saw Gu Nianzhi standing a few steps away, bowing respectfully. Today, he was wearing a sacrificial robe, which made him appear even more upright and elegant.
"Young Master Gu, there's no need for such formalities." Xiao Chengyu nodded slightly, somewhat surprised that he would find his way here.
Gu Nianzhi straightened up, his gaze falling on her slightly tired face, and asked with concern, "The ceremony is long, Your Highness, are you tired? I noticed earlier that Your Highness seemed a little unwell, and I happened to have some homemade calming pills with me, which may help relieve your fatigue." As he spoke, he took out a small and exquisite porcelain bottle from his bosom and presented it with both hands.
"Thank you for your kindness, Young Master Gu, but I am fine." Xiao Chengyu did not accept the gift, but politely declined. In his heart, however, he thought, "Gu Nianzhi is quite thoughtful."
Gu Nianzhi did not insist, and naturally took back the porcelain bottle, then said, "Today's sacrificial ceremony, His Majesty's prayer was grand and magnificent, stirring the heart. Especially the eight characters 'May the mountains and rivers be forever secure, and the state be forever peaceful,' were truly the finishing touch. I wonder which great scholar from the Hanlin Academy wrote them?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Chengyu couldn't help but reveal a hint of pride in his eyes: "That was drafted by my elder brother, the Crown Prince, and Father Emperor personally revised a few words."
"I see!" Gu Nianzhi said with admiration. "Your Highness is so young yet possesses such insight and breadth of mind; it is truly a blessing for the Great Liang. I have heard that Your Highness still has a book in hand even when handling state affairs every day. Is that true?"
This topic piqued Xiao Chengyu's interest in talking. She and Xiao Chengji were very close siblings, and she loved hearing people praise her brother. So she immediately talked a bit more about Xiao Chengji's diligence in politics and his hard work in his studies.
Gu Nianzhi listened attentively, occasionally offering well-timed praises and adding a few insightful remarks, demonstrating his profound knowledge.
As the two were talking, Qi Mingyue's voice broke in: "Sister Yu, so you're here! Her Majesty has been looking for you!"
Xiao Chengyu turned around and saw Qi Mingyue walking quickly towards him, her gaze sweeping over Gu Nianzhi with a scrutinizing look.
Gu Nianzhi bowed calmly: "Miss Qi."
Qi Mingyue nodded slightly, then took Xiao Chengyu's arm: "Hurry up, the Empress can't do without you." With that, she half-pulled and half-dragged him away.
After taking a few steps, Qi Mingyue lowered her voice and said, "Sister Yu, why are you talking to him here alone? It wouldn't be good if someone saw us."
Xiao Chengyu chuckled: "It was just a chance encounter. We talked for a while about my brother, the Crown Prince. Young Master Gu is very knowledgeable and has excellent manners. He is not a frivolous person."
Qi Mingyue pouted: "You can know a person's face but not their heart. I feel there's something off about the way he looks at you."
"You've been reading too many storybooks," Xiao Chengyu said, lightly tapping her forehead, not taking it to heart.
A few days later, a calligraphy and painting appreciation event was held in the palace. Xiao Chengyu, who loved this art, naturally arrived early.
Today's guests were mostly literati and members of the imperial family, making the atmosphere much more relaxed. Xiao Chengyu was admiring a landscape painting from the previous dynasty when he suddenly heard someone beside him say, "Although the composition of this painting is wonderful, the brushwork is slightly lacking. It doesn't have the same charm as Your Highness's copy of 'Spring Mountains in Mist and Rain' from yesterday."
Xiao Chengyu turned her head, and there was Gu Nianzhi again. She was somewhat surprised: "How did Young Master Gu know that I copied 'Spring Mountains in Misty Rain'?"
Gu Nianzhi smiled and said, "I am from the same hometown as one of the eunuchs who serves as a painter in Your Highness's palace. I happened to meet him the other day and he mentioned that Your Highness copied this painting until late at night, forgetting to eat and sleep. It is truly admirable." As he spoke, he carefully commented on the exquisite aspects of the painting, offering unique insights that resonated with Xiao Chengyu.
Xiao Chengyu couldn't help but chat with him for a few more minutes. Gu Nianzhi seemed extremely familiar with her preferences; no matter which painter or style they talked about, he could always chime in with insightful comments.
Finally, he casually remarked, "I have a copy of 'The Collection of Recluses in Forests and Springs' at home. It is an early manuscript by the painting master of the previous dynasty, and some of the annotations in it are extremely exquisite. If Your Highness is interested, I can send it to the palace another day for Your Highness to appreciate."
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