Since that eye contact under the sun and moon, Xiao Chengyu and Qi Mingxuan seem to have developed a tacit understanding.
He continued to enter the palace every day to lecture and discuss affairs, while she continued to practice calligraphy and painting in the imperial study. The two got along as usual, but their eyes would always meet unintentionally before they would quickly look away.
On this day, Xiao Chengyu was copying a painting titled "Autumn Mountains and Asking the Way," while Qi Mingxuan gave him pointers on brushwork.
“The brushstrokes here could be a bit more sparse.” He took her hand and guided the brushstrokes, “This way… it will have the fresh and clean feel of mountains and forests.”
His palms were warm and dry, carrying a faint scent of ink. Xiao Chengyu's heart trembled slightly, his brush paused, and a blot of ink spread out.
"I have been impolite." Qi Mingxuan immediately released his grip and took a half step back.
Looking at the ruined painting, Xiao Chengyu said softly, "It's alright... I wasn't focused enough."
The atmosphere became subtly awkward. A gust of autumn wind blew past the window, swirling up a few fallen leaves.
"Your Highness seems to have lost some weight recently," Qi Mingxuan suddenly said. "Is something on your mind?"
Xiao Chengyu put down his pen and looked out the window: "I was just thinking about... Sister Yun's marriage. Although the Northern Barbarians are temporarily at peace, the journey is still long and arduous..."
Qi Mingxuan said gently, "The Second Prince has petitioned His Majesty to establish a residence in the Northern Frontier after the marriage, and will only be stationed in the Northern Barbarian territory for half a year each year. Princess Yun does not need to reside in the northern desert for an extended period."
Xiao Chengyu was taken aback: "Second Brother actually agreed..."
"What wouldn't I do for the one I love?" Qi Mingxuan looked at her with deep eyes. "Even if it's a long journey, if we can be together all the time, I'll gladly accept it."
Xiao Chengyu's heart skipped a beat, and he lowered his eyes without saying a word.
At that moment, a palace attendant announced: "The Crown Princess has arrived!"
Su Wanqing entered gracefully, and upon seeing the two of them, she was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "I thought Yu'er was practicing painting here alone, but I didn't expect Mingxuan to be here as well."
Qi Mingxuan bowed and said, "Your subject is about to take his leave."
Su Wanqing said, "Wait a minute. There is something I need to trouble Mingxuan with—next month is the Empress Dowager's birthday, and Yu'er and I want to embroider a 'Hundred Longevity Characters' together, which will include a hundred different styles of the character '寿' (longevity). Mingxuan's calligraphy is the best; could you write a sample for us?"
Qi Mingxuan naturally agreed. Su Wanqing then said to Xiao Chengyu, "Several Suzhou embroidery masters have recently arrived at the needlework bureau. Would you like to go and take a look? We can choose some silk thread."
Xiao Chengyu nodded, and the two of them headed to the needlework shop together. Qi Mingxuan watched them leave before turning and leaving the palace.
On the way, Su Wanqing suddenly said softly, "Mingxuan's gaze towards you is different from before."
Xiao Chengyu stumbled and nearly fell: "Sister-in-law, what nonsense are you talking about..."
Su Wanqing helped her up, smiling slightly. "Though I may be slow-witted, I still have a good eye. Besides..." she lowered her voice, "This morning I went to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager, and Mingxuan happened to bring over some newly blended calming incense. The Empress Dowager asked him if he had any wishes, and guess what he said?"
Xiao Chengyu's heart pounded: "What...did he say?"
“He said—” Su Wanqing paused deliberately, and seeing Xiao Chengyu holding his breath, she smiled and said, “I only wish that the mountains and rivers are safe and sound, and that my relatives and friends are healthy.”
Xiao Chengyu breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt inexplicably lost.
Seeing her expression, Su Wanqing sighed softly, "What a fool. He said that because he didn't want to put Mother in a difficult position." She took Xiao Chengyu's hand, "Yu'er, do you know why Mingxuan hasn't proposed marriage yet?"
Xiao Chengyu shook his head.
"I heard that the Xie family wanted to arrange a marriage last year, but he politely declined," Su Wanqing said in a low voice. "He wasn't even interested in a girl as talented and beautiful as Xie Ling'er. Why do you think that is?"
Xiao Chengyu was in a state of turmoil, and could only say, "Perhaps... our time has not yet come."
Su Wanqing gave her a meaningful look and said nothing more.
Upon arriving at the needlework workshop, they indeed saw several embroiderers demonstrating the exquisite skills of Suzhou embroidery. Among them, a girl with striking features particularly caught their eye—it was Qin Sang.
"Miss Qin?" Xiao Chengyu asked in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
Qin Sang bowed and said, "Your Highness, I am somewhat skilled in needlework. I was fortunate to be appreciated by the Crown Princess and have come here to assist you."
Su Wanqing smiled and said, "Miss Qin's double-sided embroidery is truly exceptional. I specially invited her." As she spoke, she showed a handkerchief, with butterflies and flowers embroidered on both sides, lifelike.
Xiao Chengyu was full of praise, but also puzzled: "Is Mr. Qin well? Isn't the young lady at home taking care of him?"
Qin Sang's expression darkened: "My father... is still bedridden. Fortunately, General Xin has invited the imperial physician to treat him every day, so his life is not in danger, but..." She bit her lip, "but the family's savings are almost gone, so I have to find some work."
Xiao Chengyu understood. It seemed that Xin Rui, that hothead, hadn't yet come up with a way to directly help.
After selecting the silk threads, Xiao Chengyu deliberately stayed until the end and said to Qin Sang, "If you have any difficulties, please feel free to come to me."
Qin Sang said gratefully, "Thank you for your concern, Princess. Actually..." She hesitated for a moment, "General Xin has already helped a lot, but I don't want to receive such kindness for nothing..."
Just then, Xin Rui's voice came from outside: "Qin Sang! I brought you..."
The words abruptly stopped. Xin Rui stood at the door carrying a food box. Seeing Xiao Chengyu there, she immediately became flustered: "Princess..."
Xiao Chengyu smiled and asked, "Cousin Rui, who did you bring these snacks for?"
Xin Ruijun blushed and stammered, "I just... bought it on the way... didn't Miss Qin want to try the new acupuncture technique? How can she go hungry..." He shoved the food box into Qin Sang's hands and ran away.
Qin Sang held the food box, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
Xiao Chengyu chuckled inwardly; it seemed her cousin had finally seen the light.
Upon returning to the palace, she found Xiao Chengrui waiting anxiously in front of her.
"Yu'er! You're finally back!" He rushed to greet her. "Quickly, help me think of a way!"
"What's wrong with Second Brother?"
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