Time flies, and early summer has arrived in the blink of an eye. Within the palace, various romantic feelings are quietly growing like vines, but beneath the calm surface, undercurrents are surging.
On this day, Xiao Chengyu was in the palace reading through folk customs records presented from various places when he suddenly heard a palace servant report that Xie Ling'er was requesting an audience.
"Please come in quickly." Xiao Chengyu put down his book, somewhat surprised. Xie Ling'er was introverted and never took the initiative to enter the palace.
Before long, Xie Ling'er entered gracefully, holding a scroll in her hands, but her expression showed some unease.
"Ling'er, is something the matter?" Xiao Chengyu asked softly, gesturing for her to sit down and talk.
Xie Ling'er hesitated for a moment, then finally presented the scroll: "When I was organizing my paintings the other day, I found this one... and I think it should be shown to the princess."
Xiao Chengyu unfolded the scroll in confusion, then froze in shock.
The painting is titled "Ladies in Spring Garden," depicting a scene of people enjoying flowers in the Imperial Garden this spring. The ladies in the painting are in small groups, chatting and laughing. The brushwork is exquisite, and the colors are elegant, making it a truly superior work. However, what shocked her was that her figure stood out exceptionally in the painting. Not only was she located in the center of the picture, but her clothing and hairstyle were also depicted with extreme detail, and even the smile in her eyebrows and eyes was lifelike.
What alarmed her even more was that, in addition to Xie Ling'er's seal, there was a line of small characters at the end of the inscription: "In the spring of Bingchen year, I visited the Imperial Garden with Yu'er. Recorded by Mingxuan."
This handwriting...it's clearly Qi Mingxuan's!
Xiao Chengyu's fingertips trembled slightly as he looked up at Xie Ling'er: "What... what's going on?"
Xie Ling'er said softly, "Some time ago, Young Master Qi came to the manor to discuss painting with my grandfather. Seeing that I was painting this picture, he picked up his brush and added a few things... This inscription was also his..." Her voice trailed off, her cheeks flushed, "I felt it was inappropriate, but Young Master Qi said... it was alright to say so..."
Xiao Chengyu's mind was in turmoil. Qi Mingxuan was always cautious; how could he have done something so reckless? This inscription was extremely ambiguous; if it were to get out...
"Who else has seen this painting?" she asked urgently.
Xie Ling'er shook her head: "Besides myself and Young Master Qi, there is no one else. I feel uneasy, so I came to report to the princess."
Xiao Chengyu felt slightly relieved and carefully rolled up the scroll: "Ling'er, I know about this matter. This painting... shall we leave it with me for now?"
Xie Ling'er nodded quickly: "It is up to the princess to decide."
After seeing Xie Ling'er off, Xiao Chengyu sat alone in the hall, gazing intently at the painting. The painting depicted him smiling radiantly, his eyes displaying an unprecedented shyness—a look reminiscent of Qi Mingxuan's work.
Her mind was in turmoil. Qi Mingxuan had always treated her with gentleness and consideration, which she had always taken as brotherly affection, never giving it much thought. But this painting... this inscription...
"What are you thinking about so intently, Yu'er?" Xiao Chengji's voice suddenly rang out.
Xiao Chengyu was startled and quickly hid the scroll behind his back: "N-nothing...it's nothing."
Xiao Chengji raised an eyebrow and walked up to her: "What good things are you hiding that even your elder brother can't see?"
Xiao Chengyu hesitated and remained silent. Xiao Chengji did not press him, only saying, "We just received an urgent report from the border that there has been an internal change in the Northern Barbarians, with the pro-war faction gaining the upper hand. Ashina Yun will probably not be able to stay for long."
Xiao Chengyu was taken aback: "Does Sister Yun know?"
"I haven't informed them yet." Xiao Chengji's expression was solemn. "Chengrui's side... I'm afraid there's going to be some trouble."
As they were talking, they suddenly heard a commotion outside. The brother and sister exchanged a glance and quickly went outside the hall.
Xiao Chengrui stormed out of the palace, his face pale, as Ashina Yun followed behind.
"Second Brother! Sister Yun! What happened?" Xiao Chengyu rushed forward.
Xiao Chengrui stopped abruptly, his eyes bloodshot: "She's leaving! People from the Northern Di are coming to take her back!"
Ashina Yun bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes: "I didn't mean to hide it from you... I only found out this morning..."
"What did you find out? You found out you're going back to marry that tribal chief?" Xiao Chengrui practically roared. "Are all Northern Di women this heartless and ungrateful?"
Ashina Yun's face turned deathly pale. She raised her hand to strike him, but her hand fell limply halfway up, and tears finally streamed down her face: "Xiao Chengrui! You bastard! If I were heartless, why would I argue with you every day! If I were heartless, why would I..."
She choked up, then abruptly turned and ran away.
Xiao Chengyu hurriedly sent a palace maid to chase after them, while he himself pulled back the furious Xiao Chengrui: "Second brother! Calm down! Sister Yun must have her reasons!"
Xiao Chengrui shook off her hand and slammed his fist into a pillar, blood immediately seeping from his knuckles: "What excuse! She's clearly just playing with me!"
"Enough!" Xiao Chengji shouted coldly, "What kind of behavior is this, befitting a prince!"
Xiao Chengrui looked at him with red eyes: "Big brother! You clearly know what I feel about her..."
“I know,” Xiao Chengji said, his tone softening slightly. “But she is a princess of the Northern Di, and you are a prince of the Great Liang. Some things are not things that you can do as you please.”
At this moment, Xin Rui rushed over and was stunned when he saw the scene: "What happened?" Behind him was a girl with heroic features, Qin Sang.
Xiao Chengyu briefly explained the situation, and Xin Rui frowned: "The envoy from the Northern Di has already arrived at the post station. I heard... he's here to marry the princess."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Chengrui turned to rush out of the palace, but Xin Rui held him back tightly.
"Let me go! I need to ask that envoy!" Xiao Chengrui struggled fiercely.
Qin Sang suddenly spoke up: "If Your Highness trusts me, I may go and find out some information."
Everyone looked at her. Xin Rui explained, "Qin Sang knows some Northern Di language and often walks around the streets. Perhaps she can find out some inside information that the officials won't tell us."
Xiao Chengji pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Thank you, Miss Qin. Please be careful."
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