He first went to the imperial palace to pay his respects to Xi Linghao and presented him with a painting depicting the majestic snow-capped mountains beyond the Great Wall. Xi Linghao looked at this "unproductive" son with some helplessness, but seeing that he was in good health and that his painting skills had indeed improved, and with Lianxing by his side and in a good mood, he did not scold him. He only gave him a few words of advice such as "Do not leave the palace at will again."
After leaving the imperial palace, Xi Lingche thought for a moment and decided to visit Qiwu Palace. Although he and his elder sister, A Yuan, were not born of the same mother, their relationship wasn't bad. When they were young, A Yuan had even helped him when he was bullied by other princes. However, after A Yuan's birth mother passed away, and he was strictly disciplined by Empress Lin, the two gradually drifted apart.
Inside Qiwu Palace, A Yuan and Xiao Chengkang were discussing salt tax matters when they were both surprised to hear that Xi Lingche had come to visit.
"Royal sister, Prince Kang." Xi Lingche entered with a sincere yet slightly shy smile, without a trace of princely airs. He untied the painting tube from his back and took out a scroll. "Royal sister, this is 'Sea of Clouds and Pine Waves' that I painted in Yandang Mountain in Jiangnan. I thought the artistic conception was quite good, so I came to present it to you."
A-Yuan took the scroll and unfurled it. The painting was magnificent, with churning clouds and rustling pines. The brushstrokes were powerful yet lively, truly a masterpiece. Her eyes revealed genuine admiration: "Second brother's painting skills are becoming more and more exquisite. This painting has a broad artistic conception and deeply captures the true meaning of landscape. Thank you very much."
Seeing that A Yuan liked it, Xi Lingche's smile widened, like a child who had been praised: "I'm glad that you like it, my royal sister! The scenery of Jiangnan is truly breathtaking. I also painted the Fuchun River and Taihu Lake..." He enthusiastically recounted his experiences along the way, his eyes sparkling with pure light. He seemed indifferent to the changes in the palace, his mother's pregnancy, his father's new favorite, and even the succession to the throne. He was only immersed in his world of landscapes.
Xiao Chengkang quietly observed the second prince from the side. The man's eyes were clear, his words sincere, and he was utterly guileless. His attitude towards A-Yuan also showed a natural closeness; indeed, as A-Yuan had said, he was a guileless "painting fanatic." Xiao Chengkang breathed a slight sigh of relief; at least for now, it seemed this prince was not Empress Lin's ally.
As they were talking, Xi Yu, the head maid of Kun Ning Palace, hurried over. Upon seeing Xi Lingche, she visibly breathed a sigh of relief: "Second Prince! You're finally back! Her Majesty the Empress was overjoyed to hear of your return and has asked me to invite you over immediately!"
Upon hearing this, Xi Lingche's face flashed with a hint of helplessness, but he still stood up to take his leave: "Royal sister, Prince Kang, the Empress Dowager has summoned me, I'll go now." He packed up the painting tube and left with Xiyu.
Watching Xi Lingche's figure disappear outside the palace gates, A Yuan put away the scroll and sighed softly, "My second brother is still so...naive. I only hope that Mother...won't involve him."
Xiao Chengkang's gaze was profound: "Lin is pregnant now, and the Second Prince has returned... It seems that she has more pieces at her disposal in this game."
The first snow of the season fell gently all night long in the northern frontier. When I opened the window in the morning, the world was covered in a blanket of silver, with jade-like branches and trees, a breathtaking sight.
Inside the warm pavilion of the General's Mansion, the underfloor heating was blazing, creating a cozy atmosphere. Shen Zhao, wearing a thick padded jacket, sat on the heated kang (a traditional heated brick bed) covered with a thick fleece blanket, cradling Xi'er, who was wrapped up like a little dumpling, in his arms. The little girl had just woken up, her big, dark eyes wide open, curiously watching the snow scene outside the window, her little mouth unconsciously blowing bubbles.
Lu Qi, like a big child, was squatting by the kang (a heated brick bed), carving a small wooden sword for Xuan Ge'er. His movements were clumsy, and wood shavings flew everywhere. Xuan Ge'er sat on a thick cushion, holding a cloth tiger in his hand, babbling and cheering for his father, drool dripping from his mouth.
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