Meanwhile, in the capital city, thousands of miles away, within the princess's residence, a distinct atmosphere of melancholy, carrying the anxieties of a young girl, permeated the air—a stark contrast to that of Jiangnan.
The second princess, Xiao Mingyu, was currently sprawled out on her elder sister, the eldest princess Xiao Minghua's, brocade couch, completely unladylike. She was hugging a brocade pillow, burying her face in it, and letting out a long, frustrated sigh: "Ah—elder sister! You mean that blockhead! Does he even understand anything?!"
Xiao Minghua sat upright on the embroidery stool beside her, slowly embroidering a small handkerchief for her daughter Yun'er. Hearing this, she raised her eyelids and looked at her younger sister's gloomy appearance, and couldn't help but smile: "What's wrong now? Has our little princess Mingyu run into a snag with that young general from the Shen family again?"
"Of course!" Xiao Mingyu suddenly raised her head, her bright and beautiful face scrunched up like a bun, her big eyes filled with grievance and indignation. "Today I specially changed into my newly made riding clothes, tied my hair in the most spirited high ponytail, and even asked the Imperial Stables to pick the most docile and beautiful foal to 'bump into' him at the West Suburbs Horse Farm! And guess what happened?"
She imitated Shen Wensong's serious, unwavering demeanor, her little face stern, and in a rough voice, she recited, "'This humble general greets Your Highness, the Second Princess. Your Highness is also here to practice riding and archery? The riding grounds here are spacious; Your Highness, please be sure to take care of yourself.'" After reciting, she slumped back onto the soft pillow, her voice muffled, "And then! He really just stood there like a wooden post, watching me ride two laps, saying, 'Your Highness's riding skills are superb; this humble general takes his leave,' and left! Just left! Not even a single extra word! I'm so angry!"
Xiao Minghua suppressed a laugh, put down her embroidery frame, picked up her teacup, and took a sip. "This young general from the Shen family is exceptionally skilled in martial arts at such a young age. He is upright in his conduct and single-minded. He is truly a rare talent." She paused, looking at her sister, "but when it comes to matters of the heart... I'm afraid he's really lacking in common sense. Back then, your elder sister..." A sweet, reminiscent look appeared on her face, "It took quite a bit of effort to finally enlighten your brother-in-law."
"Really? Royal sister, tell me quickly!" Xiao Mingyu immediately perked up, sitting up straight as if grasping at a lifeline, and leaned close to Xiao Minghua, her big eyes sparkling. "Royal sister, how did you manage to win over your brother-in-law? He seems so gentle and refined, with such a clear mind. Was he a blockhead back then?"
Xiao Minghua was amused by her and gently tapped her forehead with his finger: "Your brother-in-law is very perceptive, but he's too shy and has too many concerns. As for me, I prefer to 'boil the frog slowly' and then 'strike precisely'."
"Boiling a frog in lukewarm water? Precision strike?" Xiao Mingyu was completely confused.
“Yes,” Xiao Minghua said, his eyes gleaming with the wisdom of someone with experience. “First, you have to get him used to your presence. Like how you often go to the horse farm to ‘bump into’ him, that’s a good method, but just looking isn’t enough. You have to find something ‘real’ to do.”
"Important business?" Xiao Mingyu was even more confused.
“For example,” Xiao Minghua coaxed, “haven’t you always wanted to learn some self-defense skills? Perfect! General Shen is highly skilled in martial arts and just saved you in Jiangnan. You can ask him for some guidance on the grounds that you are grateful for his life-saving grace and want to learn martial arts to strengthen your body. This reason is perfectly legitimate. As a subject, can he refuse a princess’s ‘reasonable’ request?”
Xiao Mingyu's eyes lit up: "That's right! How come I didn't think of that!"
Xiao Minghua continued, "Secondly, this 'precision strike'... means catering to his interests. What does General Shen like? Martial arts, military strategy, weapons? Or something else? Find out. For example, if he likes collecting weapon manuals, you 'happily' find a rare copy and ask him to appreciate it. If he admires a famous general, you 'happily' have read his biography and discuss it with him. Make him think, 'Hey, this princess actually has so much in common with me?' Wouldn't that improve his impression?"
"Your Majesty is wise!" Xiao Mingyu was overjoyed and nodded vigorously. "What else? What else?"
“Anything else…” Xiao Minghua deliberately dragged out his words, a mischievous glint in his eyes, “Occasionally, you have to use some ‘unconventional’ methods. For example, if he still doesn’t get it, you could ‘accidentally’ twist your ankle in front of him, or ‘accidentally’ leave a handkerchief, sachet, or something in a place he frequents…”
Xiao Mingyu blushed slightly upon hearing this, but was eager to try: "This...is this okay? Wouldn't it be too...frivolous?"
"Just be careful not to be too forward," Xiao Minghua said with a smile. "The key is to make him aware of your feelings without being abrupt. Just like back then, I 'accidentally' dropped the purse I made myself, embroidered with your brother-in-law's favorite bamboo pattern, into the library of the Hanlin Academy, which he frequented..."
The two sisters were chatting animatedly when the princess's husband, Pei Wenqing, walked in unnoticed, just in time to hear the last sentence. A helpless yet indulgent smile appeared on his handsome face as he coughed lightly: "Ahem, what kind of 'secret plan' is Your Highness imparting this time?"
Xiao Minghua and Xiao Mingyu turned around at the same time. Xiao Minghua, without blushing or skipping a beat, smiled and looked at the prince consort: "I'm teaching Mingyu how to awaken that 'stubborn rock' in the Shen family. Wasn't it me who enlightened you, my husband, who was like a 'rough jade' back then?"
Pei Wenqing walked to his wife's side, naturally picked up the embroidery frame she had just put down, and examined it. He said gently, "Yes, yes, Your Highness has a discerning eye; your guidance is unforgettable." He looked at Xiao Mingyu, who was looking at him expectantly, and added gently, "Second Prince, General Shen is sincere and pure-hearted. Sincerity begets sincerity; even water can wear away stone. Don't be too hasty, and don't lose your true self. He will understand eventually." His words were both encouragement to Xiao Mingyu and a subtle expression of his deep affection for his wife.
Watching the natural warmth and understanding between her elder sister and brother-in-law, Xiao Mingyu felt both envious and filled with fighting spirit. She clenched her small fist, her eyes regaining their brightness and determination: "Yes! I understand! Thank you, elder sister! Thank you, brother-in-law! I'll go back and think carefully about 'boiling the frog slowly' and 'precision strike'!"
Watching their younger sister dash off like a spirited little peacock, Xiao Minghua and Pei Wenqing exchanged a smile. Pei Wenqing gently put his arm around his wife's shoulder and whispered, "Looks like the Shen family is about to have some fun again."
Xiao Minghua leaned against him, a sly smile on her face: "Yes. I wonder if that 'stubborn rock' can withstand the 'enlightenment' of our little princess Mingyu?"
Inside the warm pavilion, the aroma of tea wafted through the air, filling the air with tender affection. Meanwhile, in the garden of the Prince Jing's mansion in Jiangnan, the sun shone brightly, and the cheerful laughter of children filled the air. Xiao Chengjing's gaze lingered gently on his wife and children, occasionally exchanging a smile with Shen Yuewei, a silent understanding flowing in the air.
Shen Wenbai leaned close to Lin Qingwan's ear and whispered something, which made his second sister-in-law blush and lightly punch him. Jin'er and Yu'er watched their parents playing around in a daze, while An'an snuggled up to her mother, her little hands curiously feeling the "punches and kicks" of her little brother or sister in her mother's belly through her clothes.
Peace and tranquility are the best things in life.
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