Fukang'an, who was rinsing his mouth with morning tea, was choked by the conversation between the master and servant. He smiled and glanced at Yan Ning, whose cheeks were flushed. He put down the covered bowl in his hand, picked up his moon-white robe, and went out.
When the two went to pay their respects to the old lady, they were stopped at the door by Granny Li. "General and Madam, the old lady was exhausted yesterday and will not be seeing you today. Please return home!"
Fukang'an and Yan Ning also knew that the old lady was not tired, but rather that her heart, which had been dormant in the Fucha Mansion, had been disturbed and would probably need some time to calm down.
After returning from the Peony Hall, Fukang'an suddenly felt inspired and wanted to teach Yan Ning to write.
The maids spread the yellowed Xuan paper on the table, and Fukang'an swiftly wrote several lines in Yan style calligraphy. The characters, square yet rounded, were grand and powerful, full of strength and sharpness.
Yan Ning picked up the Xuan paper on the table, the scent of ink wafting towards her. She didn't understand calligraphy, but she could see that Fukang'an's characters were robust and powerful.
Suddenly I remembered that in the Sanxi Hall, the Emperor once said that he liked running script and cursive script, but I had never seen him write running script and cursive script. He always wrote regular script, only putting a lot of effort into the strength of the strokes.
"Why don't you write in running script? Running script suits your temperament better!"
Fukang'an was taken aback upon hearing this, put down his brush, and sighed, "It's still better to follow the rules and regulations!"
Yan Ning understood the implication of his words, so she stopped replying and looked at the few lines of text in her hand.
From near to far, east and west; from deep to shallow, clear streams.
The highest and brightest sun and moon, the closest and most distant couple.
She and Fukang'an locked eyes, and neither of them could say a word, nor did they need to.
Zhao Xing broke the silence in the study, saying, "General, Eunuch Lin from the palace has come to deliver an imperial edict from the Empress Dowager!"
Fukang'an showed no surprise whatsoever, as if he already knew. Yan Ning was only startled by Zhao Xing's sudden voice, but not surprised by the Empress Dowager's edict.
Fukang'an's words this morning had reassured her; even though the palace was full of hidden traps, she would face them together with Fukang'an.
In the front hall, Fukang'an, Yan Ning, and their accompanying servants knelt. Eunuch Lin's shrill voice cut like a dagger across jade, "By imperial decree of the Empress Dowager, Lady Fucha is gentle and compliant by nature, and possesses a kind and gentle nature, which has won the heart of the Empress Dowager. She is hereby granted the right to accompany the Empress Dowager to the Yuanmingyuan!"
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