Soon, the pen and ink arrived, and the two people went to the table.
He Yue understood that the Fourth Prince's wife had probably decided to keep her here until the Fourth Prince returned. Helpless, she could not refuse, so she dipped her brush in ink and began to practice calligraphy diligently.
After these days of practice, Heyue's handwriting, though still far from elegant, has at least made some progress and is no longer unsightly.
The Fourth Prince's wife stood aside and glanced at Heyue for a few moments, then gave her some pointers. Only then did Heyue realize that the Fourth Prince's wife also had beautiful handwriting, which made Heyue admire her greatly.
“When I was a young girl, I also liked to write. My mother hired someone to teach me to read and write. I like the small regular script with flowers in it the most. Your characters are strong, but lack resilience. Good characters should have a balance of tension and relaxation, and be both strong and gentle.”
The Fourth Princess Consort smiled as she wrote and spoke, while Heyue listened attentively.
It is likely that everyone's handwriting is related to their personality. A gentle and straightforward person who dislikes beating around the bush always writes with a stiffness and sharpness, unlike the delicate and restrained handwriting of the Fourth Prince's wife.
Afterwards, Heyue played Go with the Fourth Prince's wife for a while, and it was already late morning. The sunlight refracted through the autumn treetops and into the room, making people feel warm. Heyue rested her chin on her hand, feeling lazy and wanting to close her eyes uncontrollably.
The Fourth Princess had tea brought over. After drinking some tea, Heyue felt a little better, but she still felt bored and restless, so she raised her little hand and yawned.
Just then, a maid came in to report that the Prince had returned. He Yue perked up a little and forced herself to open her eyes wide.
I overheard the Fourth Princess asking if the Thirteenth Prince had arrived, and the maid replied that only the Prince had returned to the mansion.
Fourth Princess Consort waved for the maid to leave, then looked at Heyue with regret: "It's unfortunate that Thirteenth Uncle isn't here today. We'll have to invite him another day." She then added, "Since you're here, you should pay your respects to the Prince."
Having said that, he sent someone to inform the Fourth Prince.
He sighed, for he had not seen the person he wanted to see, but had no choice but to see the person he did not want to see.
Half an hour later, a maid in the courtyard announced that the Prince had arrived.
Heyue followed the Fourth Prince's wife to the door and bowed to the Fourth Prince who lifted the curtain to enter.
The Fourth Prince entered the room and immediately noticed Heyue following behind his Fourth Princess. He paused, glanced at Heyue, and said indifferently, "My words are not as effective as Marhan's."
Ignoring the Fourth Prince's pursed-lip smile and the momentary awkwardness of Heyue, the Fourth Prince walked straight to the table and sat down.
Today, the Fourth Prince wore a dark blue robe, standing tall and elegant, aloof and noble, quite different from his usual gentle and approachable demeanor.
Heyue found it hard to see him as the gentle young man who had once guided her. She sat down nervously at the invitation of the Fourth Prince's wife.
Seeing her restrained appearance, the Fourth Prince frowned, but ultimately did not lose his temper. He asked his wife, "What were you doing just now?"
Fourth Princess Consort quickly tried to lighten the mood: "I just played a game of chess with Seventh Girl."
"Oh? She can play chess?" The Fourth Prince was slightly surprised, glancing at Heyue with obvious suspicion.
Heyue lowered her eyelids, sat properly, and remained silent.
The Fourth Prince's wife then explained, "He knows a little, although he's a bit impetuous, he's still young."
The Fourth Prince's expression softened slightly: "Her temperament does indeed need to be tempered; you should teach her when you have time."
The Fourth Princess Consort smiled and agreed.
Heyue looked miserable. Who wants to learn chess? She didn't want to learn chess at all.
And he's indirectly saying she has a bad temper, how awful!
But since they were of such high status, he had no right to speak and was secretly resentful.
The Fourth Prince glanced at the little boy with his cheeks puffed up and head down, not saying a word, and a hint of a smile flashed in his eyes.
Soon it was time for dinner. Heyue was about to take her leave when, before she could even speak, the Fourth Prince said, "After you have eaten, come with me to the study. I have something to say to you."
After a moment of silence, He Yue realized they were talking about her. She paused, then frowned. What did he have to say to her? Was he angry and trying to teach her a lesson?
Thinking of this, she felt a little scared and dared not be alone with him.
But how could he refuse? The person in front of him was the Fourth Prince, the future Emperor Yongzheng. Why did he feel a chill down his neck if he said no?
She, who was usually bold and lawless, was inexplicably always afraid of the man in front of her.
Was it because of his status? Or was it the intimidating, icy aura he exuded?
In short, she finally opened her mouth, wanting to refuse, but swallowed her words obediently after meeting his unyielding gaze.
After the meal, Heyue followed the Fourth Prince out of the main courtyard and headed to the study in the front courtyard.
At the door, Heyue stopped in her tracks, not wanting to go in.
The Fourth Prince turned around, frowning: "Aren't you coming in?"
He Yue mustered her courage and told herself not to be afraid, there was nothing to be afraid of, why was she feeling guilty? He clearly misunderstood her, why should she feel guilty?
With this in mind, He Yue regained some courage and stepped inside.
Standing in this unfamiliar study, He Yue curiously looked around the room. It was quite in line with his personality: spacious, bright, simple, and without any unnecessary decorations.
A rosewood desk is on the left side of the room, complete with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, while various books are displayed on the bookshelves on both sides.
The Fourth Prince sat behind his desk, leaning back in his chair. He gestured to a chair in front of him, his gaze deep and unfathomable: "Sit."
He Yue boldly sat down, figuring she could handle anything; stage fright wasn't her style.
His gaze swept around, but he avoided looking at the Fourth Prince, and the room fell silent for a moment.
After watching for a while, Heyue lowered her head and started playing with her fingers out of boredom.
"Tell me, why didn't you come to my residence?" A cold voice suddenly rang out, devoid of any emotion.
He Yue paused for a moment, then looked up to meet the pair of dark eyes that were quietly watching her. Her thoughts shifted, and she stopped beating around the bush: "I wouldn't dare to presume to do this."
We both know the truth anyway, so why pretend? Let him punish me however he wants.
"You're quite outspoken, aren't you? Are you still angry with me?" The man stared intently at her fearless eyes and scoffed.
"How dare I? You are the Fourth Prince, and I regret my fate." Heyue opened her eyes wide in surprise, looking as innocent as could be, but her words were full of sarcasm.
The Fourth Prince sighed inwardly, thinking how stubborn this girl was: "You're quite bold. I just misunderstood you, and you're still angry with me. Aren't you afraid I'll punish you?" He put on a stern face and pretended to be annoyed.
With her bright, clear eyes blinking, she tapped her chin with her index finger and explained earnestly, "To be honest, I really wouldn't dare to hold a grudge against Your Highness. However, I am still self-aware enough to know that some things are better left unsaid. Why should Your Highness bother with a mere woman like me?"
"Moreover, regardless of whose fault it was that day, it is true that I offended the Prince's most beloved concubine. After all, I was just a guest, and I did say and do some inappropriate things, disregarding the host's face. You may punish me as you wish, and I will accept it without saying a word."
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