Heyue didn't go out all day, focusing solely on practicing calligraphy.
The next morning, after having breakfast, Heyue was about to continue practicing calligraphy, but she couldn't find the characters she had practiced the day before. So she asked Hailan, "Where are the characters I practiced yesterday?"
Yu Ying was grinding ink when she heard this and replied with a smile, "Your Highness, Madam sent someone to take away the scriptures you copied yesterday, saying she wanted to see if you had truly calmed your mind."
He Yue's face changed instantly. Oh no! How could her handwriting be legible? She hurriedly ran outside.
"Hey? Princess, what's wrong?" Yu Ying exclaimed from behind. Before she could finish speaking, He Yue stopped, biting her lower lip and frowning in thought. Even if she went over now, it would be too late. She had already seen everything she needed to see. If she rushed over, it would only make her seem guilty. So He Yue turned back and buried herself in copying the scriptures again.
Zhengxi Hall
Yiergenjueluo knelt before the small Buddhist hall, put down the sandalwood prayer beads in her hand, picked up the scroll of Buddhist scriptures that Heyue had copied, looked at it carefully, and frowned: "Why is Xiaoqi's handwriting getting worse and worse?"
Wang Mama glanced at her and said with a smile, "I heard from the people over there that the princess hasn't been feeling well lately, so it's inevitable that she might make some mistakes. She'll probably be fine in a few days."
"You don't need to say nice things to her." Lady Irgen Gioro's face suddenly turned cold. "I know Xiao Qi's temperament. She is usually very gentle and timid. Now, not only has her temperament changed, but even her handwriting has deteriorated. In the past, Xiao Qi would never have argued with anyone. But these past few days, she has been having a huge fight with that Thirteenth Prince and even hit him. These are things that Xiao Qi would never have done in the past."
"What does Madam mean?" asked Granny Wang, puzzled.
"It's nothing. Perhaps I've been too worried about Xiao Qi lately. I've been so troubled by her affairs these past few days. And now, Master is still kept in the dark about all this. I hope Xiao Qi can learn her lesson this time and truly realize her mistakes and correct them." Irgen Gioro sighed, then picked up a crumpled piece of Xuan paper, unfolded it, glanced at it, her eyebrows twitched slightly, and she rubbed her temples, giving a wry smile: "This Xiao Qi..."
※
A few days later, Heyue and Lady Irgen Gioro entered the Fourth Prince's residence again, but Sixth Sister did not accompany them.
This time, Heyue was much calmer and no longer paid attention to the scenery of the Fourth Prince's mansion. She just stayed close to her mother. Several times, Heyue stole a glance at her mother's serious and indifferent face and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. She was still the same as always.
She recalled that before she left home, her mother gave her a stern warning: "This time you are going to thank the Fourth Prince's wife for sending someone to visit you when you are sick. You are not allowed to talk nonsense when you get there."
Having been neglected by her mother for some time and having to copy scriptures for several days, Heyue was already feeling very wronged, so how could she dare to cause any trouble? Therefore, she readily agreed, keeping her eyes on her nose and caring for her along the way, without saying a word, being extremely well-behaved.
Upon entering the main hall, he respectfully bowed to the Fourth Prince's wife. She offered him a seat and greeted him with a smile: "It's a rare opportunity to speak with the Vice Minister's wife. I've heard my mother mention her when I was young. She said that the Vice Minister's wife was the most forthright and generous among all the young ladies. After meeting her last time, I can see that what my mother said is true."
"You flatter me, Your Highness. It was just youthful recklessness. Back then, Princess Naya was the jewel among the Eight Banners princesses, the pride of everyone. I am unworthy of such praise from Princess Naya," said Lady Irgen Gioro, bowing her head humbly.
Princess Naya is the current matriarch of the Nara family, the wife of the Infantry Commander Fei Yanggu, the mother of the Fourth Prince Consort, and a member of the Aisin Gioro clan.
The two were best friends who could talk about anything when they were young, but they stopped seeing each other often after they got married.
"Mother speaks highly of Madam. In fact, Madam is my elder. I should call Seventh Girl 'sister,' but I've never had the chance to meet her before." Fourth Princess sighed slightly, full of regret.
"My daughter and I are not worthy of such kindness. Fourth Princess Consort does not blame my daughter and even sent someone to visit her. I am deeply grateful." Lady Irgen Gioro bowed in fear.
“Madam, you needn’t be so polite. The Prince and I are not unreasonable people; we know right from wrong.” The Fourth Princess’s tone became even gentler. Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Heyue, who was sitting obediently with her head bowed. She was puzzled and asked in a kind tone, “Is Seventh Girl feeling any better?”
Heyue put on a smile and replied very obediently, "Replying to Your Highness, Heyue is much better now. Thank you for your concern."
The Fourth Princess Consort was slightly surprised, then glanced at Lady Irgen Gioro with a half-smile, picked up her teacup, took a sip, and smiled slightly: "It's been a while since I've seen you, Seventh Girl has become much quieter."
"It was because Xiaoqi was ignorant and spoke rashly before. Please forgive him, Madam." Lady Irgen Gioro hurriedly bowed and apologized.
"Madam is overthinking it. Seventh Girl is lively and straightforward. Last time, Thirteenth Master acted impulsively and did something wrong. He felt deeply guilty and specially came to deliver medicine. He has been thinking about her these days. Now that Seventh Girl is well, Thirteenth Master can rest assured."
"Seventh Girl, the Thirteenth Prince is young and doesn't know any better. He may have gone a bit too far in some things, but he didn't mean any harm. Please don't hold a grudge against him," Fourth Princess said softly to Heyue with a kind smile.
He Yue thought to herself, "Who's the younger one here? In this era, thirteen is already quite old, isn't it?" But she could only smile and say, "It's just a misunderstanding. Thirteenth Master didn't mean it. He Yue wouldn't hold a grudge."
"That's good. Madam has done a good job in educating them. Not only are the princesses beautiful, but they are also all sensible and well-mannered." The Fourth Princess turned to Irgen Gioro and praised her with a smile. She then winked at Heyue and said, "Seventh girl, go for a walk in the courtyard first. I'll talk to your mother for a while. If you need anything, just tell Yunying, who is by my side. Yunying, you go and serve the Seventh Princess."
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