Chapter 29 - ARTTEDSBGT Chapter 29

In the evening, it was time to go home again. Li Zhizhi prepared to leave Mingyuan, and as she pa.s.sed by a quiet alley, she suddenly heard a familiar cats meowing.

Li Zhizhi followed the sound and, as expected, found a dark cat by the roadside, meowing at her. She instinctively looked around but didnt spot Xiao Ruleis presence. She hesitated for a moment and decided to leave quickly; who knows where the little girl was waiting?

Just then, she heard hurried footsteps behind her. Before Li Zhizhi could react, she felt someone b.u.mp into her. It wasnt a heavy collision, but the person let out a yelp and ended up sitting on the ground.

Li Zhizhi quickly turned to look and saw Xiao Rulei. The young girl stared at her, her eyes slightly red, and there was a small b.u.mp on her forehead, red and swollen. Li Zhizhi was surprised and wondered if her back was really that tough.

She hurriedly reached out to help Xiao Rulei and asked, Are you okay?

Xiao Rulei initially flashed a happy smile, but then remembered something. She covered her forehead and winced, saying, Sister, Im hurt.

Li Zhizhi examined the b.u.mp, which was already showing signs of bruising. It didnt seem like something she got from the collision. Although she was puzzled, she asked with concern, Does it hurt?

Yes, it hurts, Xiao Rulei replied, holding onto Li Zhizhis sleeve with a pitiful look. Sister, you cant just leave me like this.

Tears welled up in the young girls eyes, like a frightened little animal afraid of being abandoned. Li Zhizhi had no choice but to say, Lets get up first. Isnt the ground cold?

Xiao Rulei tried to stand up but found it difficult. While her collision with Li Zhizhi hadnt been forceful, she had landed quite solidly on her b.u.t.tocks, making it painful. She pitifully said, My bottom hurts, sister.

Li Zhizhi was taken aback and didnt know how to respond.

A quarter of an hour later, Li Zhizhi held a black cat in her arms and looked at Xiao Rulei, who was rummaging through her school bag. She asked, Is your bottom still hurting?

Yes, Xiao Rulei replied without even looking up. Then she found a small round box and asked curiously, Sister, whats this?

Li Zhizhi glanced at it and said, Its dye for painting.

Xiao Ruleis eyes lit up, and she eagerly asked, Can I take a look?

After receiving permission, she opened the box, revealing a beautiful shade of blue dye, which looked stunning in the evening sun. Xiao Ruleis eyes sparkled as she exclaimed, This is so pretty! Its like the color of a peac.o.c.ks feathers.

Her tone was cheerful, and she seemed carefree, as if she didnt have a worry in the world. Li Zhizhi couldnt help but smile and said, Its beautiful, but its not used this way.

She took a fine brush from her bag, dipped it in the dye, and painted a flower with long, slender petals on Xiao Ruleis hand. The petals were gathered closely together, creating a beautiful pattern.

Xiao Rulei loved it and wanted to touch it but was afraid to ruin it. She asked, What kind of flower is this?

Li Zhizhi smiled and said, This flower is called No Worries.'

Princesss Mansion.

By now, the sky had darkened, and the servants had already lit the lamps. The evening was cool and tranquil, with birds returning to their nests. Only a single palace lamp swayed gently under the corridor, casting a flickering, hazy light.

Underneath a bamboo window, two people were playing a game of Go. A handsome young man sat on a stool, holding a white Go piece. He lightly tapped the table and said with a bitter smile, Aunt, if Ive done something wrong, just punish me, I wont say a word.

The person across from him was none other than Princess Yongning. Today, she had casually styled hair, wearing ordinary clothing that made her seem approachable. Princess Yongning glanced at Xiao Yan, picked up a white Go piece from the board, and said, I made a mistake with this move. Lets redo it.

Xiao Yan could only comply with her request. Everyone in the palace knew that playing Go with Princess Yongning was a form of torture. Not only was her Go skill lacking, but she also often regretted her moves. Each move she made felt like it could put Xiao Yan to sleep, and she played with great seriousness, never allowing her opponent to intentionally let her win.

Xiao Yan had consumed cups of tea, but he couldnt leave the table, wis.h.i.+ng he could end his own life just to escape this ordeal.

Just as he was about to drink his fourth cup of tea, a servant entered quietly and reported to Princess Yongning, Your Highness, the person has arrived and is in the flower hall.

Upon hearing this, Princess Yongning abandoned the game and stood up, saying, Ill go there now.

Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow and asked, Who has arrived?

Princess Yongning gave him a look and instructed the servant, Escort the Crown Prince over as well, but he should remain out of sight.

Xiao Yan had no time to refuse and could only watch as the other sides tall figure disappeared at the door. The servant pushed Xiao Yan out of the room, saying with a mischievous smile, Your Highness, I apologize.

Xiao Yan keenly sensed that something was amiss and asked, What does Auntie intend to do?

The servant, with a sly look, replied, I have no idea about Princesss intentions.

As they reached the front courtyard and entered the flower hall, following Princess Yongnings instructions, the servant stopped behind a folding screen. Shortly after, a somewhat familiar voice could be heard, Seventh Princess said she didnt know how she ended up at the Princesss Mansion. I offered to accompany her, as I owe Seventh Princess a favor. If theres nothing else, Ill take my leave.

Princess Yongning warmly insisted, Youve made a trip, and if you dont mind, please sit and have some tea.

She immediately ordered tea to be brewed and served a variety of snacks. Li Zhizhi was courteous and agreed to stay for a while. Princess Yongning liked her, and Xiao Rulei sat beside her, serving tea and snacks attentively, like a little tail.

Princess Yongning teased her, You like your sister so much; you might as well go home with her today.

Xiao Rulei looked surprised and asked, Really?

But soon, she felt disappointed and added, Brother wont agree to it.

Behind the folding screen, Xiao Yan couldnt help but silently sneer, and Xiao Rulei, sensing something was wrong, shrank her neck, looked around, and said, Aunt, theres a draft in this hall.

Princess Yongning suppressed a laugh and said, It seems the screen is broken, and thats why theres a draft. Ill have it repaired as soon as possible.

After she spoke, she noticed something on the back of Xiao Ruoleis hand and curiously asked, What is that?

Xiao Ruolei cheerfully said, Its a flower that my sister drew for me. Isnt it beautiful?

She leaned in and proudly showed Princess Yongning her hand. Princess Yongning examined it carefully and nodded in approval, saying, Indeed, its beautiful. Is it a honeysuckle?

No, Xiao Rulei happily said, Sister said its called Wuyou Flower.'

Upon hearing this, the eldest princess was momentarily surprised and looked at Li Zhizhi. The young girl seemed a bit uneasy and said softly, Its just a playful thing to amuse His Highness, not suitable for the royal court. I hope the princess wont mind.

A faint smile appeared in the eyes of the eldest princess, and she said, I think its quite nice. You draw beautifully. If you have some free time, could you draw one for me too?

Li Zhizhi was rarely praised in this manner, and she had never received such direct compliments before. In her experience, she was accustomed to mockery, sarcasm, gossip, and disdainful looks. n.o.body had ever told her straightforwardly that she was talented and likable. She found it peculiar that both Xiao Rulei and the eldest princess were so open with their praises. Xiao Ruleis simple and straightforward nature could be forgiven, but why was the eldest princess acting this way?

Li Zhizhi felt a bit embarra.s.sed and even restless, her ears turning red. She tried to maintain a composed and poised demeanor on the surface, but her palms were sweating.

Seeing her silence, the eldest princess playfully asked, Are you unwilling to do it?

Li Zhizhi hurriedly replied, No, Im more than willing to serve Your Highness.

The eldest princess watched Li Zhizhi, who appeared both shy and determined, with great interest. She found the girls personality quite appealing and was pleased. This child truly had a charm that caught her eye, and her character was admirable. So she continued to chat with her and, knowing that Li Zhizhi had recently arrived in the capital, suggested, In a few days, I plan to visit the Temple of Mercy to offer prayers. The scenery on the mountain is quite beautiful, and theres also a temple fair. If youre interested, you could come with me.

The tone of the eldest princess was gentle and accommodating, making Li Zhizhi hesitate to refuse. After some contemplation, she politely declined, As a commoner girl attending school, I may not have the leisure, and I wouldnt want to disappoint the princess.

The eldest princess then suggested, On the day of my visit, the Mingyuan Palace will be on break. What kind of school do you attend?

Li Zhizhi was puzzled because there was no holiday on the calendar, neither a special season nor a festival. How could there be a day off? The eldest princess gave her a meaningful look and said with a smile, If you want to go, the Mingyuan Palace will have a break.

Li Zhizhi suddenly realized that Mingyuan Palace was under the management of the eldest princess. If she said there would be a holiday, there would indeed be one. She was momentarily lost for words.

The eldest princess saw her reaction and felt even more fond of her. She couldnt resist reaching out to pat her head and said, Youre still a child. Why do you always act like a little adult?

Li Zhizhi blinked rapidly, lowered her head, and at that moment, she couldnt describe her feelings. It was as if a soft cotton ball was nestled in the depths of her heart, wrapping her tightly. Her only thought was, The eldest princesss hand is so warm.

Will you go or not? the eldest princess asked softly.

Li Zhizhi replied in a quiet voice, I will.

It was getting late, and the eldest princess originally intended to invite Li Zhizhi for a meal, but the young girl declined this time, insisting on returning home. So, she dispatched someone to accompany Li Zhizhis carriage back to her residence.

As the eldest princess returned to the flower hall, she saw Xiao Rulei and Xiao Yan facing off, like two stubborn chickens, sitting on opposite sides and not paying any attention to each other.

Princess Yongning sat down on the circular chair, took a sip of tea, and felt a bit cold. She put the cup down and asked, Whats going on? In such a short time, theyve made enemies again.

Xiao Rulei is quite temperamental, Xiao Yan, holding two chess pieces, replied nonchalantly. I dont want to bother with her.

Xiao Rulei complained, Its clearly your fault, why are you always like this?

Oh, Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, and what about it?

Xiao Rulei stared at him, and Xiao Yan smirked, Do you think I enjoy taking care of you? Why waste my energy and time? What have I done wrong? If I had spent a couple of days reciting scriptures in the temple, I might have become a Buddha or an immortal by now.

He had a sharp tongue, and Xiao Rulei couldnt argue with him. Tears welled up in her eyes, and Princess Yongning immediately signaled for her to go to the back to have some candy.

Princess Yongning sighed and asked, Why do you take it so seriously?

Xiao Yan touched his forehead and said, Im not taking it seriously. Aunt, if I were to take it seriously, could I have lived until today?

The flower hall was quiet, and Princess Yongning picked up a bronze stick to adjust the candle flowers. The candles crackled and made a light popping sound. She suddenly changed the subject, saying, I understand your concerns. If it werent for you arriving in time back then, Ayang might not have survived.

Xiao Yan replied with a blank expression, She could be tricked into falling into the water with a piece of candy, easily persuaded with a few words. She didnt care about her life. Aunt, Im not a divine being. How many times can I save her in my lifetime?

After a moment of silence, Princess Yongning sighed softly, Ayangs situation has also been hard on you.

I dont feel its hard, actually, Xiao Yan smiled and continued, Aunt, you probably wont believe this, but I dont consider Ayang a burden. Its just

He paused, then continued, Im in this position. If Im not careful, I could end up in an irreparable situation. But Im not afraid. Id rather have them focus on me alone.

Princess Yongning furrowed her brows, her long willow-like eyebrows almost forming a knot. She fiddled with the candle wick with a bronze stick, and the candles flame suddenly flickered for a moment before gradually brightening, illuminating the entire flower hall.

Xiao Yan remembered something and asked, Aunt, it seems like you really like that Li Zhizhi.

Shes a good girl, Princess Yongning put down the stick and turned to say slowly, My judgment of people has always been accurate.

Xiao Yan thought for a moment and said, Shes not a wicked person. In the future, I wont interfere between her and Ayang. You can rest a.s.sured.

Princess Chang chuckled, The way youre talking, its as if youre planning to marry Ayang off.

Xiao Yan also couldnt help but laugh. He was exceptionally handsome, and when he smiled, the gloominess around his eyes and mouth dissipated by half. Princess Yongning looked pleased and said, Zhizhi said she grew up in a small village in the countryside, but I dont think she looks like it. She carries herself with grace, has good manners, and is cute with some hidden thoughts. Its clear that her biological parents raised her very well.

After hearing this, Xiao Yan let out a sarcastic laugh and said, Im afraid its not her biological parents credit, after all, her real parents wouldnt have taught her anything.

Princess Yongning was taken aback and asked, Do you know something?

Xiao Yan absentmindedly played with the chess pieces and hesitated for a moment before answering, The Li family didnt say, but as far as I know, she wasnt adopted. She was originally the biological daughter of Li Cen and his wife, the true young miss of the Li family.

Princess Yongning was shocked and said, Is that true?