Hardly had the words faded when Yu Chi Cheng walked in gracefully, dressed in a raven - blue long gown. He bypassed the magnificent pillar, lifted the curtain, and there were still those handsome eyes, bright and tinged with a hint of warmth.
Warmth? For a split - second, my mind went blank. Why did I have such a reaction? I remembered that my first impression of him wasn't warmth at all when we first met. I composed myself and thought I must be delirious from illness.
"Xi He, do you feel better after taking this medicine?" He smiled as he spoke. Brother and I were immediately at a loss when we saw his innocent - looking face.
"Um..." I tightened my grip on the jade bottle in my hand and said weakly, "Do you still have this medicine?" Well, I admit that this was actually the purpose of summoning him.
"Oh? Is Xi He worried that there won't be this medicine to take when I'm gone?" He slightly raised his eyebrows and exposed my thoughts.
I nodded sheepishly.
He laughed, "If Xi He wants it, I'll search every nook and cranny of the Tianshan Snow Lotuses in the North Cold Region to get you another bottle of this medicine."
"Cough, cough..." I was instantly startled by his promise. Brother also looked at us with a strange expression.
I waved my hand and forced a laugh, "Haha, what I meant was that I want it now. If you don't give it to me, I won't take this bottle."
Well, I'm shameless, straightforward, and to the point. I don't want to beat around the bush with him.
Yu Chi Cheng couldn't help but laugh when he saw me. Finally, he said, "Well, then I'll have to trouble the eldest prince to go with me to get it."
After saying that, he bowed to me and left. Seeing this, Brother also stood up but complained unhappily, "Why me?"
Yu Chi Cheng turned around, with a smile on his lips, and slowly said, "Because Xi He doesn't want to see you right now..."
Brother's face instantly turned a funny color. I couldn't help but burst out laughing. Brother turned around and glared at me before following Yu Chi Cheng away. At that moment, I didn't dislike Yu Chi Cheng as much as before.
But I quickly realized my own state of mind and adjusted myself. No, I can't be bought off so easily...
...
Finally, I got the half - bottle of Snow Lotus Jade Dew as I wished and put it away like a precious treasure.
It was June, and the lotus flowers were in full bloom.
The weather wasn't very hot yet. The bright sunlight just added a touch of brilliance. I had finally recovered from my illness and walked out of the Twin - Birth Hall. Along the way, I felt refreshed and extremely content.
I felt like I had been reborn after the serious illness. Not only did my body feel lighter, but even the silver bracelet I had worn since childhood became shinier.
I had a simple hair bun. Inside, I wore a black - and - white bustier, and outside, a light blue gauze robe. Below was a ru - skirt with a green base and white - threaded embroidered flowers. Dressed coolly, I walked on the broad palace path without worrying about bumping into anyone, because at this time, Brother and the others were attending lessons from the imperial tutor.
As I walked, I accidentally came to the Qingwan Garden. I saw that the trees were lush, the lake was clear, and the scenery was wonderful. So I wanted to take a walk by the pond. Unexpectedly, just a few steps in, I saw a familiar figure, which really gave me a little scare.
Why was Yu Chi Cheng here? Judging from his back and the fishing rod in front of him, he seemed to be fishing...
I walked closer slowly. Just then, I saw his fishing rod move twice. It seemed that a fish was biting the bait. At that moment, I had a mischievous idea. Without knowing what I grabbed, I just threw it at the place where his rod touched the water.
The water splashed. He turned around in surprise. But then I heard another all - too - familiar voice, "Xi He, you're being naughty again."
Uh... I was startled again. Why was Father here too!
So I quickly replied, "Your Highness, where am I being naughty? I just accidentally kicked a stone and accidentally kicked it into the water."
Yu Chi Cheng let out a muffled laugh. Father had already poked his head out from behind a tree and sized up the environment around me.
Only then did I notice that the paths around me were all paved with cobblestones. There wasn't a single loose stone. I couldn't help scratching my head awkwardly.
Seeing this, Father didn't make things difficult for me. He just waved and said, "Come, Xi He, come and sit beside Father."
I had no choice but to take two steps forward. Only then did I see that Father was sitting under a tree. He had been blocked by the tree behind him before, so I didn't notice him.
I hesitated for a long time and finally decided to step forward. Seeing this, Yu Chi Cheng immediately made room for me between him and Father. With no way out, I had to sit between them reluctantly.
"Xi He, you were really seriously ill this time. Can you tell Father what exactly happened?" Father looked at me tenderly, still holding the fishing rod in one hand. The rod was as steady as ever, which made me lose my focus.
Seeing that I didn't say anything for a long time, Yu Chi Cheng beside me nudged me. I immediately came back to my senses and forced a laugh, "Haha, actually, I just accidentally fell into the lotus pond. It's no big deal, really no big deal." My voice got softer and softer as I spoke.
Father raised his eyebrows, "Really? Then why were you angry with your elder brother..."
Hearing this, I couldn't help lowering my head and fidgeting with my fingers, "Well... that's another matter... It has nothing to do with this..."
At this time, Yu Chi Cheng played the good guy and patted my shoulder, saying, "Xi He, don't be so particular with your brother. Actually, he was just worried about you..."
I turned my head and glared at him fiercely. He glanced at Father but smiled even more brightly at me.
I was extremely angry.
Father said, "Alright, if you don't want to say, Father won't ask. It's been a long time since you fished with Father. How about staying with Father for a while today?"
I immediately turned around and put on a very obedient look, "Then I'll follow your order, Your Highness."
So I sat with Father and chatted idly. The sunlight was bright at that time, and all the scenery looked extremely vivid and clear. Father, Yu Chi Cheng, and I sat by the pond for an afternoon. We were so relaxed that we even caught a small fish.
But while listening to Father's teachings, Yu Chi Cheng kept poking me with his finger. I endured it again and again, and finally exploded at the last time. While Father wasn't paying attention, I poked him back. But just as I did it, Father saw me.
Father said, "Don't let your mother's influence make you so fierce to all men. A woman should follow her husband after marriage."
I quickly turned around and nodded, respectfully saying, "Yes, I'll follow Your Highness's teachings."
Father nodded in satisfaction and then said, "My Xi He just needs to find a reliable man to marry. One heart, one person, living a leisurely life is better than anything else."
After saying that, he nodded to himself, "Well... When Xi He comes of age, Father will hold a selection for a son - in - law. All the young masters of the noble officials will be there for you to choose from."
I couldn't help blushing and coquettishly saying, "Father, I'm still young."
Father laughed heartily, "Xi He isn't young anymore. You'll come of age in two years."
Yu Chi Cheng laughed along, "Yes, in two years, Xi He will be a grown - up girl."
Father glanced at Yu Chi Cheng and said, "By the way, A Cheng is almost coming of age too, right? Will you have your coming - of - age ceremony in the same year as our Xi He?"
Yu Chi Cheng calculated the time and then nodded, "Yes, I'm five years older than Xi He."
Father looked at Yu Chi Cheng and smiled, but very softly said a word of pity. I once thought I had misheard because that word was so faint. It wasn't until many years later that I understood why Father had let out that sigh at that time.