“Third Sister is correct,” Wei Yijun remarked. “Also, it’s time to return back.”

“Wouldn’t it be impolite to leave before Father?”

“I’m not going to leave on my own.”

Wei Hong Zheng was completely confused, but at this time, a servant came in. She bowed on the ground. “First Miss, His Highness the Fourth Prince had come.”

The Fourth Prince?

Everyone turned their heads to look at Wei Xiao Hua naturally. Some of them still acted as if they were curious while some such as Wei Zilin couldn’t react that way. She was showing her curiosity openly.

Wei Xiao Hua stood up and smiled. “Father, may I spend the rest of the noon with His Highness?”

“Of course,” Wei Hong replied with a smile. “You’re engaged, so it’s only natural for you to spend some time together. However, I hope you can act appropriately and don't cross the line.”

“Don’t worry, Father. I know what I’m doing.” Wei Xiao Hua smiled sweetly.

“In that case, we old fools wouldn’t stay here to interrupt your time with His Highness.”

Concubine Chou’s expression darkened again. She was about to suggest that they stayed behind to stay with Wei Xiao Hua, but it didn’t seem that it was possible at all. Since Wei Hong had already decided, she could only comply.

The other two concubines also followed suit along with the other four children.

“I hope that you can have fun, First Sister,” Wei Zilin said sarcastically.

Wei Xiao Hua smiled. “You don’t have to worry. I’ll make sure to use my time to the fullest, Second Sister.”

The two girls glared at each other, but they didn’t speak anything more. Wei Liuying was still acting as a spectator, watching their movements from the back without saying anything. Her black eyes perfectly reflected the scene before her.

Wei Yijun noticed Wei Liuying’s gaze and called out softly, “Third Sister.”

“Yes, First Brother?”

“Are you also interested in His Highness the Fourth Prince, Prince Ji Shu?”

Wei Liuying shook her head. “A dragon only deserved the phoenix. A lowly mortal can do nothing but watch from afar.”

Listening to his third sister’s words, Wei Yijun nodded in understanding. He had the highest intelligent amongst them and had been studying for a long time in hope to become an official when he grew up in the future. With just one sentence, he clearly understood Wei Liuying’s position and her view.

On the other hand, Wei Hong Zheng was looking at the two of them with confusion. What in the world are they talking about?

They all waited until Prince Ji Shu arrived before they all kowtowed on the ground. In front of the Imperial Family, they have to show their utmost respect. Ji Shu was wearing long blue robe that was

“Greetings to the Fourth Prince.”

“Don’t stand on ceremony.” Ji Shu waved his hand, motioning for them to stand up.

“Thank you, Fourth Prince.”

Wei Hong cupped his hand. “Your Highness, I’ll be leaving you with Xiao Hua. May you enjoy today’s celebration.”

Ji Shu nodded. His face was a bit impassive, but he was still polite. Everyone already knew how aloof Prince Ji Shu was. However, he truly had the skill to be arrogant as he was known as a very talented prince in Han Shi Kingdom.

The others also excused themselves, leaving Wei Xiao Hua with Ji Shu. What happened between the two of them would be something only the servants could possibly know.

“This can’t do,” Wei Zilin muttered when they were already quite far. Wei Hong and his concubines were heading to the right while she and the other siblings were heading to the left.

“Yes?” Wei Hong Zheng asked placidly.

“If this continues, we won’t be able to meet with the Fourth Prince anymore,” Wei Zilin complained.

Wei Liuying arched her eyebrows. “What do you plan to do, Second Sister?”

“I’ll return back.”

“That will not be appropriate.” Wei Yijun knitted his eyebrows. He knew very well that the prince was also known as ruthless. Going back right now would be the same as courting trouble.

“I’m the Miss in Wei Household, he won’t do anything to me,” Wei Zilin said stubbornly. She turned around. “Let’s see. I’ll make him see how stupid Xia…First Sister is.”

The others didn’t stop her, but they were not stupid enough to follow Wei Zilin. It was already enough that she wanted to dig a grave for herself.

Wei Yijun looked at his two younger siblings. “I’ll excuse myself too. May you two have a good day today.”

“Thank you, First Brother.”

 

27.    Would That Be Possible?

 

They exchanged short pleasantries before Wei Yijun left. He was not close with either one of them. Besides, his status was forcing him to keep a distance from them because it was impossible for him to have good feelings for his brother and sister. It was very obvious that whichever one would be the family head, they would use the other siblings to make connections.

Wei Hong Zheng looked at Wei Liuying. “Meet me to train tomorrow.”

“Yes, Second Brother.”

Wei Liuying slowly made her way back to her quarter. Xiao Qing was keeping her distance because the siblings were talking with each other. It wouldn’t do any good for her to interfere.

“Welcome back, Miss,” Xiao Yu greeted with a smile.

Wei Liuying nodded. “Pay close attention to His Highness’ reaction.”

“Yes, Miss.”

As Xiao Yu left, Wei Liuying headed to her room and spent her time reading the books again. She wanted to train her skills that were necessary for women, but her mother had already given her more books to read. It didn’t look like she would finish her studies any time soon.

Xiao Yu returned in the evening. “Miss, His Highness looks happy.”

“Describe it.”

Wei Liuying listened as Xiao Yu narrated what she had seen. Ji Shu was in a rare good mood after leaving. His eyes also held some interest towards Wei Xiao Hua, something that was completely different from a few days ago.

“I see.”

“Miss, does it mean there’s no chance to get close to the Fourth Prince anymore?” Xiao Yu asked worriedly.

“Silly girl, why would I want to get close to him?” Wei Liuying shook her head. Prince Ji Shu might be powerful, handsome, and the idol of many ladies in the Han Shi Kingdom. But on top of it all, he’s the prince of Han Shi Kingdom.

She knew very well that a concubine couldn’t become a princess. Even if it was possible, the price would be too big.

“But…”

“The most beautiful place is also the most dangerous place. I don’t want to have a life ridden with blades,” Wei Liuying said softly. Her slender hand twirled the brush that was pinched between her index finger and her thumb. “It’s tiring.”

Xiao Qing and Xiao Yu looked at each other. Wei Liuying is still very young, but she had to constantly mind her actions and words in Wei Household. It was clear that she hoped that she would have an easier life when she got married.

But would that be possible?

No one knew.

 

…

Days passed quietly.

Wei Liuying’s birthday was two days’ away from Wei Xiao Hua, but she didn’t usually celebrate it. Feng Chun would simply say that it was unnecessary for her to celebrate her birthday and asked the servants to return back to their original work.

“Miss is 14 years old today,” Xiao Qing said with a smile. “In two years, I’m sure that Miss will become an unparalleled beauty.”

Xiao Yu nodded in agreement. “Yes! I wonder who’ll be lucky enough to be with Miss in the future.”

Wei Liuying chuckled at their words. It was already lunch time, so she had her meal in her courtyard. Her mother didn’t even allow her to have longevity noodle as if she was wishing her own daughter to die faster.

“I wish we can celebrate this, Miss.” Xiao Yu held aggrieved tone.

“It’s fine.”

“Why?”

“By not celebrating it, I don’t need to see an unsightly view on this peaceful day,” Wei Liuying replied calmly.