Chapter 42#
Learning the Qin - Little Pei Goes South of the River (IX)#
The door was closed. A small wooden lotus-shaped incense burner on the incense table inside was fumigating with lotus dew incense, the fragrance clear and faintly astringent.
Pei Xiting sat at the qin table, earnestly answering the Crown Prince’s questions. They were all basic knowledge—one question, one answer—and he responded fluently enough.
“Although these are simple, you have never studied the guqin before. Preparing in advance shows you’ve put in effort. Now, I will demonstrate the fingering technique for you once.” The Crown Prince did not lift his eyes, speaking in a calm tone. “This is my first time as a teacher. If I go too fast or too slow, just tell me.”
Pei Xiting nodded and said, “Alright.”
The Crown Prince raised his right hand and gently placed it on the qin. He plucked the string inward with his index finger—his hand looked as if carved from cold jade. Pei Xiting watched with extreme concentration, and of course, he listened intently as well. Although he had proposed learning the qin from the Crown Prince to increase their time alone together and close the distance, since the Crown Prince was teaching earnestly, he too had to learn earnestly, not let the effort go to waste.
The Crown Prince unhurriedly demonstrated a full round of right-hand fingering techniques, then said, “Have you memorized them?”
“I have,” Pei Xiting replied.
“Then you try once,” the Crown Prince said.
Pei Xiting said, “I don’t have a qin.”
“Use this one.” The Crown Prince looked at the qin before him and said coolly, “Be careful. If you break it, I’ll settle accounts with you. Come here.”
Pei Xiting acknowledged with a sound, stood up, picked up the small square stool, walked over beside the Crown Prince, lifted his robe, and sat down.
With a single qin table, two grown men had to sit quite close together. Pei Xiting’s right arm unavoidably brushed lightly against the Crown Prince’s left arm. If they were truly teacher and student, such proximity would be far too oppressive for the student. But if some other emotion were mixed in, such closeness was enough to make one nervous.
Pei Xiting pressed his lips together and said, “I’ll begin.”
He imitated the Crown Prince’s fingering and plucked a single note with his index finger inward. As he was about to change fingering, the Crown Prince called a halt.
“Elbow and wrist should be level and suspended; keep steady.” The Crown Prince extended his right hand and placed it beside Pei Xiting’s hand. “Slightly tilt your palm downward, fingertips a bit higher. Don’t tremble when you pluck the string.”
The Crown Prince watched Pei Xiting adjust himself, then said, “Try again.”
Pei Xiting took a deep breath and tried once more. The Crown Prince said nothing, so he continued. Thus, he tried, the Crown Prince corrected him, and he practiced the basic right-hand fingering techniques once through.
“Not bad,” the Crown Prince said. “You must practice diligently from now on… Why are you sweating?”
He finally turned his head to look at Pei Xiting, only to see the fair side of his face slightly flushed, with sweat at his temples.
“I’m a bit nervous,” Pei Xiting admitted honestly.
The Crown Prince looked at him. “Why nervous?”
Perhaps because it was nighttime, and there were only the two of them in the room, sitting so close—the rustling of cloth against cloth on their arms, though faint, had an overwhelming presence, much like the Crown Prince himself.
Pei Xiting rubbed the qin strings beneath his fingers and simply said, “I’m afraid that if I learn too slowly, you might think I’m stupid.”
“As long as you study earnestly, being a little slow is fine. I’m not asking you to become a guqin master—just take it as a way to cultivate your character and nurture your nature.” The Crown Prince said coolly, “Learning the qin is like practicing calligraphy. You should set aside distracting thoughts and keep your mind calm.”
Pei Xiting said, “I’ll remember that.”
Tonight, he was unusually obedient and well-behaved. The Crown Prince glanced at Pei Xiting and said, “Practice once more. Whatever fingering I name, you demonstrate.”
The sound of the qin struck the window again and again, occasionally interspersed with the Crown Prince’s concise corrections and Pei Xiting’s responses. It sounded very much like a pair of teacher and student.
Yu Shaoyun stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall, lost in thought.
You Zong walked in lightly, glanced at the two figures reflected on the window paper—shoulder to shoulder—rather intimate indeed.
Yu Shaoyun looked at his expression and said softly, “And he’s using His Highness’s qin.”
Between ordinary teachers and students, it was rare for a student to use the teacher’s qin, let alone when the Crown Prince himself was the teacher. His Highness was exalted and noble, yet he also wanted to prevent the qin from gathering too much dust. Over the years, he’d kept only that Lingji-style qin by his side, even taking it with him when traveling down to Ningzhou, showing how much he cherished it. And now, he’d let a complete beginner practice on it. Both men pondered this and felt there was some indescribable implication.
But You Zong had always been the epitome of composure; Yu Shaoyun, though more lively in temperament, had been the Crown Prince’s closest guard the longest. Both knew they shouldn’t—and didn’t need to—say anything more.
His Highness had his own sense of measure in his heart.
“He Ying.”
The Crown Prince’s voice came, and You Zong immediately pushed open the door and entered. He walked briskly to the qin table, cupped his hands, and said, “Your Highness.”
Pei Xiting stopped his movements. The Crown Prince glanced at him and said, “Continue practicing.”
Pei Xiting said, “Oh.”
You Zong kept his eyes straight ahead and said, “The Plum Blossom Sleeve Arrow Assassin and the fake Wang San have been taken to the secret dungeon. How does Your Highness wish to deal with them?”
The Crown Prince looked at Pei Xiting’s hands and said, “Kill them.”
Pei Xiting’s fingertips trembled, and the qin note slid out, its resonance humming. He said, “Finger slip.”
“You have an objection?” Without waiting for an answer, the Crown Prince gently grasped Pei Xiting’s wrist through his sleeve. “Didn’t I tell you? Hands steady, heart calm.”
Pei Xiting protested, “I’m just a beginner—how could I possibly reach such a high level of mastery?”
The Crown Prince didn’t scold him further. Through the thin fabric of the sleeve, the pad of his thumb pressed lightly against Pei Xiting’s wrist and said, “Relax. You’re playing the qin, not throwing a punch.”
Pei Xiting took a deep breath and relaxed again, saying, “I don’t have any objections. I’m just curious—why don’t you interrogate them? We might get some clues from their mouths.”
“The fish are already in the net; sooner or later, I’ll catch them all and grind them into mud.” The Crown Prince looked at Pei Xiting’s profile. “What do you want to know?”
“As expected, I can’t hide any thoughts from Your Highness.” Pei Xiting turned his head to meet his gaze. “I want to know why that fake Wang San wanted to harm Si Fan.”
“If you want to pry answers from the mouths of these vicious thugs who live on the edge of a knife, you have to be more vicious than them. You wouldn’t be able to handle that kind of scene.”
“Isn’t there Master You?” Pei Xiting blinked and said softly, “Could you please ask Master You to interrogate her for me? Is that possible?”
The Crown Prince looked at him for a moment, then said, “You certainly know how to take advantage.”
“I have a thank-you gift.” Pei Xiting stood up, quickly ran out, and quickly ran back in, holding a bundle. He walked up to You Zong and said, “I’m sorry to trouble you with bloodshed—I’ve even prepared a change of clean clothes for you. Just help me interrogate her. If nothing comes of it, that’s fine too. Consider it a favor I owe you, and I’ll sincerely repay you someday.”
You Zong glanced at the Crown Prince. The latter’s expression was as usual, with no sign of forbidding it, so he said, “It’s a trivial matter. No need for thanks.”
“You’re doing me a kindness, so I naturally have to thank you.” Pei Xiting placed the bundle against You Zong’s chest and smiled. “I had it made at the Hundred Brocade Shop according to your measurements. Remember to try it on later.”
“Alright, thank you.” You Zong turned to the Crown Prince and said, “If Your Highness has no further orders, I shall take my leave.”
The Crown Prince nodded. After You Zong left, he looked at Pei Xiting and said, “Went shopping again today? Fine leisure time.”
Pei Xiting took a moment to process, then quickly explained, “I didn’t buy it today. On the day I first arrived in Ningzhou, I went to the Hundred Brocade Shop and saw a cinnamon-colored robe that would suit Master You well. The size was also suitable, so I bought it, but I just hadn’t had the chance to give it to him yet.”
“You’re quite good at currying favor with your superiors,” the Crown Prince said.
“Since when is this currying favor? It’s just a piece of clothing. That day, I even bought one for Yuan Fang. Why don’t you say I was currying favor with him?” Pei Xiting looked at the Crown Prince, deliberated for a moment, and still spoke his mind. “Are you still angry with me?”
The Crown Prince stroked the qin strings, his fingertip pausing slightly, and said indifferently, “Why would I be angry with you?”
“Earlier at the Bai residence, I spoke without thinking and forgot my manners.” Pei Xiting said. “I’ve reflected on it, which is why I’ve been very well-behaved tonight.”
The Crown Prince gave a faint, sardonic smile. “Compared to yourself, tonight you are indeed much more restrained.”
“That’s called knowing your mistakes and being able to correct them—a great virtue.” Pei Xiting caught the Crown Prince’s sarcasm but didn’t mind, seizing the opportunity to climb the ladder. “I’ve already mended my ways, so be magnanimous and don’t hold those crazy things I said against me, okay?”
His tone was softer than usual—not pleading or begging, more like coaxing. The Crown Prince plucked the string, then brushed it once before saying, “Mm.”
The corner of Pei Xiting’s mouth lifted slightly. He grabbed the hem of his robe and sat back down beside the Crown Prince. “Today I went to a dessert shop. Their grape ice-snow yuanzi are pretty good. Another day when you’re free, let me treat you to try them?”
The Crown Prince didn’t respond. “What else did you eat?”
“Only that.” Pei Xiting sighed and complained, “You don’t know—after you left, I ran into the Zhao Crown Prince on the way. That Gao Liu ‘slap’ opened the human head box—a very fresh human head! How could I still eat anything hot or meaty after that?”
As he spoke, he turned his head and retched, his complexion immediately not looking too good.
The Crown Prince was not one to offer kind words of comfort. Seeing this, he said, “It’s getting late. Go back and rest.”
“Alright, you rest early too.” Pei Xiting stood up, bowed, turned, and swayed out.
He went back to his room, washed up, and changed into pajamas. Suddenly he heard a knock at the door, so he walked over.
The door opened. Pei Xiting was dressed in a plain white short-sleeved shirt and shorts, most of his long, fair limbs exposed. Yu Shaoyun paused for a moment, then handed over the small bowl in his hand. “Secretary Pei saw blood today. Drink a bowl of calming, heart-settling herbal medicine—it’ll help you sleep well.”
Pei Xiting leaned in, sniffed the steaming bowl. There was no bitter smell, so he reached out and took it, saying, “Thank you. What medicine is this?”
“Just some commonly prepared herbs. Just boil and drink—nothing troublesome,” Yu Shaoyun said.
Since he said so, Pei Xiting didn’t think much of it. He thanked him, and Yu Shaoyun turned to go next door to attend to matters.
The herbal decoction was still hot. Pei Xiting held the small bowl and placed it on the beauty chair, then sat down beside it. He turned sideways to the right, pillowed his head on the back of the beauty chair, staring blankly at the starry sky. A vague, sticky tune hummed from his mouth, unclear, his right leg curled up on the chair while his left leg rested on the ground—a pale, gleaming pale section swaying gently like a sliver of moonlight.
The Crown Prince stood by the door, unmoving, until Pei Xiting suddenly turned his head. Their eyes met. Pei Xiting’s face was weary, his eyes not as clear as usual—misty and dazed.
The Crown Prince said nothing and turned back to his room.
Pei Xiting didn’t speak either. He stared at the door for a while, then turned back to look at the stars for a while. Finally, he picked up the small bowl, drank the medicine, and went back inside to get ready for bed.
Perhaps the medicine was effective. That night, Pei Xiting slept soundly. There was nothing to do the next day, so he slept until the sun was high, finally catching up on the sleep he’d missed over the past few days.
After freshening up, Pei Xiting sat at the table eating lunch: lotus leaf rice and a seasonal vegetable platter bought by Yuan Fang.
“Here, left for you by You Zong.” Yuan Fang placed a plate of steamed stuffed buns and set a piece of paper on the table.
Pei Xiting picked it up—it was the confession of the fake Wang San, claiming that the attack on Zhao Yi at the Qixia Banquet was to take revenge on the Duke of Wenguo.
Pei Xiting knew that although the Duke of Wenguo had a gentle disposition, he had once served as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice. Sitting in such a position inevitably made enemies, and having vendettas was unavoidable.
The Duke and Duchess of Wenguo were deeply devoted to each other. There were no concubines in the household. Although the Duchess had given birth to four children, two sons died young and three daughters died of illness early, leaving only Zhao Fan and Zhao Yi to grow to their current age. The brothers were doted on, the apple of their parents’ eyes. Losing one would be a heart-wrenching pain, and between the brothers, Zhao Yi was clearly the easier target to succeed against.
Yuan Fang sat beside him and asked, “Something wrong?”
“It makes sense, but I still feel it’s not that simple.” Pei Xiting folded the confession thoughtfully. “Since Liao Yuan, that former Chief Registrar of the Eastern Palace, is also implicated, could Yuan He’s other former partisans be involved too? If they want revenge for their old master, they would likely target those who were ordered to conduct the joint trial at the time—the Duke of Wenguo, for instance. And the assassin in white who attacked the Empress and Your Highness back then might not just have been trying to stir up trouble, but also to vent hatred.”
“That’s possible,” Yuan Fang said. “Then what do you think? Did Yuan He really commit treason and rebel, or, as the rumors say, was he framed by the Crown Prince?”
“I don’t know whether Yuan He truly rebelled, but I believe the Crown Prince didn’t frame him,” Pei Xiting said.
Yuan Fang shook his head. “In imperial struggles, it’s always kill or be killed.”
“Kill or be killed—there are many paths.” Pei Xiting said. “Framing a brother and poisoning a father—this ploy, though high in winning odds, is truly vicious. I’ve heard that in the past, the Crown Prince and Yuan He were fraternal and harmonious. It wouldn’t go that far. Besides, I don’t think he’s someone who craves power—at least not to the point of killing his elder brother and harming his father for the position of heir.”
Yuan Fang was curious. “What’s your basis?”
“Instinct,” Pei Xiting said. “Just like when I instinctively felt you wouldn’t hurt me.”
Yuan Fang was speechless. He lowered his head and ate a stuffed bun in silence.
Pei Xiting smiled, bent down, took a bite of rice, and finished lunch with the light, crisp vegetables.
The Crown Prince was on the veranda wiping the guqin. Pei Xiting walked over quietly, cleared his throat, leaned over and touched the strings, demonstrating the fingering techniques he’d practiced the previous night. Then he withdrew his hand and looked at the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince looked back at him. Seeing those bright, sparkling phoenix eyes staring at him intently, he paused for a moment before saying, “Do you want me to praise you?”
Pei Xiting said, “Praise makes people improve.”
“Praise makes people complacent.” The Crown Prince said. “The painting—how is it coming along?”
“Don’t worry. I plan to paint it on the day of the Lotus Picking Festival.” Pei Xiting’s eyes twinkled. “When do you plan to return to the capital?”
The Crown Prince said, “What business is it of yours?”
“Of course it is.” Pei Xiting said. “If you have no plans, I sincerely invite you to travel back to the capital with me after the Lotus Picking Festival. The journey will be more lively.”
The Crown Prince stroked the misty blue ripple pattern on the qin and said, “The Lotus Picking Festival happens every year. Nothing new.”
“Even a single flower—when it smiles or when it’s angry—you can savor different postures. Do you know why your brushwork is devoid of feeling?” Pei Xiting’s tone became serious. “Because you’ve sealed your heart and locked away your love.”
The Crown Prince lifted his eyes to glance at him but said nothing.
“Calligraphy and painting are like a mirror of the artist’s heart. If the painter has no emotion, then the brush and ink are also emotionless.” Pei Xiting put his hands on his hips, circled around the Crown Prince, speaking with the air of an old-fashioned “teacher.” “Let me give an example, talking about ‘feeling.’ ‘Feeling’ can be genuine or false. If you truly care for someone, you don’t need to force it—it naturally shows. If you’re faking it, even if you remember their preferences constantly, constantly remind yourself and behave as if you treat them well, no matter how careful, it’s hard to hide exaggeration and pretense. As long as one has clear eyes and a sharp mind, the truth can still be seen in the details. The artistic conception of calligraphy and painting is just like this ‘feeling.’ What’s in your heart is what you express—you can’t fake it.”
He stopped in front of the Crown Prince, met his calm gaze, and his tone became more casual. “You weren’t born devoid of emotion. You’ve been trapped by your own inner demon.”
The Crown Prince asked, “What is my inner demon?”
“That answer, you should know for yourself.” Pei Xiting said. “If I tell you and you break down, what do I do?”
The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow slightly. “Break down?”
“That means accidentally poking at your heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys—you’d get furious from shame.” Pei Xiting said.
“Oh.” The Crown Prince said coolly. “Then go ahead and say it. Let me see if I ‘break down.’”
Pei Xiting became wary, dropping his hands from his waist. “I won’t say.”
The Crown Prince said, “I want you to say it.”
You want me to say it so I’ll say it? I definitely won’t. You think I’ll jump into a trap? Do you think I’m stupid? Pei Xiting muttered inwardly, exchanged a glance with the Crown Prince, dared not say “I just won’t,” so he swiveled around and quickly walked away.
“I hear the swallows on the willow bank calling me. I’ll be back in a bit. Bye!”
The water-red robe and jet-black ponytail fluttered rapidly through the air a few times, and then Pei Xiting was gone.
The Crown Prince: “…”
Yu Shaoyun jumped down from the rooftop and said, “Such a lame excuse. Your Highness, should we drag Secretary Pei back?”
“No rush. He’ll have to come back eventually.” The Crown Prince withdrew his gaze, deep in thought. “I’ve noticed he wears different clothes every day. That water-red robe—he wore it the day before yesterday, and he’s wearing it again today. He must like it.”
Yu Shaoyun said, “This was a gift from Your Highness. How would Secretary Pei dare to dislike it?”
“You don’t understand him. If he didn’t like it, he would never wear it. He would store it in his wardrobe and call it ‘Your Highness’s gift, not to be sullied; I must treasure it like a precious heirloom.’” The Crown Prince said.
Yu Shaoyun smiled and said, “I haven’t interacted much with Secretary Pei, so naturally I don’t understand him as well as Your Highness does.”
“A clever little fox, but in his bones, he’s all wildness. After spending some time with him, you can understand ninety percent of him.” The Crown Prince lowered his head and continued wiping the qin.
Yu Shaoyun said, “It’s good that Your Highness understands him.”
The Crown Prince’s hand paused. He looked up at him. “You’re implying something?”
Yu Shaoyun chose his words carefully and said, “What I mean is, Secretary Pei is, after all, not someone Your Highness has personally cultivated over the years, nor a long-time companion. Your Highness’s eyes are sharp; once you see through him clearly, keeping him by your side will bring peace of mind.”
The Crown Prince said coolly, “Mm.”
“…” Yu Shaoyun scratched his head. “Then when do you plan to return to the capital?”
The Crown Prince said, “What do you think?”
Yu Shaoyun rubbed his hands together. “How about we follow Secretary Pei’s suggestion and return together? It’s only a few days away anyway.”
“Then it’s as you say,” the Crown Prince said.
Yu Shaoyun said, “Done.”
“I recall that day when we went to the Hundred Brocade Shop to buy clothes, there was a set of turmeric-colored and pomegranate-colored summer garments. The style was quite good,” the Crown Prince suddenly said.
Yu Shaoyun hadn’t paid any attention that day and couldn’t recall a thing now, but he was quick-witted enough to follow the lead. “Yes, very good.”
“Go buy them,” the Crown Prince said.
Heavens! Only given the colors—what if he buys the wrong ones? Turmeric and pomegranate—bright, vivid colors. The only person around who likes wearing such colors is Secretary Pei. Could His Highness be buying for Secretary Pei again?
Yu Shaoyun’s eyes darted, and he ventured tentatively, “The Hundred Brocade Shop refreshes its stock quickly; there might be new styles today. Since there’s nothing to do now and the weather is nice, Your Highness could go out for a stroll and take a look at the shop along the way?”
“That works too,” the Crown Prince said coolly.
Meanwhile, Secretary Pei was in the street with Yuan Fang, helping someone attract foot traffic.
It turned out that Ying Ziyu had set up a stall selling the embroidered items he had finished. On a floral cotton cloth, he displayed items like scarves, headbands, and handkerchiefs. However, he used good fabric and fine stitching, so the prices weren’t cheap. Many people came to look, but no one paid.
“Master, should I lower the price?” Ying Ziyu asked.
Pei Xiting fanned himself and said, “Actually, I think you should sell them even higher. Any cheaper, you might as well give them away… Let’s move. Change location.”
Ying Ziyu responded and quickly pushed the small wooden cart, following Pei Xiting. “Where are we going?”
“Business must be directed at the right customers. Most of the people passing by here are ordinary folks—they don’t need these things, and even if they’re tempted, they can’t bear to spend the money.” Pei Xiting led the two as they turned two streets. “Here we are.”
The street was lined with pavilions and buildings, a fragrant air all around.
“People passing by here are rich young ladies and gentlemen. Will they buy things from a street stall?” Ying Ziyu asked.
“As long as the goods are good, don’t be afraid of comparisons.” Saying this, Pei Xiting waved his fan and gave a charming smile to a group of young ladies walking toward them.
Several young ladies blushed. Ying Ziyu saw this, pursed his lips and chuckled, glancing at Pei Xiting, thinking to himself: He’s right. This gentleman standing here is a living advertisement!
“Sir, are you from out of town? We’ve never seen you before,” a bold young lady asked first.
Pei Xiting said, “I admire the fine scenery of Jiangnan, so I came to pay my respects.”
“No wonder. If you were from this prefecture, someone as elegant and dashing as you would already be famous far and wide.” Another young lady turned to look at the stall and her eyes lit up. “What beautiful jasmine flowers!”
Ying Ziyu quickly said, “These are tiny fabric flowers stacked and sewn from gauze soaked in jasmine floral dew. They can be used as hair ornaments or strung on a cord as earrings—very lightweight.”
The young lady brought it to her nose, sniffed, and smiled. “It really is jasmine fragrance. You can smell it, but it’s not too strong.”
“Miss, you have an elegant neck. You could also thread a fine gauze as a neck ornament to match a low-neck or mid-neck dress.” Pei Xiting noticed that this young lady’s skirt was embroidered with jasmine and she had a jasmine floral sticker on her forehead, so he added, “The jasmine fragrance is pure and delicate. In summer, a light breeze carries its subtle scent. In poetry, jasmine is praised as ‘Heaven-given immortal grace, ice skin and jade bones’—just like you, miss.”
He kept his words concise and his tone casual, making it seem fresh and natural, very sincere. The young lady lowered her head shyly and said softly, “Sir flatters me—I don’t deserve it… I’ll buy this little flower, and that white jasmine sachet too.”
“I want one too, I want one too…”
“I want this ruyi-patterned headband…”
Almost everything was about to sell out. Ying Ziyu was overjoyed and quickly said, “I’ll wrap these up for the ladies.”
“This pink lotus and ink-colored hair ribbon…” One young lady hesitated, then turned to Pei Xiting and mustered the courage to ask, “Could I trouble the young gentleman to pick one for me?”
Pei Xiting saw that this young lady was dressed in light cream-yellow, and all her accessories were natural and fresh, so he said, “Pink lotus, then—fresh and charming, and it’s in season now. Ink color is heavy, the temperament leans toward being somber; I’m afraid you wouldn’t like it.”
“I prefer pink lotus too… I see that you, young sir, are fair and handsome—no matter the shade, you can carry it off. This ink-colored hair ribbon with layered mountains and flying birds suits you well. I’d like to buy and give it to you.” The young lady pursed her lips and said shyly, “People from all over meet by chance—this is fate. I have no other intentions. Consider it a spontaneous gesture. I wish you safe travels through the mountains and waters, just like the birds soaring over the layered peaks—safe and smooth, as you wish.”
Pei Xiting had originally intended not to accept, as a hair ribbon could be considered an intimate item, and there should be boundaries between men and women. But after hearing this, he took it and said, “In that case, I’ll accept it. Thank you, miss.”
He glanced at the painting gallery and said, “You came out of the painting gallery—I take it you are skilled in painting?”
“You flatter me. I only know a little. Today, I asked my sisters to accompany me to have a portrait painted.” The young lady said. “My father is serving in a post in another province, and my mother accompanies him to care for him; it’s hard for them to return home. Every year, I have three-season portraits made—spring, summer, and autumn—and send them along with my letters home, so my parents can be at ease. But today, Master Chen is not at the gallery, and none of the other painters caught my fancy.”
“If you don’t mind, I could paint one for you. If you like it, consider it a return gift for this hair ribbon, and also my wish for your safety and well-being, and to be reunited with your beloved parents soon. If you don’t like it,” Pei Xiting smiled, “I’ll treat you to a meal to make up for your time.”
The young lady smiled and said “Alright.” She gestured toward the gallery. “Please, young sir.”
Her sisters also wanted to join in on the fun. Pei Xiting signaled Ying Ziyu to pack up and go home, then followed the young ladies into the gallery.
Yuan Fang walked at the back, listening to Pei Xiting chat with the young ladies, when suddenly he turned to look at a nearby pavilion—
Baoyin Tower, he’d heard of it. It was the best qin pavilion in Ningzhou, famous throughout Jiangnan.
At that moment, half a window on the second floor opened. Standing by the window, looking at this spot—no, at Pei Xiting’s back—was unmistakably the Crown Prince.