Chapter 20 - ARTTEDSBGT Chapter 20
By the side of the Moon Embrace Lake, there were many galleries interconnecting, providing a convenient way to enjoy the scenery. Deeper inside, there was a two-story small pavilion with crimson walls and blue tiles, very beautiful. A flower pearwood cloud-patterned table was arranged by the window, with a small red clay stove next to it, heating up the water, with steam rising gently.
A beautiful woman dressed in palace attire was seated by the window, and she gazed towards the area below the window, asking, “Who is A’yang talking to?”
The palace maid in a green dress followed her gaze and saw two young girls standing by the corridor. One of them was dressed in Phoenix-Heart Purple, which was none other than Princess Qigong, and the other girl was wearing a light goose-yellow top and azure-hued pleated skirt. They seemed to be engaged in conversation, and Xiao Ruyue was laughing joyfully, holding the girl’s hand and acting as if she were coquettish.
The palace maid scrutinized them and hesitated, saying, “The servant girl thinks she looks familiar, perhaps the one who rescued Seventh Princess in the Ming Garden a while ago.”
“Oh,” the woman exclaimed with a sudden realization, “It’s the sister that A’yang often talks about.”
The beautiful woman was the current Princess Chang of Yongning. She smiled and said, “A’yang has mentioned her to me many times. I heard she was the child adopted by Minister Li’s family. She seems to be quite well-bred.”
The maid lightly waved a bronze sign to stir the incense ash in the censer and suggested with a smile, “Seventh Princess seems to like her very much. Shouldn’t my lady consider inviting her up for a chat?”
…
On the gallery, Li Zhizhi was holding a black cat while listening to Xiao Ruyue talk. The girl was still as lively as before, and when she smiled, her facial features came alive, perfectly matching the sunlight of this spring day. Honestly, Li Zhizhi quite liked her.
Even though Xiao Ruyue seemed a bit silly, it was precisely this kind of innocent silliness that allowed Li Zhizhi to catch her breath for a moment. She no longer had to pretend, say artificial things, act, or scheme for anything.
Because Xiao Ruyue simply didn’t understand.
After living for so long under a false guise, Li Zhizhi had almost forgotten her original self. Could there come a day when she couldn’t take off this mask?
She looked at Xiao Ruyue’s innocent and cheerful face, feeling a faint sense of envy.
“Are the boats on the lake really that big?” Xiao Ruyue stretched her arms and gestured excitedly. “I heard they’re adorned with many lanterns, and each one is different and exceptionally beautiful. Would Sister like to go see them?”
Li Zhizhi’s smile slightly faded, and she shook her head. “I won’t go.”
After a pause, she softened her tone and explained, “I’m a little afraid of water, so I won’t go near the lakeside.”
“Oh dear,” Xiao Rulei lamented, “I almost forgot, I’m also afraid of water. It turns out my sister is too. We’re truly a perfect match!”
Li Zhizhi couldn’t help but suppress a smile and corrected her, “A perfect match isn’t used this way.”
Xiao Rulei, with innocent eyes, asked, “Then how should it be used?”
Li Zhizhi was about to explain when she saw a woman in green approaching. She had a graceful figure and a smiling face. Li Zhizhi recognized her as Qīngluó, the maidservant who had accompanied her to Mingde Hall.
“Young Miss, why did you come here?” Xiao Rulei exclaimed joyfully. “Qīngluó, look, guess who I met?”
Qīngluó looked at Li Zhizhi and smiled politely, saying, “Miss Li, what a coincidence.”
Her posture was not haughty; on the contrary, she showed respect. But Li Zhizhi keenly sensed the distance, which reminded her of someone—Liuhè.
Is this how a servant acts toward their master? Li Zhizhi didn’t show it on her face and only nodded slightly, saying, “Indeed, quite a coincidence.”
She returned the black cat in her arms to Xiao Rulei and said, “Your family is looking for you. Let’s play together next time.”
Xiao Rulei asked eagerly, “When is the next time?”
Li Zhizhi:…
Little did she know that Qīngluó, the maidservant, would say with a teasing smile, “Miss Li, please wait a moment. My master has long admired your name and would like to invite you for tea.”
Li Zhizhi was about to decline, but Xiao Rulei, in high spirits, said, “Would you like to have tea with Sister Zhizhi?”
She presented it as a precious opportunity and clung to her like a piece of sticky candy. She was just short of sitting on the ground and hugging Li Zhizhi’s legs. Li Zhizhi was afraid she might actually sit down, so she quickly held her and said, half laughing and half exasperated, “I’ll go, all right? Get up.”
Xiao Rulei got her way and grinned triumphantly, saying, “Sister is really nice.”
Li Zhizhi said to Qīngluó, “Please lead the way.”
Qīngluó smiled and gave a slight curtsy, saying, “Miss, please.”
Xiao Rulei, still carrying the black cat, rushed to the front and proudly declared, “I’ll lead the way for Sister!”
Li Zhizhi followed her to a small vermillion building, where several guards were waiting at the entrance with an imposing presence. When they saw Li Zhizhi, they quickly bowed in respect. Xiao Rulei waved her hand as if she had learned this from her elders, making it look proper but also quite amusing.
Once inside the small building, they ascended the stairs, and a warm fragrance greeted them, a faint scent of magnolia, very pleasant. Xiao Rulei cheerfully lifted the pearl curtains and exclaimed, “Aunt!”
Li Zhizhi was taken aback, raising her eyes to look. She had originally thought that the person inviting her would be A Yang’s older brother, but to her surprise, it was a woman. The woman was dressed in a gown of stone orchid purple, with golden accessories, her hair coiled high, and several golden hairpins adorning it. Her facial features were quite beautiful, and she wore crimson flower hairpins on her forehead, exuding an air of grace and nobility. At a glance, it was evident that her status was out of the ordinary. When combined with the earlier conversation with Qing Luo, Li Zhizhi had a vague guess in her heart.
What did Xiao Rule call her just now? Aunt?
“Aunt, look, this is the Zhizhi sister I told you about! She’s amazing, she can even climb trees!” A Yang said.
Li Zhizhi’s eyelids twitched as she felt the woman looking in their direction. The woman smiled warmly and said, “I’ve heard A Yang mention Zhizhi sister countless times, and now I finally get to meet her in person. Miss Li, please have a seat.”
Li Zhizhi sat down cautiously. Surprisingly, the woman didn’t display any airs and had a warm and friendly attitude. She spoke softly, asking about Li Zhizhi’s age, her interests, and what books she usually read.
Compared to the distance and formality between Liu He and Qing Luo, this woman appeared to be a true elder, affectionate and caring. Li Zhizhi, who often used flattery and sweet words with people, felt somewhat reserved now.
The beautiful woman asked with a smile, “Do you recognize who I am?”
Li Zhizhi hesitated for a moment, then shook her head, saying, “I’ve never met you before. I’m just guessing based on what I’ve heard. Are you… Princess Yongning?”
The Princess Yongning laughed again and asked, “How did you figure it out?”
Li Zhizhi glanced at Qing Luo beside her and Princess Yongning playfully said, “I shouldn’t have let you go earlier, it gave you away and exposed us.”
Qing Luo also laughed, “Yes, it’s my fault. I apologize for revealing it.”
In just a few words, the atmosphere became more relaxed, and Li Zhizhi no longer felt as uncomfortable as before. Xiao Rule approached and handed her a piece of peach pastry, saying, “Sister, this one is the most delicious.”
She had probably grabbed some snacks, and her hands were a bit oily, with many crumbs on them. When Li Zhizhi received the pastry, she noticed that Xiao Rule was about to wipe her hands on her own clothes. Li Zhizhi’s brows furrowed, and she instinctively stopped her, saying, “Don’t move.”
Li Zhizhi took out her handkerchief and said, “Let me wipe your hands.”
Xiao Rule obediently took the handkerchief and carefully wiped her hands. Princess Yongning watched with a smile and teased her, “You really do listen to your sister Zhizhi. On ordinary days, Qing Luo wouldn’t even be willing to wipe your hands for you.”
Xiao Rule laughed and said, “Because I like Sister Zhizhi.”
Speaking in a child’s language, straightforwardly, Princess Li Zhizhi unconsciously glanced at Qing Luo. The eldest princess seemed to have sensed her concerns and smiled, saying, “Qing Luo, you must be sad.”
Qing Luo, who was currently busy brewing tea on a small red clay stove, replied without lifting her head, “I am not sad. My position in the young princess’s heart is not at the bottom.”
The eldest princess curiously asked, “So who is at the bottom now?”
Xiao Rule raised a finger and loudly declared, “The second-to-last is Xu Tingfeng, and the second is my brother!”
Everyone burst into laughter. After drinking a cup of tea, Li Zhizhi suddenly remembered something. She looked at the sky outside the window and the eldest princess immediately understood, “Is the Spring Garden Banquet starting soon? You must be delayed.”
“No, it’s just that the sun is a bit strong today,” Li Zhizhi smiled and said, “I want to thank Your Highness for inviting me for tea.”
With that, she got up to take her leave, and Xiao Rule hurriedly grabbed a snack and exclaimed, “Sister, I want to go with you!”
Li Zhizhi looked at the eldest princess with a troubled expression, and the eldest princess shook her head. She said with a smile, “I’m afraid not. Your brother is over at the Little Buddha Hall, and it’s about time he should be back.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Rule’s enthusiasm wilted instantly.
Finally, Li Zhizhi was able to leave the Small Vermilion Pavilion. Princess Yongning lowered her head to look out of the window. The young girl was walking leisurely in the direction of the Painted Pavilion, and the bright sunlight made her hair appear radiant.
Qing Luo asked, “How does Your Highness feel about her?”
The eldest princess raised her eyes to look at her and tapped her forehead with a smile. She replied, “She is young but quite astute. She has a child’s nature, completely defenseless against others. She has been through some things in the past, and even the Crown Prince is worried…”
“I know what Prince Wu is worried about,” the eldest princess put down her teacup and continued, “But just because someone acts a certain way doesn’t mean everyone will. There’s no need to be overly cautious, as if everyone is a potential threat. That Miss Li seems to be a good girl. I sent someone to ask about her at the Ming Garden. She was adopted by the Li family. On the day she first came to study in the capital, she didn’t even know A Yang. If she’s willing to risk her life to save a stranger she just met, then she must have a kind heart.”
She looked at her servant with a smile and said, “Although A Yang is a bit foolish, she’s not completely ignorant. You don’t need to be overly paranoid; not everything is a cause for alarm.”
At these words, Qing Luo blushed and stammered, “Y-Yes, I understand.”