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墨書 Inktalez
"Are you making clothes for a baby?" Zhong Xue stepped closer, then seemed to be taken aback. "Could it be that you are pregnant?"
San Chun was startled, her hand slipped, and she immediately cut the already limited fabric crookedly. She turned to glance at Zhong Xue and huffed, "Who said it's for a baby? This is for myself."
Zhong Xue pinched the fabric with two fingers. "When did your body shrink this much?"
San Chun widened her eyes, looking at the palm-width fabric, puzzled by its size. Did she really cut it down to this size while trimming?
She asked, "What on earth are you making clothes for?"
San Chun tossed the remaining bit into a ball and threw it on the ground. "I thought it would be a waste to throw it away, so I just practiced a bit." Or perhaps she was simply bored and finally found something to do.
Zhong Xue didn't mind; that's just her personality. She wouldn't waste things she didn't like and always made sure they were used to their fullest. It seemed that she simply disliked this piece of fabric.
"If you really want to learn, I can call a tailor tomorrow to teach you how."
"That's not necessary," San Chun quickly shook her head. She didn't want to rely on being a seamstress in the future.
The maid brought tea for the two of them. Zhong Xue took a sip and said, "Next time you go out, take me with you. Daliang may seem safe, but it's full of dangers. Just let me know where you're going; it's safer with me around."
San Chun's eyes lit up immediately. "Can we go anywhere?"
"Yes."
She raised her hands high in excitement. "Then I want to go to Qin State."
Zhong Xue's expression darkened slightly. "Are you interested in the Crown Prince of Qin?"
San Chun truly couldn't compliment that; just thinking of the Autumn Prince made her feel nauseous. She hurriedly replied, "No, no! He doesn't have your elegance or your looks."
Zhong Xue was pleased and smiled as she held San Chun's hand. "Thank you for the compliment."
San Chun nodded; she was just being overly flattering.
Zhong Xue wanted to take her out, but he was simply too busy, often disappearing for days at a time. San Chun had been in the residence for over a month, yet she had only gone out with him once, and that was to a military camp on the outskirts of the city. She didn't have any fun and ended up just taking a nap on a soft cushion before yawning her way back.
Naturally, she complained a lot, and Zhong Xue repeatedly assured her that he would definitely take her out whenever he had the chance. Only then did she obediently endure a few more days.
Before she knew it, it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, and this day marked a grand banquet in the palace. Zhong Xue was going to pay his respects to Wei Wang, so he took her along.
San Chun had long wanted to explore the royal palace, having heard that the palace of Wei Kingdom was the most luxurious among the Seven Kingdoms, with even the bricks on the ground made of gold. She got ready early and waited at the entrance.
Seeing him walk slowly from the hall, she was momentarily stunned. Today, he wasn't dressed in his usual brocade robes but wore a dark ceremonial robe. His black hair was tied up under a plain crown, with a curtain hanging down in front that cast shadows over his face against the light. It was her first time seeing him dressed like this—so high and aloof yet undeniably handsome. In various countries, it's customary for kings to wear nine curtains; however, Lord Jun had seven hanging down, suggesting an intention to overshadow Wei Wang. It seemed that rumors of Chengyang Jun plotting rebellion were not without basis.
As they left the residence, he boarded the imperial carriage but not before turning back to remind her to stay close to Kazama and not to wander off for even a moment.
She nodded, somewhat surprised by this concern. Perhaps interpreting it as him being afraid she would run away made it easier to accept.
Kazama had a personality like a big boy, always smiling warmly, making people feel comfortable. Of course, that was just on the surface; sometimes he could be as mischievous as Zhong Xue. For some reason, she always felt that Zhong Xue looked at him differently because of his smile.
Kazama was very diligent; once they got into the carriage, he kept a close watch on her as if afraid she would escape.
This was San Chun's first time entering the royal palace, and she felt a bit excited. Once inside, she started looking down at the ground. When Kazama asked what she was looking for, she replied, "Gold bricks."
Kazama laughed; Chengyang Jun had spent a fortune renovating the palace for Wei Wang, taking years to complete, but there wasn't even one gold brick to be found.
The Wei Wang Palace was not only spacious but also magnificent; it truly lived up to its reputation with intricately carved beams and brilliant gold decor. As they walked past numerous palace lanterns, glazed tile roofs with overhanging eaves, vermilion doors, and raised platforms with corners elegantly arching upward like four swallows ready to take flight. Further ahead, they suddenly came upon a vast expanse of chrysanthemums; flower pots made of porcelain stretched all the way to the jade throne below as if this grand banquet were taking place amidst a sea of flowers.
Not far away came the sound of officials singing "Yes," and from the corner of her eye, she caught sight of maidservants' silk sashes fluttering gently in the night breeze. Kazama tugged at her sleeve, and only then did she notice that beneath the throne, ministers were bowing lowly in humility as they awaited their sovereign's arrival.
She knelt down with everyone else; Zhong Xue stood in front of her and merely nodded slightly. She could see how straight his resolute back was. Such a formidable figure surely wouldn't want to kneel before a child.
Unable to resist, she slightly raised her head. Under the illumination of the Sandalwood Palace lights, a boy around fourteen or fifteen sat on the throne, his face slightly pale, likely due to his frail health.
This banquet was nothing more than an occasion to drink, watch performances, praise the virtues of others, and casually discuss trivial matters.
Zhong Xue was busy, almost all the ministers were surrounding him to toast, and there wasn't even room for a needle to drop within three feet of him. In contrast, Wei Wang, who was drinking with a few ladies, appeared much quieter.
San Chun had originally stood closest to him but was soon pushed aside. Finding the atmosphere stifling, she stepped out of the crowd and walked toward the palace's exterior. Kazama did not follow; he was also surrounded by a group of people and desperately tried to catch up with her but was instantly engulfed by the crowd.
Stepping outside the palace, it was slightly dark. She walked along the bluestone path toward the Back Garden. The palace was filled with chrysanthemums, their white petals resembling a blanket of morning snow. Alongside the chrysanthemum path stood rows of stone towers that seemed to be situated above a sea of flowers. The night breeze blew gently, causing the flames to flicker. Occasionally, a long-robed maid hurried past with a lantern taller than herself, stepping on chrysanthemum petals and casting long shadows that blurred between moonlight and firelight, creating an ethereal feeling.
Kazama had overseen much of this palace's renovation himself; at this moment, it was clear that his design was unique, especially with these chrysanthemums that truly pleased her.
Since she wore the badge of Chengyang Junfu, no one dared to obstruct her as she walked through. From time to time, palace attendants would come to guide her and inquire where she wished to go. San Chun herself did not know where she wanted to go; she simply wandered aimlessly. Further ahead lay the Back Garden, filled with exotic flowers and plants. Many flowering trees stood tall and elegant along the roadside. It was early autumn; although the blossoms had mostly fallen, the movement of leaves in the wind still held its own charm.
In a quiet room within the garden, light shone transparently inside. A zither made of paulownia wood was already placed in the center, while a table made from animal legs occupied one side of the room. A tall figure sat with his back to her, motionless before the table. His robe was pure white and immaculate; his black hair contrasted beautifully against his pearl-white neck beneath his hairpin, exuding a poetic glow.
Looking at this perfectly picturesque back view, a radiant aura enveloped her. She stepped forward slowly and recognized an old acquaintance—Ji Xun.
"What are you doing here?" she blurted out.
Ji Xun initially showed some surprise; gradually a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes. "My aunt is a lady of Wei Palace."
It was only natural for him to visit his aunt during the Mid-Autumn Festival. She felt as if she had been overly self-involved for thinking he might be waiting for her just now.
He gestured for her to sit beside him and smiled lightly. "Would you like to play some music together?"
San Chun nodded vigorously. The silver moon hung in the quiet night; the snow-white chrysanthemums swayed gently in candlelight—this atmosphere was perfect for playing music.
He removed the cloth covering the zither and sat on the ground with it in his lap. As he lowered his head, she noticed how her white dress blended seamlessly with the chrysanthemums on the ground. The soft sound of music began to resonate; it seemed as if even the dim moonlight floated up from below the clouds and cast a patch of white light upon him. His back straightened; within his tall and graceful figure like that of a white poplar lay immense strength and resilience. He did not smile, but his clear eyes shone with loyal warmth as he looked at her while smiling faithfully.
She pressed her hand against her heart, suddenly feeling as if she had been "electrified." Her heart raced almost out of her chest; her mouth felt dry and breathing became difficult. This scene evoked an intense sense of familiarity that stirred tumultuous waves within her restless heart. His dark hair brushed against her cheek as if a tree grew from deep within her heart, blooming with shimmering flowers that cast intertwined shadows upon delicate bed curtains...
The next events were unimaginable, a blush rising to her cheeks. She loved listening to the melodies he played, enjoyed watching him play the piano, and adored him as a person... His elegant and composed demeanor was something others could never replicate.
Her heart trembled, her hands trembled; this trembling continued for a long time, until she forgot where she was, until a loud voice pulled her back to reality.
Zhong Xue's voice came from not far away, suppressing immense anger: "What are you doing so late?"
San Chun instinctively jumped up, unsure where to place her hands or legs, desperately reminding herself not to be afraid; he was not someone significant to her. Yet inside, there was a strong sense of helplessness, as if she had committed some grave mistake.
Ji Xun stood up with a faint smile, lifting his robe: "Enjoying the moon on a full night, strolling through the flower garden; Chengyang Jun seems to have quite the interest?"
Zhong Xue's lips curled slightly with coldness: "It cannot compare to His Highness playing the piano under the moonlight; it is merely Concubine's fault for intruding upon His Highness. I ask for your forgiveness."
He stepped forward and tightly grasped her wrist as he walked away.
San Chun stumbled from his pull and looked helplessly at Kazama. Kazama shook his head, giving her a look of helplessness. Everyone knew that Chengyang Jun rarely lost his temper, but when he did, it was absolutely earth-shattering; getting caught up in it meant disaster.
His grip was strong, and her wrist hurt unbearably. After she cried out in pain, he finally stopped. He looked down at her wrist, which was already bruised and swollen.
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