Shen Xihe’s expression grew complex upon hearing this. In her impression, Gu Qingshu was a clever and charming young lady.

Xiao Huayong shared his judgment of Gu Qingshu so freely because he didn’t consider Shen Xihe an outsider. He wasn’t gossiping, but rather concerned that as a fellow woman, she might not see Gu Qingshu’s true nature if they interacted in the future.

It was because she had mentioned Gu Qingzhi’s life-saving grace that he worried she might be lenient toward Gu Qingshu.

“How are Your Highness’s eyes lately?” Shen Xihe asked with concern.

Xiao Huayong smiled gently: “I can still occasionally see some bright colors, though not for long. Axi says we mustn’t rush.”

“I found some recipes for eye-beneficial medicinal dishes in ancient texts. I’ve made some today for Your Highness to try,” Shen Xihe stood and headed to the kitchen area, which she had become quite familiar with in the Eastern Palace.

Medicinal dishes needed long-term consumption to show effect. Shen Xihe had specifically asked Zhenzhu and followed Axi’s guidance to ensure there were no contradictions before preparing them for Xiao Huayong. She had also carefully instructed Jiuzhang, and only now learned that Xiao Huayong had four main deputies.

Tian Yuan followed at his side; Jiuzhang, the chief palace servant responsible for his daily life and meals; Difang, Tian Yuan’s maternal brother who handled regional intelligence; and Ling, who managed his underground forces and the rewards and punishments of his subordinates.

Tian Yuan, Difang, Ling, and Jiuzhang – a phrase from Daoist texts. Fitting for someone raised in a Daoist temple.

She stayed for dinner at the Eastern Palace before leaving. Upon returning home, she wrote a letter to her elder brother before retiring.

The Double Third Festival had passed. Due to the examination fraud case, the common people hadn’t celebrated as extensively this year. However, it was peach blossom season, and everywhere there were young ladies wearing veils or dressed as men, going out with young men for entertainment.

The apricot gardens on both sides of Qu River were in bloom, with endless streams of people coming and going. Sitting in her carriage, Shen Xihe saw this magnificent scene that was no less grand than the Double Third Festival.

Just then, an orchid with a pure white flower appeared at the carriage’s edge, startling Shen Xihe, followed by Xiao Huayong’s handsome face up close: “There’s a custom of gifting orchids to admired young ladies during the Double Third Festival. I regret not inviting Youyou for an outing then, so I’m making up for it with this orchid today.”

Shen Xihe looked at the orchid and reached out to accept it, but Xiao Huayong took advantage of the moment, his fingertips brushing across her hand as he let go, earning a glare from her.

Even though she was willing to follow her heart and not resist him, she didn’t like his constant flirtatiousness, though telling him didn’t change anything.

Xiao Huayong didn’t know why, but he loved seeing her glares. She didn’t realize how adorable she looked when upset.

The thick-skinned Crown Prince not only didn’t restrain himself but grew increasingly delighted. Shen Xihe pulled down the curtain and sat up straight, looking down at the orchid before tossing it onto the nearby table.

“Meow!” Seeing its master throw away the flower, Duanming immediately pounced. Before it could grab the flower in its mouth, Shen Xihe snatched it away. The cat turned to look at her with round eyes, seemingly confused.

Shen Xihe grabbed it by the scruff and tossed it into Zhenzhu’s arms, then pinned the orchid to her clothes.

Seeing this, Hongyu winked at Zhenzhu, who glared back. Hongyu had somehow been won over by the Crown Prince and couldn’t wait for the Princess to marry into the Eastern Palace so she could see the Princess and Crown Prince living happily together every day.

Xiao Huayong took Shen Xihe to a mountain stream. Here too, water flowed gently, with rows of peach trees on both sides. Flowers fell onto the water’s surface, floating downstream, creating a serene and fragrant scene. Among the emerald leaves, long-tailed birds occasionally flew past against the blue sky – a breathtaking view.

“We’re here.” Xiao Huayong had the carriage stop by the road and left it under guard. Leading Shen Xihe to the grassy riverbank, he noticed the orchid on her person, his eyes growing as gentle as floating clouds in the sky.

During the Double Third Festival, gifting an orchid to a young lady – she would only wear it if she had feelings for the giver.

“Do you like flying kites?” Xiao Huayong took out the prepared kites.

He remembered that last time during the Double Ninth Festival, it was because she went hiking with Shen Yun’an, who wanted to buy her a kite, that she almost fell victim to the Rong family’s scheme.

“I’ve never flown a kite before,” Shen Xihe said with curiosity.

Flying kites required running and physical effort. Her constitution had never allowed for such activities, and the strong winds and sand in the Northwest meant kites weren’t common. She had only occasionally seen some young ladies playing with them.

“I’ll teach you.” Xiao Huayong smiled and had Tian Yuan run far with the kite, putting the spool in Shen Xihe’s hands. He naturally wrapped his arms around her from behind and guided her, “Pull the string like this, release when you need more force, let it out slowly…”

Tian Yuan, having released the kite, watched from afar as the Crown Prince used this opportunity to hold the Princess in his arms. He thought about how many kites the Crown Prince had ruined in the Eastern Palace practicing for today…

Flying kites was something young ladies enjoyed – how would the Crown Prince know about it? He had never tried it since childhood and only learned recently for the Princess. Now that he could hold her close, the Crown Prince must be quite satisfied.

Shen Xihe’s eyes were fixed on the kite, watching as she made it soar, frantically trying to keep it stable, afraid it would fall. This belated joy and satisfaction made her completely forget about Xiao Huayong’s embrace.

Until she moved to follow the kite and felt Xiao Huayong blocking her way. Only then did she elbow him: “Move aside, don’t block me from flying the kite!”

Her righteous and slightly petulant tone showed she hadn’t even realized it herself. Xiao Huayong chuckled softly and retreated as she wished, moving five steps away. He stood with his arms crossed, wearing a tender smile as he watched her joyful expression, his heart melting completely.

Framed by peach blossoms, her jade-like face glowed – more beautiful than the flowers, dazzlingly lovely.

“The Princess has changed again…” Zhenzhu stood at a distance as Hongyu approached. She couldn’t help but sigh softly.

The Princess rarely smiled in the Northwest, actually carrying a hint of melancholy between her brows. After the Lingrong incident, she grew stronger, only remaining the slightly domineering and willful girl of before in front of the World Son and the Prince.

After using the Bone-Melting Dan, her personality became brighter, but now the Princess seemed to have gained an additional touch of vivacity and charm.

“The Princess is only happy now,” Hongyu loved seeing the Princess with such a bright smile. Seeing her this way made her happy too. “She’s not the Princess of the Northwest anymore, not the lady of the Northwestern Prince’s mansion. She doesn’t have to worry and think for others. Because of the Crown Prince’s appearance, he has pampered her into a true young lady.”

Having followed Shen Xihe for over ten years, only now did they truly see in her the demeanor a young lady should have.