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 of his brother and sister. It was very obvious that whichever one would be the family head, they would use the other siblings to make connection.
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 to read the books again. She wanted to train her skills that was necessary for women, but her mother had already given her more books to read. It didn't look like she would finish her study at 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 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 action 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 unsightly view on this peaceful day," Wei Liuying replied calmly.