The little one’s tender, fair face broke into a pout, her pink cheeks puffing up slightly, the smile vanishing.
"What are you here for?" she asked Si Zheng.
Si Zheng bowed her head to pay respects, accompanied by the two palace servants behind her.
Once she raised her head, she displayed a proper smile: "Your Highness, the Emperor instructed me to select two palace servants skilled in serving ink to accompany you—Chunhong and Liulyu."
The two palace servants stepped forward.
Chunhong said, "Your Highness, Liulyu and I have long been in charge of copying ledger books in the Imperial Affairs Bureau. We’re literate and have read some books. Would Your Highness like to practice calligraphy while enjoying some pastries made by Liulyu?"
Bai Zhi’er blinked her round, dark eyes and answered honestly, "I don’t want to. Mother said that when practicing calligraphy, one must behave properly and not eat."
Chunhong’s face froze awkwardly for a moment.
Seeing this, Liulyu quickly stepped forward with a smile to smooth things over: "Your Highness seems tired after playing. Why not enjoy some pastries to refresh yourself first and then discuss calligraphy practice later?"
Bai Zhi’er shook her little head.
"I want to paint now, not eat pastries." With that, she walked into the hall on her tiny feet.
Si Zheng glanced at Chunhong and Liulyu, who hurriedly followed after her.
Their ingratiating voices trailed behind: "Painting is wonderful! We’ve learned to trace plum blossoms; which kind would Your Highness like to paint?"
Gazing at Chunhong and Liulyu, who scurried after Bai Zhi’er.
Qingmei pursed her lips and leveled a serious stare at Si Zheng: "What is Chief Aunt trying to achieve?"
Si Zheng’s previously dignified and composed expression disappeared.
She coldly looked at Qingmei: "Naturally to ease Your Highness’s burdens. Or do you truly think it’s safe to let you care for the Princess alone? Qingmei, the Princess is young and doesn’t know right from wrong. Don’t think earning her favor means everything will go your way!"
Qingmei bristled with anger at the remark.
She was about to retort when Bai Zhi’er’s soft yet sticky voice rang out from inside the hall: "Sister Qingmei, why aren’t you coming in?"
Qingmei responded at once: "Coming now."
She turned back to Si Zheng, raising her chin and squaring her shoulders.
"Whether the Princess knows right from wrong, I truly cannot say. But I, Qingmei, stand upright and act straight. Unlike certain people, who only know how to play tricks! That kind of person is the real danger to Her Highness!"
With that, Qingmei shoved Si Zheng aside with her shoulder: "Chief Aunt, move—don’t block me from the Princess!"
Watching Qingmei’s smugly departing figure.
Si Zheng ground her teeth in hatred.
This Qingmei—sooner or later, I’ll show her who’s boss!
Bai Zhi’er lay across the table, brush in hand, painting.
Chunhong and Liulyu stood nearby, exerting themselves to shower praise.
"Your Highness’s painting—it’s a cat, isn’t it? How adorable, so lifelike!"
"Even at such a young age, Your Highness’s skill is extraordinary. Perhaps this talent comes from Your Majesty?"
Bai Zhi’er, who hadn’t responded to them for quite some time, finally lifted her soft, tender face upon hearing these words.
With a sweet voice, she said, "It’s my mother who taught me."
Chunhong and Liulyu froze for a moment before letting out awkward chuckles: "Ah, so that’s how it is."
Liulyu tentatively asked, "Then surely that Lady must be exceptionally talented, with endless skills?"
Otherwise, how could she still linger in the Emperor’s thoughts until now!
Bai Zhi’er finished drawing Dahua’s likeness and nodded her small head: "Mother knows a great deal; in many things, Father can’t match her."
Si Zheng, who had been standing not far away, overheard, and only then did she step forward with a smile. Chunhong and Liulyu instinctively retreated a few steps, making way.
"Your Highness, I’ve also learned some painting techniques from the palace painters. The cat still seems to need a touch on its tail. Would Your Highness like me to help complete it?"
Bai Zhi’er puffed up her cheeks, visibly displeased.
"If you want to paint, fetch your own piece of paper. I don’t like others helping me."
Si Zheng froze, her breath catching.
This tricky little child!