Si Zheng held back, took a piece of paper, and started drawing a cat identical to the one made by Bai Zhi’er, sitting across from her.
She wore a smile, with flashes of cunning calculation in her eyes at times.
"Your Highness, how do you find this humble piece of mine? Is it worthy enough to add a tail to your kitty?"
After finishing the drawing, Si Zheng turned the paper and presented it to Bai Zhi’er.
The little one blinked her long dark eyelashes twice.
Looking at Bai Zhi’er’s petite face, Si Zheng secretly felt pleased with herself.
Let’s see what the Princess has to say this time!
Bai Zhi’er used the tip of the brush to poke her own soft little chin.
"Mother once said, whatever one draws reflects something deep in their heart, no matter what it is."
"Some people draw mountains, their colors stretching endlessly and mysteriously, indicating a broad heart; some depict rushing waters with bold strokes, suggesting a restless spirit."
"As for you..." Her big, round grape-like eyes twinkled cleverly: "The cat you drew, baring its teeth fiercely, looks like a vindictive little villain."
She pointed at the cat Si Zheng had drawn with her brush.
That cat had two sharp fangs slightly protruding.
Qingmei observed carefully: "Indeed! This cat looks like it’s about to scratch someone. The wild palace cats the Princess draws are lazy gluttons; none are as fierce as this one."
Si Zheng felt rebuffed and was instantly displeased!
Considering her purpose, she forced a gentle smile.
"The Princess’s teaching is right, my brushwork is unrefined, sorry I embarrassed you. But if the Lady is truly such a learned and talented woman, how does she feel comfortable with the Princess being alone in the palace?"
Bai Zhi’er’s dark watery eyes fixedly looked at her, voice soft and endearing.
"Mother knows everything, and Zhi’er is an independent little darling; are these two points in conflict?"
Si Zheng was at a loss for words.
Qingmei stifled a laugh behind her hand.
Bai Zhi’er lowered her head again and added a few butterfly strokes around Little Hua’s plump body.
She said in a childlike voice: "Zhi’er is looking for dad because I miss him. If mom returns later, it’ll mean she misses her husband too. Do you think there’s a problem with that?"
Si Zheng quickly lowered her head: "I wouldn’t dare. I was just... curious. The Lady is rumored to be as beautiful as a Heavenly Immortal and very knowledgeable. I deeply admire and respect her, so I misspoke."
Bai Zhi’er put down the brush and blew on the wet ink on the paper.
Looking at the artwork, her rosy little face revealed a sweet smile.
Then she gave Si Zheng, who was lowering her head, a sidelong glance.
"Mother used to say that for dad to even lift her shoes is his fortune. You’d better not inquire about Mother anymore, your status doesn’t suffice, it’ll shorten your lifespan."
These words gave no decorum.
It was akin to giving Si Zheng a slap in public.
Chunhong and Liulyu didn’t dare utter a word, watching Si Zheng cautiously.
Since she became Chief Aunt, with no female master in the harem, didn’t everyone have to give her some respect?
Now, this newly appeared Princess looks down on her!
Si Zheng struggled to calm her anger.
Just then, an announcement came from the doorway: "The Emperor has arrived!"
Bai Zhi’er quickly jumped off the chair.
Her small figure was like a ball of powdery fluff, rushing headlong into the embrace of the Bright Yellow Dragon Robe.
"Dad, look, this is a fat kitty Zhi Bao fed today, it’s called Little Hua."
Bai Xilie smiled, holding his daughter in his arms, his broad and strong arm hugging the little one tightly.
He looked at the paper in Bai Zhi’er’s small hand, the flowers on it vivid with lifelike expressions and dynamic yawning gestures.
"Zhi’er is truly impressive; you drew it so beautifully. Let’s take Dad to see this Little Hua some other day, shall we?"