By the time she finished reading the words on it, she had put the note into the sugar pouch.
Then she picked up the pastries on the table and started to head out.
Xiao Hua whispered,
"Host, are you going to help the Eldest Prince?"
"I don’t want to."
"But, Host, according to the books Xiao Hua has read, if you become worthless, you are very likely to be silenced."
Su Yan listened and thought it made sense, because she had read all the books Xiao Hua had read.
Quietly,
"So, I help him?"
After all, clinging to life is necessary to continue the mission.
"But the Third Prince trusts you so much right now, discovering you as a spy would break his heart."
"So, what should I do?"
Su Yan lacked experience; she rarely told lies, let alone acted as a spy.
Xiao Hua pondered carefully for a moment,
"Uh... how about you forge one, Host?"
As soon as she finished speaking, both the person and the system thought that the idea was brilliant. That way, could they not both complete the task and prevent the Third Prince’s heartache?
A spy novice and a system without practical experience, their conversation was like two fools talking.
Su Yan returned to the sleeping chamber, holding a tray of pastries as she walked in.
Although it was always Xuanyuan Yonghao who wanted the pastries, they mostly ended up in Su Yan’s stomach.
That’s why this time, Su Yan specially chose her favorites to bring in.
When Su Yan came in, Xuanyuan Yonghao was practicing his calligraphy.
She hesitated for a moment, suddenly realizing a fatal problem:
She didn’t know how to write with a brush.
How to forge without being able to write??
Thus, she unconsciously walked toward Xuanyuan Yonghao to observe the characters he had just written.
They were beautiful and sharp.
Each stroke possessed a vigorous edge, yet at a glance, they exuded an imposing and grand aura.
She stood by, gazing longingly; she... didn’t know how to write.
Perhaps it was the emotional look in her eyes as she stared at the rice paper that was rare for her.
Xuanyuan Yonghao took a glance at her, and couldn’t help but curve the corners of his lips,
"Do you recognize them?"
Su Yan nodded,
"Su Yan"
She said softly, reading the words on the paper.
A glint of light flashed in Xuanyuan Yonghao’s eyes. He then wrote four more characters:
"What about these?"
"Xuanyuan Yonghao."
She pronounced them seriously, and upon finishing, she felt a burning gaze on her, lifting her head to meet his eyes.
He observed her for quite a while, before finally speaking again,
"Come here, write them for me to see."
Su Yan hesitated from the side; she hadn’t learned brush writing.
But... it should be similar, right?
With that thought, she put down the pastries and approached.
Taking the brush from his hand, she hesitated before putting it to paper, unable to help but take another imploring glance at him.
Xuanyuan Yonghao was somewhat expectant.
From their daily conversations, it was evident that although this little maid seemed simple-minded, she had some literary grace.
She seemed to understand the classical references and terms he mentioned.
It was evident, she had been taught by a teacher.
They say the writing mirrors the person.
He was curious to see if the characters she would write were like her.
After a good while,
Su Yan seriously completed her own name.
No sooner had she written it than laughter came from the side.
The one holding her, with his head resting on her shoulder, lowered his gaze to the rice paper with its skewed, crawling-like characters, laughing heartily.
Su Yan put down the brush, picked up the piece of rice paper, especially to compare it with the writing next to it. Indeed, it was a tragically terrible sight.
Her eyes swimming with moisture, her cheeks a little red,
she murmured softly,
"I can’t write."
While laughing, Xuanyuan Yonghao asked,
"Did the teacher only teach you to read and not to write?"