Chapter Thirty: Willow Shadows on the Palace Walls, Affection Lingers by the Sickbed

Under the protection of the Empress Dowager’s palace, the taut string of Li Chengyin’s heart finally found a moment of respite. In the past, he had been like a bird startled by the mere twang of a bow, consumed day and night by anxiety over Xiaofeng’s safety. Now, the Empress Dowager’s palace stood as an impregnable fortress, shielding Xiaofeng securely within, as if providing her with a safe harbor far from the storms.

At first, Li Chengyin believed that as long as Xiaofeng remained here, she would be free from all worries. However, as time quietly slipped by, the naturally lively and restless Xiaofeng soon felt the stifling boredom beneath this peaceful facade. Within the palace, the maids and eunuchs were all cautious and reserved in their speech and actions. To Xiaofeng, who was accustomed to galloping freely and unrestrained across the vast grasslands, their whispered voices and the oppressive tranquility felt like invisible ropes binding her tightly.

Xiaofeng pouted her exquisite lips, her brows slightly furrowed, appearing as endearing as a delicate flower dampened by morning dew. She paced back and forth in the somewhat cavernous palace, her dainty embroidered shoes brushing against the polished floor, making faint sounds. Her fingers unconsciously twirled a lock of her hair, as if she could find a remedy for her boredom in the entanglement. Suddenly, a spark of mischief flashed in her bright eyes—like a shooting star streaking across the night sky, fleeting yet dazzling. A clever idea struck her: she would feign illness to lure Li Chengyin to visit.

In her heart, she knew Li Chengyin, as the Crown Prince, was daily submerged in the whirlpool of state affairs, trapped by a web of endless duties. Without an extraordinary reason, he would likely be unable to tear himself away from his complex official business to spend precious time with her. But if she claimed to be ill, given his deep affection for her, he would surely be frantic with worry and rush to her side, regardless of anything else.

And so, on a morning when the sun was just beginning to rise, Xiaofeng lay early upon her soft bed. She specifically instructed Adu to fetch a heavy quilt, wrapping her delicate frame so tightly that not a breath could escape, much like a pupa hiding in its cocoon. Facing a bright bronze mirror, she had a maid fetch face powder and, with delicate precision, lightly applied it to her fair cheeks, creating a sickly flush that resembled the faint, lingering glow of a sunset. She also carefully muted the color of her lips, turning them from their natural, cherry-like vibrancy to a shade that suggested weakness and malaise.

The Empress Dowager, seeing Xiaofeng in this state, saw through the ruse at once. Yet, the old lady merely curled the corners of her mouth into a meaningful smile and shook her head gently, saying nothing. Having weathered decades of storms within the deep palace, how could she not understand the whims of such a young girl? She knew well that Xiaofeng’s personality was like a fiercely burning flame—lively and forthright. She also understood that the feelings between these two young people were like fruit not yet fully ripened, needing special catalysts to deepen and mature. Thus, she tacitly allowed Xiaofeng’s plan to proceed, like a wise elder watching children at play, her heart filled with kindness and tolerance.

When Li Chengyin heard the news of Xiaofeng’s illness, he was busy before a mountain of memorials. The brush in his hand dropped to the floor with a "clatter," and the thick ink bloomed across the white paper like a blossoming flower of shadow. Yet, he had no time to spare a glance, as if the ink stain were non-existent. He stood up abruptly, the movement creating a slight breeze that stirred the papers on his desk. Without hesitation, he abandoned his work and hurried toward where Xiaofeng stayed.

His footsteps echoed urgently through the empty palace corridors; each step sounded like a heavy hammer striking the ground, carrying the weight of his anxiety and concern. The sound of his approach grew louder, like the rhythmic beat of destiny, striking Xiaofeng’s heart. Upon seeing her, he lunged forward and nervously grasped her hands. His own hands trembled slightly from overwhelming worry, like leaves in an autumn breeze. His eyes were filled with deep concern, seeing only Xiaofeng, and he asked anxiously, "Xiaofeng, what is wrong? Where do you feel unwell?"

Seeing Li Chengyin’s frantic expression, Xiaofeng felt a secret joy, like a little mouse that had successfully stolen a piece of cheese. She blinked her lively, large eyes, continuing to feign a sickly appearance, her voice soft and tinged with a hint of grievance: "Li Chengyin, I feel so terrible. Why haven't you come to see me for so long? I am so bored here."

Upon hearing this, the sensitive string in Li Chengyin’s heart was pulled taut, leaving him feeling both heartbroken and guilty. His brows locked together like two mountain peaks, and fine beads of sweat, like morning dew on blades of grass, instantly appeared on his forehead.

He quickly comforted her: "I am sorry, Xiaofeng. It was my negligence. From now on, I will surely find more time to keep you company." As he spoke, he sat slowly on the edge of the bed and reached out to gently stroke her forehead. His touch was incredibly soft, as if he were handling the most precious treasure in the world, his eyes filled with self-reproach.

Watching Li Chengyin’s remorseful expression, Xiaofeng almost laughed out loud. The corners of her mouth curled up like a crescent moon, but she quickly suppressed it, turning her head away as if sulking. At this moment, Li Chengyin leaned in close, his handsome face wearing a playful smile, though his eyes held a hint of expectation: "If you feel bored, why don't we have a child? Then you will have a companion."

Upon hearing this, Xiaofeng felt as if she had been touched by a spark, her face turning crimson. The blush spread from her cheeks to her earlobes, like clouds ablaze in the evening sky. Shy and annoyed, she covered her head with the quilt. Her voice came out muffled from beneath the covers, filled with the typical coquettishness and feigned anger of a young girl: "Li Chengyin, go away! I don't want to talk to you!"

Watching her shy demeanor, Li Chengyin could not help but burst into hearty laughter. His laughter was bright and unrestrained, echoing through the somewhat stuffy palace like a gust of fresh breeze. From beneath the quilt, Xiaofeng listened to his laughter; her anger surged like the tide, yet hidden beneath that irritation was a trace of sweetness, like honey mixed with lemon juice. She stretched out her foot and gave Li Chengyin a light kick, signaling for him to leave immediately.

Li Chengyin stood up with a smile, cast one last look at the bundle under the covers, his eyes brimming with doting affection, and then turned to leave. His footsteps as he departed were noticeably lighter than when he had arrived, as if a great stone had finally been lifted from his heart.