Chapter 215
Chapter 215
It was nearly dark when Shen Si left. Palace rules prevented him from remaining any longer.
Before going, he lifted Ji Hanyi onto his lap. Small and obedient in his arms, she lowered her head and allowed him to knead her hand.
But Shen Si understood that beneath her apparent softness and compliance lay a stubborn resilience.
Even now, while he was reluctant to part from her, she probably wished he would leave sooner.
Lamplight fell across her as she sat sideways in his embrace. Her soft fragrance and quiet composure suggested peaceful years untouched by trouble.
He pressed her waist closer, making her deliberately distant body rest against his. “When I come tomorrow, is there anything you want me to bring?”
Ji Hanyi considered. She needed nothing.
The palace provided everything, and the Empress gave her only the finest things. She had not been mistreated in the least.
Even the imperial kitchens were truly excellent. The braised cherry pork had been tender without greasiness; she rather wanted it again.
She shook her head. “No…”
Shen Si studied her fair face. “Then is there anything you want to say to me?”
Ji Hanyi thought, then turned toward him. Meeting his fathomless eyes tightened her heart. She whispered, “Take care on the road, Marquis.”
Shen Si raised a brow and laughed coldly in anger.
Very good.
Truly excellent.
She sat on his lap, nestled in his arms. They had married, bowed together, and shared a bed, yet she still addressed him with such distance.
As though they had no relationship at all.
Once she returned, he would discipline her thoroughly in bed until she begged for mercy and stopped using the wrong name.
His cold laugh frightened Ji Hanyi into leaning away. Seeing his black expression, she stiffened and dared say no more.
Shen Si saw fear rise in her bright eyes and her brows draw tight.
He lifted her to her feet and sighed inwardly. “Do not be constrained here. Palace servants stand outside. Order them whenever you need anything. You are my principal wife; they will not neglect you. Do not fear inconveniencing others. Behave exactly as you would in the Shen Residence.”
Ji Hanyi nodded quickly. “I will remember.”
She had always been obedient and would make no mistake. Shen Si sighed again.
Though angry, he could not bear to be harsh.
He knew he had effectively tricked her into marrying him. Otherwise, she would never have chosen him. She had indeed suffered, and the thought softened him.
He tipped up her small chin and kissed her cherry-red lips hard before leaving.
His taste filled her mouth. Ji Hanyi stared after him, then hurried out to see him off.
Shen Si turned and told her not to follow. He still had to visit His Majesty the Emperor. After one deep look, he departed.
—
Three or four more days passed, and Ji Hanyi gradually adjusted to palace life.
The Empress was stern, but taught her sincerely. She was a severe elder who genuinely wanted Ji Hanyi to do well.
The days were tiring, but Ji Hanyi could accept the intention behind them.
That day, the Empress sat in the study reviewing account books and palace memorials from the Imperial Household Department. Occasionally she spoke quietly with a female official about adjusting an expense and instructed Ji Hanyi to listen carefully.
Ji Hanyi stood beside her. As palace maids and eunuchs came and went with questions, she organized a stack of accounts awaiting approval and listened attentively.
The study remained quiet.
In midmorning, a servant announced the Crown Prince. The severity left the Empress’s face. She ordered him admitted and moved to the eastern room, where servants attended them.
Ji Hanyi naturally followed. The Empress sat on the Luohan couch by the window and finally allowed Ji Hanyi to sit opposite.
Ji Hanyi secretly relaxed, twisting one embroidered shoe beneath her skirt to ease her aching feet.
The Crown Prince entered, respectfully greeting the Empress before addressing Ji Hanyi.
Nominally, she was his maternal aunt, and he treated her respectfully, though he was two years older.
Ji Hanyi was still unused to it. Knowing his exalted status, she dared not remain seated and hurriedly rose to return the greeting.
After the courtesies, the Crown Prince sat beside the Empress and chatted while Ji Hanyi listened.
Out of filial devotion, he visited his mother briefly every day. Ji Hanyi secretly wished he would stay longer so she could rest.
As the thought crossed her mind, he turned to her. “I heard about the plate Aunt painted at the Cheng’an Marquis’s Residence. They say your skill is extraordinary. Are you accomplished in meticulous flower-and-bird painting?”
Ji Hanyi had not expected the news to reach him. “Your Highness flatters me. It is only a trivial pastime from the women’s quarters, hardly worthy of being called accomplishment.”
Jiang Xuan smiled at her modest, lowered face.
He had seen the repaired plate. The Grand Princess had brought it into the palace and praised Ji Hanyi until she silenced the Empress Dowager.
He and his father had both examined it. His Majesty had praised Ji Hanyi’s brushwork and the rare conception of the landscape, saying she was worthy of being Ji Jing’s daughter.
Jiang Xuan had come today with a purpose.
He had an attendant bring forward a scroll. “Aunt needn’t be modest. I have a matter in which I need your help.”
The Empress asked curiously, “What matter?”
Jiang Xuan unfurled a yellowed painting. It depicted a rare Scarlet Nether Orchid presented from the Western Regions. Though skillfully painted, age had robbed it of vitality.
“This flower blooms once every ten years, but it withered last month. Father wants it included in the Catalogue of Myriad Blossoms and ordered me to find someone to repaint it. The palace artists’ versions lack spirit, and Father remains dissatisfied.”
The Empress looked at Ji Hanyi. She knew her skill. “Try it. If it does not work, we will find another solution.”
With the Empress speaking thus, Ji Hanyi could not refuse. “I will do my best.”
Jiang Xuan rose and personally handed her the scroll. “I will trouble Aunt with this matter.”
His gaze lowered. Beneath her pearl hair ornament was a clean, gentle face like a pale hibiscus. Long lashes lifted over delicately painted brows. Her silver-white brocade made her seem like the mild spring day beyond the window, carrying a pleasing fragrance.
His gaze stilled, then met her luminous eyes as she raised them.
Those eyes seemed filled with feeling. They were very beautiful.