Chapter 23: Seeing Is Believing

A Successful Provocation

Though dismissed, Xie Jiu was in high spirits.

Being so close, she wasn’t an innocent maiden—how could she not sense Zhao Xingjin’s reaction?

Once a man could be stirred, it meant he was intrigued. That was her opening.

For Xie Jiu, mastering this was a powerful tool for her future path.

Mulling this over, she soon arrived at Princess Wenxi’s residence.

Changle Palace.

Xie Jiu composed herself, adjusted her attire, and stepped inside.

Today, she finally met Princess Wenxi.

“This subject pays her respects to Your Highness,” Xie Jiu said, curtsying.

Though only seven, Princess Wenxi carried herself with poise, waving a hand like a little adult.

“Madam, you need not stand on ceremony. Since Father has appointed you as my tutor, I shall call you Teacher from now on.”

“As Your Highness wishes,” Xie Jiu replied with a gentle nod.

Though it was their first meeting, she quite liked the young girl.

With an oval face, fair skin with a rosy glow, and large, almond-shaped eyes, Wenxi wasn’t lively but bore a faint trace of melancholy. She appeared gentle and well-mannered, instantly likable.

Yet she seemed overly mature for her age.

Perhaps that was common for children raised in the palace.

“Teacher, last time you gave me advice on my calligraphy. In my spare time these past few days, I practiced with the copybook you sent. Please review my work,” Wenxi said softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Xie Jiu noted her lack of confidence, took the paper, and after reviewing it, immediately offered praise.

“Well done, Your Highness. Your progress is clear. Your grip on the brush has improved greatly, your strokes are steadier, and the structure of your characters is much more balanced. It seems the copybook I chose is quite helpful.”

“Really?” Wenxi looked up, her eyes brightening momentarily before dimming again. She lowered her head. “But Mother says my soft nature reflects in my writing, lacking strength and edge, so I’ll never write well.”

Before Xie Jiu, Wenxi studied with the Empress’s daughters, Princess Zhaoqing and Princess Lingyi, under the Empress’s oversight.

After lessons, the Empress often reviewed their work, leading to such critiques.

The Empress’s words weren’t baseless, but Xie Jiu couldn’t bear to see the diligent girl so dejected.

She softened her voice. “Your Highness, don’t belittle yourself. You said it yourself—writing reflects the person. No two people are identical, nor is their calligraphy. Judgments of good or bad aren’t fixed. With diligent practice, you’ll develop your own fine hand in time.”

Wenxi looked up, studying Xie Jiu carefully.

After a moment, she pursed her lips, hesitating.

Finally, she murmured, “You’re not like what people say.”

These days, Wenxi had heard various palace rumors about Xie Jiu, making her wary of the tutor her father assigned.

But meeting her today, she found herself liking Xie Jiu—at least for now.

Xie Jiu smiled faintly. “I am who I am, not defined by others’ words.”

She paused, then looked at Wenxi earnestly.

“Your Highness, ears can deceive, but eyes show the truth. No matter what others say, strive to keep your mind clear, undisturbed by external noise or swayed in your judgment.”

Take the rumors that Zhao Xingjin was a womanizer—Wu Que and Xie Mingchen believed them. But Xie Jiu, having tested him, saw through his facade.

Speaking these truths to the young princess, Xie Jiu wasn’t sure if Wenxi understood, but the words came from her heart.

Wenxi nodded vaguely, saying no more.

A Dutiful Teacher

Xie Jiu turned to teaching, focusing on the lesson.

Instructing a seven-year-old was no challenge for her.

Wenxi, with her gentle and obedient nature, studied diligently.

Xie Jiu had worried the princess might reject her due to her status, making teaching difficult, but her concerns were unfounded.

She realized why Zhao Xingjin chose her to guide Wenxi. He likely knew his daughter’s temperament ensured smooth lessons.

Or perhaps he didn’t expect her to teach diligently at all, merely using it as an excuse to bring her into the palace.

Regardless of his intentions, Xie Jiu was determined to teach well.

The morning’s lessons impressed both Wenxi and her attendant, Qinlan, changing their view of her.

As the lesson ended, Wenxi gifted Xie Jiu a box of pastries.

Not valuable, but heartfelt.

Xie Jiu accepted it graciously.

Princesses studied only in the mornings, with afternoons dedicated to the “eight elegances” for girls—music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, flowers, and tea.

Thus, Xie Jiu’s duties were done in half a day.

But leaving the palace required Zhao Xingjin’s permission, so she headed to Chengming Hall.

As expected, he wasn’t ready to let her go. He kept her for lunch.

A Deliberate Delay

After lunch, with the day at its hottest, he insisted she stay for a nap.

As Xie Jiu was pulled to lie down, she sensed his intent was deliberate.

But it was broad daylight, so she reasoned that even if Zhao Xingjin bent the rules, he wouldn’t go too far. This eased her nerves.

Indeed, though he teased her, he didn’t cross any lines.

Xie Jiu felt he was retaliating for her stirring his heart that morning.

‘He doesn’t let himself lose an inch!’ she cursed inwardly.

Despite her grumbling, she had to patiently play along, napping for half an hour.

It was more exhausting than skipping the nap.

Fortunately, Zhao Xingjin didn’t prolong her torment into the afternoon. After the nap, he let her leave.

A Chaotic Return

Leaving the palace and boarding her carriage, Xie Jiu exhaled deeply, her body relaxing.

Qingfang and Chunrong, seeing her exhaustion, arranged the carriage for her to rest briefly.

The slow ride from the palace to the Weiyuan Marquis Estate took about half an hour, enough for Xie Jiu to recover some energy.

She planned to return to her courtyard and nap to regain her strength, but no sooner had she arrived than Wu Qingchan stormed in, shouting.

“Xie! My brother’s locked in the Ministry of Justice’s prison, and you’re lounging here? You’re still a Wu! If anything happens to my brother, you’ll be dragged down too! Why aren’t you finding a way to save him?”

Her voice gave Xie Jiu an instant headache. Rubbing her temples, her expression cooled, and she shot a glance at Chunrong.

Chunrong understood immediately, striding to the door and shouting sharply.

“What are you all standing around for? Can’t you see Madam needs rest? Get this noisy woman out!”