Chapter 38 - Framed (1)

Days passed swiftly.

Wei Liuying returned back to her activity of going to the academy, got scolded and punished, then she would stay at home to summarize. Her mother still didn't allow her to study the arts for women even when she had already finished making the summary for her brother.

Instead, she would send her another book that she had to read. There were already several bamboo scrolls in her room. Most of them were books that she had to read for her brother.

The only time she would feel at ease was only when she visited the bookstore or when her uncle came. She had visited the bookstore again, but Shi Yan had already departed to the north, so she was unable to have another bout with that stupid friend of hers. As for Wei Lu, he could only come occasionally and gave her some gentle reminders while telling stories about the outside world.

The stories were all very interesting, captivating Wei Liuying easily.

Unfortunately, those little joys could only happen occasionally as Wei Liuying was unable to go out often. She had things that she had to finish no matter what.

"Miss, you need to rest," Xiao Qing reminded.

Wei Liuying put down the brush and sighed. She nodded faintly. "Let's have a short walk."

"Yes!"

The quarter where Wei Liuying stayed was quite large. She rarely walked around because she didn't have the chance to do that. Besides, she was simply too busy in her own room to summarize the book.

"Are there any new rumors?" Wei Liuying asked as she watched the view in the garden.

Xiao Qing blinked her eyes. "There is some news about His Highness the Fourth Prince, saying that he had set his eyes on First Miss. Just a few days ago, he came to deliver a batch of gifts for her."

"Is there anything else?"

Wei Liuying had heard about that and immediately ordered Xiao Yu to no longer watch over Wei Xiao Hua. With Prince Ji Shu's character, it would only seek trouble if she tried to continue watching Wei Xiao Hua.

"His Highness the Third Prince, Prince Ji Sheng is still staying in the capital city. There's no order for him to return back to the frontline."

"How about news regarding Second Sister?"

Xiao Qing pursed her lips. "Second Miss is still as usual. She would excel in class and attend some additional lessons by Concubine Chou's friends whom she invited to come over. From what I heard, Second Miss had learned how to brew tea from the south."

Wei Liuying nodded, not feeling that strange at all. Concubine Chou came from the southern area in Han Shi Kingdom. Even though she didn't have high status as she was only the daughter of a small official, she must have learned some important skill for women such as brewing tea skill, cooking, and so on.

These kind of skills were not tested in the academy, but in some areas, it was quite important to master them because the man's parents would like to test them.

"His Highness the Fourth Prince has come!"

Wei Liuying heard the order and turned around. "Let's go to the main courtyard."

"Yes, Miss."

When an Imperial Family member came to visit, it was common courtesy for them to all gather and welcome him. Even if their intention was to visit someone else, they still had to show their faces to be polite.

"Greetings to the Fourth Prince."

"You may rise," Ji Shu said placidly.

"Thank you, Your Highness the Fourth Prince."

Ji Shu's eyes landed on Wei Xiao Hua. The others were tactful enough to know that he wanted to be with her. As Wei Hong was not present, they could only excuse themselves one by one to leave the couple. They better not be the third wheel in these two's relationship.

Wei Zilin bit her lower lip when they walked away. She wanted to stay there, but she didn't have the courage. After staying behind last time, she was rebuked harshly and felt afraid whenever she saw Ji Shu.

Yet, she still wished to get him.

"Third Sister, help me."

Wei Liuying, who intended to rest, was stunned. She looked over to Wei Zilin and pursed her lips. "Coveting something that didn't belong to you is not good, Second Sister."

Wei Zilin swung her arm lightly. "But I really want it!"

"There are countless others outside."

"But no one is the same as him. Besides, he's really high."

Hearing that, Wei Liuying couldn't do anything but sigh. She knew that those at the same status as Prince Ji Shu were very rare. The other princes all have their own fiancée, so it was hard for Wei Zilin to contend with them. Each of them came from prestigious families.

The best chance was through Wei Xiao Hua, but it didn't seem to be possible.

What kind of woman would willingly share her man with her sister? People always said that a wife who let their husband have a concubine was virtuous. However, in the end, the battles were always fierce inside the residence. No one would want to be put in that pit of fire by suggesting concubines to her future husband.

That would be ridiculous.