Chapter 14: Splendid and Auspicious Meanings

"You're welcome." A smile rose on Ye Qianning's round face as she asked curiously, "You could clearly see its color, so why didn't you answer when they asked you?"

Sang Zhi remained silent.

Seeing that he wouldn't answer, Ye Qianning didn't mind and said with a smile, "Irises suit you very well; they symbolize splendor and auspiciousness."

Sang Zhi remained silent.

Seeing his continued silence, Ye Qianning began to wonder if he had a communication disorder. She scratched her head, the atmosphere becoming somewhat awkward.

She was still not good at interacting with children, especially children who were as silent and precocious as this one.

"Pang... Pangtuan." Cui'er poked her head out from behind the flowerbed.

Ye Qianning took a glance, then turned back to stare at Sang Zhi with her large eyes, her face written with innocence. She grinned provocatively and said, "You are truly handsome."

A faint blush briefly appeared on Sang Zhi's serious little face, only to be immediately replaced by a hint of anger.

Ye Qianning caught the change, smiling like a little fox who had successfully executed a scheme. It seemed this little stick-in-the-mud wasn't so difficult to communicate with after all.

"Pangtuan..." Cui'er was anxious.

"Coming, coming," Ye Qianning responded.

Cui'er emerged from behind the flowerbed and pulled Ye Qianning a long way before letting her go, saying with lingering fear, "Pangtuan, how dare you provoke the Seventh Prince? He is a notorious little tyrant; if you provoke him, it could cost you your life."

"It's fine, he's just a child."

"...Don't take it lightly. The Seventh Prince is truly terrifying. You'll be the one crying when the time comes."

A child? Was he just any ordinary child? He was a prince.

Sang Zhi stood in place, his gaze following the small figure as she drifted further and further away. Only when she turned the corner of the long corridor and disappeared did he withdraw his gaze, looking down at the colorless flower in his hand.

So, this was purple...

An iris, purple...

An indescribable sense of strangeness rose in Sang Zhi's heart.

"Eighth Brother." A voice rang out as Sang Yan, dressed in ink-colored robes, walked over. His tone was somewhat worried. "I just heard that Old Seven came by. He didn't bully you, did he?"

Sang Zhi said nothing.

Sang Yan found it strange, but following his gaze, he saw the iris in his hand. He concluded in his heart that that fellow Sang Rui must have bullied him again.

"Third Brother will get justice for you tomorrow."

"Third Brother, this is purple," Sang Zhi said faintly.

Sang Yan froze, then said joyfully, "Eighth Brother, you can see colors now?"

Sang Zhi paused, then shook his head.

Sang Yan's joy vanished, and he offered words of comfort: "It's alright. The world is vast; someone will eventually be able to cure your eyes. In the future, if Sang Rui tries to play tricks on you with these things again, just tell Third Brother. I won't let him off easily."

Sang Zhi nodded and carefully placed the iris into his sleeve. His pale, slender hand gripped the cuff tightly, as if afraid he might accidentally lose it.

So, purple was this beautiful...

***

By the time Ye Qianning followed Cui'er to Lanxuan Court, the little princess was already asleep. Cui'er was telling Princess Consort Changyang about their encounter with the princes.

"The Seventh Prince has been spoiled by Consort Yu and is naturally mischievous. But you needn't take it to heart; he still shows restraint within the manor." The Princess Consort of Changyang invited Ye Qianning to sit and placed a plate of pastries in front of her. "Try some."

"Thank you, Princess Consort." Ye Qianning picked up a piece and took a small bite.

Princess Consort Changyang was a very kind, dignified, and graceful woman. They say that one's countenance reflects one's heart, and it was certainly true here.

"No need for such politeness. Speaking of thanks, I should be the one thanking you." Princess Consort Changyang smiled gently, looking extremely kind.

(End of Chapter)