Chapter Seventeen: Embroider, Embroider, Embroider, Embroiderer

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“You’re the one who got thrown out that day.” Song Qingcheng recalled vividly—like kicking a ball, the person flew so high.

Bai Qi paused, then smiled slyly, tilting his head to lean closer. “The beauty remembers me? Could it be you fancy me? No wonder, Bai Qi is simply too handsome; it only took one glance to capture your heart.”

Song Qingcheng regretted speaking and pointed toward the nearby stream to send him off. “There’s water over there; go freshen up.”

Bai Qi laughed in surprise. “How does the beauty know I like to look in mirrors? I even brought one along.” With a swift motion, he revealed a shimmering mirror made of gold.

Song Qingcheng blinked and stepped back. “You really are quite the flirt…” She was at a loss for words; it was the first time she’d met someone so shameless.

“Beauty, you truly understand me, which makes my heart flutter even more. How about… hey, hey, hey, who’s that!” Bai Qi turned around to find Shen Runzhi staring at him with murderous eyes.

“Beauty? Heart fluttering? Bai Qi, you’re thinking about going to the coal mine to dig again, aren’t you?” Shen Runzhi said softly.

The mirror slipped from Bai Qi’s hand, and he looked around desperately. “Save me, save me~”

Song Qingcheng whistled innocently, pretending not to see, then gasped, covering her mouth. “Oh dear, whose gold is this? It’s so valuable! I must hurry to find the owner.” With that, she slipped away.

Bai Qi fumed, clutching the gold without doing anything, when suddenly he felt a chill at the back of his neck. He clasped his hands in a pleading gesture. “I was wrong, I was wrong. Brother Shen, I just made a huge discovery you’ll definitely like.”

“Speak.”

“I found out your cousin harbors lustful thoughts for you. If you deliberately seduce her a bit, it’s sure to work.” Bai Qi twisted his head impishly, his mouth near the back of his skull.

Shen Runzhi raised an eyebrow, then instantly released his grip and kicked him with disdain shining in his icy eyes. “Handle Wang Xiaoshu. I don’t want to see him for now.”

Bai Qi was puzzled. “Hey! Old Shen, I just helped you, and this is how you treat me—the handsome, dashing, charming, long-legged heartthrob of countless girls?!”

Shen Runzhi ignored him and walked straight away.

Wang Xiaoshu grabbed Bai Qi’s collar, trying to explain kindly. “Bai Qi, isn’t it disgusting to call him ‘Brother Shen’? I’m about to vomit. Don’t forget, our master hates being called that. You’re practically courting death. You’re lucky you weren’t sent to mine.”

Bai Qi suddenly recalled something buried in the back of his mind. It seemed to be true.

Wang Xiaoshu didn’t care what he was thinking and dragged him off, throwing him far away as ordered.

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Behind a big tree, Song Qingcheng bit her lip, as if she had found a solution. Shen Runzhi didn’t seem to like her very much at the moment. If she could make him dislike her, then obtain the antidote, she could leave.

Brother Shen… how humiliating—it was strange he hated being called that. Song Qingcheng didn’t understand but decided to follow through.

The crown prince was determined to marry her for some unknown reason. Shen Runzhi had a bright future ahead; she didn’t want to implicate him or the Shen household. It was better to sever ties.

Sighing, Song Qingcheng heard the commotion ahead and knew it was about to start. She lifted her dress and walked over.

The emperor, a bit old, sat in the main seat watching the young noble children hunt. The crown prince took the lead, pulling his horse, his eyes fixed on Song Qingcheng.

She looked away and hid behind those in front, shielding herself, hoping nothing would happen.

The prince’s eyes gleamed with determination as he urged his horse closer. Those ahead were frightened and dodged aside, and others nearby scattered, leaving Song Qingcheng exposed in the crowd.

“What does Qingcheng like? I’ll hunt it for you.”

“My humble self and Miss Wang Meng both like rabbits. I beg Your Highness to hunt two rabbits.” Song Qingcheng bowed low, her mind racing.

She had cleverly included Wang Meng to reduce gossip.

“Qingcheng is as gentle and adorable as a rabbit. How about I hunt a golden canary for you? It’s beautiful and elegant.” The prince’s gaze pressed on her. Song Qingcheng clenched her fingers but maintained her bow.

“I don’t like birds in cages. Your Highness, please choose another animal.” She lowered her posture but kept her spirit high.

The prince tugged the reins. “I think you’re suitable. Qingcheng, just wait obediently.”

The prince rode away, followed by other noble sons and daughters.

Song Qingcheng straightened up and sighed deeply, putting some food from her waist to her mouth. When restless and anxious, she liked to soothe herself with eating.

“Miss…” Tao Hong was indignant. How could this be? Returning to the capital only to suffer grievances? Before, wherever they went, they were welcomed respectfully.

“It’s nothing. Didn’t Wang Meng say she wanted to ride together? Where is she?” Song Qingcheng stuffed some food in her mouth. With food in her stomach, her anxiety eased somewhat.

“Over there.” Tao Hong pointed the way and led her over. Wang Meng held a pouch, her eyes shining with affection. Seeing Song Qingcheng approach, she shyly smiled and showed it off. “Look.”

“The crown prince just gave this to me. So he really has feelings for me.” Wang Meng was sweet. After the lantern festival, she couldn’t get him out of her mind.

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Every day, Song Qingcheng carefully picked herbs, her eyes sharp. She immediately noticed three characters embroidered beneath the flower.

She took a deep breath and glanced at Tao Hong, who instantly understood. “Miss Wang Meng, this is exquisite. May I have a look?”

Wang Meng was reluctant but handed it over. “The palace has the best embroiderers—nothing outside can compare.”

Song Qingcheng diverted her attention to speak. “Are there any good embroiderers in the capital? I’ve been back a while but haven’t had anything nice to give my uncle or cousin. I want to learn embroidery to make gifts.”

Of course, this was a lie. Living in the herbal valley, Song Qingcheng had to mend her own clothes when they tore and had already mastered embroidery.

Wang Meng thought for a moment. “There’s a lady in the west of the city who is the best embroiderer. I heard she used to work in the palace. If Sister Song wants to learn, she’s the right person and convenient to find.”

Tao Hong took the opportunity to offer the pouch. “Miss Wang gives this to you. It’s truly a treasure; the needles and threads are delicate and beautiful. I’m amazed.”

Wang Meng quickly took it, cherishing it in her palm and examining it carefully. “This is how it is in the palace… is this—my name?”

“Sister Song, please help me see if these are the characters for Wang Meng.” Wang Meng’s joy was hard to hide.

Meeting her happy expression, Song Qingcheng felt an inexplicable guilt. Was it wrong to drag her deeper into this?

But she had resolved that the crown prince’s consort was fixed. Revealing the truth would only cause pain. With such a long life ahead, was it better to live consciously or in blissful ignorance?

“It seems so.” Song Qingcheng nodded reluctantly. Whether to tell or not was a difficult choice.

She comforted herself: when she left far away, nothing else should happen. They would live well.

Wang Meng was delighted, tucking the pouch into her bosom. “I won’t give up liking the crown prince. This is just the first step towards success.”

“I heard the prince likes girls who can ride horses, so I’ve been learning horsemanship. I wonder if I’ll meet him later.” Wang Meng pulled the reins and moved forward.

“Sister Song, let’s hurry.” Wang Meng couldn’t wait and urged on, afraid she might miss him.