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Song Qing would arrive at the East Palace to tutor Taotao every morning at the hour of si, but he always came a quarter of an hour early.

Song Qing was personally appointed by the Emperor to be Taotao’s enlightenment teacher, a position many coveted but could never attain.

When Shen Chuwei and Lady Tao hurried over, they quickened their pace as they neared the Study Room, then simultaneously slowed as they approached the door.

After Chu Lingfeng walked out of the Study Room with Taotao, Shen Chuwei had Chun Xi take them to snack on some fruit, then turned to Lady Tao, "Do you need me to accompany you inside?"

Lady Tao shook her head, "No need, I’ll go in by myself."

Shen Chuwei nodded, "Alright, I’ll wait outside for you. Good luck."

Lady Tao gathered her courage and walked in.

Shen Chuwei took out a handful of sunflower seeds and started cracking them open, thinking about how much better it would be in the modern era, not having to be so secretive.

Lady Tao approached the desk and watched Song Qing, who was so engrossed in his book that he failed to notice her, and she didn’t have the heart to interrupt him.

At the same age, Song Qing was erudite, having become the youngest Top Scholar, a man of both talent and appearance.

As for her, aside from her family’s wealth and some beauty, she had nothing else.

Suddenly, she felt unworthy of the exceptional Song Qing.

When Song Qing flipped the pages, he caught a glimpse of a purple ribbon and looked up to see Lady Tao standing at the desk. He quickly set the book aside, stood up, and greeted her with respect.

"Lady Tao."

Seeing Song Qing’s consistent behavior, Lady Tao felt somewhat helpless, as he never forgot their social standings, and he always adhered to proper etiquette.

"Teacher Song is really focused when reading."

Song Qing spoke slowly, "I often forget meal times when I get engrossed in reading, a bad habit I’ve never managed to change."

Lady Tao covered her mouth to stifle her laughter, "Then you should take a wife who would remind you to have your meals every day, so you wouldn’t forget."

When the topic of taking a wife came up, Song Qing felt somewhat troubled because he had been pestered about matchmakings too often lately.

Most of them were colleagues, and he didn’t know how many times he had refused them.

It was as if they had never heard him; they’d bring it up every time they saw him.

They even suggested a meeting over a meal on the fifteenth of the month...

Seeing that he didn’t respond, Lady Tao leaned in curiously, "What’s wrong?"

Song Qing was thinking of an excuse to refuse the meal invitation when he saw a beautiful face very close to his own, close enough that he could smell her faint fragrance.

He had never had such a close encounter with a woman, and instinctively took two steps back, bumping into the chair behind him, making a grating noise.

He quickly steadied himself and bowed his head, "It’s nothing, it’s nothing, just that I have quite a few bothersome matters these days."

Lady Tao felt a bit hurt seeing his displeased expression and, considering his demeanor, wondered if he was intentionally keeping his distance after seeing that poem, to tell her that there was no possibility between them?

"Am I so frightening that you have to avoid me like this?"

Song Qing shook his head, "Lady Tao is gentle and generous, not a Flood Beast. Why would I be afraid?"

Upon hearing this, Lady Tao felt somewhat relieved. She took out a piece of paper from her sleeve, "Teacher Song, this is the calligraphy I wrote yesterday. Could you take a look for me?"

Song Qing nodded, "Of course."

Lady Tao handed over the paper she was holding to Song Qing, who carefully inspected the writing. The handwriting was neat and pretty, not excellent but far from bad.

"Lady Tao writes quite well. If you want to improve further, you can set aside some time to practice each day."

Lady Tao was somewhat pleased as she came from a merchant family and had attended school; she certainly could write, mainly to check the account books.

"Then I’ll practice for a while, and later, Teacher Song, you can take another look for me."

Song Qing agreed, "Alright."

As if suddenly reminded of something, Lady Tao spoke regretfully, "Once Your Highness returns, I will leave the palace, and I’m afraid I won’t see you again after that."

Song Qing paused, pondering the underlying meaning of Lady Tao’s words, which could be her fear of not having anyone to check her writing and correct her after she left the palace.

"Lady Tao, after you leave the palace, you can find a Teacher. There’s no need to worry."

Lady Tao:"..." Couldn’t you just say that I can come to you after leaving the palace?

She sighed inwardly; Song Qing really felt no affection for her!

It seemed she was destined for unrequited love!

"Thank you, Teacher Song, for the advice." Lady Tao took her leave, turning to walk away.

Song Qing raised his head to watch Lady Tao’s departing figure, only returning his gaze to his hands once she was out of sight, and noticed the paper only had a poem written on it.

Shen Chuwei, seeing Lady Tao come out, put away her sunflower seeds and approached her, "How did it go? Did he react in any way?"

Lady Tao looked into Shen Chuwei’s hopeful eyes and sighed, "Song Qing feels no affection for me whatsoever."

Shen Chuwei comforted her, "It doesn’t matter. There are several ways for feelings to develop. If it’s not love at first sight, then you can build presence and affection over time, showcasing your personal charm. If all else fails, affection can grow over time."

Lady Tao helplessly shrugged, "The affection was gone the moment I gave him that ’Return of the Spring Geese’; he probably thinks I’m that kind of woman."

"The story of ’Return of the Spring Geese’ isn’t bad, it’s just a little suggestive.

In my opinion, a man like Song Qing, who is so strict and proper, needs a bold and passionate woman like you who can break through conventions.

But it must be in moderation; overdoing it makes people feel repelled," Shen Chuwei advised slowly.

Lady Tao thought there was some truth in that. If nothing prevailed, then she’d resign herself to fate. If Song Qing still felt no affection, she’d give up and wish him well.

Encouraged by Shen Chuwei, Lady Tao regained her confidence and visited Hehuan Hall the next day again.

Lady Tao these days, if not visiting Cining Palace, was at Fengyi Palace, trying to establish her presence and earn favor.

On the way, she saw Lady Tao holding a bouquet of flowers, heading towards Hehuan Hall.

Huai Xiang looked at Lady Tao’s figure and said, "Young Mistress, Lady Tao has been rather diligent about going to Hehuan Hall lately. She goes every day and stays for two hours each visit."

Lady Tao had always been on good terms with Shen Chuwei, but even so, she wouldn’t visit every day and stay for two hours. Could there be a reason?