Gu Jiao took a seat beside her, setting down the small basket she carried before sitting and placing it on another chair.
"What book is your highness reading?" she asked.
Upon being asked, Princess Ning gave a faint smile, "Some poetry collections. Would you care to take a look?" She handed the book to Gu Jiao.
Gu Jiao shook her head, "I don't understand poetry, nor do I like it."
Princess Ning laughed again, "I don't like it either."
Gu Jiao said, "Then why does your highness still read?"
Princess Ning replied with a light smile, "It's just to pass the time in the mansion."
She said it was to pass the time, but Gu Jiao felt it wasn't the only reason—it seemed more like she was forcing herself to do something she disliked and yet felt obligated to do.
Gu Jiao offered, "I can take your pulse, your highness."
Princess Ning stretched out her hand.
A maid approached, intending to lay a handkerchief under Princess Ning's wrist, but Princess Ning said, "There's no need."