行到水穷处 坐看云起时

Their first encounter and already 13th Prince marked her as his soulmate (he noticed she was uncharacteristic of those coming from 8th Prince’s estate). Albeit platonically, indeed the two great minds alike were predestined to be eternal BFFs.

They never explained in the drama series why 13th Prince was never romantically attracted to Ruo Xi, like they did in the book. Apparently 13th Prince’s mother was very ladylike and a gentle soul that he grew up adoring women with similar traits.

As for Ruo Xi, the fact that she showed him her fierce and fiery side during her infamous catfight-down-to-the-pond scene with Ming Yu somewhat distinguished any romantic attraction he might have had for her.

“Maertai Ruo Xi, without my permission, you’re not allowed to die!”

"I have nothing to be afraid of anymore. I am only afraid of losing you."

“It’s because I’m afraid. I’m afraid that once you leave, you will never come back.”

Ruo Xi blushing madly after being forcibly kissed by 4th Prince, Yin Zhen: Priceless.

4th Prince, Yin Zhen, teasing Ruo Xi by taking her paper of calligraphy (which she had been practicing based on the 2 lines of poem sent by him) with him as he was leaving Ruo Xi's quarters.

"I'm taking it as evidence. See if you'll improve next time."

Or so he said. Such a tease, you are, Yin Zhen.

“What’s going on between 8th brother on you? I asked him why he didn’t ask Imperial Father for your hand, but he wouldn’t answer me. When I ask you, you’re also staying silent. What’d happened recently that I don’t know?”

A confused and frustrated 14th Prince confronted Ruo Xi regarding her deteriorating relationship with 8th Prince after coming back from the steppes.

“Today, I saw you exchanging glances with 4th brother. What’s going on, really?”

The fact that 14th Prince mistakenly took the innocent bantering between Ruo Xi and 4th Prince during the tea gathering as them exchanging flirtatious looks only worsened the situation.

“Ruo Xi, do you know how happy I am (now)?”

Here we have a little eye-game between Ruo Xi and the adorable princes.

After serving tea to the Emperor and the princes, she took a look at 4th Prince whom seemed to be smirking knowingly at her. He then turned to look at his favourite 13th brother, whom looked back at both Ruo Xi and 4th Prince with a questioning look.

Awkwardly, 13th Prince seemed to be flabbergasted when he turned to his left and caught Princess Min Min eyeing him. Seeing this, 4th Prince smirked amusingly and again turned up to take a gaze at Ruo Xi. A mixture of annoyance and bemusement was on her face as she replied his amused look with an annoyed one.

Drunk Ruo Xi spewing nonsense to a confused 13th Prince.

“O what?” asked 13th Prince as he eyed Ruo Xi’s hand sign. Swaying to her sides, Ruo Xi grinned as she answered, “Okay ah~”

Bewildered, he probed further, “What does it mean?”

Looking at her own OK gesture, an obviously drunken Ruo Xi smiled, “No problem!”

Smirking, 13th Prince shook his head, “Look at you. Talking nonsense after drinking.”