Is it better to begin the night prayer (Qiyam al-Layl) with two short rak'ahs, despite this contradicting the description given by Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) regarding the prayer of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and in the absence of textual evidence for it?

It was part of his guidance (peace and blessings be upon him) to begin the night vigil (Qiyam (definition) al-Layl) with two short rak'ahs. He commanded his Ummah to do this so that they would be energized for what followed. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) mentioned that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray eleven rak'ahs in Ramadan (definition) and at other times: he would pray four rak'ahs—and do not ask about their beauty and length—then pray four rak'ahs—and do not ask about their beauty and length—then pray three. Some scholars have reconciled the different narrations by stating that the two short rak'ahs with which the night vigil is begun are sometimes added to the eleven rak'ahs, making a total of thirteen rak'ahs. In some narrations, the two short rak'ahs are explicitly mentioned before the eight long rak'ahs. This opening with two short rak'ahs is established by his action and command (peace and blessings be upon him). All these hadiths are authentic, and there is no contradiction between them. The addition from a trustworthy narrator is acceptable.