Zhou Caidie curtsied.

"We're all family, no need for formalities."

As they were talking, Jiang Qianqian and Madam Jiang arrived.

Madam Zhou and Madam Jiang talked, while Zhou Caidie accompanied the Second Prince's Consort on her walk, leaving Li Youran and Jiang Qianqian at the very back.

"Qianqian, there's something I want to tell you, but I've been putting it off until I found the time to talk to you."

As Li Youran spoke, she pulled Jiang Qianqian closer to her and they spoke in hushed tones, only the two of them could hear.

"So that fruit basket from last time was brought to you by Liu Zhiyuan. I thought it was from Tian Alang..."

Upon hearing Li Youran's words, Jiang Qianqian realized that she had misunderstood Li Youran.

She had initially thought there was something going on between Li Youran and Tian Lang, which had made her sad for several days.

With this mental issue resolved, the dark clouds over Jiang Qianqian's head dispersed, and she instantly became much more lively.

She disregarded her shyness and began talking to Li Youran about her opinion of Tian Alang.

"He is young, but he is the smartest among these retainers. I often hear my father praise him."

Li Youran, standing to the side, raised an eyebrow with interest, only to see Jiang Qianqian blush and continue speaking.

"He's a very strange person. He usually only stays with his master, Master Lu, and rarely talks to others. Several times I cornered him and tried to talk to him, but he still refused to talk to me much."

At this point, Jiang Qianqian's eyelids drooped slightly, and she looked somewhat disappointed.

"Maybe it's because Tian Alang is too young, shy, and unable to open his mouth to talk to girls?"

Upon hearing Li Youran's words, Jiang Qianqian laughed out loud, a rare occurrence for her.

"Don't try to comfort me."

Jiang Qianqian then stopped talking about it, because she knew that Tian Alang really didn't have any feelings for her.

However, she was also confident that Tian Alang would definitely fall in love with her; it was just a matter of time.

"My father spent a lot of money to buy a house for Tian Alang outside, saying that he wanted to bring his grandmother here to enjoy her old age."

Master Jiang also cherishes talent and believes that Tian Alang is someone who can be cultivated. In order to win him over, he spares no expense.

Li Youran and Jiang Qianqian chatted casually for a while, and soon they arrived at Kunning Palace.

Kunning Palace was much more lively than usual today. When Li Youran and his party arrived, many ladies and young ladies, as well as some concubines, had already gone to Kunning Palace.

Among them was an extremely young and beautiful woman, whom I overheard was a concubine who had just entered the palace this year and was deeply favored by the emperor.

"You Ran, I think she's not as pretty as you."

Jiang Qianqian leaned close to Li Youran's ear and whispered something.

"Are you saying I'm not pretty?"

Li Youran knew that Jiang Qianqian didn't mean it that way, so she deliberately misunderstood and said it.

Jiang Qianqian's cheeks instantly turned bright red, and she hurriedly and nervously explained.

"You Ran, you've misunderstood. What I meant was that you're prettier than her."

Jiang Qianqian was initially very anxious, fearing that Li Youran would misunderstand her, but when she saw Li Youran laugh, she knew that he was deliberately teasing her, and the two of them started to joke around.

"This must be Miss Li."

What the palace lacked most was this kind of innocence and naivety, so when Li Youran and Jiang Qianqian played together, they attracted the attention of many people.

Just then, the Empress, supported by her servants, walked over and looked at Li Youran with a smile.

"This humble woman pays her respects to Your Majesty the Empress."

Everyone hurriedly bowed to the Empress, and Li Youran, not wanting to be a troublemaker, followed suit and bowed as well.

"Rise, all of you."

The Empress waved her hand, and everyone stood up.

"What a clever and bright child," the Empress said, pulling Li Youran forward.

Li Youran didn't know what the Empress meant by this, but she didn't refuse and let the Empress take her hand and walk towards the front.

"You must be very nervous entering the palace for the first time. Go sit next to your sister."

Just as Li Youran was filled with doubt, the Empress waved her hand, and then the Second Prince's Consort rose and came forward.

"Your Majesty, the Empress is very kind."

The Second Prince's Consort curtsied and then led Li Youran to the third seat on the left.

Although it may seem like a random and haphazard arrangement, the concubines in the palace and the ladies and young women outside the palace all took their seats according to their official rank.

The favored concubine, however, dared to sit in the first seat on the right without permission. The Consort Xian, sitting behind her, smiled but remained silent. The Empress also gave her a cold glance but ignored her completely.

Li Youran watched this scene unfold and thought to herself that even if this concubine was favored, she probably wouldn't stay in the palace for long.

"Young people are indeed more energetic; I can no longer keep up with you all."

After arriving at the Imperial Garden with the others, the Empress stopped to look around and addressed them.

"You may enjoy the flowers and have fun in this courtyard. I will come later when the banquet begins."

"Respectfully seeing off Her Majesty the Empress."

Everyone hurriedly bowed and watched the Empress depart.

The previously restrained atmosphere became much more relaxed after the Empress left.

“Ah Lang, you’ve got guts now, and I can’t control you anymore. You’re determined to be with that Li Youran who’s been married before, and there’s nothing I can do. Just let me go, so I won’t have to see you and feel bad.”

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