Qin Xi's mind went blank. She sat stiffly for a long time, not knowing what to do.

"The Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Nitric Acid has arrived!"

"The envoy from the Kingdom of Nitrile has arrived!"

Two voices rang out in succession, and Qin Xi subconsciously looked towards the door. After seeing what was going on, she was stunned.

The newcomer had his hair tied up with a golden crown, and his handsome face was truly striking. He wore a black robe, the hem of which was embroidered with a lifelike four-clawed golden python in gold thread. A faint smile played on his lips, and his eyes were clear and bright, making him appear like a naive young man.

His handsome gaze swept across the room, causing all the unmarried young ladies at the banquet to blush. Qin Qi, however, was taken aback, not for any other reason than that this person was none other than Chu Wangbei!

She should have realized it sooner; the only person who could make Shu Hua lose her composure upon seeing him was him!

She only guessed that he wasn't from the capital, but she never imagined he was the crown prince of an enemy country. But wasn't the crown prince of the Qing Kingdom named Shangguan Jingci...? Could this Chu Wangbei be someone he came up with to deceive Shu Hua...?

Qin Xi frowned, lost in thought, and still couldn't figure it out even after finishing the ceremony.

Seeing her staring blankly at Shangguan Jingci, Lu Huai's eyes were indifferent. He curled his thin lips and said sarcastically, "What? You're stunned by such a beauty? Your taste is nothing special."

Qin Xi was taken aback by his sarcastic remark. She picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said calmly, "I didn't realize that when Second Young Master Lu gets angry, he even curses himself."

The two spoke softly, and their voices went unnoticed in the noisy hall. Even those who saw them assumed they were just flirting.

Lu Huai was completely confused. He was saying that she had bad taste, but when did she insult him?

Though he harbored doubts, he couldn't show them on his face, lest he lose face. Lu Huai sneered, "I've heard that the Crown Prince of Qing Kingdom is incredibly charming. Now that I've seen him, it's truly well-deserved. Even a talented woman like you is captivated."

Qin Xi was speechless. How did he know she was infatuated? She was just thinking about something.

With a pout and an eye roll, Qin Qi retorted, "I think he's not as famous as Young Master Lu. After all, he's well-known in all the entertainment venues in the capital. How could he let someone steal his thunder on his own turf?"

“You…” Lu Huai choked, not knowing how to refute.

Seeing the subtle mockery in her eyes, Lu Huai became annoyed and let out a cold snort.

"I never realized you were so quick-witted. You must have been deliberately hiding it from me, but now you dare to show it off. What, with Zhao Xuanyang first and Shangguan Jingci second, do you think you have someone backing you up?"

His words were so hurtful that Qin Qi was taken aback.

He clearly knew about her traveling with the Fourth Prince. It certainly wasn't the Fourth Prince who told him; he hadn't seen her since they parted ways. Yet, he knew when she was alone.

There is only one possibility: that Lu Huai sent someone to monitor him.

Is he afraid that I'll have an affair? Qin Xi smiled bitterly, but suddenly felt a dull pain in her chest.

If someone is watching, how could they not know that she and the Fourth Prince did nothing? If you want to find fault, you can always find a pretext.

Qin Qi subconsciously pursed her lips, but couldn't say anything: "..."

Lu Huai was so angry that he spoke without thinking. Only when he saw the disappointment on her face did he belatedly realize what he had said.