The place Xie Ansu was taking Qi Mingyue to was a private residence west of Yingzhou City. This house belonged to a distant relative of the Xie family and was now vacant, with only a few old servants looking after it. Inside the house was a very large garden with a pond filled with flowing water and planted with all kinds of flowers and plants, especially orchids, which were the most famous.

"This garden is not open to the public on ordinary days, but only allows some literati and scholars to come and enjoy it during the flowering season." Xie Ansu led Qi Mingyue through the moon gate. "Although it is not the peak season for orchids now, the garden is quiet and is the most suitable place to relax."

The garden was indeed a hidden paradise. Winding paths led to secluded spots, pavilions were scattered about, and every plant and tree showed meticulous craftsmanship. The most wonderful feature was the stream that flowed through the garden, with several small wooden bridges spanning it, adding a touch of rustic charm.

Qi Mingyue strolled through the area, feeling refreshed and invigorated: "What a wonderful place! How did An Su know about this place?"

Xie Ansu smiled and said, "When I was young, I often came here with my father to visit the master. The old master loved orchids so much that he often said, 'Orchids grow in secluded valleys, and their fragrance does not cease even when no one is there to appreciate them.' I wholeheartedly agree." He pointed to a pavilion, "That pavilion is called 'Listening to Fragrance,' where you can sit and smell the fragrance of flowers throughout the garden."

The two then sat down in the pavilion. The old servant served them tea and snacks, all of which were home-style dishes, yet they had a unique flavor.

"I have invited Mingyue here today because I have something to tell you." Xie Ansu's expression gradually became serious. "Regarding the bowl of sour plum soup from the other day, I have inquired about it privately."

Qi Mingyue looked up: "Did you find anything?"

Xie Ansu took out a piece of paper from his sleeve: "This is the maid's signed confession. She admitted to taking money to put the medicine in the bowl, but she couldn't describe the appearance of the person who ordered it, only saying that it was a masked woman." He paused, his voice low, "But I found out that her mother's condition has improved recently, and she is using extremely expensive medicine, an expense that she could not afford."

Qi Mingyue listened quietly without interrupting.

“I also checked the people who went in and out of the kitchen that day and found that Miss Bai’s personal maid had gone in under the pretext of getting something.” Xie Ansu frowned. “Although no one saw her do it, the timing is very coincidental.”

After he finished speaking, he looked at Qi Mingyue expectantly. She simply said, "Why is An Su telling me all this?"

Xie Ansu was taken aback: "Doesn't Mingyue find this suspicious?"

Qi Mingyue gently stroked her teacup: "So what if it's suspicious? Without evidence, it's just speculation." She looked up at Xie Ansu, "Ansu, have you ever considered why Miss Bai would do this if it were truly as you suspect?"

Xie Ansu was silent for a moment, then shook his head: "I have asked myself if I have treated her with sincerity, and I really can't think of a reason."

“Perhaps it is precisely because An Su treated her with sincerity.” Qi Mingyue said calmly, “There are some people in this world who cannot bear to see others do well. If you treat her well, she will feel that you should treat her well as well as well; if she sees that you treat others well as well, she will cause trouble.”

Xie Ansu seemed to understand something, and after a long while, he said, "Mingyue's insight is admirable." He paused, then said firmly, "In the future, I will be more careful and will not let Mingyue suffer because of me again."

Qi Mingyue smiled slightly: "An Su, you flatter me."

The two chatted for a while longer, and Xie Ansu suddenly said, "Speaking of which, Mingyue, have you heard the news that the heir of the Duke of Ying is coming to Yingzhou?"

Qi Mingyue's teacup trembled slightly, and the tea almost spilled. She steadied herself and said calmly, "I've heard a little about it. How did An Su know?"

“My father mentioned the other day that the Crown Prince has been ordered to inspect the canal transport and will be arriving in Yingzhou soon.” Xie Ansu did not notice her unusual behavior. “It is said that this Crown Prince is young but has won the Emperor’s favor. He is skilled in both literature and martial arts and is a very popular figure in the capital.”

Qi Mingyue lowered her eyes: "Is that so?"

Xie Ansu smiled and said, "If the opportunity arises, I would like to see the demeanor of this young master. I have heard that although he comes from a family of military generals, he is well-versed in literature and is not the kind of crude and uncouth warrior he is."

Qi Mingyue remained noncommittal, only saying, "It's getting late, we should go back."

On the way back to the academy, the two were somewhat silent. Xie Ansu assumed that Qi Mingyue was tired and didn't think much of it.

…………

The following day, news spread throughout the academy that the heir apparent of the Duke of England was about to arrive. The students discussed it animatedly, all wondering if they could catch a glimpse of this noble young man from the capital.

Bai Lian'er, having heard the news from somewhere, came to find Xie Ansu: "Young Master Xie, have you heard that the heir of the Duke of Yingguo is coming? It is said that this heir is not yet married. I wonder what kind of person could catch his eye?"

Xie Ansu politely replied, "The Crown Prince's marriage is not something you or I can discuss."

Bai Lian'er seemed oblivious and continued, "Lian'er has heard that this young master has quite a connection with the Qi family in the capital, but I don't know if it's true or not." As she spoke, she glanced at Qi Mingyue not far away.

Qi Mingyue was talking to several female students when she heard this. Her hand holding the book paused slightly, but she quickly resumed her normal posture.

Xie Ansu frowned: "Miss Bai, where did you hear these rumors?"

Bai Lian'er covered her mouth and chuckled, "They're just rumors. Why take them so seriously, Young Master Xie?" With that, she gracefully departed.

Xie Ansu was puzzled and turned to look at Qi Mingyue, only to find that she was calm and discussing her studies with others, seemingly unaware of what had just been said.

Two days later, the prefect of Yingzhou indeed sent someone to the academy to deliver a message that the heir of the Duke of Yingguo would arrive in three days, and ordered the academy to select several students to attend the welcoming banquet. Headmaster Zhou naturally selected several outstanding students, including Xie Ansu, and surprisingly, Bai Lian'er was among them.

"Miss Bai is indeed talented, but she is still a woman, and it may be inappropriate for her to attend such an occasion," Xie Ansu privately advised the headmaster.

Zhou Shanchang stroked his beard and said, "An Su, you may not know this. The young master specifically instructed that several female scholars be selected to attend the banquet, saying that it was to showcase the talents of the women of Yingzhou."

Xie Ansu was puzzled, but he didn't say anything more.

The news caused a stir among the female students. Many envied Bai Lian'er for her good fortune, but Qi Mingyue declined the invitation, citing illness.

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