"Does Mingyue still remember that day when we composed poems together here?" Xie Ansu suddenly asked.

Qi Mingyue smiled slightly: "Of course I remember. An Su's line, 'Green leaves receiving dew, pure and dust-free,' is wonderful."

Xie Ansu smiled and said, “Mingyue’s reply, ‘Not vying for spring’s beauty, not vying for spring’s beauty, is even more wonderful.” He paused, then his tone became serious. “These past few days, I am very grateful for Mingyue’s guidance. I am dull-witted and only now have I been able to see things more clearly.”

Qi Mingyue raised her eyes: "An Su, what makes you say that?"

Xie Ansu stopped and gazed at the lotus leaves in the pond. "After the welcoming banquet that day, I carefully recalled Miss Bai's words and actions, and also privately investigated some matters." His voice was low. "Does Mingyue know that it was Miss Bai who first spread the news of the young master's arrival in the academy?"

Qi Mingyue's expression remained unchanged: "Oh?"

“She seems to have been prepared all along, even knowing the connection between the young master and the Qi family.” Xie Ansu frowned slightly. “I also discovered that she is a distant relative of the clerk in the prefectural government. She was able to attend the welcoming banquet through this connection.”

Qi Mingyue listened quietly without interrupting.

“The most suspicious thing is that after that day, the rumors in the school about Mingyue and the prince all pointed to the female students who were close to Miss Bai.” Xie Ansu’s tone grew cold. “I originally thought she was just gentle and liked to throw tantrums, but now it seems that she was scheming.”

Qi Mingyue sighed softly, "Now that An Su has seen through it, we should keep our distance from him in the future."

Xie Ansu replied, "I have already informed the headmaster of these matters. Although the headmaster did not say it explicitly, he hinted that he would handle it properly." He looked at Qi Mingyue with apologetic eyes, "It's just that Mingyue has suffered so much injustice for no reason."

Qi Mingyue shook her head: "That's how things are in the world, why bother?" She looked at a white lotus in the pond, "Look at that lotus, rising from the mud yet remaining unstained, washed by clear ripples yet not becoming seductive. What do the disturbances of the outside world have to do with me?"

Xie Ansu followed her gaze and saw the white lotus standing gracefully, truly possessing an air of purity untouched by worldly affairs. He felt admiration, but also some worry: "But as for the young master... if he truly believes those rumors, it might be detrimental to Mingyue."

Qi Mingyue smiled slightly: "What kind of person is the young master? How could he easily believe rumors?" She said calmly, "Besides, I am who I am, why should I need others to judge me?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Ansu felt enlightened: "Mingyue's insight is admirable." He paused, then suddenly asked, "Tomorrow I'm going to the City God Temple market to look for some old books. Would you like to come along, Mingyue? I've heard there are many rare and incomplete copies there."

Just as Qi Mingyue was about to reply, a servant rushed over and said, "Miss Qi, someone outside is requesting an audience. They say they're from the capital."

The two exchanged a glance, and Xie Ansu said, "I'll go with Mingyue."

Outside the academy, a man dressed in a gray-blue outfit was waiting. Upon seeing Qi Mingyue emerge, he stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "This subordinate has come to pay respects to Miss Qi on the orders of the young master." He then presented her with a letter.

Qi Mingyue took the letter but did not open it immediately. Instead, she asked, "What are your instructions, Your Highness?"

The man said, "The young master said that old friends should have a chat when they meet again. Tomorrow at noon, the young master will host a banquet at Shuiyun Pavilion and invites Miss to attend." He paused and added, "The young master specifically instructed that only Miss is invited."

Xie Ansu frowned upon hearing this, and was about to speak when Qi Mingyue replied, "Go back and report to the young master that Mingyue will be there on time."

The man bowed and took his leave. Xie Ansu said anxiously, "Why must Mingyue agree? The young master's actions may have a deeper meaning."

Qi Mingyue opened the letter, only to find a single, powerful line of writing: "Years have passed since we parted. Are you well?" She paused for a moment, then said softly, "What is meant to come will come."

…………

The next day at noon, Qi Mingyue arrived at Shuiyun Restaurant on time. This was the most famous restaurant in Yingzhou, built by the water, and extremely elegant. The waiter led her to a private room on the second floor, where she saw Yao Xiuyan sitting alone by the window, gazing at the flowing water outside in a daze.

Hearing footsteps, he turned around. Today he wasn't wearing his official robes, but only a dark-colored casual suit, which made him appear even more upright. Seeing Qi Mingyue enter, he stood up to greet her: "It's been many years! How have you been, Sister Mingyue?"

Qi Mingyue curtsied and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am well."

Yao Xiuyan scrutinized her for a moment, then smiled slightly: "Your aloofness, sister, is heartbreaking. I remember when we were children, you used to call me Brother Xiuyan."

Qi Mingyue lowered her eyes: "I was ignorant when I was young, please forgive me, Your Highness."

Yao Xiuyan didn't insist and gestured for her to sit down. Several delicate dishes, all in the style of the capital, were already prepared on the table. He personally served her the dishes: "Try them and see if they suit your taste? I specially brought a chef from the capital."

Qi Mingyue thanked him but did not touch her chopsticks: "Your Highness invited me here specifically. May I ask what you wish to do for me?"

Yao Xiuyan toyed with the wine cup in his hand, a half-smile on his face: "I heard that my sister is having a wonderful time in Yingzhou. Her talent is widely known, and she has close friends by her side. She must be very happy."

Qi Mingyue's expression remained unchanged: "Your Highness is too kind. I am here only to study and would not dare to be negligent."

“Study abroad?” Yao Xiuyan chuckled. “I thought so too. Until I heard some interesting rumors…” His gaze sharpened slightly. “I heard that my sister and that young master Xie get along quite well, often traveling together, composing poems and exchanging verses, which is very elegant.”

Qi Mingyue raised her eyes: "Since when has the young master come to enjoy listening to such gossip?"

Yao Xiuyan did not answer, but said only, "I also heard that my sister came to Yingzhou to avoid an arranged marriage." His tone turned cold, "But I didn't know when the Duke of Ying's mansion became a den of dragons and tigers, making my sister prefer to leave for a distant place rather than marry?"

The private room fell silent for a moment, with only the gentle murmur of flowing water outside the window. Qi Mingyue remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "Your Highness has misunderstood. Mingyue came to Yingzhou only because she admires the literary atmosphere here, and it has nothing to do with the marriage agreement."

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