In fact, Qingying was also very confused as to why she was on the guest list for the palace banquet.

It wasn't until the next day that Wei Huaixu personally cleared up her doubts.

"Before the marriage alliance was officially announced, someone leaked the news that all unmarried women had to attend the palace banquet. Several noble ladies hastily got engaged in order to avoid the marriage alliance. So Father changed the decree, requiring all engaged but unmarried women to enter the palace. Although you and I have been betrothed, Father hopes that you can set an example in front of others, so he also had the Imperial Household Department send a letter to the General's Mansion."

Qingying nodded knowingly, "I see."

Wei Huaixu looked at her, then his eyes darted around, and he put on a sad expression, saying, "Alas~ Even though I have already ordered someone to arrange for you to be placed in the back, it still cannot prevent the pearl from being tarnished. You were still chosen by Yuchi Wuyou."

Qingying was immediately shocked. "What? You've been chosen?"

"Yes, he took a liking to you at first sight and specifically asked for you."

She grabbed his sleeve hastily, swallowed hard, and looked at him with pleading eyes that revealed a hint of pitifulness. "You...you're teasing me, aren't you?"

Seeing that she was truly panicked, Wei Huaixu chuckled and tapped her full, smooth forehead, saying, "Just kidding, you silly girl. You are my Crown Princess, how could I allow you to go on a political marriage?"

Qingying glared at him angrily and said, "You just like teasing me, is it fun?"

"Don't be angry, don't be angry," Wei Huaixu coaxed her softly. "Let me tell you something interesting."

"What is it? Tell me first."

"Guess who was chosen to go for the marriage alliance this time?"

“Princess of Anyang County,” Qingying said without changing her expression.

These words surprised Wei Huaixu.

"You...how could you..."

Qingying scoffed and said, "Do you really think I'm stupid? If I still can't see it now, then I've wasted all those years of reading books and living in this capital city."

Wei Huaixu remained silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, put it down, and looked at her, asking, "When did you first notice something amiss?"

Qingying thought for a moment and said, "Although I had doubts for a long time, I am certain that it was at yesterday's palace banquet."

If she hadn't met the Princess of Anyang, her mind wouldn't have cleared up so quickly.

In fact, she had found it strange from the moment she learned that Jin Heng had imprisoned himself. There was no conclusive evidence to prove that Jin Heng was responsible for inciting the people to oppose the princess's marriage, yet the emperor directly ordered Jin Heng to be punished, which was illogical.

Furthermore, to put it another way, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Jin Heng was cultivated by the Emperor himself; otherwise, how could he have risen to one of the Three Dukes at such a young age? Why would the Emperor prevent him from attending court for such a minor mistake? Besides, the Yan family is still in power, and even if the Emperor wanted to remove Jin Heng as a pawn, he wouldn't choose this time.

These incidents, one after another, inevitably lead one to speculate about the true purpose behind them.

Until yesterday, when she saw Princess Anyang, who hadn't appeared in a long time, at the palace banquet, she suddenly understood this.

Earlier, I had heard rumors that the Empress Dowager intended to match the Seventh Prince, Wei Huaichong, with Princess Yan Zhiyun of Anyang County. Princess Yan Zhiyun is the daughter of Consort Yan's cousin, making her Consort Yan's niece.

But Wei Huaichong already had someone he liked, so how could he be willing to marry another woman?

Back then, the emperor didn't like the Consort at all; it was the Empress Dowager who forced her into the palace. Over the years, the emperor had long regarded the Yan family as a thorn in his side, so how could he let his son marry a daughter of the Yan family?

In this series of events, the Emperor outwardly claimed that he was sending Princess Yongning to marry into the royal family, but in reality, he had his sights set on Princess Anyang from the very beginning.

Wei Huaixu smiled and said, "This little girl usually seems a bit slow-witted, but she's quite clever when it really matters."

Qingying proudly raised her chin, "Of course, don't underestimate me."

"I have never underestimated you."

Qingying smiled and took a bite of the peach blossom pastry he brought, saying, "Given Princess Yongning's situation, I'm afraid she won't be able to contact Prince Xian's former subordinates so quickly. You must have put in a lot of effort in this."

"Um."

"She's probably still in the dark, thinking that Jinheng was punished by the Emperor because of her. I felt so sorry for her when I saw how haggard she looked yesterday."

Wei Huaixu said helplessly, "Everything is still not settled, and the fewer people who know about this, the better."

Qingying pursed her lips. "That's right. Now, besides you and me, only the Emperor and Jinheng should know about these things."

"And Wei Huaichong."

This was somewhat unexpected for Qingying, after all, Wei Huaichong and he had always been at odds.

Wei Huaixu saw through her thoughts and said, "He doesn't want to marry Yan Zhiyun, but he doesn't dare to disobey the Empress Dowager and the Imperial Concubine. Although it goes against our ultimate goal, Yan Zhiyun going to marry a foreign ruler is the result he wants."

As long as there are common interests, enemies can become temporary friends.

Wei Huaixu finished the last sip of tea and then stood up.

Seeing this, Qingying also stood up, "Are you leaving?"

“Well, even though we’re engaged, staying here too long will eventually have an impact on you.” He reached out and put his hand on Qingying’s shoulder, pressing her back into her seat, and said, “No need to see me off, I’ll leave through the side door.”

Qingying still asked Tongxia to see him out the door.

Actually, if you go out of the courtyard where she lives, turn a corner, go through a moon gate, and walk a few steps along the path, you will reach the south side gate.

She continued sitting in the courtyard, playing with the cat and drinking tea, when she suddenly heard a rustling sound coming from the wall. Looking over, she was surprised to find Wei Huaixu sitting on the wall, smiling at her.

He turned back again, this time acting like a thief.

Qingying immediately walked over, stood by the wall, looked up at him, blinked, and asked, "Didn't you leave?"

Tongxia has been back for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

"I brought you something." Wei Huaixu took out his hand from behind his back and held a beautifully blooming hibiscus, with white and pink petals that were still covered with tiny water droplets, clearly indicating that it had just been picked from the branch.

"It's so beautiful."

Qingying tiptoed to take it, but Wei Huaixu bypassed her outstretched hand and bent down to tuck the hibiscus flower into her hair.

While I was stunned, I heard him say, "Hmm, it's really beautiful!"

She knew he was praising her, and her cheeks flushed. She stepped back, smiling brightly, and said, "Ah Xu, I suddenly remembered a line of poetry."

"What?"

"We gaze at each other from across the wall and on horseback, and a single glance at you breaks my heart." Although I don't quite understand the meaning of the poem, I feel that the current scene is quite fitting.

Wei Huaixu smiled slightly, like a spring breeze, and said, "Jiaojiao, I won't let you miss me so much. If you miss me, just say so, and I will appear in front of you immediately."

"Really?"

"Of course it's true. After we get married, we'll see each other every day. I'm just afraid that by then you won't miss me anymore, but will instead find me repulsive."

Qingying pouted, "What nonsense are you talking about? Do you think I'm that kind of person?"

"Haha... Jiaojiao is such a good person, I don't think she'll get tired of her over time."

With maids watching nearby, Qingying blushed deeply and quickly chased him away.