Shen Qiyin originally thought that even if Xiao Yan was not the son of the Imperial Noble Consort, he must be related to her in some way.

Who knew—

“I have nothing to do with her,” he replied.

"But you two look so alike."

"Hmm." Xiao Yan said casually, "But it's just that they look alike."

"oh."

She thought it was some kind of palace secret.

But then again...

Shen Qiyin looked up at the mask on Xiao Yan's face and asked, "Since it's not because of your relationship with the Imperial Noble Consort, why have you never shown your true face?"

"...I'm used to it."

For some reason, Shen Qiyin felt that his reaction was a little strange.

She had a feeling that he hadn't said everything.

So she pressed further, "What kind of habit is it?" It can't be that you're born wearing a mask, can it?

Xiao Yan's pale lips were pressed into a thin line.

After a moment of silence, he lowered his voice and said, "When I was little, every time I went out, a large crowd would gather around to watch. In case of any accidents, there was always a large group of guards accompanying me."

"Gradually, he stopped liking to go out of the mansion."

"Later, my aunt helped me think of a solution. She told me to wear a mask, and things got much better."

As they grew older, they lost their intimidating presence and no longer dared to approach rashly.

Shen Xiyin was stunned.

After a long while, she finally found her voice: "So, you choose to wear a mask to cover your face because you're too beautiful?"

Xiao Yan seemed a little embarrassed to say: "...My aunt said that I was quite cute when I was little."

Shen Qiyin disagreed: "I think she's cute now, not just when she was a child!"

As she spoke, she suddenly reached out and removed the mask from his face. Sure enough, his face was flushed, and the smile in his eyes became even more undisguised.

Feeling embarrassed by her blatant gaze, Xiao Yan took the mask and put it back on.

Seeing this, Shen Qiyin covered her mouth and laughed.

That night, before leaving, Xiao Yan told her that there would be no curfew on the Lantern Festival and that he would come to pick her up to go out and enjoy the lantern festival.

During this time, she continued to visit the clinic and the general's mansion as usual.

It's worth mentioning that she hasn't heard that voice since the last time she heard it.

She wanted to see Huo Fanshuang again to confirm her suspicions, but she hadn't been able to run into her.

Until the Lantern Festival.

Shen Qiyin saw patients at Guangrentang during the day. After finishing her work, Xiao Yan took her directly to Dongyue Tower, planning to have dinner there before taking her out to play in the streets.

Xianglan followed behind the two like a little tail, a maternal smile on her face.

Xiao Yan was buying lanterns for Shen Qiyin. After she picked one out, she suddenly turned to her and asked, "Xianglan, which one do you like?"

"Me?!" Xianglan quickly waved her hand: "I don't need it."

This was a lantern that Lord Xiao bought for her; how could she be so tactless as to try and take advantage of it?

But Shen Qiyin misunderstood her meaning: "Don't you like any of them? Then let's go for a walk in front."

"Uh, no..."

As she spoke, Xianglan cautiously glanced at Xiao Yan's expression. Seeing that he was only focused on her young master and didn't seem to care that she, a little maid, was taking advantage of his lantern, she hesitated and stretched out her little hand: "Then, then this servant won't be polite? I want this."

She picked up a turtle lantern that no one had bothered in the corner.

Shen Qiyin exclaimed in surprise, "You actually like turtles just like Xiao Hanyu!"

Xiao Yan: "..."

Xianglan: "..." What kind of good person likes turtles?!

She simply hasn't quite adapted to modern thinking. Her best friend's boyfriend bought her a gift because he loves her so much, so she naturally felt awkward choosing things that had special meaning to them.

Looking around, she felt that this turtle lamp was the most suitable.

Who knew Xiao Yan had such unique taste!

They strolled around and bought a lot of things, mostly trinkets.

Xiao Yan would not allow any of Shen Qiyin's gazes to slip through his net.

Just as they were enjoying their stroll, Feng Liu suddenly rushed over and whispered a few words to Xiao Yan.

The latter's eyes instantly turned cold.

Shen Qiyin asked in confusion, "Has something happened?"

"No, don't worry." Xiao Yan didn't hide anything: "His Majesty summoned me."

"Then you should go quickly."

"Need not."

Xiao Yan spoke casually, seemingly not taking Emperor Xuanwu's summons seriously at all.

He had the guts, but Shen Qiyin did not.

What if His Majesty asks about it later and finds out that he "disobeyed the imperial decree" and did not enter the palace in order to stay with her, and then takes his anger out on her?

Thinking of this possibility, Shen Qiyin hurriedly said to him, "If you don't go, what if His Majesty blames you?"

"I was just thinking of going back anyway. I bought so many things, I'll have to set them up for a while when I get back."

Hearing her say that, Xiao Yan changed his mind.

He originally intended to send her back to the Shen family before entering the palace, but Shen Qiyin planned to deliver the things she had bought for Chunsheng and Situ Nan to them before leaving, so she let him go ahead.

However, before leaving, Xiao Yan still left the guards with her.

Shen Xiyin did not refuse.

Today is the Lantern Festival, and the streets are crowded with people. Although there are patrolling constables, it's always good to be careful.

Xianglan also said, "It's good that you didn't refuse Lord Xiao's suggestion to leave people to protect us, Miss. I was just about to tell you that it's always better to be safe than sorry."

She had read so many stories, and most of the accidents happened at palace banquets, lantern festivals, temples, and the like.

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