Lan Xiuyuan was surprised by Shu Lingxi's intelligence and couldn't help but laugh, saying, "Auntie, nothing can be hidden from you! That's right. I've heard that Rongqing Duke Jiang Lan's eldest granddaughter, Jiang Meijiao, is not only skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but also has exquisite embroidery skills. So, I'd like to ask you to help me find Miss Jiang and ask for her help!"

Shu Lingxi immediately realized that Lan Xiuyuan had asked her to come here today for this very reason.

However, Shu Lingxi pursed her lips and shook her head.

Lan Xiuyuan was immediately stunned. "Isn't Aunt going to help her nephew with this?"

Shu Lingxi immediately smiled and said, "How could your aunt not help with this? Your aunt shook her head because your information is inaccurate. If we're talking about the best embroidery in the capital, and someone skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, it's definitely not Miss Jiang, but their second young lady, Jiang Meixin. Although the second young lady is two years younger than the eldest, she is truly a gifted and beautiful child. She can handle anything with ease. More importantly, although she is not yet an adult, she has already blossomed into an infinitely beautiful young lady. If you want this item to come out on time, asking the eldest young lady will definitely be useless; only asking the second young lady will be the best option."

We're looking for the second young lady!

Lan Xiuyuan looked at Shu Lingxi, feeling a sense of pleasure as if his prey had fallen into a trap.

He knew, of course, who he was looking for, but since it was Shu Lingxi who said it, even if Hu Tianyong blamed him later, he wouldn't be able to say anything.

Ever since Hu Tianyong announced his intention to betroth Qin Kou'er to Hu Feifan, Lan Xiuyuan harbored resentment towards Hu Tianyong. From that day on, he began plotting to have Hu Tianyong personally deliver Qin Kou'er's name to the Emperor.

In fact, Lan Xiuyuan's plan was very simple.

Since Hu Tianyong had taken a liking to the eldest daughter of the Jiang family, he was determined to favor the second daughter as well. However, the second daughter, Jiang Meixin, wasn't on the list of candidates for the imperial concubine selection. Since both were daughters of the Rongqing Duke's family, Hu Tianyong wouldn't care who he actually preferred. He planned to secretly replace Jiang Meixin's name with Qin Kou'er's when Hu Tianyong brought Jiang Meixin's name up. Even if Hu Tianyong regretted it then, he wouldn't dare to throw a tantrum in front of the Emperor.

Lan Xiuyuan was certain that Hu Tianyong would comply this time. Since Hu Tianyong had already forbade him to marry Qin Kou'er, if he were to go against his wishes and prevent him from marrying Jiang Meixin, it would be tantamount to a prelude to a complete falling out. And Hu Tianyong would never go that far.

Lan Linxue's assessment of Lan Xiuyuan was very accurate. If Qin Kou'er wanted to participate in the imperial concubine selection, only Lan Xiuyuan could make it happen.

Lan Xiuyuan had a good understanding of Hu Tianyong, so this idea of ​​switching the dragon for the phoenix was bound to succeed.

The first step in this matter is to let everyone know that Lan Xiuyuan has fallen deeply in love with the second young lady of the Jiang family, not the eldest, because of Jiang Meixin's talent. The bridge to this is Shu Lingxi, who is standing right in front of him.

Shu Lingxi smiled at him as he read the book, and Lan Xiuyuan quickly laughed sheepishly, "Oh dear, look at how I've handled this! I wanted to ask someone to show off something, but I didn't even understand what it was about, and I had to ask my aunt to remind me! I just wonder if my aunt could help me plead with this second young lady?"

Shu Lingxi immediately laughed, "I thought it was something important! It's just this little thing! Okay, Auntie will talk to her about it! This is hardly a favor. For our Fifth Prince to get the Second Miss to do this, it's such an honor for the Jiang family. Don't worry, Auntie will talk to her about it for you today. However, for the specifics, you'll probably have to tell the young lady herself."

Lan Linxue quickly nodded, "Alright! As long as Auntie makes an introduction, I'll handle the rest! However, it's always inconvenient for me to meet with women in their boudoirs!"

Shu Lingxi nodded, "That's true! We'll go together in a bit. But I have another important guest coming up, so please wait for me!"

Lan Xiuyuan quickly smiled and said, "This is nothing urgent! How about this, I'll pick you up this afternoon. It will just be a hassle for you and me to make the trip today."

"It's no trouble at all! Xiuyuan, you've given your aunt such a generous gift, I can't let you lose face in front of the Prime Minister! It's settled then, I'll go to the Rongqing Duke's Mansion with you this afternoon!"

"Okay! Thank you, Auntie!"

As he spoke, Lan Xiuyuan quickly stood up and bowed to Shu Lingxi with great joy.

Shu Lingxi accepted it with a smile.

After Lan Xiuyuan finished speaking, he took his leave as soon as he had nothing else to say.

Turning back, they actually had someone deliver the mountain of eight-treasure coral and pearls.

Just as Shu Lingxi was smiling and seeing off, Lan Qingtian came out from behind with Qin Kou'er.

"What kind of trick is this kid up to now?"

Lan Qingtian never trusted Lan Xiuyuan, so no matter what Lan Xiuyuan did, Lan Qingtian felt there was something wrong with it.

He walked over and carefully helped his wife back, gently ushering her into a chair, then casually sat down beside her.

Shu Lingxi said with a smile, "There's nothing wrong with him asking me for this favor! But it's a bit problematic that he directly targeted the Jiang family."

Qin Kou'er frowned slightly, then turned to Shu Lingxi and asked, "Your Highness, this matter doesn't seem to have any problems?"

At least in Qin Kou'er's opinion, Lan Xiuyuan's reasons and excuses were very reasonable.

Shu Lingxi had the servants replace the teacups, then gestured to the chair beside her for Qin Kou'er to sit down before smiling and saying, "Kou'er, you've just arrived in the capital, and there are some things you don't understand yet. Things in the capital are always divided into the court and the inner court! The court affairs refer to the men's business, while the inner court, well, that's what we idle princesses and noblewomen discuss. A couple of days ago, I went to my parents' home, and coincidentally, the old lady of the Rongguo Duke's mansion brought several of her mother's wives to visit me. The old lady was in a very good mood, and her words implied that she wanted to establish a kinship with the Hu family. I paid attention, and finally learned from one of their daughters-in-law that Hu Tianyong actually intends to marry the eldest daughter of the Jiang family to the Fifth Prince as his princess. Don't you think it's a bit too much of a coincidence that Lan Xiuyuan came to see me today?"

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!