Chapter 22
Shen Qingnian smiled. The night breeze was cool, and it brushed against the black hair at her temples, making her look stunningly beautiful.
She looked at Lin Yue'er and said softly, "Miss Lin is arrogant and domineering. I am a talented woman, well-liked by the people, and everyone praises me for my kindness and benevolence. If Miss Lin were the crown prince, how would you choose?"
Her tone was gentle, but her words were harsh, unlike her usual mild and kind manner; they even carried a hint of sharpness.
Lin Yue'er was stunned for a moment before realizing that although Shen Qingnian in front of her had a gentle expression, her eyes were flashing with a chilling intent, like a sharp knife, as if she was about to stab her at any moment.
"You...you, what do you mean by this?" Lin Yue'er couldn't help but take a few steps back. She swallowed hard, and a hint of fear appeared on her face.
She was somewhat afraid of Shen Qingnian's gaze at that moment.
Seeing Lin Yue'er retreat, Shen Qingnian stepped forward with the palace lantern, maintaining a slightly close distance between them.
She curled her lips into a smile, her eyebrows arched, her gentleness transformed into a sharp edge, making her even more dazzling than usual, like the blazing sun in the sky. Because she had been drinking, she still carried a faint smell of alcohol, quite different from her usual jasmine fragrance.
Shen Qingnian was determined to win: "The position of Crown Princess is definitely mine."
After saying this, she composed herself, picked up the palace lantern, and left.
Lin Yue'er clutched her chest, looking in the direction Shen Qingnian had left, her heart pounding.
That slender and graceful figure walked further and further away in the darkness.
Her previous gentleness and kindness were all an act...
In the Jade Terrace.
Shen Qingnian placed the rabbit lantern on the stone table. A crescent moon hung in the sky, clear and bright.
Before long, she heard the footsteps of someone approaching; it was Song Xuan, who was also carrying a palace lantern.
The man stood tall and elegant, the flickering shadow of the palace lanterns casting a deep, unsettling light on his refined features and elongating his shadow.
“Miss Shen…” Song Xuan’s voice was still clear and gentle.
Inside the Yaotai Pavilion, a young girl sat by a stone table. Her slightly flushed cheeks seemed to be warm, and the wisps of hair on her forehead were slightly disheveled by the night breeze, adding to her charm and cuteness.
Just as he imagined.
Shen Qingnian seemed a little drunk; her eyes were somewhat dazed as she looked up at Song Xuan.
Who are you?
She seemed genuinely drunk; her speech was somewhat slurred.
Song Xuan's already gentle expression softened even more after hearing her words, and it even carried a hint of doting affection that he himself was unaware of.
The palace lanterns swayed as Song Xuan entered the Yaotai. He came to Shen Qingnian's side and placed the palace lantern on the stone table.
A rabbit-shaped palace lantern and an ordinary lantern palace lantern are placed side by side.
The man bent down slightly, looking at the girl's beautiful features, and said softly, "Miss Chen, you're drunk."
The drunken girl made him want to get closer to her.
Shen Qingnian looked at the man who was bending over in front of her, blinked, and raised her fair arm to wrap around his neck.
Her fair face was buried in the man's chest.
A slightly intoxicated voice rang out, slurred: "You...you'll stay here with me while I wait for someone..."
Song Xuan's breath caught in his throat; his body stiffened, and the girl in his arms was as soft as if she had no bones—
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