Xie Jingrun rode over on horseback.
He was somewhat surprised to see Rong Qingqing, but soon his handsome face darkened, his eyes becoming indifferent and distant, as if he did not recognize her. After dismounting, he walked towards the carriage next to him.
Seeing this, Rong Qingqing pursed her lips. Since he was already pretending not to know her, why should she go up and make a fool of herself? Anyway, she didn't want to greet him.
She turned and led the group inside, when at that moment, the carriage curtain was lifted and Emperor Zhaojing stepped down from the carriage.
Rong Qingqing was somewhat surprised to see him.
Why is Emperor Zhaojing here again?
She should have realized it sooner; Xie Jingrun wasn't the type to come to Wangchunlou for dinner alone.
Upon seeing Rong Qingqing, Emperor Zhaojing smiled. Just as he was about to speak, he turned his head and saw that Xie Jingrun had already entered the restaurant first. He was stunned. What was wrong with this child? Why did he act as if he didn't recognize Old Madam Xie?
Feeling suspicious, he gave up on saying hello and followed him inside.
Upon seeing him, Shangguan Yanran was quite surprised, but considering the large number of people on the street, she did not approach him, though her expression became cautious.
Upon entering Wangchun Tower, Rong Qingqing asked Manager Xu to arrange two additional tables in the main hall for the shop's employees and servants of the Marquis's residence to dine, since the private rooms couldn't accommodate so many people.
She then led Shangguan Yanran and the others upstairs.
Unexpectedly, just as she reached the door of the private room, a fair-skinned, beardless man was already waiting there. He looked at Rong Qingqing and said with a smile, "Madam Xie, my master would like you to dine in the private room next door."
Rong Qingqing recognized him; it was he who delivered the imperial decree when Xie Jingrun inherited the title of Marquis of Weiyuan.
Needless to say, he was the eunuch serving Emperor Zhaojing, and the "master" he referred to was Emperor Zhaojing.
She frowned almost imperceptibly, pretending not to know who he was, "But I still have guests here..."
The man glanced at her, then looked at Shangguan Yanran beside him and said with a smile, "Our master also wants Miss Shangguan to come along."
Shangguan Yanran naturally recognized him; she knew he was Hai Fu, the chief eunuch serving the emperor.
Hearing what he said, although she was also reluctant to go, she still said, "Okay, I'll go with Qingqing in a bit. Thank you for your help."
"Of course. You two should hurry over, lest our master keep you waiting." Haifu said before leaving.
Helpless, Rong Qingqing gave a few instructions to Manager Liu and Xiao Tao, and then went to the private room next door with Shangguan Yanran.
Before entering the private room, Shangguan Yanran stopped her and asked, "Why is the Emperor dining here? And what's going on with Marquis Weiyuan? I just saw him acting like he didn't recognize you. Did you two have a falling out?" As she said this, her gaze was somewhat meaningful.
Rong Qingqing said dejectedly, "Which one do you want me to answer first? Besides, I'm not familiar with Xie Jingrun at all, so how could there be any quarrel? Don't talk nonsense."
Shangguan Yanran raised an eyebrow. "But when I looked at the two of you just now, I had a feeling that something was going on."
"You're overthinking it." Rong Qingqing rolled her eyes at her. "Instead of making wild guesses about us, you should put your energy into your storybook. Maybe you can write a timeless and beautiful love story that will move people to tears."
"Okay, maybe I misread it." Shangguan Yanran shrugged, not pressing her for an answer. "Let's go inside."
"Hmm." Rong Qingqing was about to push the door open when it was suddenly opened from the inside, and Xie Jingrun was standing by the door.
Their eyes met unexpectedly, and they both paused for a moment, stunned.
"Lord Marquis?" Rong Qingqing reacted and greeted him.
Xie Jingrun glanced at her without saying a word. Seeing that she was blocking the doorway, he reached out and nudged her aside, then walked straight out.
Rong Qingqing subconsciously brushed the shoulder that he had touched.
Unexpectedly, Xie Jingrun suddenly turned around, saw her actions, his handsome face darkened, and he left with a sullen expression.
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