Chapter 31 The Crown Prince is truly blessed to have such a sister.
Not only did Su Xiaoyu receive Xiao Jingheng's care, but Xiao Lingxi also liked her so much.
A sense of resentment and jealousy welled up in Lin Wan'er's heart, but she smiled calmly and said, "Sister, you are so good to the maids around you. It is rare to see someone so considerate of their servants."
As they were speaking, a tall figure walked over, carrying an invisible, chilling aura.
It was Xiao Jingheng.
He glanced past Lin Wan'er and his gaze fell on Xiao Lingxi.
"Are you alright?"
Upon seeing her elder brother, Xiao Lingxi's forced composure crumbled, revealing a hint of lingering dependence tinged with grievance. She shook her head.
"It's alright, brother."
Lin Wan'er seized the opportunity to speak: "That was really dangerous just now. Fortunately, Sister Lingxi is quick-witted and perceptive. Otherwise, people would have been tarnished for no reason. It is a blessing for the young master to have such a sister."
Xiao Jingheng then turned his gaze to Lin Wan'er, but his gaze was deep and unfathomable. He only gave a faint reply:
"Miss Lin, you've gone to a lot of trouble."
His calm reaction left Lin Wan'er's prepared follow-up remarks somewhat unconvincing.
Just as she was trying to find another topic to talk about, she saw that Xiao Jingheng had already turned his gaze back to Xiao Lingxi.
"Since there is nothing else, come with me to express our gratitude to Her Highness the Princess. Let's not linger here."
After saying that, he nodded slightly to Lin Wan'er, as if to say goodbye.
Lin Wan'er stood there, watching the brother and sister's disappearing figures. The perfect smile on her face gradually faded, and her eyes shifted unpredictably.
The maid Qingdai stepped forward quietly and whispered, "Miss, it seems that Miss Du is not up to the task."
Lin Wan'er's eyes turned cold, and her tone was indifferent: "Just a chess piece. Use it if you can, and if you can't, it's no loss to discard it."
Lin Wan'er originally intended to use that fool Du Tingting to make Xiao Lingxi lose her composure in public, and then have her "step in to save the day." This would both suppress Xiao Lingxi's arrogance, making her easier to control in the future, and also earn her a good reputation for being sensible and understanding in front of Xiao Jingheng and the Princess.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Lingxi performed exceptionally well, directly humiliating Du Tingting.
How utterly foolish!
Qingdai, observing the situation, continued, "However... this servant noticed Young Master Xiao's attitude just now..."
He seemed rather cold towards the young lady.
It's no different from how it's done to others.
Qingdai dared not say these words aloud, for fear of offending her mistress.
Lin Wan'er was certainly aware of it as well.
Xiao Jingheng's gaze towards her was calm and unwavering, even more subtly distant than his gaze towards ordinary passersby.
But she clearly remembered that when they met before, he didn't have that look in his eyes.
Why did she sense something different this time?
But it's okay.
Lin Wan'er took a deep breath, suppressing the frustration in her heart, and regained her usual cool and composed demeanor.
"What's the rush? If the heir of the Marquis of Yongning is so easily moved, then all my efforts will have been in vain."
She turned and looked toward the center of the banquet, where a high platform had been set up for the noble ladies to showcase their talents.
Lin Wan'er's eyes shone with confidence.
She refused to believe that, with her status as the most talented woman in the capital and a model of a noble lady, she could defeat Xiao Jingheng if she put in a little more effort in the competition.
Soon, Xiao Jingheng took Xiao Lingxi to thank the Princess. The Princess not only did not blame her for the incident at the banquet, but also comforted Xiao Lingxi with a gentle smile, praising her for her quick wit and frankness, and even rewarded her with a pair of precious jade bracelets to calm her nerves.
Afterwards, the eldest princess smiled and asked Lingxi if she had seen any young men she liked at the banquet, and offered to play matchmaker.
Xiao Lingxi was startled by this blatant matchmaking, her face flushed, and she quickly made an excuse, practically fleeing, and slipped out of the flower hall.
With a slight blush on her face and lingering fear, Xiao Lingxi walked along a covered walkway, wanting only to find a quiet place to catch her breath.
Just as they rounded a bend, they nearly bumped into a gentle-looking figure.
"Miss, be careful!"
A clear and gentle male voice sounded above her head, and at the same time, a hand politely touched her and then quickly withdrew.
Xiao Lingxi was so startled that she took half a step back and looked up.
Before my eyes came a man dressed in a moon-white long robe. He had a handsome face, smiling eyes, and a refined and scholarly demeanor, like a graceful scholar who had stepped out of a Jiangnan ink painting, exuding a comfortable scholarly aura.
"I apologize for my abruptness and for disturbing you, Miss." Shen Moyan bowed slightly, her attitude humble and polite.
The voice was like a spring breeze brushing against the strings of a musical instrument, carrying just the right amount of apology and concern.
"Miss, you seem to be in a hurry. Is there something urgent? If there is anything I can do to help, I am willing to do my best."
Seeing that Xiao Lingxi was staring at him without saying a word, Shen Moyan spoke up again.
His gaze was clear and open, with just the right distance, making him completely unappealing.
"Huh? Oh... that..."
Xiao Lingxi came to her senses and realized how impolite it was to stare at the other person.
"It's alright, it was my own carelessness."
She paused, sensing that the man before her possessed a unique air about him, unlike the typical spoiled young masters of the capital, and asked another question:
"Young master is...?"
"My name is Shen Moyan, a native of Jiangnan. I am here in the capital to study with my master."
Shen Moyan smiled slightly, her smile clean and gentle, and then considerately stepped aside to make way for her, "I wouldn't dare to delay you, Miss, please!"
There was no lingering, not even a question about Xiao Lingxi's name or identity. The social distance was perfectly maintained.
His tact and composure left a very good first impression on Xiao Lingxi.
Xiao Lingxi nodded and quickly walked past him.
However, after walking a dozen steps, she inexplicably turned back for another look.
Shen Moyan did not stop, but walked away unhurriedly in the opposite direction. His figure had the slender and elegant demeanor of a scholar, which seemed somewhat out of place with the wealth and prosperity around him.
Yet it is inexplicably attractive.
Xiao Lingxi's eyes darted around, a sense of curiosity and inquiry rising within her.
Without further hesitation, she quickly found Zisu, who was waiting not far away, and called over Su Xiaoyu, who was eating snacks.
"Let's go! Let's find somewhere else to see the excitement!"
"Miss, where are we going?" Zisu asked in confusion.
Su Xiaoyu also looked puzzled, with something still in her mouth.
Xiao Lingxi raised her chin slightly and looked towards the area where the male guests were gathered. The faint sound of chanting coming from there was a waterside pavilion.
That's also the direction from which Shen Moyan disappeared just now.
"Let's go over there. I heard those talented scholars are having a poetry contest. Let's go and see for ourselves."
Upon hearing this, Zisu looked utterly astonished.
Her young lady always disliked those poems, classics, and classical Chinese texts, didn't she?
Why are you still taking the initiative to move forward today?
Su Xiaoyu didn't think too much about it. When she heard that there was something interesting to watch, she wanted to see how people in ancient times competed in poetry. Without saying a word, she followed Xiao Lingxi forward.
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