Upon hearing this, Qin Qianluo's face instantly flushed slightly, like a beautiful sunset glow spreading from her cheeks to her ears.
A flicker of panic crossed her eyes, and her fingers unconsciously tightened around the hem of her clothes, but she quickly regained her composure, took a deep breath, and tried to calm herself down.
With a smile, she quickly reached out and skillfully poured Su Jinyun a steaming cup of tea.
The tea soup swayed gently in the cup, releasing a wisp of fragrant aroma that instantly filled the entire space.
After pouring the tea, she gently pushed the teacup towards Su Jinyun, her movements both gentle and polite.
He then explained, "Sister Su loves to tease me, and I can hardly keep up!"
Miss Qimeng came here specifically to talk to me about Yuying.
Sister Su's arrival is just in time. I heard that Yu Ying appeared in the capital some time ago, but now she has disappeared without a trace, as if she has vanished into thin air.
Sister Su, do you have any new news about Yu Ying? Please tell me quickly.
Upon hearing what Qin Qianluo said, Su Jinyun paused slightly in her hand, which had been gently brushing the hair at her temples.
Those ink-black eyebrows were slightly raised, like willow branches swaying in the spring breeze, carrying a touch of unintentional nobility.
Her eyes, as if holding cold stars, glanced at Qimeng without making a sound, a subtle scrutiny flashing in them.
She calmly and gracefully picked up the teacup on the table, which was decorated with delicate floral and bird patterns. The tea steam rose gently, swirling around her like a thin veil.
She parted her lips slightly, took a slow sip of fragrant tea, and the rich aroma of the tea spread between her teeth.
After a long silence, she finally spoke slowly: "These past few days, Miss Qimeng has gone to great lengths to help my Qianluo. Thank you very much, Miss Qimeng."
Su Jinyun's tone was gentle, yet it carried a hint of inquiry.
Upon hearing this, Qi Meng's smile froze instantly, and a flash of annoyance crossed her eyes, like a firefly in the dark night, easily overlooked if not carefully observed.
But in an instant, she skillfully concealed this emotion, leaving no trace of it.
Immediately afterwards, she put on a gentle and charming smile, a smile that was just right, neither humble nor arrogant, as warm as the spring sun.
She bowed slightly and said softly, "Prime Minister Su, you are too kind to me."
I have always been grateful for the Prince's kindness and consideration for my Linglong Pavilion. In this bustling capital, the Prince has sheltered me and my Linglong Pavilion from the wind and rain, saving us from many troubles.
Your Highness has shown me such great kindness; I merely wish to do my utmost to share some of Your Highness's worries.
"This is all within my duty, how could I possibly accept such a heartfelt thank you, Prime Minister Su? If you continue to be so polite, I would feel utterly ashamed."
Upon hearing Qi Meng's words, Su Jinyun maintained her dignified and elegant expression, a perfectly timed smile playing on her lips, though the smile didn't reach her eyes.
Her fingers gently caressed the teacup in her hand, seemingly nonchalant, but in reality, her heart was churning with undercurrents, and she let out a cold snort.
He thought to himself, "If it weren't for that cunning old fox, Qin Shouzhen, interfering and hindering me at every turn, I would have been in trouble."
How could I have been so careless, allowing that woman Qimeng to take advantage of me! Tomorrow at court, I will definitely seize on his weakness and impeach him severely.
I need to get my revenge for all the humiliation I've suffered these past few days, otherwise I'll never be able to vent my anger!
Thinking this, she remained calm and composed, subtly taking a sip of tea to moisten her throat.
He calmly responded to Qin Qianluo's concerned inquiry: "Yu Ying is an extremely secretive person, like a ghost hiding in the darkness."
I mobilized the guards in the mansion and the spies in the capital to inquire from various sources and search everywhere.
It was like punching cotton; the effort was futile, and no useful clues were found.
Inside the reception room, Qin Qianluo wore a moon-white silk dress with delicate begonia flowers embroidered on the hem, which swayed gently with her movements, making her look charming and lively.
She chatted enthusiastically with Su Jinyun, and the two discussed the recent poetry gatherings that had become popular in the capital.
They chatted about interesting anecdotes circulating in the streets and alleys, sometimes covering their faces and laughing, sometimes frowning slightly, having a great time.
Qin Qianlu blinked her bright eyes and asked curiously, "Sister Su, did you know that a new calligraphy and painting shop opened in the west of the city a few days ago?"
The calligraphy and paintings inside are all rare treasures; I've heard there are even genuine works by masters from previous dynasties!
Su Jinyun smiled slightly and replied, "Oh? Is that so? I'll have to go and see for myself another day."
Most of the time, Qin Qianluo and Su Jinyun led the conversation, exchanging words that showed their familiarity with each other.
Qi Meng sat to the side, her makeup exquisite, a perfectly placed smile on her face, quietly listening to their conversation, occasionally chiming in with a few words.
However, her gaze would occasionally fall on Su Jinyun, her eyes secretly scrutinizing her. In her seemingly gentle eyes, there was a hint of resentment and jealousy that was not easily detected.
She recalled how Su Jinyun had repeatedly ruined her plans recently, and her fingernails unconsciously dug into her palms, leaving shallow marks.
Unconsciously, her eyes darted around quickly, a calculating glint flashing across them like a shooting star, gone in an instant.
However, in an instant, she quickly returned to her gentle and harmless demeanor, picked up her teacup, and took a small sip.
It was as if everything that had just happened was just an illusion, but the calculations in my heart never stopped.
In the evening, a gentle breeze, carrying wisps of floral fragrance, drifted leisurely into the room through the carved windows of the Prince's Mansion's reception hall.
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