Princess Zhaoyang turned around and glared at the people who had spoken, secretly making a mental note of them.
Seeing that she was no longer as smug as before, Qin Xi's lips curled into a mocking smile. However, because she was looking down, no one else saw it, except for Shu Hua beside her.
She looked at Qin Xi as if she had never seen him before, seemingly somewhat surprised.
Qin Xi let her look at him, not worried at all that she would distance herself from him. They had been friends for many years, and there was still that much trust between them.
Princess Zhaoyang forced a smile and nudged Anzhuoyi with her elbow.
Anzhuoyi hurriedly stepped forward, affectionately took Qin Xi's hand, and led her inside: "You two should come in quickly. What are you doing standing at the door? Anyone who doesn't know better would think that Miss Qin and Miss Shu are doormen we hired!"
Qin Qi calmly withdrew his arm and took a step to the side.
Anzhuoyi looked at his hand, which had missed again, with displeasure on his face.
Shu Hua squeezed between the two with a forced smile, leaning against Qin Qi and said, "Isn't that right? I suppose only Miss An has the face to have the daughter of the Prime Minister guarding the gate for you. It's truly enviable."
Although both the Chancellor and the Grand Commandant hold important positions in the court, the Chancellor wields real power, so the Grand Commandant is still subordinate to him in the court.
Qin Xi was hailed as a talented woman, and An Zhuoyi had always been compared to her since childhood, often falling slightly short. Now, being pressured by Shu Hua using Qin Xi's status, he was immediately provoked: "Who do you think you are..."
Before he could finish speaking, Princess Zhaoyang interrupted him.
She glanced at Zhuo Yi, her tone leaving no room for doubt: "Zhuo Yi! Didn't you just say you were thirsty? Go get some water!"
Receiving her threatening gaze, Anzhuoyi calmed down a bit. She hurriedly nodded haphazardly and went to the back, giving Shu Hua an angry glare before leaving.
Shu Hua raised her chin defiantly and let out a soft snort.
Princess Zhaoyang narrowed her eyes, suppressing her displeasure. After all, she couldn't afford to anger Qin Xi now, otherwise, if she drove her away, wouldn't all her efforts be in vain?
She walked over to Qin Xi and said, "Sister Qin, please come and sit down. Everyone, please join the banquet."
Qin Xi twitched the corners of her mouth but didn't say anything. She sat down next to Shu Hua, and various pastries and snacks were already laid out on the small table in front of them.
Qin Xi looked around and noticed that Princess Shanlai didn't seem to be present. But then again, it made sense; such an occasion wasn't suitable for her health, and it would be better for her to rest.
Princess Zhaoyang stood up, a flawless smile on her lips: "Thank you all for gracing us with your presence today. I am truly honored. Let me first raise a toast to you all, wishing that all the sisters here may be 'beautiful whether lightly or heavily made up'!"
After saying this, she drank the wine in her glass in one gulp, then turned the glass upside down, and sure enough, not a drop was left.
Anzhuoyi then returned, exchanged a glance with her, and said with a fawning expression, "Princess, you are truly a heroine among women. We certainly cannot lag behind. I will also drink this cup, wishing you to become an unparalleled beauty like Chang'e in the moon."
What does this mean?
Isn't she an absolute beauty now?
Princess Zhaoyang glared at her secretly, feeling somewhat displeased.
Seeing that Princess Zhaoyang and she had both finished their drinks, the other women felt embarrassed to remain silent and rose to offer their toasts.
Only Qin Qi and Shu Hua.
Shu Hua hesitated and looked at Qin Xi: "Yizhi, this..."
Qin Xi smiled and said, "It's alright, we'll drink together."
As she spoke, she stood up and said in a gentle voice, "May my sisters become even more beautiful and graceful, their beauty surpassing even the moon and flowers."
Shu Hua couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
