Chapter 69: Not a Good Person
Han Qingli strode in front of Du Huaizhi and the others, tilted her head to look at Su Wanwan, "So it's you."
Su Wanwan's face turned red and white, and she forced a smile, "Han, Miss Han is here to appreciate the flowers too?"
Han Qingli ignored her and turned to Du Huaizhi, saying, "Is the Crown Princess doing well?" She blinked. "It's been several days since we last met. Are you feeling better?"
"It's okay now." Du Huaizhi replied.
"That's great." Han Qingli took her arm affectionately, "It's so rare for us to see each other, so we should get together properly."
The friendly and familiar tone suggested they had known each other for a long time and had a good relationship. Su Wanwan's face darkened even further, and she was ready to run away at the first opportunity.
"Did I let you go?" Han Qingli looked at her with a cold gaze.
Su Wanwan pulled her legs back halfway and stood still timidly.
"You don't even bow when you see the Crown Prince's wife? Where are your manners? Where did you learn them?"
Su Wanwan lowered her head and bowed obediently, "Your humble servant greets the Crown Prince's wife."
"Speak louder. Weren't you speaking quite loudly just now? Why are you mute now?"
"Your humble servant greets the Crown Princess!" Su Wanwan raised her voice, her cheeks flushed red.
Han Qingli finally nodded in satisfaction, but she didn't intend to let her go. "Just now I heard someone say 'climbing the ladder of power' or something like that. I wonder who they were talking about?"
Su Wanwan lowered her head even lower, her voice trembling: "It's...it's my fault for speaking carelessly."
"Now that I know I've said something wrong, what should I do?" Han Qingli stroked his sleeves.
Su Wanwan bit her lip and reluctantly bowed to Du Huaizhi to apologize: "Please forgive me, Princess. It was my reckless words that offended you."
Du Huaizhi was so annoyed by being called the Crown Prince's Consort by one on each side that he waved his hand at Han Qingli's expression as if she was asking for credit.
Han Qingli finally let her go and said, "Remember to keep your mouth clean next time. Go away and stop being an eyesore here."
Su Wanwan was as if pardoned. She hurried away with her maid, stumbling all the way as if she was running for her life, her back looking in a state of embarrassment.
An Nian was stunned and whispered into Du Ruozhi's ear, "This Miss Han is so majestic!"
"Of course, she is truly the most noble lady in the capital." Du Ruozhi whispered.
Han Qingli turned around and took Du Huaizhi's arm again, saying affectionately, "What a coincidence! I ran into you at the Pear Garden. By the way, how did you get here?"
"I came here to relax with my sister." Du Huaizhi looked at her and asked politely, "What about you?"
"I heard the pear blossoms here are in full bloom, so I came to take a look." Han Qingli changed the subject and looked at Du Ruozhi, "Is this your sister?"
"Um."
"She's quite cute." Han Qingli smiled knowingly, "Huaizhi's sister is my sister, and I heard that you and your cousin are very close, so we'll be family from now on. You can call me Qingli, you're welcome."
Du Ruozhi was a little overwhelmed by this sudden intimacy, especially the second half of the sentence, which made her cheeks slightly red. She didn't know how to respond for a moment, "Ah, then Sister Qingli, just call me Zhizhi."
Han Qingli smiled, her eyes curved. "Zhizhi, what a cute name." She turned around and took Du Huaizhi's arm, her gaze lingering on her scarf. "Let's go. I know a great place in this garden with a beautiful view, perfect for admiring pear blossoms."
Han Qingli said this, and then led them to a high platform. Here the view was wide and the spring scenery in the garden was in full view.
"Wow——" Du Ruozhi couldn't help but exclaim.
An Nian also nodded and praised: "It is indeed a great place to enjoy the scenery."
Du Huaizhi glanced at the layout of the platform. It was equipped with soft coffee tables and rocking chairs. It was obvious that this place was a unique viewing spot. "This place is not accessible to ordinary people."
Han Qingli smiled silently and poured tea for Du Huaizhi. "Try it, this is this year's new tea." She handed the teacup to Du Huaizhi. "Looking at the dark circles under your eyes, I guess you always have trouble sleeping at night. Maybe this can help you."
Du Huaizhi took it and said, "Thank you."
Han Qingli looked at her, "Are you okay... in Prince Cheng's Mansion?" She still remembered the scene when Li Siyu appeared and took Du Huaizhi away. The Prince of Cheng did not look like a good person.
Du Huaizhi was slightly startled, then nodded: "Very good."
Han Qingli didn't ask any further questions, but just said softly: "If there is any inconvenience, you can come to me at any time."
Du Huaizhi's lips twitched slightly, knowing that this guy had not given up the idea of buying her, but she was helpless, "I am now the eldest daughter of the Du family, the prince... the crown prince's consort." She paused and uttered the last few words unnaturally.
"Everything is fine, don't worry." For her, having enough food and clothing is everything, but it seems that others don't agree with this standard, and Du Huaizhi has no way to deal with it.
Han Qingli was choked by Du Huaizhi's answer, then smiled, "By the way, there will be a flower banquet in the palace next month. As the Crown Prince's Consort, you should go, right?"
"Hua Yan?" Another name that makes one's scalp tingle. Du Huaizhi had a strange expression on his face.
Han Qingli explained, "Your Majesty is considerate of the royal family and the families of court officials. He holds a party in the Imperial Garden every year for people to enjoy the flowers and feast. This also adds some fun to the women in the capital."
Isn't this just being idle and having nothing to do? Du Huaizhi secretly complained in his heart, "It sounds lively, but I don't know if the prince has any other arrangements by then. Let's see when the time comes."
It was impossible to go. The thought of wearing a skirt that couldn't even stretch my legs and an absurdly heavy headdress made me feel suffocated, not to mention having to recognize people and bow everywhere.
Han Qingli saw through her thoughts and reached out to gently poke her arm, saying with a hint of rebuke, "Don't even think about hiding. This flower banquet is no ordinary social event. Last year, the Empress presented a lot of novelties at the banquet, even jeweled hairpins from the Western Regions. Maybe you can find something you like."
"I'm not good at that." Du Huaizhi said lightly.
"If you don't like this, then what about your Zhizhi?" Han Qingli turned to look at Du Ruozhi, who had a face full of longing and bright eyes, and smiled, "If you don't go, Zhizhi will have no one to accompany her."
As soon as these words came out, Du Ruozhi was immediately excited. She pulled Du Huaizhi's sleeve and shook it gently, "Sister, let's go together when the time comes. I have never been to the Imperial Garden."
Du Huaizhi pinched her face, feeling very disappointed. The words of rejection that he wanted to say came to his lips but he swallowed them back. He could only sigh helplessly, "We'll see when the time comes."
A gust of wind blew, and the pear blossoms beside the high platform fell down, and a few petals floated onto the tea table.
Han Qingli said, "Look at how beautiful this scenery is. When the flower banquet comes, the flowers in the Imperial Garden will be even more beautiful. Then we can find a quiet corner to enjoy the scenery without having to deal with those people."
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