On the day of the flower-viewing banquet, Lin Qian dressed up meticulously. She wore a light purple long dress, the hem of which was embroidered with exquisite flower patterns, swaying gently with her steps, like a blooming violet. Her long black hair was tied into a simple bun, with only a white jade hairpin inserted, making her look elegant and refined, yet with an indescribable allure.
As soon as Lin Qian stepped into the garden of the Prince Ning's mansion, she felt countless gazes directed at her. Among these gazes were curiosity and amazement, but of course, there were also many expressions of jealousy and disgust.
"Oh, isn't this Miss Lin? What a rare guest!" A sarcastic voice came from behind Lin Qian.
Lin Qian turned around and saw a woman dressed in flamboyant attire staring at her with an unfriendly expression. The woman wore a pink silk dress with intricate embroidery on the hem, and adorned herself with various jewels, making her exceptionally dazzling. She was Zhao Ling'er, the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Revenue, and one of the many admirers of the Prince of Ning.
Lin Qian smiled slightly, her tone tinged with sarcasm: "Miss Zhao is joking. I'm just here to join in the fun, unlike Miss Zhao, who immediately gained the favor of Prince Ning."
Zhao Ling'er's face stiffened, and she was about to retort when she heard a commotion not far away.
"His Highness Prince Ning has arrived!"
The crowd parted automatically to make way, and Prince Ning, dressed in a black brocade robe, strode forward with an imposing presence. His posture was upright, his face handsome, and his eyes revealed an innate air of authority and confidence. A white jade belt, inlaid with several gemstones, cinched his waist, shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight. He walked with an air of nonchalance, as if the entire world lay at his feet.
Prince Ning's gaze swept across the crowd, finally settling on Lin Qian. A flicker of amazement flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly concealed. He gave Lin Qian a slight nod in greeting, then walked straight to the high platform in the center of the garden.
Lin Qian stood in the crowd, looking at the triumphant Prince Ning on the high platform, but her heart was filled with coldness. She knew that beneath this man's outward appearance lay an incredibly dark heart, and she was determined to make him pay the price.
"The show is about to begin..." Lin Qian thought to herself, a hint of determination and resolve flashing in her eyes.
Prince Ning exchanged a few polite words, expressing his gratitude to everyone for attending his flower-viewing banquet, before announcing its commencement. Immediately, the air was filled with the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments, the fragrance of fine clothes mingling with the elegant figures of women, and the clinking of glasses—a truly lively and festive occasion.
Lin Qian, holding a glass of fruit wine, seemingly strolled casually through the crowd, but her ears were sharp, catching every whisper around her. Sure enough, just as Lin Qian had expected, while the ministers outwardly showed great respect to Prince Ning, they were already gossiping behind his back, worried that Prince Ning's achievements were too great and would threaten their positions.
"Hey, what do you think Prince Ning is thinking? He's giving up his comfortable life as a prince and spending all his time hanging out with the daughters of us ministers. Doesn't he fear the Emperor's suspicion?" a minister whispered, a hint of worry in his eyes.
“Who says otherwise! I heard that His Majesty has been somewhat dissatisfied lately. Just a few days ago, he even gave Prince Ning a few words of warning!” another minister chimed in, a hint of schadenfreude on his face.
"Shh! Keep your voice down, you can't say things like that!" a minister said nervously, his eyes darting around as if afraid of being overheard.
Lin Qian listened to these discussions, a smug smile playing on her lips. It seemed her plan was going smoothly; these old foxes were beginning to waver.
Lin Qian smiled contemptuously. These old fogies only have this much courage. They're fine talking about it in private, but if you really ask them to take action against Prince Ning, they'd probably run away faster than rabbits.
"Miss Lin, why are you drinking alone here?" A deep, magnetic voice came from beside her. Lin Qian didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Prince Ning, or rather, the man Lin Qian once deeply loved, but now wished dead, Xiao Jingyan.
Today, he wore a long black robe with gold patterns, and a white jade belt around his waist, which made him look even more upright and handsome. He stood behind Lin Qian like a tall pine tree, exuding an irresistible charm.
Unfortunately, in Lin Qian's eyes, he was nothing more than a hypocrite with a sanctimonious air.
Lin Qian turned around, feigning surprise as she covered her lips, but a barely perceptible hint of disgust flashed in her eyes: "So it's His Highness Prince Ning. I'm so sorry, I was just lost in thought and didn't even notice Your Highness's arrival."
Xiao Jingyan looked at Lin Qian, a barely perceptible smile flashing in his deep eyes. His gaze swept over Lin Qian from head to toe, as if admiring a precious work of art: "Miss Lin, your outfit today is truly radiant. I almost didn't recognize you."
"Your Highness flatters me." Lin Qian lowered her eyes slightly, avoiding Xiao Jingyan's gaze. Her heart was filled with disgust, but she tried her best to hide it so that he wouldn't notice.
Lin Qian lowered her eyes, concealing the coldness in them. Her eyelashes trembled slightly, like butterflies about to take flight, fragile and innocent. Today, she wore a moon-white gauze dress embroidered with begonia flowers, which made her skin look like jade, pure and refined, a stark contrast to her usual bright and flamboyant attire. No wonder Xiao Jingyan "almost didn't recognize her."
"Your Highness is joking," Lin Qian said softly, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor. "This humble woman merely wanted to change the style; it's nothing as exaggerated as Your Highness makes it out to be." Her voice trembled slightly, as if carrying a hint of fear and unease, making one want to protect her.
Xiao Jingyan's gaze fell on her slightly trembling eyelashes, his eyes darkening. He reached out, wanting to touch her cheek, but Lin Qian subtly dodged away.
"Your Highness, please have some self-respect." Lin Qian took a step back, creating distance between them. Her eyes held a hint of wariness and resistance, as if Xiao Jingyan were a dangerous stranger.
Xiao Jingyan's hand froze in mid-air, then he casually withdrew it, a playful smile playing on his lips. "Miss Lin seems unusually afraid of me today?" His voice carried a hint of doubt and dissatisfaction, as if he was surprised by Lin Qian's reaction.
Xiao Jingyan withdrew his hand, his slender fingers gently caressing the jade thumb ring, his deep eyes fixed on Lin Qian as if trying to see through her. "Afraid?" he repeated softly, a hint of mockery in his voice, "Miss Lin wasn't always this timid."
Lin Qian sneered inwardly. The past? The original owner of this body had poured her heart out to him, wanting to offer him everything, only to be met with heart-wrenching betrayal! Now, her pitiful appearance was merely to lower his guard, so that when he was doomed, he wouldn't even be able to cry!
"Your Highness is joking," Lin Qian said, lowering her head shyly, her slender fingers nervously twisting her handkerchief. "I was ignorant before." Her voice carried a hint of grievance.
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