After the banquet, it is unknown what Emperor Jin and Shen Jiyan discussed, but Shen Jiyan quickly returned to Lu Kingdom without even having a chance to see Lu Qingyan again.
Because Lu Qingyan is a princess from the Lu Kingdom, although the replacement had already been chosen, she couldn't possibly move to the Xiao'an Prince's Mansion at this time.
Therefore, Consort Yu, who temporarily assumed the Phoenix Seal, arranged for Lu Qingyan to stay at the Ziqi Terrace in the West Palace.
There's a saying that auspicious purple clouds coming from the east are a sign of good fortune, so arranging for Lu Qingyan here is indeed a good choice. There are no restrictions on Lu Qingyan's freedom here; she can go wherever she wants.
Gradually, mid-autumn arrived, and the annual flower festival in the capital of Jin was approaching. Historical records indicate that this was the time when Emperor Taizu of Jin entered Guangping. The setting sun, the chilly wind, and the blood-stained chrysanthemums, exceptionally vibrant, witnessed the rise of a dynasty.
They commemorated the warriors who sacrificed their lives on this day, offering flowers and lighting lanterns to pray for their well-being. Somehow, this time gradually became a popular occasion for young men and women to exchange flowers, express their affections, and light lanterns in prayer.
Lu Qingyan walked along the bustling street with agate and pearls in her hands, unsure of where to go.
“Miss,” Pearl suggested from the side, “why don’t you release a lantern by the lake? The flower shows have become more and more elaborate these past few years, and fewer people go to the lake. It seems you prefer some peace and quiet, so why don’t you go there?”
Lu Qingyan looked at Pearl's tender little face and nodded.
Pearl was a maid left by the people of Jin to take care of Lu Qingyan. Since Liusu left, it was not convenient for Agate to stay here alone to take care of Lu Qingyan.
So the State of Jin took this opportunity to very "kindly" leave the pearl with Lu Qingyan.
Lu Qingyan didn't say anything. So what if there was another person by her side? She wasn't here to be a spy or do anything shady. Why would she be afraid of having another person by her side? On the contrary, her presence could better prove her innocence.
She wasn't naively convinced that her existence would prevent war between the two countries; in fact, she, an outsider, might be the first to die. Therefore, for the sake of a better future, it was best for her to stay put.
Pearl was indeed quite capable; with her presence, Agate saved the effort of at least three people. Although Lu Qingyan couldn't quite figure her out, she was certain that Pearl meant no harm.
Perhaps there is no malice at the moment.
But there's nothing wrong with using it now.
Agate glanced up at Lu Qingyan, then at Pearl, and nodded, saying, "Alright, I'll go if Miss goes."
Agate was slow-paced and not as quick-witted as Tassel. Although she didn't know who Pearl was working for, she was very wary of Pearl.
Lu Qingyan smiled and ruffled Agate's hair as she used to do with Liusu: "We agreed to go out and have fun together, would I really leave you here alone?"
Agate said with a grin, "Of course I know that my master won't lose me, but there are so many people outside today, I'm worried that something might happen to you, Miss. If... Miss, why don't we go back as soon as possible?" Agate suggested.
Lu Qingyan shook her head: "It's still early, why are you in such a hurry?"
Lu Qingyan glanced at Pearl meaningfully and said, "Jin is so powerful that Lu doesn't have anything like this. How could such a thing happen in Jin?"
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