Xiao Linzi looked again and again in the direction where the prince left, and the question of Miss Chu echoed in his mind: "Look at them, are they human?"

Although Xiao Linzi thought he was knowledgeable and had been in and out of the palace where swords and sabers were flashing, he didn't know how to respond now. He opened his mouth and said in surprise: "Is it... right?"

Xiao Linzi didn't know why he added an interjection after his decisive answer.

Chu Jinyao couldn't help but turn around and craned his neck to look in that direction. However, after all this delay, the group had already left, and now even their backs could not be seen.

Chu Jinyao murmured inaudibly: "How could it be... am I seeing things wrong?"

Qi Ze was obviously a monster in a jade pendant, why would he appear in the world so openly? She just looked carefully and saw shadows under the feet of that group of people. They were indeed human beings.

Now, Chu Jinyao could not comfort herself that those were his peers.

Why was that? Or were there really people in the world who looked so similar?

Xiao Linzi looked at Chu Jinyao with her head down, and her expression seemed to be depressed. He observed coldly for a while, and asked tentatively: "Miss Chu, why do you ask this?"

"Nothing." Chu Jinyao shook her head, "I just think they are very strange." Just

because of strange behavior, they dare to say that their prince is not a human? Xiao Linzi didn't know what to say. Because the prince left the palace secretly, except for a few close people, no one knew that the prince had left the border, so it was inevitable that he had to dodge along the way.

This Miss Chu, probably because she saw the prince and his entourage dodging and behaving in a sneaky way, mistakenly thought that the prince was not a human being. Xiao Linzi tried to convince himself, but he immediately said "Pooh, Pooh, Pooh" at her.

Did he want to die? How dare he say that their prince was sneaky?

Chu Jinyao and Xiao Linzi were thoughtful and their expressions changed several times. Neither of them cared about the other, so they got along peacefully and neither of them aroused suspicion from the other. Chu Jinyao was completely occupied by Qin Yi. She said goodbye to Xiao Linzi absent-mindedly, and then walked out of the garden with one foot deep and one foot shallow.

Until Chu Jinyao stood outside the flower hall, she suddenly realized that her purse was not found yet!

Chu Jinyao sighed deeply. Losing her belongings was a serious matter, but now, she couldn't even muster up the interest.

Linglong anxiously waited outside the house, stretching her neck to look at the people passing by. Suddenly, Linglong's eyes fixed, and she quickly ran down the stairs: "Miss!"

"Linglong?"

"Oh, Miss, I finally found you. Where did you go just now?" As she said this, Linglong hurriedly looked Chu Jinyao up and down. When she saw that Chu Jinyao was still wearing the same clothes and her expression was normal, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Linglong had thought of the worst case scenario, but fortunately, in the end, she was just worrying for nothing.

Chu Jinyao briefly explained what had just happened: "My clothes were wet, and a maid volunteered to take me to change clothes. Halfway through, I felt something was wrong, so I left and came back. Unfortunately, I got lost halfway through, so I'm delayed until now." Naturally, Chu Jinyao covered up Qin Yi's matter.

Linglong felt terrified when she heard this. She patted her chest and said repeatedly: "It's okay, it's okay, it's okay!"

Chu Jinyao asked: "What about you? When I went out, I looked for you for a long time but couldn't find you. Where did you go?"

"The fourth young lady's maid went to the kitchen to get something. She said there were not enough people and insisted on taking me with her. I couldn't refuse. I thought it would only take a while and wouldn't delay anything. Who knows, when I come back, I won't see the young lady anymore."

"Going to the kitchen to get something..." Chu Jinyao seemed to have sensed something and suddenly asked, "Who did you see after you came back?"

"No one was seen either. When I found that I couldn't find the young lady, I was scared to death and quickly asked people around. It was the Sixth Miss who told me that the young lady left with a maid who had two buns on her head and wore a dark blue skirt."

Chu Jinyao's eyes flashed, and she asked with a smile: "Dark blue?"

Linglong didn't understand: "Yes, what's wrong?"

Chu Jinyao shook her head and sighed: "Nothing, but it will be lively when I go home. I guess this time, Chaoyun Courtyard can be completely replaced by a group of people."

"Young lady, you mean..."

"Don't mention these things when you are out." Chu Jinyao said, "I know who is innocent and who is not today. Come closer to me."

Linglong followed her instructions and leaned over to listen. Chu Jinyao whispered something, and Linglong was immediately shocked: "Ah, girl, this!"

Chu Jinyao signaled Linglong not to say more. She said, "Don't make a fuss, just look for it secretly. Keep a close eye on the people around Chu Jinmiao." Linglong

quickly agreed. Even though she tried to restrain her expression, she still couldn't hide her panic.

Chu Jinyao adjusted the hem of her skirt and walked into the flower hall calmly. When the girls in the flower hall saw Chu Jinyao, they all said, "Miss Chu Wu went out to change clothes, why did you take so long? Oh, you didn't change clothes."

Chu Jinyao smiled and said, "I lost my way in the garden, and the maid who showed me the way was playing around and ran away. I wandered around for a long time before I finally found my way back. Fortunately, after this ordeal, the water stains on my dress have all dried up, so I don't need to change clothes."

"So..." The girls looked at Chu Jinyao's dress thoughtfully, and found that although there was dust on the hem of Chu Jinyao's skirt, her clothes were neat and tidy. She looked the same when she went out and when she came back, without any mess. They took a look and didn't think there was anything wrong, so they looked away without paying much attention.

Even the county lord only asked a question. Hearing that the maid who showed Chu Jinyao the way actually ran away, she said angrily: "These servants deserve to die. I will report to my mother and let my mother punish them severely!"

After the county lord finished scolding, he realized belatedly: "By the way, didn't your sisters go out to look for you? How come you are back but they are not?"

"Not back yet." Chu Jinyao smiled meaningfully, "They have been gone for so long, I also want to ask them."

As she was talking, there was a noise at the door, and Chu Jinmiao opened the curtain with a gloomy face. Her face was very ugly, and she kept cursing the Sixth Miss in her heart, but when she looked up, she saw Chu Jinyao standing there leisurely with a smile.

Chu Jinmiao was startled and almost dropped the thing in her hand.

But it was not over yet. Chu Jinyao smiled and asked leisurely, "Fourth sister, third sister, where did you go?"

Chu Jinmiao frowned and turned away without saying anything. At this time, the sixth girl also came in, and Chu Jinyao walked up and said to her with a smile, "I heard that the sixth sister specially showed my maid the way to help everyone go out to find me." The

sixth girl's eyes flashed, still with a weak and calm expression. Chu Jinyao looked into her eyes and said slowly, "Then I really am grateful to the sixth sister."

After saying that, Chu Jinyao no longer wanted to look at these people, and turned around and walked out. The girls around didn't think anything was wrong at first, but seeing the strange expressions on the faces of the three of them, they couldn't help asking, "What's wrong?"

Chu Jinmiao put her hands in the warming gloves and turned her face slightly, while the sixth girl seemed not to hear anything and still looked indifferent.

Today's banquet was carried out in an orderly manner until most of the guests left, and the turmoil in the daytime finally showed signs.

At this time, the old princess's warm room was already very quiet. She leaned on the pillow and said slowly: "Have you brought everyone here?"

Lan Ze replied in a low voice: "The few people who served today have been detained in the woodshed."

"Okay. Call a few guests over."

Chu Jinyao had received the news a long time ago that the old princess had something to say to her in private later. Chu Jinyao knew it very well. When the time came, she was led by the maid to avoid the crowd and came to the old princess.

Chu Jinmiao, the third lady and the sixth lady were not spared and were also invited one by one. Today's matter involved the Changxing Marquis' Mansion and the Huailing Prince's Mansion. The old princess didn't want to cause trouble, so she invited Zhao as well. Zhao was sitting in the warm pavilion. Seeing her daughters standing below, she was almost restless: "What did you do today? You even frightened the old ancestor?"

Chu Jinyao was very calm. She was calm and kept her eyes slightly down without saying anything.

The Princess of the County was also sitting on the side. Seeing this, she said: "Madam Changxing, please don't be anxious. Let the servants explain the whole story first."

However, today, the girls were involved, and it would be inappropriate for anyone to speak. A maid next to the old princess gave a vague general idea, but those present were all clan wives who presided over the imperial feast and were in charge of a mansion. Even if the maid spoke hesitantly, they all understood.

When the Princess of the County heard the part about the prince, her face was already very ugly. She glanced at Chu Jinyao inconspicuously, and said nothing while holding back her temper.

After hearing this, Zhao was so embarrassed that she could not sit still. No matter whether Chu Jinmiao was setting up a trap or Chu Jinyao was suspected of having an appointment with the prince, it was shameful for her as a mother. Zhao shouted, "Mother felt sorry for you being lonely at home, so she let you visit the palace. But after you came out, you acted like this?"

However, no matter how embarrassed Zhao was, she at least remembered that she was still in someone else's house. No matter what the truth was, what she had to do now was to cover up the matter and at least save the face of their Changxing Marquis Mansion. So, Zhao forced a smile and said to the old princess and the princess of the county, "I'm sorry to have embarrassed you, old ancestor and princess. The girls in our family are naughty and playful even in your house. They were just playing around today and actually alarmed the old ancestor and the princess. I'm really sorry."

Playing around? The princess of the county did not comment. No matter what tricks these girls played, someone in her house could actually bypass her and do something tricky, which made the princess of the county very angry. What's more, these women touched the princess of the county's reverse scale.

They are so brave to dare to set their sights on her son!

The princess of the county put down the teacup immediately. She did not deliberately restrain her movements, and the porcelain cup knocked on the table with a heavy sound. The Princess of the County frowned and said, "The girls in the Marquis' Mansion are lively and noisy. As an outsider, I shouldn't say anything. However, girls should always behave properly. It's okay to love playing, but it's not good to take advantage of the opportunity to have evil thoughts."

These words were extremely unpleasant to the ears, and Zhao couldn't hold her face at the time. Chu Jinyao naturally heard that the Princess of the County was referring to her. Chu Jinyao was immediately furious. She was framed today and finally escaped halfway. Now she has to endure the Princess of the County's insincere squeeze. Does she really think that her own children are all treasures? Who has the patience to be a companion to her daughter? Who is eyeing the prince with ulterior motives?

Chu Jinyao didn't want to be a study companion at all. After hearing this, she calmed down and completely dispelled her reservations. She retorted firmly: "Excuse me for being nosy, but I really don't understand what the princess is saying. My sisters and I came to your mansion as guests. During the dinner, my clothes were wet by your maid. I came out to change clothes, but was led astray by this maid. I am still confused and don't know what happened. Princess, how can you say that my sisters and I are making a fuss?"

If the princess in charge of the mansion is such a confused person, then this study companion is inappropriate.

Zhao hurriedly called Chu Jinyao, but Chu Jinyao was unmoved and finished her words stubbornly. The Princess of the County had never expected that a little girl would dare to contradict her, and her face was stretched.

It was the old Princess who smoothed things over in time: "Today's incident was caused by our poor governance. We made the mistake first. Since we called you together, we want to solve the problem, not to misunderstand each other and create more rifts between the two parties."

The old Princess took the initiative to step down the stairs and admitted that the Palace was at fault for disciplining the servants. Chu Jinyao was not a person who didn't know how to look at things, so she stepped down the stairs and said, "The ancestor is right."

Chu Jinmiao was called here, and her heart was already cold. She thought she was completely finished, but Chu Jinmiao didn't expect that Chu Jinyao would dare to contradict the Princess of the County in person, which made Chu Jinmiao see a ray of light in the dim light.

Chu Jinyao actually destroyed the Great Wall and offended the Princess of the County. This was Chu Jinyao's own fault for not cherishing the opportunity. In this case, we can't blame her for pushing it again, right?

Chu Jinmiao made up her mind and said casually, "Fifth sister, you have been out for a long time. We all thought something happened to you, so

we couldn't help but go out to look for you. Fortunately, although you got lost, you finally found your way back. Did your purse fall when you got lost?" Chu Jinmiao characterized her behavior as worry in just a few words. No matter how much the Princess of the County and the old princess knew, she couldn't let it go. Anyway, she didn't leave any definite evidence, right?

On the contrary, Chu Jinyao's purse is still missing.

When Zhao heard this, her eyelids twitched uncontrollably. She quickly lowered her head to look at Chu Jinyao's belt and found that the place where the purse was hung was indeed empty.

When the princess heard this, her doubts surfaced again. She had already asked the county lord and knew when Chu Jinyao would go out and when she would come back. The garden was only that big. Even if she got lost, could she really be trapped for so long?

The Princess couldn't help but ask, "Fifth Miss, I don't mean to be nosy, but I really want to ask you one more question. You got lost in the garden, why did it take you so long to walk?" "

I was lost at first, and couldn't find the way. Later, thanks to a servant showing me the way, I was able to get out. When I came back, I found that my purse was lost while walking, so I turned back to look for it. After searching for a long time without success, I had no choice but to return the same way I came."

"Servant showing me the way?" Chu Jinmiao could tell something was wrong even without the Princess saying it. Chu Jinmiao pretended to be innocent and ignorant, and deliberately asked: "What a coincidence. Thanks to this servant for showing you the way, we must thank him very much. By the way, fifth sister, what is the name of this servant?"

Chu Jinyao was a little embarrassed. This person only said his last name, and Chu Jinyao really didn't know his name. Chu Jinyao had to tell the truth: "I don't know his full name, I only know his last name is Lin."

The Princess frowned: "There is no servant named Lin in the garden, not even the housekeeper."

"No?" Chu Jinyao asked back in surprise.

Chu Jinmiao raised her lips happily, even if she couldn't be a study partner, she would not let Chu Jinyao have the worst. As luck would have it, Chu Jinyao actually sold the broken ribbon herself.

The scene was very awkward for a moment, the Princess of the County was sure that there was no one with the surname Lin in the garden of the palace, and the old Princess could not say anything about this. Now, even the old Princess was muttering to herself, could it be that this girl was really lying? Was she doing something else in the garden?

When Mrs. Zhao heard this, she immediately thought that Chu Jinmiao was lying and now she couldn't justify herself. Mrs. Zhao quickly said: "You child, you always talk incoherently. You must have remembered it wrong. Why don't you apologize to the princess?"

Chu Jinyao bit her lip secretly. What crime should she apologize for? Why should she apologize? What's the difference between what Mrs. Zhao said and forcing her to admit her fault? Chu Jinyao didn't say anything, but her attitude was very clear. She refused. The

situation became more and more deadlocked. The Princess of the County became more and more suspicious. Now she looked at Chu Jinyao and her eyes changed. The old princess couldn't stand it anymore. She was about to come out to smooth things over. Suddenly, a maid's deliberately raised voice came from outside the house to greet her: "Hello, Prince."

The Prince is here?

The Princess's face brightened, and Lin Xiyuan had already strode in. He glanced at the people in the room, and had already guessed the situation in his heart.

"Hello, grandma, mother. Madam Changxing Marquis, hello to all the Miss Chu."

Seeing this, the Princess of the County simply spoke: "Yuan'er, you were also present at what happened today, tell me what happened."

Lin Xiyuan did not speak, but looked at the old princess: "Grandma, this is..."

The old princess pounded her legs and slowly said: "The fifth Miss Chu family lost her way in the garden, and we are concerned about her."

The Princess of the County continued: "Yuan'er, did you pass by the garden today?"

Lin Xiyuan knew what was going on as soon as he heard it, what his mother was thinking about! Lin Xiyuan was a little embarrassed. He took a step back and bowed to Chu Jinyao, saying, "The palace failed to discipline the servants today and frightened my fifth cousin. Leading someone astray won't happen again next time."

Lin Xiyuan's attitude surprised everyone. The Princess even shouted, "Yuan'er!"

"Mother, don't say anything." Lin Xiyuan also raised his voice slightly and suppressed the Princess' words, "Miss Chu is not to blame for what happened today. It was all our own negligence." The

old princess was a little surprised. The Princess frowned and said, "There is no servant named Lin in our family. Why did you..." Is it like you drank a love potion? When

Lin Xiyuan heard this, he frowned and had to step forward and whispered, "Mother!"

His voice was low, and the seriousness in his tone did not sound hypocritical. The Princess was startled for a moment, Lin Xiyuan approached and whispered something to her.

Several girls from the Chu family, including Zhao, watched the Princess's face change from anger to shock, and finally revealed a hint of joy. They were surprised by this scene, and they could not imagine what the prince said to make the Princess's face change so much.

The Princess looked at Chu Jinyao again, and all her doubts were gone, but she was embarrassed. She said a little embarrassedly: "I misunderstood. I didn't expect the servants in the mansion to be so careful that they led the fifth lady astray. I will definitely punish them severely in the future."

The change came so suddenly that Chu Jinyao was surprised for a moment. After she reacted, she was not arrogant enough to offend the Princess of the County, so she went down the slope and said: "Thank you, Princess."

It was already amazing to be able to make a princess bow her head. Chu Jinmiao's face changed suddenly. How could this happen? The princess was obviously suspicious, why did she change her attitude in an instant?

At this time, Lin Xiyuan walked up to the old princess and whispered a few words. The old princess also showed a look of shock.

There are not many reasons that can make the Princess of the County willingly admit her mistakes. The Princess of the County finally realized that it was her willful speculation and wronged a good person, all because of Lin Xiyuan's words.

Lin Xiyuan said that the prince was also in the garden today, and Chu Jinyao got lost, and was sent back by Lin Gonggong, who was beside the prince.

This was enough. Chu Jinyao's lost things and unproven whereabouts immediately disappeared in front of the absolute right to speak. The eunuch beside the prince testified, even if this eunuch was not even present, which was enough to confirm the truth and make all malicious speculations collapse.

Only Lin Xiyuan, the Princess of the County and the old princess knew the reason. The people of the Chu family only saw that the high and mighty master of the palace suddenly changed his words, believed in Chu Jinyao's innocence, and apologized repeatedly. They were surprised and also found it weird.

How is it possible?

The sixth lady was slightly surprised. She thought that she could at least overthrow Chu Jinyao today, but the result seemed to be counterproductive. Chu Jinmiao was even more upset. She had spent so much time and effort, but it was all in vain? The third lady's eyes rolled, and she had already made up her mind to change sides and join Chu Jinyao.

Zhao was slightly stunned by what was said. She looked at Chu Jinyao doubtfully and still had doubts about the matter, but the Princess of the County took the initiative to soften her stance. Zhao would not waste this opportunity, so she agreed enthusiastically for the sake of face.

The Princess of the County and Mrs. Zhao exchanged many polite words. In the end, the Princess of the County said, "Today was just a farce. It's good now that it's out of the way. These concubines of the Marquis's wife are really worry-free, unlike our Baozhu, who is a naughty monkey and very troublesome. I was hoping to ask the Marquis's wife to bring her daughter over to stay for a few more days, so that you can teach Baozhu for me."

Mrs. Zhao declined quickly, "I dare not, your Highness." But Mrs. Zhao was overjoyed in her heart. According to the Princess, today's incident would not be affected at all, and the tutors would still go out from their house?

The Princess of the County said some polite words again, and then asked the maid to send Mrs. Zhao and others out. Seeing this, Lin Xiyuan also stood up and said, "Grandmother, mother, there is something outside, I'm going out first."

When the princess heard this, she knew what was going on, so she naturally said, "Hurry up, we won't keep you."

Zhao got up and walked out, and Chu Jinyao followed silently. When she was leaving, Lin Xiyuan took advantage of no one paying attention and whispered to her, "Wait a moment, I have something for you."

Chu Jinyao's heart moved, she looked around, deliberately slowed down her pace, and fell behind a few steps.

Behind Lin Xiyuan was a cluster of vines. Although it was the cold winter month, the vines had all withered, but it was no problem to block the view. Seeing that no one was paying attention, Lin Xiyuan took out a purse from his sleeve and put it in Chu Jinyao's hand.

"This is that Lin... well, I don't know how to call him, anyway, that person." Lin Xiyuan couldn't say that it was Eunuch Lin, and it was not easy to call him a servant, so he had to fool around and said, "He picked up your purse and asked me to pass it to you."

Chu Jinyao suddenly saw her things, and the big stone in her heart finally fell to the ground. She was too lazy to think about how much truth and how much falsehood in Lin Xiyuan's words. She didn't care about etiquette and quickly took the purse from Lin Xiyuan's hand, as if Lin Xiyuan would regret it the next moment. Lin Xiyuan was helpless, and secretly felt a little funny.

He wouldn't snatch her away.

Chu Jinyao felt at ease only after she took the things into her hands. She looked at Lin Xiyuan warily, as if she was afraid that he would snatch them away, and said, "Thank you, Prince. The carriage is already outside. I'll take my leave first."

"Okay." Lin Xiyuan withdrew his hand. When Chu Jinyao took the things just now, her fingertips inevitably touched his palm. Until now, the cool touch seemed to still linger on his palm. Lin Xiyuan clenched his palms without changing his expression, and watched Chu Jinyao turn around and leave. She took two steps, and Lin Xiyuan couldn't help but whispered, "Be careful in the future."

Chu Jinyao was surprised to hear this. The prince actually gave her an order? But the person in front had already looked back. Chu Jinyao was afraid of further trouble, so she didn't bother to respond. She just lifted her skirt and ran forward.

Lin Xiyuan stood there for a while, but was worried about attracting attention, so he had to leave. He walked out of the mansion, avoiding eyes all the way, and respectfully clasped his fists to another person.

"Your Highness."

"Yes." Qin Yi nodded lightly, turned around, and cast his eyes like black jade and glass at Lin Xiyuan, "Have you dealt with your family affairs?"

"Your Highness, it has been sorted out." Lin Xiyuan didn't understand why the prince suddenly cared about his family affairs and asked him to go back and take care of his own affairs before coming out. In the blink of an eye, Lin Xiyuan had already made many guesses in his mind, but in the end, Lin Xiyuan lowered his eyebrows and said: "Thank you for your consideration, Prince, please leave time for me to meet the elders."

"Yeah." Qin Yi still responded lightly. He suddenly asked: "Where is the thing?"

Lin Xiyuan frowned: "What?"

"Little Linzi told me that he and a girl were looking for something in the garden for a long time. Did they find it in the end?"

It turned out to be this matter. Lin Xiyuan said: "Your Highness Lao was concerned. My cousin accidentally lost a small toy. I have found it and returned it to her."

"That's good." Qin Yi nodded, his face was calm, but he was thinking in his heart, what cousin, what kind of cousin is Chu Jinyao to you?

Lin Xiyuan was also thinking, what does the fifth cousin's purse have to do with the prince? Why should he say "that's good"?

The author has something to say: Small drama:

Qin Yi: The wind is light and the clouds are calm

Lin Xiyuan: Keep smiling

However, both sides are thinking: Is he sick? What does it have to do with him?