The gates of Tongxi Palace are wide open today. Amidst the profusion of flowers, a breathtakingly beautiful and prosperous scene unfolds.
Copper bells hanging from the glazed tiles sway in the wind, and parrots in the porch flit about.
The garden is full of blooming flowers, yet two winding streams are cleverly hidden among them, so that you can only hear the sound of water but not see the ripples.
Qin Kou'er didn't want to be the main character at this banquet, so she dressed very modestly, wearing only a light green palace-style gauze dress with a flowing hem.
Although she wore a headdress, it was a very simple style, which, combined with her light makeup, made her look dignified and elegant, yet radiant.
Ever since Lan Linxue stepped down as crown prince, he has been the laughingstock of the capital. It's just that no one dares to say it directly to his face.
Therefore, no matter what he says or does, it doesn't attract much attention now, because everyone's attention is focused on Lan Xiuyuan.
Because no matter how you look at it, he is the most favorable candidate to be the next crown prince.
Lan Linxue had no objection to keeping a low profile, and was even less interested in the way people looked at him.
He wasn't the main character today; he was just giving Lan Xiuyuan an opportunity to use his talents to properly add Qin Kou'er's name to the list of candidates for the imperial concubines.
Moreover, after what happened with Hu Qianyu last night, he focused all his attention on Qin Kou'er, and he would never let Kou'er get caught up in such unnecessary trouble.
Hu Qianyu actually put in a lot of effort for today's events. Apart from making Qin Kou'er look bad, she was really nice to everyone else.
At least that's what Qin Kou'er thought.
Almost all the daughters of people in the capital who had hereditary titles, were imperial relatives, or were officials of the second rank or above appeared in this garden.
More importantly, not only did Lan Xiuyuan and Lan Jiayuan come, but even Hu Feifan came.
When Hu Feifan saw Qin Kou'er, his eyes lit up immediately, and he was about to walk over to greet her when he saw the fierce-looking Lan Linxue standing next to him. He frowned and hesitated, stopping in his tracks.
But that was only for a moment. Soon, he regained his gentle smile and walked towards Qin Kou'er.
Ever since Hu Feifan heard Hu Tianyong say that he wanted to marry Qin Kou'er, he was convinced that the matter was definitely settled.
Because Hu Tianyong had never broken his word. Hu Feifan also knew that Hu Tianyong's judgment was the best arrangement for the Hu family. Therefore, he was now overjoyed and just waiting to marry Qin Kou'er.
When Qin Kou'er saw Hu Feifan approaching, she became even more calm and composed, maintaining an elegant smile as she watched him walk towards her.
"Kou'er, it's been so long! How have you been?"
Hu Feifan looked at Qin Kou'er and gave her the warmest smile in the world.
Qin Kou'er nodded, still calmly saying, "I've only been in the capital for a few days, and everything is so busy. I haven't had a chance to greet Brother Hu. Please forgive my rudeness!"
"What are you saying, Kou'er?" Hu Feifan quickly shook his head. "I should have gone to see Kou'er much earlier, but I've been too busy these past few days. In the capital, I am the host and Kou'er is the guest. I should have fulfilled my duties as host earlier, but Kou'er has suffered a lot of grievances these past few days. It's all my negligence!"
Qin Kou'er smiled slightly upon hearing Hu Feifan's words and did not continue speaking.
"Hey, hey? Hu Feifan, can you stop trying to get on my good side? You didn't come, that's all. What excuse are you making up!"
Lan Linxue had never had any good feelings towards the Hu family, and seeing Hu Feifan trying to get close to them for no reason only made her more displeased.
"Also, Ke'er doesn't need your visits, and you don't need to come anymore! Otherwise, you'll end up looking humiliated and unable to save face!"
Hu Feifan looked at Lan Linxue, his expression immediately turning cold. He said with a slight sneer, "Whether I visit Kou'er or not seems to have little to do with Your Highness! If Your Highness really has nothing to do, you might as well go and help the Fifth Prince. Otherwise, you'll appear too much of a playboy!"
A cold glint flashed in Lan Linxue's eyes, but it disappeared immediately.
A wicked smile played on her lips as Lan Linxue moved slightly closer to Hu Feifan, exuding a sinister aura. She whispered, "Do you think that just because I, the Crown Prince, have stepped down, you dare to be so insolent in front of me? Or do you think the world is about to belong to Lan Xiuyuan, and you look down on everyone else? Hu Feifan, let me tell you, Lan Xiuyuan is still surnamed Lan. If you vixens want to squeeze more benefits out of him, I advise you to stay away from Qin Kou'er right now. Because if you really mess with the wrong person, you'll likely end up in a bad situation."
As she spoke, Lan Linxue laughed loudly.
Just then, Lan Xiuyuan looked at Qin Kou'er and walked over slowly and calmly.
Good morning, Your Highness!
Qin Kou'er nodded slightly.
Lan Linxue was still laughing loudly when she saw Lan Xiuyuan walking over. She immediately took a small step forward, hiding Qin Kou'er behind her, and looked at Lan Xiuyuan provocatively.
"Lan Xiuyuan, if I were you, I would never easily appear in such a crowded place right now."
Lan Xiuyuan glanced at Lan Linxue indifferently and said coldly, "Oh? Why?"
Lan Linxue raised a wicked eyebrow, her face full of evil. "Why? Don't you know that your mother failed to serve the emperor last night and was instead humiliated by him? I advise you to go see your mother first, or she'll end up hanging there with a three-foot-long white silk ribbon. That would be so unlucky!"
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