Some admire his foresight.
After all, she was in her true form when she gave Qin Qi acupuncture that day. Later, when Qin Qi left, Elder Dong told him to say that if anyone asked in detail, he should say that he had treated Qin Qi with a young master named Yan She.
Now, this has helped her gain some recognition, and Xie Lingqin smiled slightly, pleased with the outcome.
"On behalf of my brother, I would also like to thank Elder Dong and Young Master Yan."
"No need for such formalities."
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince requests an audience."
As the group was exchanging pleasantries, someone came to report from outside the imperial bedchamber.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor thought for a moment, then nodded to the eunuch who came to report, "Please invite the Crown Prince in."
"yes."
Yuwen Yao was injured, but in the eyes of outsiders and the Emperor, he only suffered minor injuries.
However, whether it was for the sake of saving face or to show others, as soon as the Empress Dowager entered, the Emperor ordered someone to offer her a seat.
Yuwen Yao had clearly said he would go to the palace to see the Emperor later, but he's going so early now; it seems he's worried about her.
However, apart from glancing at Xie Lingqin out of the corner of his eye the moment he entered, Yuwen Yao didn't look at her again from beginning to end.
It was as if we didn't know each other at all.
Although she knew that the two of them should not show any signs of estrangement in front of outsiders, especially the Emperor, Xie Lingqin still felt a mix of unease and disappointment about deliberately acting like strangers.
However, this was the second time Xie Lingqin had witnessed the coldness between the father and son since that autumn examination viewing platform.
Yuwen Yao's words of condolence were very official and indifferent, as if he were merely fulfilling his duty as a son by asking about it briefly.
The emperor didn't have much affection for the crown prince either.
In other words, Xie Lingqin was thinking that even if Yuwen Yao told the Emperor now that he didn't want to be the Crown Prince, the Emperor wouldn't show much emotion.
Actually, she had always been curious. If she used to think that the Emperor doted on Yuwen Xian too much and neglected the Crown Prince, now she felt that the Emperor didn't really love Yuwen Xian, yet he was so indifferent to the Crown Prince.
Although the Emperor and Empress treated each other with respect, they were not particularly affectionate, but their attitude towards Yuwen Yao was still far too cold.
If you dislike him so much, you should not appoint him as the crown prince.
After all, the eldest son succeeding to the throne is no big deal; with just a word from the emperor, he can decide who to make crown prince in no time.
Moreover, such an outstanding son, who can bide his time and is full of schemes, whose intelligence and strategy far surpass that of the wise prince who is now confined to his residence, why is he not pleasing?
Is there something going on here...?
"Then, Your Majesty, I will not disturb your rest any longer and will take my leave now."
Yuwen Yao then withdrew.
The emperor did not stop it.
Afterwards, Xie Lingqin and Elder Dong also bid farewell in turn.
Vice Minister Qin and Qin Xun followed closely behind.
The four of them left the Emperor's bedroom together, exchanging pleasantries and smiles, nodding in acknowledgment, their polite exchanges just like when they first met.
Ahead, the Crown Prince's tall figure walked towards the palace gates, maintaining a distance that was neither too far nor too close to Xie Lingqin.
Even from behind, you can feel the tenderness in her eyes.
Xie Lingqin glanced at him lightly, and her heart suddenly felt full and light.
Yuwen Yao was still worried about her.
Although he couldn't turn around to look at her or get close to her, that figure standing between heaven and earth, within the high walls, seemed to be telling her something.
He is always there.
"Young Master Yan, where do you currently reside?" Qin Xun finally cupped his hands and asked very politely.
"Oh, not necessarily, but I've been staying at Elder Dong's residence these past few days."
"Okay, I'll find you another day to play chess together."
It wasn't until he said those words that a knowing smile appeared in Qin Xun's eyes.
However, before she even left the palace, halfway there, Xie Lingqin was stopped by a maid.
While Xie Lingqin was still in a daze, a graceful woman walked over, surrounded by her maids.
"Lingqin greets Princess Qing."
"You are Yan She?"
The person who came was Princess Qing, Yu Qingyi's mother.
Xie Lingqin wasn't sure if this Princess Qing knew she was Xie Lingqin, so she remained calm and courteous, replying, "Yes, Princess Qing."
"Is that the man my son loves so much that he won't marry anyone else?"
Xie Lingqin...
Vice Minister Qin and Qin Xun greeted Princess Qing and took their leave in turn, neither of them wanting to get involved in this matter.
However, as Qin Xun turned around, he glanced at the Crown Prince's increasingly distant figure, a profound meaning in his eyes.
The Crown Prince is clearly on good terms with Miss Lingqin, yet they act like complete strangers...
Ahead, the Crown Prince continued his journey, seemingly unaware of what was happening behind him.
"Elder Dong, I would like to have a proper talk with Young Master Yan. I will then escort him to your residence."
Princess Qing then gestured to Elder Dong.
Upon hearing this, Elder Dong said nothing more, smiled and nodded before stepping down.
In the blink of an eye, in this open space within the heavily guarded palace, only Xie Lingqin, Princess Qing, and a few maids remained.
Xie Lingqin knew about Princess Qing. Even if she didn't know before, after overhearing her conversation with Yu Qingyi that night, she knew that Princess Qing was not someone who could be easily fooled.
However, Princess Qing just looked at him and sized him up without saying a word.
Still inside this palace...
“I just went to see the Empress, and as I was leaving the palace, I saw you. Isn’t that a coincidence?”
Princess Qing was quite polite, and her voice was gentle.
Xie Lingqin smiled serenely, "It is my blessing to meet Princess Qing."
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