Noon is approaching.
The banquet at the Marquis of Anping's residence was finally set out, filled with laughter and chatter, and the aroma of delicacies and fine wine filled the air.
A rough count suggests there are probably dozens of tables.
However, the eldest daughter of Marquis Anping, who was a concubine in the palace, did not come. Instead, she sent a set of exceptionally beautiful clothes to Ninth Miss An Shangyu.
It's said that this eldest daughter, who entered the palace as a concubine, is deeply favored and often returns to her parents' home. Yet today, on her younger sister's birthday, she doesn't come.
Seeing that no one else had any questions about it, and that An Shangning was not going to think about it either, Xie Lingqin immediately calmed down.
Zihe quickly learned that Li Junru had been rescued, but presumably to save face, neither he nor Liu Yunzhou made the matter public.
"Oh, did the Crown Prince come earlier? I wasn't here and didn't even see his face." At this moment, several young ladies at the next table began to whisper among themselves.
"Could it be that you have feelings for the Crown Prince..."
"Stop teasing me. Who wouldn't want to take a closer look at someone like the Crown Prince?"
"I think the Crown Prince is quite intimidating. Although he is unparalleled in his demeanor, even surpassing the Wise Prince, he is too dangerous. Last time I accompanied my father to the palace, I happened to catch a glimpse of the Crown Prince, and it was terrifying."
Yes, it's quite scary.
Xie Lingqin took a sip of tea, indicating her agreement.
Moreover, he was extremely arrogant, and even had a hint of repressed arrogance hidden beneath his serious demeanor. "I think these people are clearly both loved and hated." An Shangning, who was sitting with Xie Lingxin at the time, had obviously heard the conversation at the next table, and whispered in Xie Lingxin's ear with his hand over his mouth.
Xie Lingqin looked at her, becoming somewhat interested. "How do you know?"
“I don’t think the Crown Prince, with his aloof and arrogant attitude, can possibly be so open to seeing any woman,” An Shangning said softly, her expression filled with admiration and respect.
Xie Lingqin was not interested at all.
What's so admirable about someone like the Crown Prince, other than his good looks and power?
Moreover, it seems that he is not favored by the emperor. In the capital, what achievements does the crown prince have?
The wise king has a good reputation.
And whether he can keep his position as crown prince is still a big question.
Thinking about it this way, the crown prince is actually quite pitiful.
"Miss, Madam needs you to come." An Shangning looked at Xie Lingqin's unmoved expression and seemed to want to say a few more words. At this moment, a maid came forward, and An Shangning immediately stopped talking. After greeting Xie Lingqin, she left her seat.
Xie Lingqin then turned her head to look at Zihe beside her, "What did you just hear?"
"This servant didn't hear anything."
"Hmm, so good."
Zihe… Her lips twitched slightly.
Why do I always feel so uncomfortable when I hear Miss speak so gently?
It's as if there's some kind of conspiracy or trickery involved.
Xie Lingqin paid no attention to Zihe's inner thoughts and calmly drank her tea.
She didn't want to be too tired or annoyed, so she specifically found a quiet seat. The people sitting around the table all came from families with backgrounds lower than hers, and even if those ladies knew her, they would never say a bad word about her.
After all, no matter what, she is the legitimate daughter of the General's Mansion.
"Excuse me, are you the eldest daughter of the General's Mansion?" Xie Lingqin had just casually put down her cup when she heard a woman beside her calling her softly.
Xie Lingqin tilted her head and nodded, "That's right."
“I am from the family of the Minister of War, the sixth in my family. My name is Li Qingru.”
The Minister of War's family?
The woman had an oval face, delicate features, and a refined, demure air. Standing amidst the lavish silks and satins, she seemed rather ordinary.
Judging from her clothes and the maid behind her, she was probably not a favorite at home. However, it was quite strange that she was able to come here this time.
Logically speaking, it's not unusual for a Minister's wife to have her legitimate daughter visit, but it's rather strange that a concubine's daughter would do so.
"Miss Xie, please don't laugh. My eldest sister was supposed to come today, but just as she was about to leave, my mother called her back, saying that she wanted me to come today. Although I was surprised, I couldn't very well not come. I thought that perhaps because I've always been filial and obedient, my stepmother wanted me to find a good match." The woman said, smiling shyly, her hands nervously twisting the silk handkerchief in her hands. It was clear that she wanted to get closer to Xie Lingqin but was also nervous about saying the wrong thing.
Xie Lingqin looked at her. She knew that the eldest daughter of the Minister of War was a sibling of Li Junru.
Not only was she breathtakingly beautiful, but she was also skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and possessed virtuous character. Moreover, she was deeply favored by the Empress. However, instead of becoming spoiled by the Empress's favor, she was compassionate and often did good deeds. In addition, she was a poet, which made her even more admired by everyone. She was a model for women in the capital, and even the royal princesses had to show her some respect.
There was once talk that he should be betrothed to the crown prince, but for some reason, no one has mentioned it since.
This time, it was the birthday of the ninth young lady of the Marquis of Anping's mansion. Most of the respectable people in the capital brought their families and children to attend. It was not only to attend the birthday celebration, but also to make friends with some young men and women and to plan for their children's future marriages.
On such an occasion, Miss Li did not appear; it was just before she left…
Suddenly, a spark flew through Xie Lingqin's mind, and her eyes narrowed as she glanced casually across the entire banquet hall.
A moment later, he quietly gave instructions to Zihe.
Upon hearing this, Zihe immediately withdrew.
After Xie Lingqin chatted casually with the young lady for a few more minutes, Zihe came over and whispered in Xie Lingqin's ear, "Miss, you guessed right. I just checked around and there are only some less favored illegitimate sons and daughters left at the table, while the Ninth Miss, the Second Young Master, and the Fourth Miss are nowhere to be seen."
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