Chapter 7: The Banquet Conveys a Secret Code for a Private Meeting
Xue Zhiying raised her head slightly. She was shorter than him, so when she tried to meet his eyes, the corners of her eyes unconsciously curved, making her look a little pitiful.
But Xiao Yunqi remained unmoved, his expression did not change at all. His gaze lingered for a brief moment, and he could see clearly what she was thinking.
When Xiao Yichu was present, she said nothing, but as soon as he left, she only complained to him.
The intention is obvious, but the technique is clumsy.
Xiao Yunqi's lips twitched slightly, and he called out in a deep voice, "Mu Yan."
The servant who was waiting beside him, with his head bowed but cheekbones raised, immediately calmed down and said, "Yes, Master."
"Prepare a carriage for Miss Xue."
Mu Yan looked up in surprise and happened to see Xue Zhiying's expression change slightly.
He really feels so disappointed with his cousin. Is this what his cousin means?
What a great opportunity! You have the courage to meet in private, but not the courage to ride in the same carriage?
However, Mu Yan also knew that his master was certainly not a cowardly person who cared about the opinions of outsiders. Perhaps these two people were just playing some kind of fun game and liked to keep things secret.
He swallowed all the words in his heart and replied respectfully, "Yes, I will do it right away."
"……cousin."
Xue Zhiying called out in a low voice.
Xiao Yunqi probably didn't hear it and didn't react.
Mu Yan's movements were very quick. Before Xue Zhiying could form her next words, he quickly returned: "Master, all the orders have been given."
Xiao Yunqi nodded slightly: "Let's take the bus, don't miss the time."
Xue Zhiying: "...Thank you, cousin."
Xiao Yunqi turned and left, looking at the indifferent figure from behind, as if even the gaze that had just lingered on her face was an illusion.
Xue Zhiying sighed and lowered her eyes to look at the brocade clothes in front of her.
When she thought that this brocade dress was made by Xu specifically for her to meet the Prince of Lin'an, she felt annoyed and muttered that Xu had no taste.
She clearly didn't have a big appetite, but she still grew plumper than other girls of the same age. She tried her best to cover it up with her daily clothes. Although no one paid much attention to her, she also hoped to look slimmer and more delicate.
But for this banquet, Xu had someone measure her size carefully, but still made such a tight dress.
She didn't like it at all, it made her look fat.
Xiao Yunqi must have noticed it too.
The already unsuccessful seduction made things even worse.
At this time, Chun Tao came forward and asked in confusion: "Miss, why did you refuse the carriage prepared by the second young master, but accepted the carriage prepared by the eldest young master?"
Xue Zhiying said sullenly, "I didn't want to accept it. This is not what I want."
"What does the girl want?"
Xue Zhiying did not answer, and the carriage arranged by Xiao Yunqi soon drove to the gate of the mansion.
Xue Zhiying was in a bad mood while sitting in the carriage and remained silent until they arrived at the Rong'en Marquis Mansion.
Marquis Rong'en did not hold much power in the court but was quite popular. He was easy-going by nature, liked lively occasions and made friends, and often called his friends to celebrate.
The young marquis also inherited the temperament of Marquis Rong En, and today's flower banquet was planned and hosted by him.
Xue Zhiying once heard the old lady talking casually about how the banquets at the Rong'en Marquis' Mansion were originally held to celebrate the Rong'en family, but because the banquets were lively and casual, and were held frequently, they gradually became the intersection of undercurrents in the court.
It is not surprising to meet anyone at the banquet in Rong En Hou Mansion. The noisy atmosphere becomes the best cover, and all undercurrents will dissipate with the end of the banquet.
Xue Zhiying rarely attends such occasions. She herself does not like it and has never taken the initiative to request it. Given her status, she would not be the one specially invited.
The banquet was held in the garden of Marquis Rong'en's mansion. There was no specific seating arrangement, so she found a corner with few people at the women's table and sat down.
"Yuanxiang, isn't that your cousin? She's here too."
"What do you mean by my home? It's not my home, it's just my family's house."
Suddenly, a few unclear voices came into Xue Zhiying's ears.
When she heard the voice, she looked up and saw several familiar faces not far away.
It was Xiao Yuanxiang and the girls I saw in the Xiao Mansion last time.
By looking at their lip shapes, the sounds I heard became much clearer.
"Yuanxiang, she's looking over here. Do you want to say hello to her?"
Xiao Yuanxiang's expression changed, and he looked annoyed: "Why should I greet her? Let's go, don't look at her anymore."
When she turned around, Xue Zhiying saw that the tips of her ears were red. She couldn't help but blink in confusion, not knowing why she was angry.
After Xiao Yuanxiang and his group walked away, other voices were heard nearby.
This is how it was at the banquet: the women gathered in groups of three or four to chat and laugh, while the princes and ministers greeted each other and discussed politics at the upper seats.
Xue Zhiying seemed a little out of place sitting alone in the corner.
But she was quite happy and relaxed, listening to the chattering absentmindedly, and after a while she actually listened to it.
"Originally, I had no intention of coming today, but my father forced me to attend. I didn't expect to encounter such a good thing."
"Then you must not lose your temper with your father again. After all, there are not many opportunities to see that adult."
One of them sighed and said, "It's a pity that we can only watch from afar. I really don't know what kind of woman could catch his eye. I heard that even the daughter of the Lin family was rejected."
"How did you refuse? Should I just say it out loud? That would be too hurtful. If it were me, I would be too ashamed to live."
"How could it be possible? How could such a dignified and elegant person do such a disgraceful thing? He simply said that he was in no mood for romance right now and that government was more important."
After just a few sentences and without mentioning any names, Xue Zhiying had already guessed who they were talking about.
Before she knew Xiao Yunqi's secret, she, like these girls, felt that the man was unattainable and difficult to approach.
But there are precedents that prove that others are unable to get close to him because they are intimidated by the sight of him, and those who actually attack him describe him as "simple and gullible."
Xue Zhiying held her chin with one hand and tilted her head, wondering what kind of trick it was. She couldn't agree with this evaluation yet.
Just as I was thinking about it, I suddenly felt something strange behind me.
Xue Zhiying subconsciously turned around and saw Mu Yan appear behind her and almost screamed in fright.
Mu Yan was also stunned for a moment, thinking that this cousin must have done too many sneaky things with the master, so how could she be so perceptive.
But he came for serious business, so there was no need to feel guilty.
Mu Yan bowed before her and said, "My dear cousin, the problem with the carriage prepared by the Second Madam has been found. It has been repaired and has arrived at the Rong'en Marquis's residence. After the banquet, you can take the original carriage back home."
Xue Zhiying was not surprised by this. She had damaged the carriage, and of course she knew it would be repaired soon.
But she was surprised that Mu Yan came to tell her this.
Mu Yan's appearance in the women's seat had already attracted some attention.
He is someone close to Xiao Yunqi, maybe someone will recognize him.
Because of Chuntao's mental state, if this matter was only told to Chuntao, something might go wrong after the banquet and she would be standing in front of the door, not knowing what to do.
But she is not someone that Xiao Yunqi needs to consider so carefully, which may also cause him trouble.
Xue Zhiying subconsciously glanced around, but did not see Xiao Yunqi.
She retracted her gaze and said softly, "Okay, I understand."
Mu Yan didn't stay long: "I have delivered your message. I will return first."
Just as he was about to turn around and leave, Xue Zhiying suddenly called him: "Wait."
"What do you want, cousin?"
Xue Zhiying lowered her eyes and paused for a moment, as if hesitating.
Then she raised her eyes and said in a gentle and serious voice, "Please tell my cousin to thank me for me. I am grateful to him for today. I will thank you in person when I have the chance."
Mu Yan was usually serious and businesslike, but his eyes lit up when he heard that.
To his ears, these words sounded like a secret code inviting him to a private meeting.
He immediately said solemnly, "Yes, I will definitely pass on your message."
Mu Yan left happily with an important task.
Not long after, Xiao Yuanxiang, who had been far away for a long time, suddenly appeared from nowhere.
"What does Mu Yan want from you?"
This time Xue Zhiying was so frightened that she let out a low cry.
When she turned around, she saw Xiao Yuanxiang staring at her with dissatisfaction.
Xue Zhiying calmed down and said truthfully, "This morning, the carriage I was traveling in broke down for some reason. I happened to meet the eldest son leaving the house, so he sent someone to help me fix it."
"Then why did you come to attend the banquet today?"
Xue Zhiying looked at her quietly for a moment, not angry but not answering either.
During the brief silence, Xiao Yuanxiang was the first to be defeated.
Her face flushed, her eyes wandered, and she lost the questioning aura she had just had. "I, I was just asking casually, why are you looking at me like that?"
Xue Zhiying asked back: "Why are you asking this?"
Xiao Yuanxiang didn't know whether she was asking the previous question or the next one, but her expression became even more unnatural. She suddenly stood up and spoke quickly: "I've already said it was just a casual question. I'm done. I'm leaving!"
Xue Zhiying: “……?”
She kept watching Xiao Yuanxiang's departing figure until she saw her walk up to the women and stop.
Xiao Yuanxiang had his back to her, so she couldn't see her expression, but from the way she straightened her back and slightly raised her head, she could feel that she was very confident. She spoke at length, and no one knew what she was saying.
Finally, the girls surrounding her showed a look of sudden realization and nodded, not knowing what they were agreeing with.
Mu Yan returned to the upper seat.
Xiao Yunqi sat down at the table and had just sent away two ministers who had come to offer their courtesy.
In fact, Xue Zhiying misunderstood what happened just now. Mu Yan did not go to inform Xiao Yunqi on his orders. On the contrary, Xiao Yunqi did not know about this matter yet.
Mu Yan has followed Xiao Yunqi for many years, and there are many things that Xiao Yunqi doesn't need to do much to tell him, as he has the foresight to handle them.
As soon as he arrived at the Rong En Marquis Mansion, he arranged this matter.
He thought that since his master did not like to expose his relationship with his cousin in public, it would be better for his cousin to ride in his own carriage on the return trip.
After finishing this matter, he went to the women's seat first to tell his cousin about it. Naturally, he also took Chuntao's mental state into consideration, and then planned to ask for credit in front of the master.
Seeing that Xiao Yunqi was already displeased, he quickly stepped forward to report: "Master, everything is done."
Xiao Yunqi said coldly, "What's the delay?"
Mu Yan remained calm and whispered, "After Luo Xian was apprehended, many people began to get restless. Prince Lin'an didn't seem to be making any moves, but today he asked the young marquis for a secluded room in the Rong'en Marquisate. I think he'll be meeting with someone inside."
Xiao Yunqi casually glanced at the seats not far away.
The man in his forties was surrounded by many people. His face was still handsome, but a few fine lines could be seen at the corners of his eyes. Between his brows was the calmness honed by the years.
He swung his wine cup nonchalantly, allowing others to flatter him, looking like someone who was well versed in the art of pleasure.
Xiao Yunqi retracted his gaze. "Although Prince Lin'an has ambitions but no real ability, he's not so blatant. That wing room might have other uses. We can just send someone to keep an eye on it."
Indeed, the King of Lin'an remained calm after Luo Xian was arrested. It was not because he was calmer than others, but because he was still confident of victory and had his life-saving talisman in hand. He would not lose his composure unless the situation threatened him.
Mu Yan said, "Perhaps because of the Luo Xian incident, Prince Lin'an will become more vigilant, making it more difficult to investigate."
Xiao Yunqi snorted lightly: "What he wants is what he thinks is to alert the enemy."
In addition to the King of Lin'an, several of the people who couldn't sit still mentioned by Mu Yan will also be attending the banquet today.
They were not as relaxed as Prince Lin'an. At a glance, they could see that they were tense and stiff.
One of them raised his eyes tremblingly, and was caught off guard by Xiao Yunqi's cold and sharp gaze. He was so scared that his whole body trembled and his face turned pale.
Xiao Yunqi looked away with a lack of interest, glancing at Mu Yan from the corner of his eye: "You were delayed just because of this?"
Mu Yan immediately pulled himself away from his work.
Look at him, he didn't report it immediately, which made his master so anxious that he started to question him.
He never expected that Xiao Yunqi was asking questions to avoid any important matters from going wrong.
After all, he had been working for his master on official business for so many years, but this was the first time he was handling matters related to his master's emotions.
He thought no one could understand his feelings, only he himself knew what was more important.
Mu Yan cleared his throat and reported in a serious tone, "Please rest assured, my lord. I have already taken care of the damage to your cousin's carriage and have also arranged for the servants involved. No one will tell anyone."
Xiao Yunqi paused for a moment, and didn't speak for a moment, just looking at him expressionlessly.
Mu Yan was confused for a moment.
Why this expression?
Then he remembered.
No wonder you are unhappy. The most important thing has not been mentioned yet.
Mu Yan lowered his body and lowered his voice even more, but he couldn't help but raise his voice: "Master, my cousin asked me to thank you on her behalf. She said that today's incident was all thanks to you."
He raised his eyes to see Xiao Yunqi's expression.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Yunqi's eyes darkened and his face became gloomy.
Mu Yan was puzzled. Why did his expression look even more strange than before?
Forget it, just use the code directly.
"My cousin also invited you to come later. See you there."
After he finished speaking, Xiao Yunqi fixed his cold gaze on Mu Yan's face.
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