Qiao Xiuyu didn't have to worry about Emperor Chen's opinion in her daily life; she could go wherever she wanted. This time, when she returned to the mansion with Shang Shaoyan, she simply sent someone to say a few words, without caring at all about what Emperor Chen thought.
He stepped down from the sedan chair first, and then, with great gentlemanly manners, he blocked the door of the sedan chair for Shang Shaoyan. After the latter got off, he followed half a step behind, keeping a distance that was neither too close nor too far.
The news of Shang Shaoyan's return to the manor quickly reached Shang Yunlan's ears, while Yan Xuening had already been effectively placed under house arrest by Shang Shaoyan, so she didn't even know that Shang Shaoyan had gone out.
Shang Shaoyan had previously told Qiao Xiuyu that he didn't intend to let Shang Yunlan know, but he was actually testing the waters.
Yesterday, the imperial edict granting the title of Duke was issued, making Shang Yunlan the youngest Duke in the entire Southern Chen Dynasty. Although the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion has fallen on hard times, even a starved camel is bigger than a horse, and the only ones who can truly step on it are a few top-tier nobles.
As a prince of Northern Zhou, Qiao Xiuyu would never give up such a good opportunity to get in touch with Shang Yunlan... If I could expose Qiao Xiuyu's identity, then I would have a way to extend my reach into the palace in the future!
Upon thinking of this, Shang Shaoyan's mind stirred slightly, but he did not show it on his face. He simply led Qiao Xiuyu through the side gate into the Duke's mansion.
Qiao Xiuyu had been subtly observing the layout and decoration of the Duke's mansion throughout the journey, but there was no surprise in her eyes. Instead, she had a somewhat indescribable feeling about it.
He thought he had concealed his true intentions well, but little did he know that Bai Lu and Shang Shaoyan had seen right through him.
Shang Shaoyan couldn't help but feel that while God had given Qiao Xiuyu an extraordinary appearance, He had also taken away his intelligence.
Bai Lu smiled and whispered to Shang Shaoyan, "Does the county princess really not want the duke to know?"
As she spoke, Bai Lu glanced at Qiao Xiuyu, who seemed oblivious; Shang Shaoyan immediately understood that Bai Lu felt there was something questionable about Qiao Xiuyu's identity.
It's not just a matter of doubt—Shang Shaoyan sighed inwardly, this is a hostage from the Northern Zhou.
However, it's enough that only Shang Shaoyan and Shang Yunlan know about this. Shang Shaoyan glanced at Bai Lu and said helplessly, "I have my reasons for doing this. If others ask you, just pretend you don't know anything."
Shang Shaoyan led Qiao Xiuyu to a place not far from his courtyard, and then left Bai Lu behind, ostensibly to serve, but in reality to keep an eye on her.
After doing all this, Shang Shaoyan looked at Qiao Xiuyu's reaction with great anticipation—anyone with a brain could see that he wanted to monitor his every move!
Question me now! Question me now! That way I can expose your true identity!
The expectation in Shang Shaoyan's eyes was almost overflowing.
Qiao Xiuyu sensed the expectation in Shang Shaoyan's eyes, paused for a moment, and then tentatively asked, "...Thank you, County Princess?"
Shang Shaoyan: "..."
That's it, damn it?
Qiao Xiuyu noticed that Shang Shaoyan seemed to be suffocating, and her mind raced.
It's said that a young lady's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea. Since Princess Heyang is fond of me (my face), it's certainly not just about hearing a "thank you"! The fact that she arranged our residences so close together and left me with a personal maid shows how much she values me!
Upon realizing this, Qiao Xiuyu's expression hardened, and he suddenly understood.
She wanted to hear more nice things, and who knows, maybe even more...!
So, seeing that the sullen Northern Zhou prince had suddenly thought of something, Shang Shaoyan's handsome face turned slightly red, and his usually affectionate peach blossom eyes were filled with shyness as he blinked at her: "Then I will play the zither for the county princess tonight."
Shang Shaoyan: "..."
She took a deep breath and gave a forced smile: "Your blinking is so delicate. How old are you now?"
Qiao Xiuyu was taken aback for a moment, then said somewhat reluctantly, "I'm twenty. Does the county princess think I'm old?"
Shang Shaoyan: "..."
How come this person can't understand what he's saying when he should, but understands it faster than Shang Yunlan when he's being sarcastic?
She forced a smile: "Haha! You're not old."
Then she turned and left, her back view as desolate as could be.
In her past life, there were many people in the entertainment industry who cultivated the persona of a "stupid beauty," which she always scoffed at—how could such an outrageous person exist?
Was it an act?
But today, reality tells Shang Shaoyan that not all foolish beauties in this world are acting.
Watching her desolate yet helpless, helpless yet painful back view, Qiao Xiuyu turned her head and complained in a low voice, "What kind of person is she? She only says half of what she means."
I accidentally overheard Bai Lu saying, "..."
...
When Shang Shaoyan found Shang Yunlan, the latter was lying on the bed reading a book.
Shang Shaoyan was very happy: "Brother, are you planning to take the imperial examination, become a powerful minister, and eventually usurp the throne?"
Shang Yunlan looked up speechlessly: "I'm reading a storybook. If this were the subject of the imperial examination, I could immediately become a powerful minister."
Shang Shaoyan rolled his eyes: "Can't you stand up for yourself?"
Shang Yunlan immediately clutched her chest: "Ah...it hurts so much."
Shang Shaoyan: "...Never mind, I came to see you because I have something to tell you."
Shang Yunlan nodded, put down the book "The Cold Prince: My Charming Princess, Don't Run Away" in her hand, and pretended to listen attentively.
Shang Shaoyan sat on the edge of the bed and slowly said, "That day I went to ask Madam Xie about our goods and met a very good-looking person."
Shang Yunlan understood. He knew his younger sister's temperament very well; she was a sucker for good looks: "Where is she? Did you bring her back?"
Shang Shaoyan sighed: "We brought him back, but his identity makes things a bit difficult to handle."
Shang Yunlan frowned, utterly puzzled: "You've already brought them all back, what's the problem?"
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