Chapter 201: Drugging

Qi Wanyin's heart had sunk to the bottom, but she still forced herself to remain calm and not let anyone see her inner turmoil.

She returned to the banquet and sat back in her seat, her posture looking a little stiff.

At this time, Princess Minghui was still surrounded by many young masters from aristocratic families.

After all, Princess Minghui is a legitimate princess and grew up by the Queen's side, so the Crown Prince is her solid backing.

Now everyone has witnessed the Crown Prince's behavior in the court. It is only a matter of time before he ascends the throne. Princess Minghui has naturally become a popular choice.

In the monarchy, the dowry of a princess is always extremely rich, often accompanied by large tracts of land and huge amounts of wealth. What's more, the dowry of a noble legitimate princess is even more unimaginable.

Moreover, by marrying into the royal family, a family can be directly promoted to royal relatives, and its influence in officialdom and various social occasions will be greatly enhanced.

If they were ordinary officials, they could even make friends with a wider range of dignitaries and expand their network resources through marriage with the princess.

But Princess Minghui simply looked down upon these young men who came to curry favor with her.

Besides, she had already developed feelings for Yan Shuhan and had no feelings for other men.

Princess Minghui was chatting with the young masters in a perfunctory manner. She inadvertently glanced at Qi Wanyin and immediately came up with an idea.

The corners of her mouth turned up, and she walked towards Qi Wanyin calmly.

With a seemingly friendly smile on her face, she said in a clear voice: "My dear gentlemen, this is Miss Qi. She has been raised by her mother since she was a child. She is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and is particularly good at learning court etiquette."

Today, the Queen Mother is also preparing to select a husband for Miss Qi at this banquet. Why don't you take this opportunity to get to know each other?"

When Qi Wanyin heard this, her brows instantly wrinkled.

She tried hard to ignore the strange looks from the gentlemen around her, but those looks filled with contempt and ridicule pierced her like sharp arrows.

It seemed as if she could hear their laughter clearly.

"No matter how well you study, if you are of low status, you can only be a concubine after you marry into the family."

"If Miss Qi had not flattered the Queen, it would be unclear whether she could be included in the Qi family tree. The problem is that even if she was included in the family tree, she would have the blood of a woman from a different race. Which family would be willing to marry a woman with blood from a different race?"

“.......”

These mocking voices kept circling in Qi Wanyin's mind like a spell. She felt her head buzzing and the scene in front of her began to become blurry. She could not tell whether it was reality or illusion.

Suddenly, she stood up abruptly, her voice trembling a little: "Princess Minghui, I feel a little uncomfortable. I will take my leave now."

Having said that, he turned around and left in a hurry without waiting for Princess Minghui to respond.

Princess Minghui looked confused, "Eh..."

Isn't Qi Wanyin too unruly?

Just now she was praising Qi Wanyin for her good learning of the rules in front of these gentlemen.

And she didn't seem to have done anything excessive. What on earth was wrong with Qi Wanyin? She looked as if she had bullied her.

Although the queen mother really disliked some of the young men who were invited into the palace, it was more than enough for Qi Wanyin to be one of them. Could it be that Qi Wanyin was still coveting the emperor's brother?

Thinking of this, Princess Minghui felt a surge of dissatisfaction in her heart.

After leaving, Qi Wanyin's steps seemed hurried, even a little flustered.

No, she couldn't just sit there and wait for death.

Her aunt held this banquet today and said she would help her choose a husband. If she didn't choose one, her aunt would definitely arrange one for her.

And she had no reason to refuse.

What to do......

Qi Wanyin's heart was a mess.

Just when Qi Wanyin was at a loss, she saw Su Jingxuan.

At this time, Su Jingxuan was standing among a group of young men, smiling and greeting them gracefully.

Is it him?

Su Jingxuan...he seems to be Miss Su's brother.

Qi Wanyin took a deep breath, sorted out her chaotic emotions, forced a smile on her face, and walked over gracefully.

"Mr. Su, long time no see."

Su Jingxuan was a little surprised when he saw Qi Wanyin coming over. He raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "Miss Qi."

Wang Xiuwen, who was standing by, saw Qi Wanyin. He had no idea that this Miss Qi actually knew Brother Su?

He rolled his eyes and said very tactfully, "Brother Su, I will go somewhere else with them and won't bother you anymore."

After saying that, he took the others away, and soon Qi Wanyin was the only one left by Su Jingxuan's side.

"Mr. Su, do you have time to go out for a walk?"

"good."

Su Jingxuan nodded. He was also curious about what she wanted to say to him.

Qi Wanyin led Su Jingxuan to a less crowded place, but she had no idea that someone was following her.

"When did Master Su return to Beijing?"

She asked as she walked, glancing at Su Jingxuan from time to time.

"Just two days ago." Su Jingxuan answered calmly.

"Mr. Su, do you know the purpose of your aunt's hosting of this banquet?"

"I know a thing or two. It's to help Princess Minghui choose a husband, and also to announce your identity as a daughter of the Qi family to everyone." Su Jingxuan said truthfully.

After listening to this, Qi Wanyin sighed deeply, seeming to be full of helplessness and sorrow.

"A daughter of the Qi family? The Qi family only allowed me into the family tree for my aunt's sake. If it's a choice between the palace and the Qi family, I would rather choose to live in the palace."

Her eyes became a little dim.

"But Mr. Su, you don't know that my aunt is also going to choose a husband for me at this banquet." Qi Wanyin said with a wry smile.

Doesn’t she like the prince?

Su Jingxuan originally thought that Qi Wanyin would ask the Queen to give her to the Prince.

Seeing his reaction, Qi Wanyin chuckled and said with a hint of self-mockery: "Master Su seems very surprised."

"Miss Qi has let the prince go?" Su Jingxuan couldn't help but ask.

“I let myself off.”

Qi Wanyin slowly raised her head and looked at the sky, as if she wanted to release all the troubles in her heart, with a relieved expression on her face.

Su Jingxuan's eyes were complicated. After not seeing her for a few years, she seemed to have become more adept at hiding herself.

Has she really let it go?

If she had let it go, she wouldn't have been staring at the prince since he showed up at the banquet, with the attachment and reluctance clearly visible in her eyes.

He would not turn a blind eye to the young men who came today, and he had no intention of wanting to know anything about them.

"Miss Qi, do you have a young man you like?" Su Jingxuan asked calmly.

"It doesn't matter whether I like it or not, my aunt will help me choose the good one."

There was helplessness and loss in Qi Wanyin's voice, and her head was slightly lowered.

Along the way, the two chatted casually.

But with every additional word, Qi Wanyin's heart sank more.

She had hinted so clearly, but Su Jingxuan was like a blockhead and ignored her.

Since it was impossible for her cousin to marry her, she could only plan a better future for herself.

Young Master Su is different from other young masters in the capital. He doesn't care so much about her background, nor does he care about the foreign blood in her. He is a man as gentle as jade and extremely kind.

Marrying him might be her best choice now.

They were walking on a gravel path, and Qi Wanyin's mind was not at all on the ground beneath her feet.

Suddenly, her foot twisted, she lost her balance and fell straight down.

"Miss Qi, are you okay?"

Su Jingxuan subconsciously reached out his hand to help her, but stopped halfway.

Men and women should not touch each other, and he could not tarnish the woman's reputation because of his impatience.

"I can't seem to get up. My ankle hurts."

Qi Wanyin's brows were furrowed, with a look of pain on her face, but in her heart she hoped that he could give her a hand.

Although Qi Wanyin deliberately took Su Jingxuan to a less crowded place, there were palace maids and eunuchs everywhere in the palace after all, the only difference was the number. Otherwise, Su Jingxuan would never be alone with Qi Wanyin so easily.

His upbringing also never allowed him to be alone with a woman like this, so as not to damage the woman's reputation.

"I will have the maid help you up, and then I will notify the Empress and ask her to send a sedan chair to take you back."

Qi Wanyin didn't expect that even after all this, Su Jingxuan still didn't want to touch her.

"No, that's not necessary. Let the maid over there help me to the Qinghuan Palace in front. I don't want my aunt to worry about me."

Su Jingxuan agreed and then waved his hand to let the palace maid come over.

The palace maid carefully helped Qi Wanyin up, and she limped towards Qinghuan Palace with the help of the palace maid.

At this time, the Qinghuan Palace was deserted, with only a cleaning maid busy in the corner.

This palace has not been inhabited for a long time and seems particularly empty and quiet.

The cleaning maid never expected anyone to come, but when she heard the noise she went to bring up a pot of tea.

After Qi Wanyin sat down on the chair, she raised her head and said softly, "Master Su, please sit down and have some tea."

"No need, I'll ask someone to get a doctor to come and see you."

Qi Wanyin trembled slightly, and said nothing. She just lowered her head slowly, her voice so low that it was almost inaudible.

Muttered: "Am I really so annoying now......"

Su Jingxuan paused.

He knew that she was very sensitive and fragile, and suddenly he wondered if he had been too cold and callous.

Thinking of this, an expression of reluctance emerged on his face. After hesitating for a moment, he turned around and sat down.

"Don't think too much about it. I just think your ankle needs to be checked by a doctor as soon as possible."

Su Jingxuan's tone softened a little.

Qi Wanyin raised her head, forced a smile on her face, picked up the teapot and poured a cup for Su Jingxuan.

"Mr. Su, this cup of tea is for you. From today on, my aunt will marry me off to someone else. We may never see each other again. Thank you for your kindness to me."

Su Jingxuan was startled after hearing her words, but he finally did not refuse. He took the teacup, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, his Adam's apple rolling up and down.

Outside Qinghuan Palace, Chu Yinxue couldn't hold back and wanted to show up when Qi Wanyin deliberately sprained her ankle, but when she saw that Master Su didn't reach out to help her, she refrained from exposing herself.

However, it has been a full quarter of an hour since the two of them entered Qinghuan Palace. Why hasn't Master Su come out yet?

Chu Yinxue became more and more anxious, biting her lips tightly.

Forget it, she should go in and take a look!

Chu Yinxue made up her mind, took a deep breath, and walked into Qinghuan Palace.

Who would have thought that there was no one in the Qinghuan Palace!

Chu Yinxue's face was full of confusion, her brows were furrowed, and her beautiful eyes quickly scanned the hall.

Without giving it any more thought, he began to search every room in the temple one by one.

After searching several rooms, we finally found them in a side hall!

Chu Yinxue looked at the scene in front of her with her mouth wide open in surprise.

Master Su lay quietly on the bed with his eyes closed, while Qi Wanyin lay on top of him, her clothes disheveled and even a little untidy.

She immediately understood that it must be Qi Wanyin who was behind this.

She must have bewitched Mr. Su and tried to get close to him!

How shameless!

She walked in angrily and helped Qi Wanyin, who was also unconscious, up with great effort.

Chu Yinxue knew that she would not be able to help Master Su, so she could only move Qi Wanyin away first.

He gritted his teeth, exerted all his strength, and finally moved Qi Wanyin to the next room.

Chu Yinxue was so tired that she was panting. Before she had time to rest, she heard a noisy sound coming from outside.

Could it be that Qi Wanyin hired someone to catch her committing adultery?

Chu Yinxue widened her eyes, her face full of disbelief.

She was still young and had never seen such scheming and tactics, and was once again shocked by Qi Wanyin's deep scheming.

Outside the palace, the Queen heard the maid beside Qi Wanyin's panicked report that Qi Wanyin's ankle was injured and she had difficulty moving. She went to find the palace maid from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to carry the sedan chair, but when she came back she found Qi Wanyin alone with a man, and the two were very close. She was panicked for a moment, so she hurried to report.

"Which room is Wanyin in?" the queen asked in a stern tone.

The maid led the queen over tremblingly.

Arriving at the door, she pushed it open with trembling hands. She wanted to point at the bed and answer the empress, but when she looked closely, she saw that only Master Su was lying on the bed unconscious.

The queen's eyes suddenly became sharp.

The maid knelt down in shock, repeating "Please forgive me, Your Majesty". Where was the young lady? Weren't she and Master Su both unconscious? How could she be missing?

The queen stared at the unconscious Master Su on the bed and immediately understood what was going on.

Does Qi Wanyin want to marry the young master of the Su family?

The Su family only has this one child. Even if she is the queen, she cannot easily arrange a marriage for the legitimate son of the Su family with a concubine's daughter, let alone a woman with foreign blood.

Thinking of this, his face became even uglier and his lips were tightly pursed into a line.

"Jinhua, Master Su is tired from the banquet and is resting in Qinghuan Palace. Send someone to inform Miss Su."

There was no way she would let Qi Wanyin's schemes tarnish her reputation.

"Send someone to fetch the crown prince. I want to discuss Wanyin's marriage with him."

Since it was the prince who wanted to arrange a marriage for Qi Wanyin, now that this has happened, he, as the prince's cousin, should just choose someone to marry.