Because Nanzhu didn't let Li Jin in, he could only stand outside the hall and chat with Xing'er.
Li Jin, on the other hand, didn't stand on ceremony. Regardless of whether they were familiar with each other or not, he would grab Xing'er and start rambling on and on.
He began by recounting his childhood in the Jiangnan region, then how he followed his father's rise in rank to Yinjing, and finally how he gained the favor of his cousin...
Xing'er had no interest in listening to Li Jin's nonsense. Last night in the Princess's room, she had been quite shocked by the men's shoes she had seen. So today, when Li Jin and He Yunxiao came over, she paid special attention to the shoes they were wearing.
As expected, the shoes from last night were exactly the same as the ones He Yunxiao was wearing today.
He Yunxiao is the man who secretly went on a date with Princess Nanzhu.
As Nan Zhu's personal maid, Xing'er naturally knew that the Empress Dowager intended for Nan Zhu to marry He Yunxiao. Although they were not formally engaged, it was pretty much a done deal.
Therefore, while He Yunxiao's secret visit to Meng Qingrou was indeed against etiquette, it could still be considered a romantic tale. It would only be a topic of conversation and fodder for gossip.
Now, looking at Princess Nanzhu's attitude, Xing'er is a little unsure about this marriage.
As Meng Qingrou's longtime best friend, she couldn't be sure about other things, but she understood Meng Qingrou's personality. This Princess of Nanzhu was gentle on the outside but strong on the inside. No matter how much you bullied her, once you touched the hard part of her heart, you would be shocked until your hands went numb, your internal organs trembled, your mouth tasted sweet, and blood rushed to your head.
"Xing'er, do you know the Zhenlong Chess Game?"
When it comes to chess, one of Li Jin's few strengths, he becomes animated and enthusiastic.
"I've figured out how to solve the Ingenious Chess Game! All I have to do is play this, you play this, I play this, you play this..."
Li Jin pretended that there was a game of chess in front of him and gestured to Xing'er, piece by piece.
Xing'er rested her chin on her hand, thinking about Princess Nanzhu.
A moment later, He Yunxiao, who had entered the palace with an arrogant air, finally emerged from Linxuan Palace.
However, when he came out, he walked slowly, his shoulders slumped, his eyes were empty and dull, and he looked dejected, like a cucumber that had been dried out by the sun.
Upon seeing He Yunxiao emerge, Li Jin exclaimed joyfully, "Brother He, has it worked out?"
"That's all..."
A hoarse, low voice came from He Yunxiao's chapped lips.
Li Jin scratched his head. "I've helped you so much, how could it be gone?"
"That's all..."
Xing'er felt a pang of pity seeing He Yunxiao like this.
She originally disliked He Yunxiao quite a bit. Aside from He Yunxiao's bad reputation, his sneaking off to see the Princess late at night was disrespectful to the Princess's reputation.
But now, seeing He Yunxiao's distraught appearance, she suddenly understood him.
Xing'er knew about Nan Zhu's situation: she had no background, no power, was not valued, and suffered from a rare poison. Her only advantages were the title of a princess and a beautiful face.
In this world, it's easy to find a gentleman who can marry a South Sea pearl. It's not difficult to find someone who can marry her and treat her well. But to find a man who can marry her, treat her well, love her, and is willing to be heartbroken for her, that is extremely difficult.
Xing'er was older than Meng Qingrou, and she had seen and heard a lot about the affairs of the inner palace.
Which concubine didn't do everything she could to please the emperor?
Anyone who dares to displease the Emperor will be spared if they are favored, but those who are not will be thrown out to be fed to the dogs.
“Young Master He, this is just the nature of my eldest daughter. When she gets angry, she won't show any mercy to anyone. Please don't take it to heart.”
Although Xing'er's words were meant to tell He Yunxiao not to take Meng Qingrou to heart, in reality, she wished he would cherish Meng Qingrou dearly. The little girl had suffered so much since childhood; it would be best if someone loved and cared for her, and she could suffer less in the future.
He Yunxiao looked at Xing'er and forced a smile.
"Go in and check on her. Keep a close eye on her and make sure nothing happens to her. Please do your best, and I'll reward you with whatever you want in the future."
Looking at He Yunxiao's expression and listening to his words, Xing'er felt very happy for Nanzhu.
That's really great.
Even in his current state, he still has our eldest princess on his mind.
"Xing'er understands."
After Xing'er agreed, she summoned other palace maids to serve He Yunxiao and Li Jin, and went to Linxuan Palace to find Nanzhu in her bedroom.
After scolding He Yunxiao, Meng Qingrou sat quietly on a chair in her bedroom.
Xing'er opened the door a crack, slipped into the room, and quickly closed the door.
"The Eldest Princess?"
"Um."
Xing'er didn't ask pointless questions like "Are you alright?" Last time, when her mother passed away, it was Xing'er who stayed by her side through it. She's very experienced.
Despite her seemingly vulnerable and easily bullied demeanor, Nanzhu is actually stronger than most people.
"The eldest princess is not in a good mood today."
Meng Qingrou sat quietly in the chair, without making any unnecessary movements.
"A little."
"Can I talk to Xing'er about it?"
Meng Qingrou looked up and saw this young woman who seemed like a housekeeper, an older sister, and an elder all at once.
She lowered her head and said, "I've been scammed."
Xing'er asked softly, "How did you lie?"
Meng Qingrou turned her face to the side, "He first said he was Xiao Yun, tricked me into marrying him, and now he says he is He Yunxiao."
"So, what did Qingrou say to him?"
"I will not marry anyone, and I will not allow him to come again."
"Fine. He lied to us, so he should be kicked out."
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