Chapter 493: Chapter 165: Palace Banquet (3) Slapping Faces, Fighting!_4
Zhao Mengyu reluctantly returned the crown to Ye Qichi.
Ye Qichi silently gauged its weight.
Hmm, not bad.
Should fetch a good price.
Having accepted the crown, Ye Qichi returned to her seat.
After the poetry exchange.
Next, everyone took their seats to enjoy the performances prepared by the palace.
After the performances ended.
Wen Jingtang mentioned she was tired and left first.
Seeing Wen Jingtang leave, and feeling displeased herself, Zhao Mengyu also found an excuse to leave.
She let the others roam freely and enjoy the plum blossoms.
Without the Empress Dowager and the Imperial Concubine, everyone let out a sigh of relief.
They all paired up with familiar company, admiring the plum blossoms in small groups.
Ye Qichi naturally ended up walking with Xie Ruotong.
The two of them actually sought to avoid prying eyes, finding a secluded corner.
Ye Qichi was very clear.
With Song Yanqing now following Xiao Jinsen, getting too close to Xie Ruotong would arouse Xiao Jinsen’s suspicion; she didn’t want to implicate Xie Ruotong.
Undoubtedly.
Xie Ruotong probably still had no idea about her own situation.
"Princess Consort Chen," greeted Xie Ruotong with pure joy upon seeing Ye Qichi.
Ye Qichi looked around and then said, "From now on, we should meet less like this."
"What happened?" Xie Ruotong’s face showed immediate concern, sensing something was off.
"You must be aware, your Song Yanqing has now followed the Prince of Chu."
Xie Ruotong was stunned.
"If our close interaction now gets discovered by someone with ulterior motives, it will inevitably bring trouble."
Xie Ruotong naturally understood.
But she hadn’t expected Song Yanqing, who had just entered the court, would pick sides so quickly.
"It’s not likely Song Yanqing’s own doing; the Prince of Chu is elusive and cunning. He has many ways to force Song Yanqing to submit to him."
"Mhm," Xie Ruotong nodded.
"In short, you should ask less about the affairs of court ministers and refrain from getting involved. To avoid future calamities befalling you."
"Song Yanqing won’t let me get involved," said Xie Ruotong.
"If Song Yanqing asks you to not meet with me, just agree to his request," Ye Qichi admonished.
She didn’t want Xie Ruotong to get into conflict with Song Yanqing because of her.
Listening to Ye Qichi’s words, Xie Ruotong did not agree outright.
"The bond between friends is not displayed on the surface, but held in the heart," Ye Qichi explained.
Xie Ruotong nodded.
She was genuinely moved by Ye Qichi.
"By the way, how are things between you and Song Yanqing?" Ye Qichi asked.
"Clearly not good. He fancies Xie Ruilin and never liked me. We have never shared a room for this long," Xie Ruotong was most candid with Ye Qichi, "I’ve given up on earning his affection, and simply wish to live peacefully within the Song Family and reassure my grandmother."
"It’s better you think this way. If the Song Family falls one day, you would be able to leave unharmed," Ye Qichi replied frankly.
Xie Ruotong looked at Ye Qichi in surprise.
How could she be so confident, as though the Song Family was doomed to fall?
Or rather.
How could she be so certain that the Prince of Chen will prevail over the Prince of Chu?
It was clear that the emperor currently favored the Prince of Chu more.
"Anyway, just listen to me," Ye Qichi said.
"Alright," Xie Ruotong didn’t doubt her.
"I’ll go to the other side now," Ye Qichi advised, not wanting to delay further.
For the closer she was to Xie Ruotong now,
the worse it would be for Xie Ruotong.
She turned and walked away.
Alone, she strolled deeper into the plum garden.
She wondered if Xiao Jinxing had found a way for her to meet the emperor.
With her status, seeking an audience with the emperor was naturally suspicious.
She wandered alone in the plum garden.
Her eyes suddenly paused.
She saw Xiao Jinsen not far away.
How could the Prince be in this part of the inner palace?
Doesn’t he know this is where the inner court frequents?!
Ye Qichi turned and walked away.
She didn’t want to get entangled with Xiao Jinsen.
"Is the Princess Consort Chen afraid of this prince?" Xiao Jinsen’s indifferent voice echoed behind her, "What? Am I a tiger? You flee upon seeing me!"
Ye Qichi paused her steps.
Not because she felt threatened by Xiao Jinsen.
But because Xiao Jinsen stepped forward and blocked Ye Qichi’s path.
Ye Qichi looked at this man, who was smiling wickedly.
She responded coolly, "Your Highness, the Prince of Chu, has misunderstood. It’s just that this place, the inner court, is not suitable for you and me to meet like this."
"If one acts honorably, why lower oneself in fear of slander?" Xiao Jinsen brazenly replied, with utter disregard.
Ye Qichi’s eyes shifted sharply.
With a hint of panic on her face, she curtsied towards someone behind Xiao Jinsen, "Greetings to Noble Consort Shu."