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The one called "Master" was Mei Yisi, the eldest legitimate son of the Grand Commandant, whose height was not much different from that of Xun Changfeng, and who could also be considered handsome.

After being rejected by Xun Qingqing during the matchmaking meeting, he went straight to her door with a matchmaker to propose again, only to be rejected once more.

As Mei Yisi watched Xun Qingqing’s delicate departing figure, a nearly imperceptible shadow flickered in the depths of his eyes.

The following day, around noon, Xun Qingqing arrived at the place she had agreed to meet with the Top Scholar Song Qing, having purchased a lot of food, almost wishing she could buy up all the desserts and snacks from every shop and deliver them to the Imperial Palace.

Song Qing, looking at the big and small packages before him, said nothing, only instructing his attendant to load everything onto the horse carriage.

"Tell them I miss them, and I hope we have a chance to eat and drink and play together. Don’t forget about Lady Tao; tell her to come out of the palace soon, it’s not good at her age," Xun Qingqing said, intentionally emphasizing the last part of her sentence.

If Lady Tao came out, she would have company.

Ever since Xun Qingqing left the palace, those treasured daughters with whom she used to play well had ceased contact with her because they never truly considered her a friend. She would rather not have such friends.

Song Qing spoke softly, "I will deliver the message, Miss Xun, please rest assured."

Xun Qingqing smiled her thanks, "Thank you, Top Scholar Song."

"You’re welcome. I should leave now, so as not to delay my entrance to the palace," Song Qing said as he boarded the horse carriage.

Xun Qingqing watched the carriage grow smaller and smaller, eventually disappearing into the bustling street. If only she could enter the palace every day.

"Miss Xun."

Hearing the voice, Xun Qingqing turned around in confusion and saw Mei Yisi standing behind her, clad in a luxurious brocade robe, holding a jade fan, and adorned with luxury items as if he were afraid others wouldn’t realize how wealthy his family was.

Mei Yisi was looking at Xun Qingqing with a smile that was frankly greasy~

Mei Yisi was famously profligate, indulgent in pleasures of the flesh without discrimination, and with a face that could still pass for handsome, he had deceived countless virtuous women.

Before entering the palace, Mei Yisi had set his sights on her, and it was because of entering the palace that she had almost forgotten him.

If it hadn’t been for that arranged matchmaking session a few days ago, she wouldn’t even have remembered he existed.

Xun Qingqing asked coolly, "Is there something you need?"

Mei Yisi, fanning himself, replied, "Nothing much, just wishing to invite Miss Xun for a drink."

Xun Qingqing refused politely, "I don’t like drinking alcohol. You should find someone else."

The movement of Mei Yisi’s fan paused briefly, and a flicker of barely noticeable rage crossed his eyes.

"My father and your father are colleagues, and our families are well-matched. Why would Miss Xun not show me some respect?"

"If Young Master Mei is aware that my father and your father are colleagues, then why insist on forcing me? You shouldn’t waste your efforts on me, I will not marry you."

This time, Xun Qingqing’s refusal was very straightforward. Her intention was to make Mei Yisi lose hope and stop pestering her.

Mei Yisi had never met a woman who had so little regard for him.

She had been in the palace for several years.

It’s said that it’s because she has a deep sibling-like relationship with the Crown Prince, earning her the title of a county princess and a glorious departure from the palace, but who knows what might have happened to her behind the scenes.

Containing his anger, Mei Yisi said, "I simply wish to become friends with Miss Xun. You’re wounding my heart this way."

"I don’t wish for a friend like you. I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now," Xun Qingqing said, then turned and left without looking back.

Mei Yisi stood in place watching Xun Qingqing’s retreating figure, abruptly snapping his folding fan closed and gripping it tightly in his palm.

Wan Cai spoke indignantly, "Master, Miss Xun is too blind to recognize kindness. She doesn’t have you in her eyes at all; she’s not worthy of you."

Mei Yisi snorted coldly, "Of course she’s not worthy of me. I’ll make her realize the consequences of rejecting me."

Having followed the master for so many years, Wan Cai immediately understood his intentions. He might even get to enjoy some of the spoils, as was the case with previous good fortune.

*

When Song Qing arrived at the East Palace with the big and small packages, Shen Chuwei was quite surprised.

"Mr. Song, you are too courteous, bringing so many delicious treats."

Song Qing spoke gently, "These are what Miss Xun asked me to bring to the Crown Princess."

Shen Chuwei immediately guessed who it was, "Xun Qingqing?"

Song Qing, "Exactly."

Shen Chuwei’s expression turned into one of pleasant surprise, "How did you meet her? And she bought so much food."

Song Qing explained, "I encountered her yesterday at a restaurant. Miss Xun is very concerned about the Crown Princess, so she purchased these items for me to bring into the palace."

Shen Chuwei was moved as she looked at the pile of food, all her favorite delicacies.

"I miss her very much too. When His Highness returns, I shall ask him to take me out of the palace so we can meet."

Upon sensing the aroma, Susu let go of the white tiger’s neck and ran over, tugging at her mother’s sleeve and crying, "Mommy, I want to try the meat patty."

"Alright, your mother will get one for you now." Shen Chuwei looked at the meat patties; Xun Qingqing had bought at least twenty of them, still warm.

She took out two, handing one to Susu and the other to Taotao.

Taotao had followed her sister over as soon as she saw her running.

Susu held a meat pie in one hand while reaching out with the other, "Mommy, Mommy, I want more."

Shen Chuwei knew her daughter was greedy for food, so she smiled and handed her another one, saying, "Okay, I’ll give you another one."

Clutching the meat pie, Susu took it out of the wax-paper bag and held it up to the little white dog’s mouth, where it was eagerly snatched up.

Shen Chuwei watched her daughter’s actions; every time there was food, Susu would always share a portion with the little white dog, especially meat.

The little white dog greatly enjoyed Susu’s feeding.

After seeing the little white dog eat, Susu extended her hand again, "Mommy, I want more."

Shen Chuwei smiled and handed another one to her daughter.

With the meat pie in hand, Susu ran off happily.

The little white dog, munching on the meat pie, followed behind her.

Shen Chuwei saw her daughter run off and guessed she was going to find Chu Lingfeng; Susu loved playing with him, mainly because Taotao loved studying too much to keep Susu company all the time.

Susu made her way to Chu Lingfeng’s residence and, upon seeing him, flung herself into his arms, tilting her plump little face upward while holding up the warm meat pie in her hand.

"Little Gugu, this patty for you."

Chu Lingfeng looked at Susu, who had come to feed him again, a barely perceptible tenderness flashing in his eyes, "Thank you, little princess."

Susu took a bite of the meat pie, savoring the lingering taste on her lips and teeth, smiling and saying, "It’s good."

Chu Lingfeng looked at the meat pie in his hand; upon opening the wax paper, the aroma was inviting. It had been a long time since he had eaten a meat pie, and the warmth sparked his appetite.

He bit into the meat pie and chewed slowly, finding it tastier than before.

Lady Tao happened to come by that day, bringing a rose for Song Qing because Shen Chuwei had said that roses represent passionate love.

The rose was from a flower seed given by Shen Chuwei; only one plant had thrived, and when it bloomed today, she picked it and wrapped it in cloth to bring over.

As she slowly entered the study room and placed the rose on the desk in front of Song Qing, she then turned to leave.

This was how it had been on several occasions, as she feared causing trouble for Song Qing.

"Lady Tao, please wait."

The smooth voice of Song Qing called out from behind her. Lady Tao paused, her heartbeat suddenly quickening. What did Song Qing want by calling her? Or did he have something to say to her?

With an excited heart, Lady Tao turned to look at Song Qing and asked with curiosity, "Mr. Song, is there something you need?"

Song Qing nodded, "There is."

Upon hearing this, Lady Tao was initially delighted but then felt a bit downcast. What if Song Qing thought her actions unbecoming and asked her not to do it again in the future?

Song Qing stood up and picked up a package from a chair, approaching Lady Tao.

Lady Tao looked at the package in Song Qing’s hand. Could this be a case of ’sincerity moving the heavens,’ and Song Qing was starting to return gifts?

Just as her heart surged with sweetness, she heard Song Qing say, "This is from Miss Xun, who asked me to deliver it to you. She is very concerned about you outside the palace."

The smile on Lady Tao’s face froze momentarily; it wasn’t from Song Qing.

Thinking of Miss Xun, wasn’t that Xun Qingqing?

She quickly smiled again, the slight disappointment replaced by excitement.

"I miss her very much too. How is she doing outside the palace?" Lady Tao asked as she took the package.

Song Qing replied, "Miss Xun is doing well outside the palace, and she had me relay a message to you."

Lady Tao pressed, "What message?"

Song Qing conveyed Xun Qingqing’s exact words to Lady Tao, "Miss Xun said, if you want to leave the palace, it’s better to do so sooner rather than later, as it gets harder with age."

Upon hearing this, Lady Tao was stunned. How wonderful would it be if those were Song Qing’s own thoughts? But it wasn’t too bad coming from Xun Qingqing; it was indeed time for her to leave the palace soon.

"I understand. Thank you, Mr. Song."

Song Qing: "It was no trouble at all."

*

Lu Zhaoyan spent three days finally calculating the affairs concerning Crown Prince Xiao Jinyan and rushed nonstop to the Imperial Study Room.

The Emperor had been waiting for three days and was becoming impatient when he heard the eunuch Li announce, "Your Majesty, Minister Lu seeks an audience."

...