The study.
The events of the banquet replayed in his mind, and the more Ye Tinglan thought about it, the angrier he became. He slammed his palm heavily onto the desk as if to vent his frustration.
Qi Xuan, who was waiting nearby, felt his heart tighten. He secretly glanced at his prince's handsome face, which was so dark it looked like ink was about to drip, and didn't dare to breathe.
"What's the status of the matter I asked you to investigate?"
Most afraid of a surprise inspection from his boss, Qi Xuan took a deep breath and quickly replied.
"That old woman did go to the rouge shop in the West Market, but she returned home by late afternoon. There was nothing unusual that night."
Ye Tinglan's brows furrowed. "Rouge shop?"
Qi Xuan nodded. "It's the same one Miss Qin often visits. She went to the palace to see the Empress that day, so she must have asked this old woman to run errands for her."
Upon hearing this, Ye Tinglan's brow furrowed even deeper. Just as he was about to ask more questions, a slender figure rushed in.
"Tinglan Gege..."
Qin Rulian began to cry as soon as she entered. Seeing her red eyes and trembling body, looking as if she was about to collapse, Ye Tinglan spoke words of comfort.
"Don't worry about what happened today. I will definitely not let you suffer injustice. It's just that the scoundrel is still nowhere to be found, and with the General's Mansion backing her, it's not convenient for me to harshly blame her."
The joy that had just begun to sprout in Qin Rulian's heart immediately withered.
Her eyes flashed subtly, and she nodded understandingly. "Rulian understands."
As soon as she left the study, Feise immediately stepped forward indignantly.
"Miss, the Prince said he wouldn't let you be wronged, but doesn't that mean he's letting you suffer? You should go to the palace and ask the Empress!"
Qin Rulian snorted coldly. "To deal with her, do I need to trouble my aunt!"
"Go and ask if Sun Pozi and Zhao Si have been found. The Spring Sacrifice is coming soon, and Tinglan Gege is returning to the capital in triumph. The palace will definitely hold a banquet. Tell her to find that person for me within these two days!"
"Yes."
...
The jewelry she had "borrowed" from the banquet was worth at least eight hundred, if not a thousand. Feng Yinwan smilingly categorized them, feeling as if she was looking at small mountains made of silver.
For several days, Ye Tinglan didn't come looking for trouble, and Yuping was relieved.
"Although Miss taught her a lesson, it was Miss Qin who offended first. The Prince didn't deliberately make things difficult, so it seems he's not unreasonable."
Feng Yinwan listened and then threw down the strings of pearls in her hand, reaching out to feel Yuping's forehead.
"Yuping, are you alright?"
Yuping looked confused. "Miss?"
Feng Yinwan shook her head. "That idea is very dangerous, little comrade."
As they were talking, a figure appeared at the door, and Qi Xuan strode in.
"Wangfei."
Seeing it was him, Feng Yinwan was slightly taken aback, then casually pulled a red silk cloth to cover the jewelry.
"Why has Guard Qi come?"
Qi Xuan's lips twitched fiercely.
Good heavens.
No wonder the jewelry that guests had tipped Miss Qin with that day had disappeared. So the Wangfei had taken them all!
He had even told the Prince that they were stolen. This wouldn't do if it was discovered!
Thus, he decisively grabbed a corner of the red silk and pulled it up, thoughtfully covering the part that was still exposed.
Feng Yinwan had already gripped her silver needle. Seeing him change his actions so abruptly, her brows twitched heavily.
What is this blockhead doing?
Seeing the jewelry completely covered, Qi Xuan nodded with satisfaction, then cupped his hands. "The Prince sent me to inform you that there will be a Spring Sacrifice in the palace tomorrow, and he requests the Wangfei to attend."
"Spring Sacrifice?"
Seeing her confusion, Yuping immediately explained, "The Spring Sacrifice is a major national festival. Officials of all ranks and noble ladies must attend. Miss misses her family dearly and can take this opportunity to see father and elder brother."
Feng Yinwan subtly raised her eyebrows.
The original owner's mother had died early, and her father and brother doted on her immensely. If she could see them this time, it would indeed be a good thing.
Thinking this, she didn't pay much attention. It wasn't until she bumped into Qin Rulian in the courtyard the next day that she realized she had been too naive!
The "little white lotus" stood by the carriage, holding a handkerchief. She was still dressed in white, looking delicate, but it was clear she had put in a lot of effort to dress up.
The silk ribbon at her waist was adorned with white jade and pearls, and her outer robe was embroidered with many green floral patterns. This outfit looked clean and elegant from afar, and noble up close, but worn by her, it inexplicably felt "tea-like" and rather petty.
In contrast, Feng Yinwan had not put much effort into her appearance, but her features were naturally bright and striking. Her red palace gown made her look even more graceful and noble, easily surpassing Qin Rulian by eight streets.
Seeing her approach, Qin Rulian quickly hid the envy and hatred in her eyes.
"Sister."
Feng Yinwan gave a faint hum and glanced at her. "It seems the Spring Sacrifice is only for noble ladies. Why, Miss Qin, are you going too?"