The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 60

Sorry, it was Jiejie who was wrong.

The warm lips kept stirring Lin Xizhao’s heart, causing her to give a gentle response following Qu Sheng’s kisses.

Qu Sheng’s fine and soft kisses paused for an instant just as Lin Xizhao’s lips moved slightly. She opened her eyes, colliding with Lin Xizhao’s gaze, but the space was too short and narrow; Qu Sheng could not clearly see the intent in the depths of Lin Xizhao’s eyes. But in the moment she paused, the person beneath her took over the movements of the kiss.

Lin Xizhao’s soft lips ground against her lips, later turning into light bites. Qu Sheng frowned for an instant from the pain, then took back the initiative.

Qu Sheng used a kiss with some force, forcing Lin Xizhao to endure it again. However, when Qu Sheng paused, Lin Xizhao would also make Qu Sheng move according to her rhythm.

The long, lingering kiss constantly switched initiative between the two. After a long time, the kissing evolved into an exchange of movements. Lin Xizhao’s lips held Qu Sheng’s upper lip, while Qu Sheng’s lips lightly pursed Lin Xizhao’s lower lip, constantly changing the sucking and kissing.

In the gaps where their lips touched, Lin Xizhao’s breathing became somewhat obstructed. Just as her lips parted slightly to exhale the scent of wine, she suddenly felt a foreign object probe into her oral cavity, dancing with the tip of her tongue.

The smooth, slippery shock and discomfort made Lin Xizhao’s reason return. Lin Xizhao felt Qu Sheng’s still-constant sucking motions and gave no further response.

Her mind was a blank sheet at this moment. She did not know what she had just done, or perhaps, she did not admit that she had taken the initiative just now.

Qu Sheng sensed that Lin Xizhao had no response. Separating from Lin Xizhao’s soft lips for a moment, she lowered her head to look at the dazed and overwhelmed expression in Lin Xizhao’s eyes. The corners of her lips hooked up slightly, and she kissed her again.

Only this time, Lin Xizhao no longer responded.

Qu Sheng had not kissed enough to be satisfied, but she also did not dare to rashly make more moves. Looking at Lin Xizhao, who was still in a trance, Qu Sheng lay down on her side and pulled her into her embrace.

The embrace was tight and solid, hugging Lin Xizhao until she gave a soft hum.

Qu Sheng, who had a good night’s sleep, woke up to find Lin Xizhao already gone. Qu Sheng’s heart went thump for an instant, but just as she lifted the quilt, Lin Xizhao entered from the outer room.

“Awake?” Lin Xizhao’s voice was gentle. She seemed very happy today; one could not hear any other emotions.

Qu Sheng’s gaze fixed on Lin Xizhao, looking for a long time before giving a light “En,” and slowly getting off the couch.

Seeing her come down, Lin Xizhao took the new clothes from the wooden rack beside them and put them on Qu Sheng.

As Lin Xizhao was binding Qu Sheng’s waist, she softly reminded, “Wait a moment, we will first go to pay New Year’s respects to Yifu¹ and Yimu², and after eating the morning meal, we will go back.”

Hearing this, Qu Sheng lowered her head to look at Lin Xizhao, who was speaking to her. She looked for half the day but could not see anything amiss with Lin Xizhao.

She was clearly that proactive last night; could it be she drank too much and does not remember?

Lin Xizhao saw Qu Sheng staring at her fixedly, and her brows and eyes curved slightly as she said, “Go wash and rinse, quickly. Jiayu, Fourth Brother, and the others have already come over.” Wait a moment and everyone would be all together to perform the New Year ceremony; it would not be good to let the others keep waiting for them, not to mention there was one extra person this year.

“Xiao Sheng’er.”

Speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao arrives³. Lin Xizhao had just mentioned Zhao Jiayu, and Zhao Jiayu came over. She must have followed along when she went to the main courtyard just now.

Qu Sheng heard the voice and looked back. Zhao Jiayu had come uninvited and had already entered the room.

Seeing Lin Xizhao currently tying the waist sash for Qu Sheng, she suddenly recalled that she seemed to have never done such a thing for Qu Yu. But these two people were not husband and wife; doing such things, although not strange, felt somewhat awkward.

Ever since Qu Sheng became acquainted with them, Lin Xizhao had taken care of her in many ways, to the point that later, the two ate together and slept together. Qu Sheng was also a lazy one, it was just… she still felt that Qu Sheng was so big now, she should not still let Lin Xizhao take care of her to this extent.

“Jiayu.” Qu Sheng called Zhao Jiayu’s name.

Hearing this, Lin Xizhao smiled. “You must call her Fourth Sister-in-law (Si-sao).”

“Aiya, I still like it when Xiao Sheng’er calls me by name. It sounds pleasing to the ear.” Zhao Jiayu hurriedly stopped Lin Xizhao from making Qu Sheng change her address.

She had married in, but between them, they should still address each other as young misses, otherwise, it would always feel distant. Although Qu Sheng always called her by her name directly, she felt it was quite good—at least it was not like how she treated Lin Xikuan and Lin Xirui, where she was unwilling to even call them by name.

Lin Xizhao heard this, her brows and eyes curving. She helped Qu Sheng arrange her dress and skirt, then said, “Go wash and rinse.”

Qu Sheng nodded and went to the outer room.

Zhao Jiayu watched Qu Sheng pass by her side, looked a few times, then looked toward Lin Xizhao and said, “Are you two always like this?” Some days ago, she lived at Lin Xizhao’s place, but when she got up, these two had already used the morning meal, so she did not see the two of them like this.

Zhao Jiayu had always assumed Qu Sheng’s dressing was served by maids.

Lin Xizhao glanced at her upon hearing the sound and said, “Sheng’er is still small.”

“She is still small? She has already reached the age of marriage. Ei, speaking of which, you…”

Zhao Jiayu wanted to ask Lin Xizhao about the matter of a husband, but seeing that she seemed to not want to search for one, she blinked her eyes and changed the subject. “Forget it. Have you heard? Last night, Earl Yongshen’s Residence caught fire⁴. The old couple, not a single one lived.”

Zhao Jiayu had heard it from Qu Yu this morning. She did not believe it at the time and went to ask the servants to confirm it. Moreover, this matter had already spread through the Capital.

Hearing what Zhao Jiayu said, Lin Xizhao’s expression was stunned for an instant, and she looked at Zhao Jiayu with an expression of disbelief.

“Don’t look like you don’t believe it. Second Brother, Third Brother, and the others all know. It is said it was caused by setting off fireworks last night. Tell me, how could it be so coincidental? Just their house caught fire. When the Fire Suppression Team⁵ went, that fire was so big that simply no one dared to go over.” Zhao Jiayu spoke vividly, as if she had been there personally.

Qu Sheng, taking the warm, wet towel handed over by the maid in the outer room, paused her action of wiping her face for an instant. Then, slowly wiping her face clean, she handed the towel back to the maid.

“Jiejie⁶.” Qu Sheng finished washing and entered the inner room.

Hearing this, Lin Xizhao was still wearing a face of incredulity. Watching Qu Sheng come in, her eyes blinked for an instant, and she said to Zhao Jiayu, “Let us go pay New Year’s respects to the elders.”

Zhao Jiayu looked at Lin Xizhao’s somewhat trance-like appearance and felt she should not have been so quick with her mouth to speak of it. During the Grand New Year, it was bad luck.

The three people went to the main courtyard’s main hall; everyone had already fully arrived.

The several juniors, arranged according to the size of their age, formed a few rows and performed the kowtow ceremony in the hall. Qu Jinian and Jin Yunfei sat in the main seats, while the rest sat separately on one side, looking smilingly at these juniors performing the New Year ceremony.

“Alright, all of you rise quickly.” Qu Jinian spoke and raised his hand to have the servants bring over the prepared yasui money⁷.

The maids of every courtyard also came over carrying trays. Starting with Qu Ming, he first went to Qu Jinian’s side, performed a cupped-fist salute, and said an auspicious phrase. A servant then handed Qu Ming a bank note wrapped in red cloth.

Afterward, he came to Jin Yunfei’s side, followed by the two Uncles and Aunts. Qu Ming received the yasui money and returned to the side to take his seat. Qu Ting then brought his own wife over. Qu Ting did not speak; his wife opened her mouth for him. Both received yasui money.

Zhao Jiayu watched from the side, becoming somewhat anxious. No one had told her there was such a segment. She even had to say auspicious words? Her head was currently a chaotic mess; she could not think of a single sentence. Within her panic, Qu Yu looked sideways and led her by the hand to Qu Jinian’s side.

Zhao Jiayu followed Qu Yu to bow. Qu Jinian looked at her with a smile. Regarding things like literary ink, as long as Zhao Jiayu was nervous, she forgot everything. Standing there dryly at this moment, she could only seek help from Qu Yu.

Seeing this, Qu Yu froze for an instant, but very quickly spoke for Zhao Jiayu with smiling eyes: “Wishing Eldest Uncle good fortune, longevity, peace, and health, and that all matters go according to your heart.”

“Good.” Qu Jinian looked at the two with smiling eyes and did not show a bad expression because Zhao Jiayu had not opened her mouth to say auspicious words.

A trace of awkwardness appeared on Zhao Jiayu’s face. After walking to Jin Yunfei’s side, her brain finally began to revolve: “Wishing Eldest Aunt eternal youth, and longevity that extends for years.”

“Good, good.” Jin Yunfei pulled Zhao Jiayu’s hand, smilingly took the bank note handed over by the servant, and passed it into Zhao Jiayu’s hand.

The servant also handed another bank note to Qu Yu.

After the two gave thanks, they went to bow and say auspicious words one by one. When it was Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao’s turn, the two did not separate. Lin Xizhao held Qu Sheng’s hand and walked to Qu Jinian’s side.

Lin Xizhao glanced at Qu Sheng with a shallow smile on her lips, and the two bowed: “Wishing Yifu that the four seasons go as you wish, adding fortune and much longevity.”

Qu Jinian nodded with a smile, took the bank note handed by the servant, and passed it into Lin Xizhao’s hand, while Qu Sheng’s was given directly by the servant.

The two accepted it, gave thanks, and then went to Jin Yunfei’s side.

Zhao Jiayu had already taken her seat. Looking at these two, however she looked, she felt something was not right. The Qu family’s Second Brother was not married and went over alone. Qu Ting and Qu Yu were already married, so they were two people.

Why were these two together in one place? Could it be because Qu Sheng was like her and could not say auspicious words?

While Zhao Jiayu was puzzled, the two had already made a round and finished saying auspicious words of blessing to the elders in the room.

At this time, Qu Jinian stood up and had people move the dining table over.

Very quickly, the fragrance of food overflowed in the room. While everyone chatted idly, Zhao Jiayu secretly took a glance at the bank note wrapped in red cloth. Zhao Jiayu looked at one bank note and did not unwrap the later ones, but the smile on her face could not be concealed no matter what.

The Qu family’s New Year yasui money started at two thousand liang⁸. Just Qu Jinian alone gave six thousand liang. Whose family’s yasui money was this generous? Thinking of her father and mother, the two of them only gave a hundred liang. How was the Qu family giving yasui money? This was practically the God of Wealth sending money!

After using the morning meal, Lin Xizhao took Qu Sheng back to the Prime Minister’s Residence. Jin Yunfei exhorted them with a few sentences and then let them go over.

During the morning meal, no one mentioned the matter of Earl Yongshen’s Residence catching fire. Lin Xizhao sat inside the carriage, silent and without speech. Qu Sheng, however, had been observing Lin Xizhao ever since getting off the bed.

Last night, something clearly happened between the two of them, yet Lin Xizhao acted as if she did not remember.

This performance of ‘nothing happened’ made Qu Sheng suddenly realize that Lin Xizhao actually knew how to disguise herself.

All the way inside the carriage, Lin Xizhao never raised her head to look at Qu Sheng, nor did she say a single sentence to her. When the two arrived at the Prime Minister’s Residence, Lin Xizhao held Qu Sheng’s hand and went to Lin Jianhai’s place.

Before the morning meal, Lin Xikuan and Lin Xirui had already performed the ceremony, so they did not come over at this moment. Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng performed the kowtow ceremony, and Lin Jianhai smilingly gave them each a portion of yasui money.

Afterward, Lin Xizhao took Qu Sheng to her room, while she herself went to Lin Xirui’s courtyard.

As soon as Lin Xizhao entered Lin Xirui’s room door, Lin Xirui spoke some auspicious words, but Lin Xizhao’s complexion at this moment did not have a trace of joy.

“Xirui, let me ask you a matter.”

Lin Xirui looked at Lin Xizhao’s anxious appearance, froze for an instant, then hurriedly said, “Ah-Jie, just ask.”

“Last night, Earl Yongshen’s Residence caught fire. Was the cause found?” Lin Xizhao did not believe that a session of fireworks could burn people to death. How could it be that coincidental? The Earl Yongshen’s two sons had just died, and the Earl Yongshen had just come out of prison not long ago before being swallowed by a great fire.

Hearing this, Lin Xirui stared at Lin Xizhao for a glance. He had heard of this matter last night. He slept late last night, and the steward had come to remind him.

Lin Xizhao was not in the estate, so Lin Xirui helped look after the estate’s affairs; naturally, he had to be cautious. At that time, he personally went to check the large vats storing water to prevent the estate from also catching fire.

“I did hear about it this morning. The government office deduced that it was caused by the drifting sparks of fireworks. His Majesty also issued a decree last night to investigate thoroughly. I believe there will be a verdict very soon. Ah-Jie asks about this matter… are you worried His Majesty will suspect this matter onto us?”

The Earl Yongshen had been locked in the great prison for several years and had only come out now. A deep enmity capable of causing death—there was only her and the Qu family.

She did not do it, so that meant the Qu family did it.

Lin Xizhao did not obtain the exact reason for Earl Yongshen’s Residence catching fire and could only return to her courtyard. Qu Sheng had been standing in the courtyard ever since Lin Xizhao left. Seeing Lin Xizhao return, she turned sideways and looked over.

“Why are you standing outside?” Lin Xizhao walked over urgently, untied the cloak from her body, and draped it over Qu Sheng’s body.

Qu Sheng gazed at Lin Xizhao’s pair of eyes, which did not dodge or hide but would not look at her directly, and asked, “Jiejie, why do you not want to pay attention to Sheng’er?”

Qu Sheng asked despite knowing the answer. Today’s Lin Xizhao was too different from usual. Except for when her words were no different from normal in front of the elders, when she was together with her, she cherished words like gold.

Even though she was speaking to her now and caring for her, she would not look her in the eye.

Hearing this, Lin Xizhao’s action of helping Qu Sheng drape the cloak paused for an instant, but she very quickly raised her head to look at Qu Sheng and smiled. “Last night, Earl Yongshen’s Residence caught fire. The Earl Yongshen and his Madam were both buried in the sea of fire. I…”

Lin Xizhao used the matter of Earl Yongshen’s Residence catching fire to stall Qu Sheng, but when she said these words, she deliberately looked into Qu Sheng’s eyes, wanting to see a little something in them.

But in Qu Sheng’s eyes, aside from her and aggrieved emotions, there was nothing else.

“It has nothing to do with Jiejie.”

Qu Sheng cleared Lin Xizhao of involvement. She was the one who did this matter; of course, it had nothing to do with Lin Xizhao. It was just that with Lin Xizhao worrying like this, she had already guessed that Lin Xizhao feared this matter would be suspected onto them.

Only the Qu family and the Lin family had the thought of wanting the Earl Yongshen dead.

Just a few days ago, at Qu Yu’s grand wedding, the Earl Yongshen carried a coffin to block the way. Even if Qu Sheng had not done this matter, the people within the Capital would all suspect their Qu family.

This matter could not be avoided, but to obtain evidence, it would likely be harder than ascending to the heavens.

Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng’s firmness. Her gaze wavered, and the bit of suspicion that had risen in her heart dispelled slightly. How could the Qu family go help her kill the Earl Yongshen at such a pivotal moment of wind and waves?

Lin Xizhao lowered her eyes. Qu Sheng raised her hands and embraced her into her bosom. She somewhat could not bear Lin Xizhao being this cold to her. Even if Lin Xizhao stayed by her side accompanying her, if she did not pay attention to her or smile at her, she could not bear it; her heart suffered torment.

Lin Xizhao seemed to sense Qu Sheng’s sad emotions at this moment. Hugged by her, she froze slightly for an instant, then raised her hands and hugged her back.

She remembered everything from last night. Precisely because she remembered it all, she did not dare to face Qu Sheng.

Qu Sheng kissing her was a sisterly act of expressing liking and care, but what about her?

She was not. She knew very clearly that she was not. Although she drank wine last night, if she did not have those dirty thoughts in her heart, how could she have been urged by the intent of alcohol to commit such a thing with Qu Sheng?

She was already trying her utmost to achieve concealment, but she still could not face Qu Sheng calmly. She felt she had soiled Qu Sheng.

She regretted the events of last night extremely at this moment, but some things, once they happened, had happened.

“Sorry, it was Jiejie who was wrong.”

Lin Xizhao apologized to Qu Sheng. Apologized for being cold to her today, and also apologized to whitewash the frivolous liberties she took with Qu Sheng last night with ulterior motives.

Lin Xizhao did not dare to plainly speak of the matter of taking liberties with Qu Sheng last night while harboring different thoughts. She knew that once she spoke of it, she would have to leave Qu Sheng.

She did not want to leave her, so even if her thoughts toward Qu Sheng were no longer that pure, she still wanted to stay by Qu Sheng’s side.

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The two stayed in the Prime Minister’s Residence until noon, then were called to the Qu Marquis Residence. It was said that Zhao Jiayu wanted to go out and see the temple fair. After making an appointment with Xiao Bingying, she asked if Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng were going.

As there was nothing to do in the estate, Lin Xizhao took Qu Sheng back to the Qu Marquis Residence.

Zhao Jiayu had already been waiting in the estate for a long time. Seeing Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng return, she hurriedly walked over. Before the two could even enter the room and stand steady, she pulled them out.

The Marquis Residence prepared three carriages. Aside from Qu Ming, all the juniors went.

Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng sat inside one carriage. She no longer deliberately created distance from Qu Sheng like before. The two sat on one side, and Lin Xizhao held Qu Sheng’s hand the entire time.

The East Street Temple Fair in the Capital was unusually lively and bustling. The number of people had not diminished because of the fire at Earl Yongshen’s Residence .

There were plenty of wealthy and noble families in the Capital. If everyone had to mourn along just because one or two families met with a mishap, then there would be no way to live these days.

Qu Sheng and the others met up with Xiao Bingying. They originally thought Xiao Bingying would bring Chengxi out, but unexpectedly, she came over alone.

“I went to pay New Year’s respects to Mother today and met the letter-deliverer on the road, so I did not return to the estate.” Xiao Bingying explained why she had not brought Chengxi over.

Hearing this, Zhao Jiayu said suspiciously, “I don’t believe it. It must be that Ah-Jie’s heart aches for Chengxi, so you didn’t let her come out. Wait a moment, we are going to the restaurant to drink wine; how can we do that without Chengxi?”

She was still counting on hearing the sound of Chengxi’s Pipa.

Xiao Bingying heard this, pondered for a few instants, and said, “Then I will go back and pick her up.”

Chengxi’s body was not that delicate and weak anymore; as long as warmth was maintained properly, there would be no issues. During these days in the estate, Chengxi had played the Pipa quite a bit to relieve her boredom.

Zhao Jiayu watched Xiao Bingying wanting to go back personally and said, “Just let a servant go pick her up; why is it necessary to run a trip personally?” It was so lively outside; the wasted time would be enough for them to play with many things.

Xiao Bingying heard this, lowered her eyes for an instant, and said, “I should still go back and pick her up.” She was not at ease. Before the year ended, Xiao Yaocai had once sent someone to pick up Chengxi. Fortunately, she was in the estate at the time and rejected the Xiao Residence’s servants.

When Xiao Bingying went back today, Xiao Yaocai was still lying on the couch. Upon seeing her, he gave a bout of scolding. But she still did not loosen her mouth to send Chengxi back. If Chengxi went back, thinking of coming out again would likely be difficult.

Lin Xizhao listened to Xiao Bingying’s words, saw that Zhao Jiayu still wanted to insist, and said, “Just let Bingying go back and pick her up. Bingying understands Chengxi’s body the best.” Xiao Bingying’s heart was detailed; naturally, she thought of more than the servants did. If Chengxi came out for a trip and caught a wind-chill infection again, the loss would outweigh the gain.

After hearing this, Zhao Jiayu thought for a bit and agreed with Lin Xizhao’s words, letting Xiao Bingying go quickly and return quickly.

After Xiao Bingying left, the group began to wander on the street of the temple fair again. Qu Ting’s wife was also from a military lineage in Shoulin; although she looked gentle and submissive, she had also practiced martial arts.

Lin Xizhao held Qu Sheng, Zhao Jiayu went to hold Qu Ting’s wife, and Qu Ting and Qu Yu followed behind them.

Zhao Jiayu walked through the temple fair, wanting to buy a little of whatever delicious food she saw. Before, when she ate something that wasn’t tasty, she gave it to Xiao Bingying. This time, it was Qu Yu’s turn.

However, if she ate something delicious, she would also buy a bit more. Qu Yu, like Xiao Bingying back then, was helpless but still silently endured it. By now, Qu Yu had eaten until she began to be stuffed.

After the crowd turned half a circle around the temple fair, Xiao Bingying brought Chengxi over.

Chengxi was carried off the carriage by Xiao Bingying. Traveling through the shortcuts of small alleys, they found Zhao Jiayu and the others.

Chengxi exchanged greetings with everyone, and everyone returned the courtesy. Chengxi was wrapped tightly by Xiao Bingying; the great cloak on her body was also newly obtained by Xiao Bingying at the end of the year. She could not bear to wear it herself and gave it to Chengxi.

The crowd was at the temple fair, surging along with the flow of people, watching the street parades and variety shows, and tasting the snacks hawked along the streets. It wasn’t until Zhao Jiayu ate so much she hiccuped that she fixed herself in place.

She looked back at Qu Yu. Qu Yu had a face full of spoiling indulgence and asked, “Can you still eat?” Qu Yu could not eat anymore; the snacks at this temple fair had almost been eaten entirely by Zhao Jiayu.

“I can eat.” Zhao Jiayu curved her brows, smiling as she replied.

Zhao Jiayu knew what Qu Yu was asking her. In a moment, they were going to Houxiang Tower; Qu Yu had reserved a private room long ago.

“I see the time is also about right; why don’t we go over right now?” Qu Ting interjected at the appropriate time. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the liveliness, it was just that they had walked for this long; those who practiced martial arts naturally didn’t feel tired, but among them were those who didn’t know martial arts.

Hearing this, everyone expressed agreement. Afterward, they each boarded their carriages and went to Houxiang Tower.

The guests inside Houxiang Tower today were truly numerous, but the private room reserved by the Qu Marquis Residence was one that no one dared to forcibly occupy. The crowd entered the room. When Qu Yu went to order people to serve the dishes, he also invited some opera singers; he knew Zhao Jiayu would like it.

The people in the private room listened to the little tune and tasted the new dishes produced by Houxiang Tower. Zhao Jiayu had no mood to eat, but she still had to drink wine.

As soon as the little tune outside stopped, Zhao Jiayu looked at Chengxi, smiling with a face full of ingratiation. “Chengxi, it has been a long time since I heard you play the Pipa…”

Zhao Jiayu’s words were only half spoken. Seeing that Chengxi’s complexion was not bad today, she wanted to let her play another tune. If it was possible, if she could open her voice, that would be even better.

Hearing this, the corners of Chengxi’s lips hooked slightly. She had no intention of refusing and said, “Good, then I shall show my ugliness⁹ and play a tune.”

Chengxi stood up and walked toward the performing courtesan at the side. Just as she sat down, Zhao Jiayu shouted, “Wait.”

Hearing this, everyone looked at Zhao Jiayu in confusion. But Zhao Jiayu’s gaze at this moment fell upon Lin Xizhao’s body.

“Xizhao, I recall you know how to play the qin. Why don’t you and Chengxi play a tune in ensemble?” Two peerless beauties playing qin for her—just thinking about it, she was somewhat excited.

Hearing this, Lin Xizhao was rather helpless, but still did not refuse. It was rare for everyone to gather together in one hall today, and with Chengxi keeping company, she was naturally willing.

Lin Xizhao stood up and walked toward Chengxi. The two spoke a few sentences in low voices. After Chengxi nodded with a smile, Lin Xizhao walked to the side of the yaoqin¹⁰ and sat down.

Chengxi started the sound first. After a few short, rapid tones, Lin Xizhao played the yaoqin to harmonize and join in. Like a deep valley’s emptiness, and also like flowing water slowly flowing into the ears. As the two played, the corners of their lips were dyed with smiling intent. After glancing at each other, they separately looked toward the people at the banquet table.

Lin Xizhao’s gaze subconsciously sought Qu Sheng, while Chengxi looked toward Xiao Bingying.

Qu Sheng at this time—her gaze was full of liking for Lin Xizhao. The entangled kiss of last night seemed as if it happened just a moment ago; between Qu Sheng’s lips and teeth, the clear, sweet taste hooked out from Lin Xizhao was born again.

Stared at by Qu Sheng’s scorching gaze, Lin Xizhao lowered her eyes subconsciously to dodge, looking at her own fingertips.

In the moment Lin Xizhao raised her eyes, Zhao Jiayu followed her gaze and looked toward Qu Sheng. The trace of a guilty conscience revealed on Lin Xizhao’s face, and that kind of look in Qu Sheng’s eyes watching Lin Xizhao, made her unconsciously associate it with the time Qu Yu looked at her.

Zhao Jiayu’s gaze searched back and forth between these two people. Before she could figure out a little something, her peripheral vision glimpsed Chengxi and Xiao Bingying looking at each other with shallow smiles.

“Cough.” Zhao Jiayu gave a light cough, causing the smiling intent on Xiao Bingying’s face to be swiftly retracted as she looked toward her.

But Qu Sheng seemed not to have heard, her gaze constantly looking at Lin Xizhao.

Zhao Jiayu raised her chin slightly, signaling Xiao Bingying to look at Qu Sheng. Xiao Bingying caught the meaning and looked over. Seeing the infatuated gaze within Qu Sheng’s eyes, her gaze restrained slightly for an instant as she thought of herself, then looked toward Chengxi.

Seeing her look over, the corners of Chengxi’s lips hooked up. Within her brows and eyes, there was a trace of a thousand charms and hundred bewitchments that she never tired of seeing.

“Official Lord, you cannot go in!” The waiter’s voice suddenly rang out outside, causing the movements in Lin Xizhao and Chengxi’s hands to stop simultaneously.

The sound of the Pipa and the yaoqin also came to an abrupt end.

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The author has something to say:

Zhao Jiayu: “I see something isn’t right with you two.”

Lin Xizhao: “……”

Xiao Bingying: “It should be sisterly loyalty and affection.”

Zhao Jiayu: “I see something isn’t right with you two either.”

Xiao Bingying: “……”

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