After reporting today's events to His Highness, Lin Qingqing was waved by Lin Jiangnian to go down and rest first.
Lin Qingqing had been busy and exhausted during this period. She looked quite thinner. Things were almost done, so there was no need to do anything more.
Just wait!
Waiting for an opportunity.
As for the specific opportunity, Lin Jiangnian didn't say much, and Lin Qingqing didn't ask much.
When His Highness was in trouble, she had sent a letter to the Prince of Linzhou by carrier pigeon. However, the content of the prince's reply surprised Lin Qingqing.
The prince told her in the letter that the matter would be left to His Highness to handle, and she should just obey.
This surprised Lin Qingqing and she was a little shocked. But then she quickly realized that this was the prince's trust in His Highness.
Since leaving Linjiang City, the prince has been extremely confident in His Highness, and His Highness's performance along the way did not disappoint the prince.
As for her, she just needs to obey and protect His Highness's safety.
By the time Lin Qingqing left, it was already getting dark. Lin Jiangnian looked out at the courtyard, and all around him was quiet.
This house is located in a remote area. Although there are soldiers and officers everywhere in Xunyang City, it is not easy to find this place.
Given Lin Jiangnian's understanding of the governor, he probably wouldn't let it go. Lin Qingqing went to see him today, firstly to test him, and secondly to find out the governor's true intentions.
If nothing unexpected happens, Wang Shiquan will most likely be unable to sit still and will definitely take action next.
As for what he would do, Lin Jiangnian was not clear yet.
He is still waiting for an opportunity.
To be precise, I'm waiting for someone!
"It should be here soon."
Lin Jiangnian muttered to himself and looked into the distance.
We've been stuck in Xunyang County for quite some time now, and it's almost time to leave. Winter will soon be setting in. If we don't reach the capital before winter arrives, the journey north will likely become even more difficult.
…
As night fell, Lin Jiangnian returned to his room after dinner and a shower.
When I opened the door, the room was dark and empty.
Lin Jiangnian, who had just stepped into the room, stepped out again.
"Where's Xiaozhu?"
Lin Jiangnian turned his head and looked at a maid at the door.
On this trip to the capital, there was naturally more than one maidservant responsible for taking care of Lin Jiangnian. In addition to Xiaozhu, there were also several maids from the Lin Palace. However, Xiaozhu usually took care of Lin Jiangnian's daily life most of the time, so the other maids' presence was not very strong.
Lin Jiangnian clearly remembered that he had specifically told Xiaozhu during the day to wait for him in the room obediently tonight.
Now, where are the people?
The room was empty, with no sign of Xiaozhu.
Where did that little maid secretly run off to?
Not listening anymore?
Lin Jiangnian then remembered something. It seemed that he had not seen the little maid tonight!
The maid under the eaves bowed her head and said respectfully, "This servant does not know."
"Not sure?"
Lin Jiangnian frowned: "You haven't seen her?"
"I saw Sister Xiaozhu this afternoon, but not in the evening. I don't know where she went."
Hearing this, Lin Jiangnian frowned even deeper.
"Go find her and call her over."
Lin Jiangnian waved his hand.
The two maids under the eaves nodded quickly and went to look for someone.
Lin Jiangnian stood in the corridor, frowning. Where could this little maid go for no reason?
There won’t be any accidents, right?
As soon as this thought came to mind, he quickly shook his head.
Although Xunyang City is in chaos now, there are countless masters hiding and protecting inside and outside this private residence, not to mention the existence of masters of Zhiyuan's level. It is almost impossible for outsiders to sneak in quietly.
Where can Xiaozhu run to?
Just as Lin Jiangnian was wondering and walked out of the yard, he bumped into Lin Qingqing who was about to return to her room.
"Qingqing?"
Lin Qingqing stopped and turned back: "Your Highness?"
"Why are you here?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her and asked, "Why didn't you go to rest?"
"I just went to find Sister Zhiyuan..."
Lin Qingqing glanced at His Highness and hesitated. "Your Highness, I just saw several of your maids hurriedly passing by in the courtyard. Were they...looking for something?"
"I'm going to find Xiaozhu."
Lin Jiangnian nodded: "The maid is gone."
"Xiaozhu?"
Lin Qingqing was startled, then her eyes became a little strange and complicated: "Xiaozhu, it seems to be at Sister Zhiyuan's place."
"Kite?"
Lin Jiangnian suddenly stopped and turned around: "Is Xiaozhu with Zhiyuan?"
"yes!"
Lin Qingqing nodded subconsciously.
"What are you doing at the Kite?"
"No, I'm not sure..."
Lin Qingqing shook her head. She had just met Xiaozhu when she went to report some things to Sister Zhiyuan. She was quite puzzled as to why Xiaozhu was at Sister Zhiyuan's place.
She didn't know the specific reason. Just as she was about to speak again, she saw Lin Jiangnian turned around and walked towards Sister Zhiyuan's room.
Lin Qingqing stood there, staring at His Highness's departing figure, stunned for a moment before realizing something belatedly...
It can’t be…
Lin Qingqing's expression froze. Recalling the scene she saw in the afternoon, a trace of worry quickly arose in her heart.
Not surprisingly, there's probably a special relationship between His Highness and Sister Zhiyuan...
But...what about Xiaozhu?
Lin Qingqing's eyes were complicated. She was the one who knew the relationship between His Highness and Xiao Zhu best.
Xiao Zhu is not only His Highness’ personal maid, but also His Highness’…bed-warming maid.
On the way to the capital, she saw how much His Highness doted on Xiao Zhu. The two of them were inseparable and extremely close. Not to mention, she had been the one who handled the scene of His Highness's night with Xiao Zhu.
It can be said that she witnessed everything with her own eyes.
So...
Lin Qingqing's eyelids twitched suddenly.
Sister Zhiyuan, are you going to cause trouble for Xiaozhu?
Although Sister Zhiyuan's personality doesn't suggest she would be that kind of person, but...
Who can say for sure?
Thinking of this, Lin Qingqing couldn't help but become more worried.
Won't……
Someone got killed?
…
Side yard, inside the room.
There was an oil lamp on the table, and the dim light illuminated the room, which was cold and quiet.
At the table.
Xiao Zhuban sat upright on the stool and rubbed his arms subconsciously.
It's a bit cold!
Not the kind of cold that comes from a cold wind.
Instead, there was an inexplicable chill that filled the room, enveloping her, as if it was a coldness coming from the depths of her soul.
It’s a feeling that I can’t describe.
The little maid had a confused look on her face, feeling uneasy and nervous, and raised her eyes quietly.
In front of him, Zhiyuan, dressed in white, was also sitting quietly at the table, holding a book and looking down.
The dim light shone on her peaceful face, adding a touch of stunning beauty.
Very beautiful!
It was so beautiful that Xiao Zhu was a little envious.
But for some reason, she felt very uneasy now.
Just in the evening, Sister Zhiyuan suddenly called her over. Xiaozhu originally thought that Sister Zhiyuan had something important to tell her, but she didn't expect that Sister Zhiyuan just asked her to stay here and not go anywhere.
Xiao Zhu felt baffled, but didn't dare to refuse. He could only sit there obediently, motionless.
Such a well-behaved action is just like the well-behaved and upright look when meeting the teacher, which makes people laugh.
But as the sky gradually darkened, Xiao Zhu began to feel anxious.
She hadn't forgotten His Highness's instructions today. His Highness had told her to go early today and warm His Highness's bed...
It's getting dark now, Her Highness must have almost returned to her room, but she's still here...
What if His Highness gets angry...
Thinking of this, Xiao Zhu gradually became restless. She couldn't help but secretly glance at Sister Zhiyuan a few more times and found that Sister Zhiyuan was still reading the book calmly, as if she was not in a hurry at all.
Sister Zhiyuan, what exactly do you want her to do?
Xiao Zhu didn't know why Sister Zhiyuan called her over, but Xiao Zhu was indeed very anxious at the moment.
After a few more peeks, and a few more, Xiao Zhu finally couldn't help it. He took a deep breath and spoke softly and carefully: "Sister Zhiyuan, sister?"
Zhiyuan, who was reading a book, didn't even raise his head: "Hmm?"
"It's getting late. Can I go back now?"
Xiao Zhu asked cautiously.
Zhiyuan paused and looked up at her.
For some reason, this glance made Xiao Zhu's delicate body tremble slightly.
A little scared.
The look in Sister Zhiyuan's eyes... made her feel an indescribable sense of guilt.
As if your purpose has been seen through?
Zhiyuan stared at her little face for a few seconds before speaking calmly, "Are you sleepy?"
"No, I'm not sleepy..."
Xiao Zhu shook her head slightly. She wasn't sleepy yet, but...
His Highness is waiting for her.
After hearing this, Zhiyuan said calmly: "Since you are not sleepy, then stay with me for a while."
"ah?"
Xiao Zhu was dumbfounded: "I, I..."
"how?"
Zhiyuan glanced at her again: "Don't want to?"
“No, no…”
Hearing this, Xiao Zhu's face immediately turned pale, and he quickly waved his hands: "Xiao, Xiao Zhu is of course willing to accompany Sister Zhiyuan..."
How could she not be willing to accompany Sister Zhiyuan?
If it were under normal circumstances, she would definitely have no objection.
It's just that, just now thinking about His Highness...
His Highness is still waiting for her.
But she couldn't say it.
If Sister Zhiyuan knew about this, who knows...
Xiao Zhu became increasingly uneasy, his face filled with regret and helplessness.
Zhiyuan nodded lightly: "That's good."
"It's been a long time since we last met. Please stay with me for a while."
After saying that, she continued to read with her head down.
Xiao Zhu sat there, his little face frozen.
After a while, he finally lowered his head with a sense of grievance.
Since Sister Zhiyuan said so, what else can she do?
I can only accompany Sister Zhiyuan.
As for His Highness...
Your Highness won’t be angry, right?
What if His Highness really gets angry...
Xiao Zhu lowered his head, a bit of panic appearing on his face, but finally he seemed to have made up his mind and gritted his teeth.
If His Highness gets angry, then, then she will behave well and make it up to His Highness...
I don’t know what Xiao Zhu was thinking about, but his face turned slightly red and hot.
The room is quiet.
While reading, Zhiyuan seemed to catch a glimpse of the expression on Xiaozhu's face. He frowned slightly, looked at her for a few seconds, then slowly retracted his brows and glanced out the window not far away.
It was quiet outside the window and the courtyard was silent.
There was no expression on her face. She glanced out the window for a while, then looked away and lowered her head to continue reading.
…
After an unknown amount of time, there was a noise in the yard outside the room, and the footsteps gradually approached the doorway under the eaves of the corridor.
Hearing the footsteps, Xiao Zhu, who was sitting at the table, sat up straight. But after a while, there was still no knock on the door.
Then, the door in the room was suddenly opened. A gust of cold wind rushed in, and the chill instantly filled the room. Xiao Zhu only felt the cold wind from behind her, and she shuddered and subconsciously turned around.
The next second, her pupils suddenly widened, and she exclaimed in panic, "Your Highness?! Why are you here?"
Outside the door, Lin Jiangnian appeared at the door and slowly walked into the room.
His gaze shifted from Zhiyuan, who was reading a book, to Xiaozhu. Seeing Xiaozhu's upright posture, he quickly realized something.
"My maid is missing, shouldn't you come and look for her?"
Lin Jiangnian raised the corners of his mouth slightly.
Hearing this, Xiao Zhu's face immediately showed some anxiety and shame. She subconsciously glanced at Sister Zhiyuan, and then quickly lowered her head, "Yes, I'm sorry..."
"Slave, I came to see Sister Zhiyuan today, but I accidentally forgot the time..."
"If Your Highness is angry, punish Xiaozhu."
Xiao Zhu lowered his head, his face full of guilt.
Hearing this, Zhiyuan, who was reading a book at the table, glanced at her inadvertently.
When Lin Jiangnian heard this, he couldn't help but find it a little funny.
He naturally knew Xiaozhu's character, and Xiaozhu would never do such a thing.
It was obvious that she was taking the blame for Zhiyuan.
"Don't worry, this prince will definitely punish you."
Lin Jiangnian walked slowly forward and reached out to gently pinch her face.
Xiao Zhu's face immediately turned red, and when she thought of Sister Zhiyuan in the room, she lowered her head shyly.
"You go back first."
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her and said unhappily, "I'll deal with you later."
Xiao Zhu was stunned, then subconsciously looked at the kite beside him.
"What? My words are no longer effective?"
Lin Jiangnian snorted coldly.
This little maid is actually going to act according to Zhiyuan's mood?
Seeing that His Highness seemed a little angry, Xiao Zhu hurriedly shook her head in panic, "Slave, slave dare not..."
"Slave, this slave will go back right away."
Xiao Zhu lowered his head, got up nervously and left the room.
Even after she walked out of the room, her little head was still a little confused.
What on earth is going on?
Why would His Highness come to see her?
Sister Zhiyuan, no, you won’t be angry, right?
With these thoughts in mind, the little maid left the yard uneasily.
Only Lin Jiangnian and Zhiyuan were left in the room.
Lin Jiangnian sat down directly in Xiaozhu's previous position and looked at Zhiyuan opposite him.
"Stop pretending!"
Seeing that she was still looking down at the book, Lin Jiangnian curled his lips and said, "You did it on purpose, didn't you?"
No response.
Seeing this, Lin Jiangnian reached out to grab the book from her hand.
Zhiyuan leaned back slightly to avoid Lin Jiangnian's movements and looked at him expressionlessly.
"What are you doing?"
"What book are you reading?" Lin Jiang smiled and glanced at the book in her hand.
The kite didn't move.
"Why did you deliberately call Xiaozhu here?"
Lin Jiangnian asked.
Zhiyuan's eyes were calm: "Ask her to keep me company."
"You're lying."
Lin Jiangnian stared into her eyes.
Zhiyuan remained silent, as if too lazy to explain.
However, Lin Jiangnian had no intention of letting her go.
"you……"
He suddenly narrowed his eyes, moved closer to the kite, and smiled.
"Did you hear everything today?"
“…”