Chapter 9

Luo Qinghan gently caressed the amulet, and the image of Xiao Xixi's radiant smile appeared in his mind.

He placed the amulet into the pouch he carried with him.

"What did Xiao Liangdi do today?"

Chang Gonggong answered truthfully, "She moved back to the Qingge Hall this morning and has stayed there ever since, without coming out. By the way, in the afternoon, Bai Cefei sent an invitation to Xiao Liangdi, inviting her to attend a tea party tomorrow afternoon."

Luo Qinghan showed a thoughtful expression.

Chang Gonggong thought the Crown Prince would spend the night at Qingge Hall tonight.

However, Luo Qinghan said nothing and went to the study.

The next afternoon, Xiao Xixi went to Cuiming轩 with Baoqin.

On the way, Baoqin nagged like an old mother sending her silly daughter to school.

"When you meet Bai Cefei, be sure to be polite. Don't say anything you shouldn't. If she says something that makes you unhappy, just smile and don't respond. Pretend to be silly and get through it. After all, Bai Cefei is a Cefei, her rank is higher than yours, and her father is the Crown Prince's tutor. The Crown Prince is quite courteous to her. Even if you don't try to please her, try not to offend her."

Xiao Xixi yawned, "I know."

They were now in front of Cuiming轩.

Baoqin specially helped Xiao Xixi tidy up her skirt and hair, making sure she looked flawless, then gave an OK sign.

This gesture was something Xiao Xixi had done to Baoqin before, and Baoqin found it interesting, so she learned it.

There were already many people sitting inside Cuiming轩.

Not only Bai Cefei, but also Li Cefei, Xu Liangdi, Chen Liangyuan, and Zhao Meiren were there.

Almost all the concubines of the Eastern Palace's rear courtyard were present.

They knelt on soft cushions in order of rank, with various fruits and tea snacks on the low tables in front of them.

Xiao Xixi and Baoqin approached and knelt to pay their respects.

Bai Cefei, born into a family of scholars, was graceful and elegant, but unfortunately, she was often ill, which gave her a delicate and frail appearance.

This frail and helpless appearance easily aroused the protective instincts of male animals.

She smiled at Xiao Xixi.

"Sit down, sister."

Xiao Xixi walked to the empty seat beside her and sat down, immediately drawn to the fruits and tea snacks in front of her.

These things all looked so delicious.

Gulp~

She quietly swallowed.

Bai Cefei, seeing her staring at the snacks, smiled and said, "These are the snacks I prepared for all the sisters. Try them and see if they are good."

Xiao Xixi immediately picked up a piece of pastry and put it in her mouth.

She sincerely praised, "Delicious!"

Baoqin, who was serving beside her, sighed.

Is there anything you think is not delicious?

The others also praised the snacks, and the conversation then shifted to other topics.

As the only woman here who could speak on equal terms with Bai Cefei, Li Cefei spoke with less restraint and a more natural demeanor.

"Did I hear that Bai sister was ill again yesterday? Did the Crown Prince visit you?"

The others paused at her words.

Bai Cefei, seemingly not hearing the mocking tone, still smiled sweetly, "I was just a little unwell. I felt better after a good sleep. Why would the Crown Prince need to come personally?"

Chen Liangyuan, who was close to Bai Cefei, immediately responded.

"That's right. The Crown Prince is very busy, handling myriad affairs. He can't always come to the rear courtyard. Not just Bai sister, we sisters haven't seen the Crown Prince for a long time."

Her words were clearly meant to help Bai Cefei save face.