Chapter 90

The carriage drove out of the palace.

Xiao Xixi lifted the curtain of the carriage window and looked outside. They were on the Zhuque Street, which ran from east to west through the entire Shengjing City, the central main street of the city. Walking straight along this street would lead to the Mingde Gate, the exit of Shengjing City.

Zhuque Street was very quiet, with almost no pedestrians on the road. On both sides of the street were red gates and high walls, indicating that the residents here were all powerful and influential families.

The carriage traveled along Zhuque Street for a while, then turned right into a small alley. It didn't go far before stopping.

A servant went up to knock on the door.

The gatekeeper, upon learning that a noble person had come from the palace, did not dare to delay and hurriedly went to report.

Soon, Xiao Lingfeng came out with his two sons to welcome them.

Luo Qinghan helped Xiao Xixi get off the carriage.

When Xiao Lingfeng saw that the visitor was actually the Crown Prince, he was quite frightened and hurriedly knelt down to pay his respects.

"Your humble servant greets the Crown Prince. I did not know of your arrival, and thus failed to welcome you properly. Please forgive me!"

His two sons also knelt down.

Xiao Xixi looked at the familiar gate of the General's Mansion, feeling quite conflicted.

The last time she passed through this gate was last year, when she went to the palace to participate in the selection. After the selection, she was retained in the Eastern Palace.

Although this was her family home, she felt no sense of belonging here.

Luo Qinghan, seeing that she was standing still and looking at the gate of the General's Mansion, thought she was afraid. He took her hand, indicating that she shouldn't be afraid, as he was there and no one in the General's Mansion would dare to bully her.

Xiao Xixi looked down at her left hand, which was being held, and then looked up at the side face of the Crown Prince.

She wasn't actually afraid of the General's Mansion, but the feeling of being protected wasn't bad.

So she said nothing and let the Crown Prince lead her into the General's Mansion.

Xiao Lingfeng noticed their intertwined hands and felt very complicated.

Due to the sudden visit of the Crown Prince, everyone in the General's Mansion was alarmed, and Lady Xue hurriedly had someone prepare tea and snacks.

Luo Qinghan did not stay long.

He was not interested in anything in the General's Mansion. He had come only to deliver Xiao Liangdi and to give a few instructions to Xiao Lingfeng.

After hearing the Crown Prince's instructions, Xiao Lingfeng was surprised but did not dare to ask more questions. He could only nod in agreement.

"Your humble servant understands. I will certainly take good care of Xiao Liangdi."

Luo Qinghan called Xiao Liangdi to the front and instructed her.

"Stay here and rest. Tomorrow morning, change your clothes and wait near the Mingde Gate for me."

"Alright."

...

After the Crown Prince left, everyone in the General's Mansion breathed a sigh of relief.

Xiao Lingfeng called for Lady Xue and asked her to arrange accommodation for Xiao Xixi.

Lady Xue did not want to deal with this jinx, but since Xiao Xixi was personally sent by the Crown Prince and had the Crown Prince as her backing, Lady Xue did not dare to offend her. She could only suppress her fear and unease and carefully said,

"The Warm Fragrance Pavilion where Xiao Liangdi used to live is still there, but it has not been occupied for a long time and needs to be cleaned. Please rest here for a moment, and I will have it cleaned for you to move in."

Xiao Xixi nodded in agreement.

Lady Xue had someone serve her tea and snacks, then excused herself.

Not only Lady Xue, but Xiao Lingfeng also did not dare to stay with Xiao Xixi. As soon as Lady Xue left, Xiao Lingfeng found an excuse and quickly left with his two sons.

In the large hall, only Xiao Xixi was left alone.

Everyone here tried to avoid her as much as possible.

Xiao Xixi tried a few dried fruits and found them not as good as those made by Baoqin.

At this moment, a small head poked out from the door.

Xiao Xixi looked over and saw Xiao Zhilan, and she smiled, waving her over.

"Xiao Lan."