He rose slowly, eyes sweeping over Xiao Qiming.
“Second brother, the matter has not yet been fully investigated. There is no need to rush to judgment.”
His tone remained calm, yet carried an unquestionable authority.
Xiao Qiming froze. “Your Highness… I—”
“Ling Feng,” Xiao Chenyuan said, no longer looking at him, “escort this woman away to the Imperial Court Office for questioning.”
He paused, then added, “As for Miss Su…”
His gaze shifted toward Su Yaoyao.
She lowered her head at the perfect moment, the powder on her sleeve catching the lantern light.
This… is he… protecting me?
Xiao Qiming’s face darkened. “Your Highness! You’re—”
“Second brother.”
Xiao Chenyuan’s deep, unyielding gaze silenced all words.
Su Yaoyao’s heart skipped a beat, a sly smile forming inwardly.
So the Crown Prince… was far more interesting than she had imagined.
“Thank you, Your Highness,” she said, kneeling in respect.
In that motion, the delicate hairpin in her hair—already precariously balanced—tipped and fell with a soft ding, rolling to Xiao Chenyuan’s feet.
Su Yaoyao gasped, about to bend down—but a slender, strong hand reached it first.
He looked down at the hairpin in his hand, then walked to her.
The hall was silent; every eye widened in astonishment.
The Crown Prince… personally picking up a lady’s jewelry?!
He returned it with a calm, cold voice: “Back to its owner.”
Though his tone was indifferent, the gesture itself was breathtakingly bold.
Su Yaoyao looked up at him, eyes flickering with just the right mixture of fluster and gratitude. “Th-thank you, Your Highness…”
As she reached out, her fingertips brushed his palm lightly—so soft, like a feather grazing the skin.
Xiao Chenyuan’s fingers curled almost imperceptibly.
Su Yaoyao took the hairpin, bowing slightly, lips curving into a subtle smile.
Good.
A reaction. That was enough.
Xiao Qiming watched the scene, a surge of inexplicable irritation rising.
That girl—always trailing behind, always looked down upon—had now made the Crown Prince personally retrieve something for her.
And the way she had looked at him… that glance burned like fire.
“Putting on airs,” he snorted, dragging Su Yun’er back to their seat.
Yun’er stumbled, glancing back at Su Yaoyao with a sharp glare.
The Empress observed quietly, saying nothing.
The banquet continued, but the atmosphere had already shifted subtly.
Su Yaoyao sat quietly, many noblewomen stealing glances, curiosity and subtle calculation in their eyes.
Xiao Qiming stared, irritation mounting, especially when he noticed the pale wrist, the faint red mark he had left earlier. A flush of unease hit him.
He downed a cup of wine, hearing nearby young men whisper:
“Miss Su truly dazzled tonight…”
“Not just dazzled—the posture, the figure…”
“Too bad, the Second Prince seems…”
“Shh, keep it down…”
Xiao Qiming’s face darkened, slamming down his cup.
Su Yun’er quickly poured more wine, coaxing softly: “Prince, don’t be angry. Perhaps sister only wanted to catch your attention.”
“Catch my attention?” he sneered, “She thinks that would make me notice her more? Dream on!”
Yet his eyes betrayed him, flicking once again toward Su Yaoyao.
Su Yun’er’s hands trembled, teeth nearly grinding to bits.
Impossible! The powder was clearly aimed at her—how could Su Yaoyao remain unaffected?
And the Crown Prince… why would he help her?!
As her rage boiled, a maid whispered:
“Miss, the dancer’s family has been settled. She won’t speak out. But… the Imperial Court Office…”
Su Yun’er drew a deep breath. “Leave it to Mother. In any case, it mustn’t involve us!”
Her gaze cut to Su Yaoyao across the hall, eyes glinting with malice.
One plan failed… try another.
She had no intention of believing Su Yaoyao would always have such luck.
What Yun’er didn’t know was that Su Yaoyao, earlier, had brushed her sleeves wide. What seemed like panic was actually a defensive maneuver she had learned in her past life—most of the powder had been deflected.
The small amount left on her sleeve, thanks to the special fabric, had not yet seeped into her skin.
But now, a faint warmth emanated from her sleeve.
Her heart skipped.
The fragrance… the potency of this powder was so overwhelming? Just on the fabric, it already caused a reaction?
Su Yaoyao rose, intending to take a walk in the imperial garden.
Su Yun’er approached, holding a cup of wine: “Sister, you were startled earlier. I couldn’t help… I feel guilty and wish to apologize…”
Before finishing, she “slipped,” spilling half the cup directly onto Su Yaoyao’s chest.
Su Yaoyao’s eyes narrowed.
This time, she didn’t dodge.
Splash—
The icy liquid drenched her gown.
Under the moonlight, the wet fabric clung to her body, outlining breathtaking curves.
Where the wine spread, the cloth became semi-transparent, faintly revealing the fair skin beneath.
Yun’er gasped, frantically pulling out a handkerchief. “Sister! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it… I’ll help you wipe it…”
She reached toward Su Yaoyao’s chest.
Su Yaoyao stepped back, avoiding her touch.
Yun’er’s eyes flashed with triumph.
Su Yaoyao, let’s see what you do now!
Standing soaked at the banquet? A grave breach of decorum.
Not changing? With this appearance, anyone who saw her would ruin her reputation.
And the dressing room… a “show” had already been arranged.
Su Yaoyao looked down at her disheveled gown, then at Yun’er’s fake concern.
Suddenly, she smiled.
Bright and beautiful, yet icy beneath the eyes.
“Sister,” she said softly, her voice cutting through the night breeze:
“This cup of wine… you aimed it remarkably well.”