He rose slowly, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Qiming. “Second Brother, there is no need to rush to conclusions before the matter is fully investigated.”
His tone remained calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.
Xiao Qiming faltered. “Imperial Brother, I—”
“Ling Feng,” Xiao Chenyuan no longer looked at him. “Take this woman away and hand her over to the Inner Court Department for questioning.”
He paused, then added, “As for Eldest Miss Su…”
He looked toward Su Yaoyao.
Su Yaoyao lowered her head at the opportune moment. The faint trace of powder on her sleeve was particularly conspicuous under the palace lanterns.
“She was frightened through no fault of her own, and nearly fell victim to a false accusation,” Xiao Chenyuan said, his tone indifferent.
Was this… him helping her out of a predicament?
Xiao Qiming’s expression darkened. “Imperial Brother! You’re…”
“Second Brother.”
Xiao Chenyuan lifted his eyes to look at him, his gaze unfathomably deep.
Those two lightly spoken words caused Xiao Qiming to swallow back everything he was about to say.
Su Yaoyao was inwardly surprised, then secretly smiled.
This Crown Prince was… more interesting than she had imagined.
“Thank you for Your Highness’s consideration,” she said, curtsying.
As she moved, the already precarious Buyao hairpin in her hair swayed slightly and came loose, falling with a soft ding and rolling across the floor.
It happened to stop right beside Xiao Chenyuan’s feet.
Su Yaoyao let out a soft “ah” and was about to bend down to pick it up—
A hand with distinct knuckles reached it before she could.
Xiao Chenyuan looked down at the Buyao in his hand.
He stood up and walked over to Su Yaoyao.
The entire hall fell silent, everyone wide-eyed.
The Crown Prince… personally picking up a woman’s accessory?!
Xiao Chenyuan handed the Buyao back to her. “Returning it to its owner.”
His voice was still cool and detached, but the act itself was shocking enough.
Su Yaoyao looked up at him, a perfectly measured mix of fluster and gratitude flashing in her eyes. “Th-thank you, Your Highness…”
She reached out to take it, her fingertips inadvertently brushing lightly against his palm.
A very light touch, like a feather’s caress.
Xiao Chenyuan’s fingers curled almost imperceptibly.
Su Yaoyao took the Buyao. As she lowered her head, the corner of her lips curved upward slightly.
Good.
A reaction was a good thing.
Watching this scene, Xiao Qiming felt an inexplicable surge of irritation.
That Su Yaoyao who always followed behind him, whom he disdained… since when could she make Imperial Brother personally pick something up for her?
And that look she gave Imperial Brother just now when she looked up…
He suddenly found that look unbearably glaring.
“Putting on an act,” he snorted coldly, pulling Su Yun’er as he turned back to his seat.
Su Yun’er stumbled from his pull, turning back to glare fiercely at Su Yaoyao.
The Empress took everything in but ultimately said nothing.
The banquet continued, but the atmosphere had grown delicate.
Su Yaoyao sat quietly in her seat. Many noble young ladies stole glances at her, their eyes now holding more appraisal and curiosity.
Xiao Qiming stared at her for a while, the irritation in his heart growing stronger.
Especially when he saw the red marks left by his earlier grip on her fair wrist, he felt an inexplicable pang of guilt.
He picked up his wine cup and took a large gulp, only to hear several young masters nearby whispering:
“Eldest Miss Su was truly stunning tonight…”
“More than stunning, that figure… tsk.”
“A pity, the Second Prince seems…”
“Shh, keep your voice down…”
Xiao Qiming’s face turned ashen as he slammed his cup down heavily.
Seeing this, Su Yun’er quickly poured him more wine and said softly, “Your Highness, don’t be angry. Sister… she probably just wanted to get your attention.”
“To attract attention?” Xiao Qiming sneered. “Does she think I’ll spare her another glance this way? Dream on!”
Despite his words, his eyes involuntarily drifted toward Su Yaoyao once more.
Su Yun’er trembled with rage, her fingertips shaking, her silver teeth nearly grinding to dust.
How could this be?! That powder was clearly sprinkled toward her!
How could she have no reaction at all?!
That good-for-nothing… when did she become so cunning?!
And the Crown Prince… why would he help Su Yaoyao?!
As she seethed with hatred, her maid quietly approached and whispered:
“Miss, the dancer’s family has been taken care of. She won’t dare speak out of turn. But… but the Imperial Household Department…”
Su Yun’er took a deep breath. “Let Mother handle it. No matter what, it must not be traced back to us!”
She stared at Su Yaoyao sitting diagonally across, a venomous glint flashing in her eyes.
If one scheme fails, try another.
She refused to believe Su Yaoyao could be this lucky every time!
Little did Su Yun’er know, when Su Yaoyao had swept her wide sleeve earlier, appearing flustered and panicked,
she had actually employed a self-defense technique learned in her past life—already diverting most of the powder away.
The small amount remaining on her sleeve, due to the special fabric, had not immediately penetrated her skin.
But now, Su Yaoyao felt a faint warmth emanating from her sleeve.
Her heart tightened.
This fragrance… was its potency so fierce? Merely clinging to the fabric could cause such a reaction?
Su Yaoyao stood up, intending to get some fresh air in the imperial garden.
Su Yun’er approached, holding a wine cup. “Sister, you were frightened earlier. I couldn’t help, and I feel terribly guilty. I’ve come specially to apologize…”
Before she finished speaking, she “slipped,” and the half-cup of remaining wine in her hand splashed directly onto Su Yaoyao’s chest!
A sharp glint flashed in Su Yaoyao’s eyes.
This time, she did not dodge.
“Splash—”
The cold wine drenched the front of her dress entirely.
Under the moonlight, her soaked gown clung tightly to her body, outlining breathtaking curves.
Where the wine stained, the fabric turned semi-transparent, faintly revealing the fair, luminous skin beneath.
Su Yun’er gasped in feigned shock, quickly pulling out a handkerchief. “Oh! Sister, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to… I—I’ll help you wipe it…”
She reached out to wipe Su Yaoyao’s chest.
Su Yaoyao took a step back, avoiding her hand.
Watching this, Su Yun’er’s eyes gleamed with triumph.
Su Yaoyao, let’s see how you handle this now!
Stay at the banquet with wet clothes? That would be a grave disrespect!
Not change? If anyone sees you like this, your reputation will be ruined!
And as for the changing room… she had already arranged a “good show” waiting there.
Su Yaoyao looked down at her disheveled dress, then raised her eyes to Su Yun’er’s hypocritical, concerned expression.
Suddenly, she smiled.
Her smile was bright, but her eyes were icy cold.
“Little sister,”
she spoke softly, her voice exceptionally clear in the night breeze:
“This cup of wine… you aimed it quite accurately.”