The Killer's Cleansing Manual

The moment this thought came to her mind, Qi Zhaomian herself was startled. She quickly turned around and didn't want to continue the conversation.

Qi Zhaomian, do you want her to say she loves you?

The moment this thought appeared, it was strangled. Qi Zhaomian took a deep breath and made a decision: "No need. Just do as I said just now."

In fact, if they pretended to be at odds in the mansion, how could they have the chance to be alone together?

Lin Shanjuan was already cooperating very well, but her mind was confused and she didn't even know what she wanted.

Because dinner had to be served before going to the palace to accompany the emperor to present dishes, lunch became the main banquet in the princess's mansion.

Only then did Lin Shanjuan understand why Chaoxi Hall was so big. Although it usually seemed very empty when it was just the two of them dining there, now that the banquet had been set up, such a large room was surprisingly packed.

On the right sat Qi Zhaomian's staff, the ones rumored to be his "male favorites." On the left sat Lin Shanjuan and others, who were ostensibly members of the princess's faction.

Qi Zhaomian attended the event in a gorgeous attire, wearing the crown and robes of a princess. The hairpin on her head was dazzling, but not vulgar, highlighting Qi Zhaomian's nobility.

She followed Xiao'er to the main seat and sat down upright. No one dared to sit down anymore and they all stood up and knelt to pay their respects.

Among the group of people kneeling, only Lin Shanjuan sat upright, which made him look out of place. He inevitably attracted a few more glances, especially from Cen Li, who had just shown off his power, and his gazes were the most unfriendly.

Last time, not only did she say that her words were disgusting, she actually vomited on her clothes! He would never forget this humiliation!

In the past, His Highness protected you, but now you've probably fallen out of favor. How dare you act so presumptuously? You're really courting death!

The news of Lin Shanjuan being scolded in the morning had already spread throughout the mansion, so Cen Li made such an assumption.

Qi Zhaomian's gaze only lingered on Lin Shanjuan for a moment, and he didn't scold her. He just asked everyone to stand up in a flat tone.

After a burst of sporadic noises, everyone took their seats.

As the top staff member of the Princess's Mansion, Cen Li had done many good jobs, so he sat at the head of the staff row, facing Lin Shanjuan.

He shot Lin Shanjuan a glare and raised his glass, deliberately trying to steal her limelight. He was a man of letters after all, and his mouth was full of sarcastic remarks, which made the others applaud.

Qi Zhaomian put on a smile and took a sip from his glass.

Lin Shanjuan looked at these people, especially Cen Li who was gazing at Qi Zhaomian with obvious admiration, and suddenly felt a little depressed.

My financial sponsor, well, she raised more than just a canary for me.

Look, there are so many people sitting in front of me, and there is also a proud peacock spreading its tail feathers. It’s really annoying to look at.

Then, Cen Li raised his glass towards Lin Shanjuan:

"This second cup is dedicated to His Royal Highness. He has been busy with the case these past few months, sharing His Royal Highness's worries. He has truly endured a lot. Please drink this cup to the fullest!"

Upon hearing this, the others looked at Lin Shanjuan cautiously - Cen Li's move was tantamount to putting herself in the position of the host, deliberately embarrassing Lin Shanjuan.

Such a family dinner must be hosted by the prince consort and the princess, and the prince consort will thank all the staff on behalf of the princess, which is what Cen Li is doing now.

Everyone knows that he has been in love with the princess for a long time, and Her Royal Highness the Princess must also know this. But he is so presumptuous now, will they really allow him to do whatever he wants?

Qi Zhaomian glanced at Lin Shanjuan, wanting to see how she would respond.

Lin Shanjuan had no idea about these rules and didn't know she had been provoked. She just felt that she had had an unpleasant conversation with Cen Li before, and this person not only didn't care, but was also the first to toast her.

He's a pretty nice guy, but he loves to open his screen too much.

In addition to the frustration in his heart, Lin Shanjuan did not refuse Cen Li's face and drank the wine in the glass without hesitation.

Everyone stared at Lin Shanjuan in astonishment. Was he savoring the wine? Was he not angry at all?

Qi Zhaomian closed his eyes and no longer had any hope for this wine barrel.

Cen Li punched the cotton, but still didn't feel any better, so he sat down angrily.

The meal was filled with intrigue, but only Lin Shanjuan was captivated by the wine. He drank one glass after another, his fingers tapping the rhythm on the small table, as if he was very happy after drinking.

Today she was wearing a black robe with gold thread that matched perfectly with Qi Zhaomian. The interplay of black and gold accentuated the heroic spirit between Lin Shanjuan's brows. Her facial features were subtle but clearly defined, like a clear spring. Her every frown and smile made people feel calm and relaxed.

Compared with women, she should be more clear-headed and broad-minded; compared with men, she should be more warm and easy-going.

Amidst a room full of people hypocritically urging her to drink, she leaned back, propped up one leg, and pinched the wine cup with her slender, bony fingers, drinking it all in one gulp with a carefree and joyful movement.

Seeing that Qi Zhaomian's eyes seemed to be glued to Lin Shanjuan, Cen Li felt anxious and suddenly raised his glass to attack Lin Shanjuan:

"Didn't the Prince Consort return seriously injured from his visit to the General's Mansion today? It's better for him to drink less."

He pretended to be concerned, but in fact he was deliberately provoking Qi Zhaomian's memory of what happened in the morning.

This abrupt remark broke the lively atmosphere that everyone was pretending to have. Everyone fell silent and secretly observed the drama of the queen and the "concubine" competing for favor.

Lin Shanjuan's thoughts were not here at all, and he didn't hear clearly what Cen Li said. He subconsciously looked at Qi Zhaomian for help.

But Qi Zhaomian did not respond to her, but just drank a sip of tea calmly.

Oh, yes, the sponsor just said that if we have to pretend to be at odds in the mansion, then we naturally cannot exchange glances... No, exchanging glances... isn't that right either.

Hmm? What are these words?

She rubbed her forehead, and the unhappiness that she had just deliberately ignored suddenly emerged.

That's right, with so many canaries chirping, I'm afraid the sponsor would be annoyed after listening to them for a long time, so how could he have the energy to care about such a reprimand?

She withdrew her gaze, looked at Cen Li, whose eyes were slightly smug, and poured another glass.

"Mr. Cen has worked hard this year. I did something wrong. I'll do it first as a token of my respect."

Everyone stared at her in shock—such a display of weakness? Could it be that she and the princess were truly at odds, and she was about to be divorced?

Cen Li didn't expect her to admit her mistake so quickly, and her raised hand hung in the air, not knowing what to do.

Only Qi Zhaomian saw it clearly. The woman didn't know that she was wrong. She just wanted to drink, so she made up an excuse.

I'm afraid she doesn't even know what Cen Li said.

During the lunch, everyone except Lin Shanjuan had no appetite, but they all had other thoughts in their minds -

The position of the son-in-law will probably be abolished, and Cen Li is likely to take the position.

Lin Shanjuan was completely unaware of this. When he finished his meal and was about to go back to the room with Qi Zhaomian, Cen Li appeared again and stopped them. He took Qi Zhaomian away on the pretext of "having something important to report". He was not seen for the whole afternoon.