Cold-faced Empress

Fu Siying lowered her eyes, quietly watching Mo Canglan tie a red string around her wrist. Mo Canglan's cool fingertips would occasionally touch her, and suddenly, another scene flashed before her eyes.

That was the scene of another man tying a red string around her neck. He didn't have Mo Canglan's icy fingertips; his fingers were always warm, as if he were always holding his true feelings in his hands, letting her see them clearly.

If what she sees and feels with her own eyes is not the truth, then what can she believe?

After tying the red string, Mo Canglan gave a soft "hmm" to remind Fu Siying. However, when he looked up and saw no trace of shyness or reserve in her, but only calm indifference, Mo Canglan frowned slightly, and his pleasant and relaxed gaze immediately turned into scrutiny.

She treated the act of tying red ribbons together—something so intimate and affectionate—with such indifference and perfunctoriness, clearly not taking it seriously at all. How ridiculous that he was even somewhat earnest?

She flicked her finger and slapped Fu Siying's hand away: "Alright."

Fu Siying withdrew her hand, her mind sluggish. She only whispered, "Thank you, Your Highness," before turning around and sitting down with her family at the next table.

The person who tied the red thread with her before has become her mortal enemy. Now, what will Mo Canglan, who is tied the red thread with her now, be like with her in ten years?

Fu Siying asked her mother in a low voice, "Didn't Father go to great lengths to help He Changyi get an official position? Has there been any result?"

"It went relatively smoothly. Fortunately, with the approval of Young Master Zhiyu, He Changyi's reputation in the capital was gradually restored. It's quite good that your father arranged for him to work as a clerk in the government office."

Upon hearing that He Changyi's reputation had been restored because of Bai Qingyu's approval and that he would be appointed as the chief clerk of the prefectural government, Fu Siying pursed her lips, her suppressed emotions filled with resentment and anger.

"Could we ask Father to choose another official position for him?" The registrar of the prefectural government can make connections; isn't this a great opportunity for He Changyi?

"Why choose another official position?" Li asked, puzzled. "You know your father has always been unwilling to use his position for personal gain. Choosing this vacant position was a well-thought-out decision."

Upon hearing this, Fu Siying rubbed her fingers together and said nothing more.

To her father, Prime Minister Fu, the position of registrar in the prefectural government was merely a minor post. While not an important one, it wasn't an insignificant or unimportant one either. Since He Changyi was talented, recommending him for this position was the most suitable option. Although for He Changyi, this official post was nothing short of a windfall.

I wonder what the Prefect will think when he learns that He Changyi, whom he recently punished with caning, will soon become his chief clerk.

As the sun begins to set, the various lanterns hanging along the Xiangzhi River gradually come to life, like stars adorning the long river, bringing the night sky to the human world.

Yunzhi and Rongchen went to complete the task that Fu Siying had set for them: each of them had to guess at least thirty riddles correctly.

Fu Siying had no interest in joining in the lively chatter filled with romantic thoughts, so she simply sat there and chatted idly with the people around her.

She asked Luo Qiansu in confusion, "Why don't you go and have some fun?"

Luo Qiansu, who had been chatting with her, smiled shyly and said, "I think it's nice to talk to you, Siying."

Not knowing why Luo Qiansu would think that way, Fu Siying smiled and shook her head, not saying anything more.

Suddenly, a piercing sound came from the next seat.

"Ninth Brother, why are you just sitting there? Why don't you go have some fun? There are so many beautiful women around. If you just stand there, there will be plenty of women flocking to you!" The speaker laughed loudly at Mo Canglan. "Ninth Brother is quite the ladies' man. I'm so envious!"