cold clothes

As the sun sets in the west, it gradually spreads across the horizon like molten gold, the world closes its eyes, and lights are lit on earth.

Leng Yi waited in the attic until it got dark. The palace maids lit the lanterns along the path. In the bright candlelight, the beautiful shapes of the lanterns and the words and patterns painted on their surfaces became clear.

The sight of lights forming a river that flows through the Imperial Garden was truly magnificent, and Leng Yi couldn't help but be somewhat mesmerized by it.

The banquet seemed to have ended, and voices gradually drifted in from the direction of Yanfu Palace. Leng Yi was utterly bewildered, wondering if Zhao Yin had really told Wang Yuqing her location. What should she do if Wang Yuqing didn't come? And... would she even have a chance to see Zhao Yin today?

Damn it. Leng Yi smacked her head in frustration. Every time she thought of Zhao Yin, her mind went blank. It was so annoying.

"Ningbi!" A familiar voice suddenly called out. Lengyi turned around and looked out the window, where she saw Wang Yuqing standing not far away, looking at her with delight.

Leng Yi immediately broke into a smile. Yu Qing had indeed come, but the smile slowly faded the next second, indicating that Zhao Yin truly had no intention of seeing her again.

What exactly does Zhao Yin mean? He didn't say a word after meeting her; does he no longer care about the undercover mission? Has she lost her value? Is she finally free?

Damn it—damn it!

"Ningbi, are you worried?" Wang Yuqing's voice brought Lengyi back to her senses.

"what?"

Wang Yuqing looked at Leng Yi with a worried expression: "You don't look well. Are you nervous? It's okay, I'll be here for you." As she spoke, Wang Yuqing smiled kindly.

"Ah, um." Leng Yi blinked nervously, managing a weak smile. "Thank you."

Wang Yuqing took Leng Yi's hand and pulled her up: "Then let's go see the Empress now. Don't worry, there will be many people around the Empress, she won't do anything to you."

With so many people surrounding her, wouldn't a lot of people gossip about her... Leng Yi thought pessimistically.

Wang Yuqing, carrying Leng Yi, walked through the winding path back to the garden in front of Yanfu Palace, the brightest and most crowded place. Lights, flowers, and young men and women in splendid attire created a vibrant and dazzling scene.

In the central pavilion, the beautiful princesses surrounded Empress Wang, who was dressed in a bright yellow robe, like stars around the moon. Empress Wang chatted and laughed with the princesses, when suddenly she caught sight of Wang Yuqing walking towards her from a distance.

Yuqing has arrived, and the woman beside her is… Empress Wang’s gaze shifted to the woman beside Wang Yuqing. Her attire was very understated, and her gait revealed a degree of caution.

"Oh, so it's Yuqing who's back. No wonder Mother was looking that way," a princess said with a smile.

As soon as these words were spoken, many people looked at Wang Yuqing, and a princess even waved to her.

Leng Yi saw this dazzling group of people from afar and couldn't help but lower her head as she walked, so as not to offend the Empress and Princess's dignity.

Wang Yuqing gripped Leng Yi's hand tightly with one hand, and only released it when she reached the Empress. She then bowed to the Empress and said, "Yuqing greets Your Majesty the Empress and all the princesses."

Following Wang Yuqing, Leng Yi also bowed to the Empress: "Ningbi greets Your Majesty the Empress and all the princesses."

"No gift."

"Thank you, Queen."

"Thank you, Queen."

The two spoke one after the other, and after bowing, Leng Yi still didn't dare to raise her head.

Wang Yuqing said to the Empress, "Aunt Empress, I have brought Ningbi Yuqing whom you wished to see."

Upon hearing this, the princesses all looked on with curiosity, wondering who Ningbi was that their mother had specifically requested to see her.