cold clothes

"Raise your head." The Empress's casual command carried an overwhelming sense of pressure.

Leng Yi obeyed the command and raised her head. Her sapphire-like eyes reflected an intoxicating light in the candlelight, which was as bright as day. At that moment, the gold and emerald decorations on everyone's heads and their gorgeous clothes paled in comparison; only her eyes were a miracle.

Everyone was amazed, and even the Empress's dignified and composed expression softened slightly. She nodded and commented, "Seeing is believing. It truly lives up to its reputation as a rare beauty that has astonished the capital."

Upon hearing this, Leng Yi immediately lowered her eyes and said humbly, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. Ningbi is deeply honored."

The Empress glanced at Leng Yi a few more times before turning her gaze to the princesses and saying, "You may all go and have some fun. I'm a little tired and plan to go back to the palace to rest."

"Mother, we will escort you back to Renming Palace," the princesses said in unison.

"Alright, alright, you can go and have fun." The Empress waved her hand in refusal.

“Then let Yuqing escort the Empress back to the palace,” Yuqing said gently, taking the Empress’s arm. “I just met the Empress and want to talk to her a little longer.”

With her niece in such a state, the Empress could not refuse under any circumstances. She agreed with a smile and a sense of helplessness, and the two set off together back to Renming Palace.

"Ningbi, come quickly." Wang Yuqing leaned against the Empress and turned to Leng Yi, mouthing the words.

Leng Yi followed silently.

Although the Empress's attitude did not reveal her true feelings, Leng Yi could tell that the Empress did not like her very much, but was only refraining from arguing with her out of politeness.

In fact, Leng Yi quite enjoys dealing with these high-ranking and powerful people. Respectable people won't openly suppress her, and she has powerful backers behind her, so she's not afraid of any underhanded tactics. The truly cunning ones are ruthless and reckless people like Hong E, who are impossible to guard against.

By the way, where is Hong'e? I haven't seen her at all.

When green tea doesn't cause trouble, it always makes people feel uneasy.

The Empress and Wang Yuqing chatted and laughed all the way. Leng Yi looked around at the surrounding buildings and felt that they were familiar. It seemed that she had been here a few years ago when she was carried to the palace. Could it be that Zhao Yin lived in Renming Hall?

Leng Yi's heart tightened.

Will I see him later?

Leng Yi also felt that she was being pathetic, why was she thinking about Zhao Yin again? Her mind would go blank whenever it came to anything related to Zhao Yin, as if her whole heart was occupied by Zhao Yin. Was she really that love-struck?

I want to curse myself for being an idiot.

"Your Majesty, look, Ningbi is a very good person." After chatting with the Empress, Wang Yuqing got down to business and began to praise Leng Yi.

Leng Yi was deeply moved by Wang Yuqing. She harbored no ill will towards Wang Yuqing, yet Wang Yuqing reciprocated with great kindness. Leng Yi inwardly cried out: "Clearly, Yuqing is the good person! I'm just a spy planted by some shady organization among you!"

The Empress paused slightly and said to Wang Yuqing earnestly, "It takes more than a day to see a person clearly, so you must not let your guard down. However, I will always stand by your side. Qun'er is not a fool, and he will also stand by your side."

Leng Yi's eyes darkened. The Empress's words were not only directed at Wang Yuqing, but also at Leng Yi. Yes, Empress Wang, Zhao Qun and Wang Yuqing are both intelligent people. What power does she have to shake their alliance? Faced with such an opponent, Leng Yi really couldn't imagine what Zhao Yin could use to defeat Zhao Qun and the Wang family.

"Yuqing will remember this."

"Alright, you should go admire the lanterns too. Qun'er is waiting for you in the Imperial Garden." Back at Renming Palace, the Empress urged Wang Yuqing, who gladly took her leave.

As soon as they stepped out of Renming Hall, Wang Yuqing took Leng Yi's hand and said, "Come on, let's go admire the lanterns!"