The merchant's rebirth led to the complete downfall of the Marquis's mansion.

The eldest princess is very farsighted; it's just that Liu Qingping doesn't quite understand it yet.

The two stayed for a while and were about to leave quietly when two more people appeared behind them.

"Princess, Miss Qin, the Prince has sent us to invite you both."

Qin Yao and Liu Qingping exchanged a glance, both puzzled.

Although these two are fair-skinned, they were able to appear silently, so they must have some martial arts skills.

This... the Prince's mansion is a deep well of intrigue! Even the ordinary servants are experts.

Liu Qingping intended to pull Qin Yao away, but Qin Yao shook her head at her. The expressions and actions of the two of them indicated that they were not simply "inviting" them back.

If they disagree, you should force them to agree!

Judging from Prince Lan's behavior, he is probably the kind of person who would do such a thing.

Back at the banquet, the farce had come to an end.

Everyone ate and drank quietly, but it was a little too quiet.

Just as Qin Yao was about to return to her seat, she heard someone calling her from above.

Qin Yao began in surprise, only to find Prince Lan at the head of the table looking at her with a smile.

Everyone was wondering who the Miss Qin that Prince Lan was calling was, but now that Qin Yao stood out from the crowd, she naturally attracted everyone's curious attention.

Liu Qingping turned back halfway and looked at Qin Yao with concern.

Although the Prince of Lan was wary of the Princess's residence, the Princess's mother wasn't here today. If the Prince of Lan wanted to do something, he might not be able to stop him.

"Greetings, Your Highness!" Qin Yao lowered her head and bowed gracefully.

He acted with composure and grace, as if he were simply meeting an ordinary elder.

This made everyone look at them with newfound respect, as they couldn't even remain unmoved when facing Prince Lan.

The fact that it doesn't discriminate between meat and vegetables is enough to make everyone tremble with fear.

"Good! As expected of the head of the Qin family, you have extraordinary courage! Hahaha..." Prince Lan picked up the wine and gulped it down.

"Clatter!" The wine glass fell to the ground, and everyone was startled before they could even react.

"Let's end the banquet here! I'm in a good mood, so take all the rewards back with you!"

Prince Lan glanced at the male guests' section. Whether officials or dancers, none dared to resist. They bowed their heads in gratitude, and only then did Prince Lan get up and leave, satisfied.

"Are you alright?" Liu Qingping asked with some concern, helping Qin Yao up.

Qin Yao then realized that she was still in a bowing posture, and her legs were a little stiff from holding the same position for a long time. With Liu Qingping's help, Qin Yao stood up.

After stretching her legs, Qin Yao shook her head at Liu Qingping.

She was fine, but she didn't quite understand what the Prince of Lan meant.

Why did he specifically call me? And what was his purpose in inviting me?

The ladies on the side had already left in a huff, while the male guests and dancers on the other side were still arguing and making a mess of things.

"Let's go! This is too eerie!" Liu Qingping shuddered and pulled Qin Yao away.

Qin Yao didn't want to stay any longer, so she followed Liu Qingping's lead and walked out. However, there were many servants standing at the door, and they had to be led away.

They weren't allowed to bring anyone with them when they came in, so they have no choice but to follow along now.

"It's strange, why lead them one by one? Wouldn't it be easier to just have someone guide them?" Liu Qingping frowned, feeling very dissatisfied with the Prince Lan's actions.

In her opinion, Prince Lan was being a bit too extravagant. The court was preparing for war, and everyone was being very careful, afraid of being accused of wastefulness.

While soldiers at the front fought valiantly, sacrificing their lives, those at the rear were only concerned with enjoying themselves.

However, this Prince Lan, perhaps because he had just arrived in the capital, had more entourage than the princess's residence.

And here it is, on display now.

Each family was led by a servant; the number of people in this vast mansion was unknown.

"Let's go together later, don't separate!" Qin Yao whispered.

Liu Qingping didn't quite understand, but seeing Qin Yao's serious expression, she subconsciously nodded.

A fair-skinned young servant led the way. He looked to be only fifteen or sixteen years old and always had a smile on his face. His innocent appearance put Liu Qingping at ease.

The two walked for a long time without reaching the gate, so Qin Yao stopped and helped Liu Qingping, who was about to continue walking.

"This is not the way out!" Qin Yao said calmly to the servant.

Liu Qingping, who had originally intended to ask a question, was suddenly stunned.

"You dog of a servant! How dare you lead the way like this!" Liu Qingping angrily questioned.

The people who had just traveled together went in different directions. The servant hurriedly explained that it was because there were too many people, so the carriages were parked in different places, and they needed to lead the way out through different gates.

This would be outrageous in an ordinary family, but in Prince Lan's case...

It's really possible!

Everyone was used to this and followed along, including Qin Yao and her companion.

However, Qin Yao was more cautious and kept observing her surroundings.

Just now, they turned a corner and entered the inner courtyard.

Ordinary people can't get in here; further in, it's probably where the owner is resting.

There's no way there could be a way out from here.

"Guests, it's just a few more steps away." The servant turned around unhurriedly, seemingly unaware of Liu Qingping's scolding.

He still had a smile on his face, but Qin Yao remained unmoved. Liu Qingping threatened to use her power to find someone to deal with him, and gradually his smile turned into a wicked one.

"Sorry, but I'll see if you can even leave here before I deal with you!"

After speaking, the servant stopped laughing and quickly walked inside.

"What should we do?" Liu Qingping had no time to stop them and could only look at Qin Yao.

Qin Yao looked around. She had been observing the surroundings on the way here, so she had a general idea of ​​her location. She pointed in a direction and led Liu Qingping away.

It doesn't matter which door you go through; what matters is leaving here immediately.

If she remembered correctly, the next step inside led to the residence arranged for Prince Lan.

Qin Yao's mind was now focused on leaving. Liu Qingping was a princess, and Prince Lan would have to think twice before trying to harm her.

But I am different. At worst, he can offend the Princess's residence. Judging from his arrogant appearance today, he probably doesn't mind offending her.

So she has to leave! And she has to leave quickly!

Qin Yao recalled the map Xiao Wu had given her. She thought that the northwest corner gate should be right after passing through the garden, but an accident happened just as the two of them were passing through the garden.

We hadn't encountered a single person along the way, but suddenly we ran into one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.

When they meet on a narrow path... big eyes meet small eyes.

It took Liu Qingping quite a while to regain her senses.

"What are you looking at? Get out of my way!"

The group exchanged glances, then carried the sedan chair to the side.

Seeing that they were sensible, Liu Qingping was satisfied.

"Let's go! Sister Qin."

Qin Yao followed, and just as they passed the sedan chair, the curtain was suddenly lifted open.

"Help me! Help my sister Qin!"

……