After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

"This... is something that happened in the building; I don't know why."

Xiao Lan responded by bowing her head.

"I see." Xiao Ran stood up and circled around Xiao Lan a few times.

"The fragrance of the orchid lingers... I've heard that those pedantic scholars once wrote a poem on the theme of 'fragrance,' which reads: 'I'd spend a fortune to buy the fragrance of orchids, their unique charm lingers. Green leaves gracefully hold the morning dew, and white flowers are elegantly adorned with rainbow-colored robes.'"

"That's quite interesting. From then on, Miss Hanxiang became famous throughout the capital." Xiao Ran stared at Xiao Lan.

Xiaolan kept her head down the whole time and didn't say a word.

"I see you are only twelve or thirteen years old, yet you already possess the fragrance of orchids. It seems you intend to follow in Hanxiang's footsteps."

Xiao Lan's body was noticeably stiffer.

"No, no, Xiaolan never thought that way. Xiaolan just wants to serve the guests well with her sisters."

Xiao Ran persisted, "Then why didn't Miss Xiao Lan tell your secret to the other sisters?"

"W-What secret?" Xiaolan looked up, but cold sweat broke out in her chest.

"The secret lies in this fragrance, of course."

"I don't understand what you're saying, young master... young lady." Xiao Lan took a few steps back. "If you and the other gentlemen have nothing else to say, then Xiao Lan will take her leave."

Xiao Lan wanted to leave, but was stopped by Que'er standing at the door.

"Miss Xiaolan, let's wait until you finish asking your questions before you leave."

After saying this, Xiaolan didn't turn around, but just faced the door. Que'er felt puzzled, but when she looked up, she saw Xiaolan looking preoccupied.

"This incense recipe is one you secretly learned from Miss Hanxiang, isn't it?" Xiao Ran asked.

Xiaolan still did not answer.

"If you don't want to tell me, I'll go ask your older sisters..."

Before he could finish speaking, Xiaolan paused slightly and said:

"Hanxiang is my older sister."

Xiao Ran couldn't help but feel a little surprised, and the same surprise appeared on Que'er's face.

Because he was the only one facing Xiaolan on the field, he saw Xiaolan's eyes gradually redden, and the sight made even an outsider like him feel sorry for her.

Xiao Lan gently wiped away the tears from her eyes, as if she hadn't just been crying.

She turned around: "My sister couldn't bear to see me suffer, so she spoke to the madam and told me that I would only be a maid serving tea and water, and she would take care of everything else..."

"But... I haven't been able to see my sister since the accident."

At this point, Xiaolan began to choke up again.

"I heard from those girls that Miss Hanxiang is just confined to her quarters. Why can't you see her?" Xiao Ran asked with a hint of doubt.

"At first I thought it was just a house arrest, but there were guards there day and night! Not even a fly could sneak in. After I tried to sneak in a few times because I wanted to see my sister, the madam said I was being disobedient and made me work as a prostitute..."

Xiaolan's tone was full of grievance.

"So you had no other choice but to use your sister's method in order to curry favor with some high-ranking officials and have them pave the way for you?"

Xiao Lan lowered her head, not denying what Xiao Ran said.

Xiao Ran suddenly laughed.

Que'er understood perfectly, and Master Qi, who was standing to the side, also slightly curled the corners of his mouth.

Xiao Lan was completely bewildered, thinking they were mocking her.

However, Xiao Ran gently patted her head.

She looked up and saw Xiao Ran's warm and gentle smile.

"Xiao Lan, I am the high-ranking official you've been longing for day and night."