Xiao Qi picked up the tea cup and smiled charmingly. "My two younger sisters must be laughing at me. I've been in poor health since childhood. I heard that this glazed jade cup is good for one's health, so Father told me to carry it with me all the time."
These ancient people are just like modern ones. They really know how to show off their wealth one after another.
Cheng Xiran put down the tea cup in her hand, slightly lowered her head and smiled. From the look in Cheng Zhiyue's eyes, she could tell that it was also the first time her sister had seen this glazed jade cup. Why didn't Xiao Qi bring it during her previous visits to the Prime Minister's Mansion, but only brought it this time?
"Sister, I heard that His Highness the Prince also likes your Anecdotes in the Capital. May I work on it with you?" Xiao Qi took a sip of tea and then slowly got to the point.
No wonder, no wonder His Highness Helian Duo had come to see Cheng Xiran several times. Xiao Qi couldn't have been unaware. She came for Helian Duo, not to visit Cheng Xiran at all.
Cheng Xiran replied coldly, "I only have one younger sister, and she's from another woman. I don't remember having an older sister."
Her words were extremely harsh. Even Cheng Zhiyue sitting beside her thought it was a bit too much. She secretly glanced at Xiao Qi, only to find that Xiao Qi looked calm and wasn't angry at all.
"We're not much different in age. Addressing each other as sisters can make us seem closer. If you don't like it, I'll just call you by your name." Xiao Qi replied softly.
"Whether I like it or not doesn't depend on me. After all, the mouth is on your face. What can I say?" Cheng Xiran sneered and thought to herself, I'd like to see how long you can keep up this act.
"Yes," Xiao Qi said with a soft laugh. "I came today to invite you to go to Xuanshan Mountain to enjoy the flowers in a few days. Thinking that I haven't seen you for a while, I came here in person to deliver the invitation."
Seeing this, the maid handed over a gilded invitation. Cheng Xiran took it, glanced at it, and then threw it on the table. "I don't like such occasions. I'll decide based on the situation then."
That invitation was a golden dragon invitation from the royal family, which meant that there would surely be many noble young masters and princes at the flower - viewing banquet on Xuanshan Mountain in a few days. Cheng Zhiyue was extremely envious when she saw it.
"It doesn't matter. If it's inconvenient for you, I'll have someone make the carriage very comfortable to pick you up."
Cheng Xiran frowned and looked at Xiao Qi. It seemed that she had to go. Could it be that Xiao Qi had bribed some assassins on Xuanshan Mountain to kill her?
"Sister, you should go. I heard that there are many rare and precious flowers on Xuanshan Mountain. It'll be good to broaden your horizons." Cheng Zhiyue spoke up first. She didn't want to miss this opportunity.
"Yes, the flowers on Xuanshan Mountain are in full bloom this year. His Highness only heard me mention it once, and then he had the mountain sealed off and specially held this flower - viewing banquet. Sister, remember to dress up nicely then."
As she spoke, Xiao Qi stood up, gently raised her eyebrows, and said softly, "It's getting late. I'll take my leave first. The carriage will come to pick you up in a few days."
Cheng Zhiyue rushed to see Xiao Qi off. After they left, only Cheng Xiran was left in the originally lively courtyard.
Cheng Xiran looked down at the golden invitation and fell into deep thought. Helian Duo had sealed off the mountain and held this flower - viewing banquet for her. No wonder he had repeatedly rejected the original owner's advances before.
It wasn't because the original owner was so foolish, but because his heart already belonged to someone else.
Cheng Xiran still felt a bit unwilling. Why should she give in to Xiao Qi? She didn't want to let Xiao Qi steal all the limelight.
She had been recuperating in the mansion for several days and had eaten a lot of beauty - enhancing food. This last - minute effort must have had some effect. On that day, Cheng Xiran looked at herself in the mirror. Her complexion was radiant, and she looked even more charming than before.
Sure enough, women need to be well - taken care of.