"There have indeed been a lot of discussions about me in the capital recently. I don't remember them clearly. However, what the Prince of Qi just said, I've never heard anyone else say. I've always loved reading, and I'm quite interested in Anecdotes of the Capital. That's why I've interacted with Miss Cheng a bit more on ordinary days."
With these words, he had, to some extent, distanced himself from Cheng Xiran.
But why did Cheng Xiran feel a pang in her heart when she heard these words?
However, in this situation, the only thing she could do was step forward and agree. So she tried her best to keep a calm and composed look on her face. "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, what the prince said is true."
The Empress Dowager didn't change her sneering expression. "If I remember correctly, you and Xiao Qi grew up together, right?"
When Xiao Qi heard the Empress Dowager mention him, he was extremely excited. The joy was evident on his face, as if he was afraid others wouldn't notice.
"We weren't close when we were young, and it's the same now."
Helian Duo's answer was very decisive. The smile on Xiao Qi's lips immediately froze, which drew ridicule from many young ladies around.
"To be honest with you, what I'm most worried about now is your marriage. You're at an age when you should take a princess consort. Since we're here today, take a look and see if there's anyone you like. Just tell me, and I'll make the decision for you."
Helian Duo subconsciously glanced at Cheng Xiran, but this girl seemed to be lost in thought and didn't even look at him.
Anyway, the topic had finally shifted to him, and for the time being, no one would pester Cheng Xiran anymore.
Among these young ladies, Cheng Zhiyue wasn't particularly beautiful. She wasn't tall either, and she didn't have any outstanding talents. Moreover, she had once been a concubine's daughter. So she was like a transparent person, and no one paid any attention to her.
Even if she wanted to do something to draw attention, the result would surely be just making a fool of herself.
Since she had already anticipated this and had self - awareness, she just sat quietly on one side.
"Thank you for your kind intention, Your Majesty. But I have no intention of taking a princess consort for now. Let's wait for some time."
Hearing his personal assurance, Cheng Xiran's previously downcast mood gradually calmed down.
Since he had no such intention in the short term, did it mean that she still had a chance? But he had already distanced himself from her before... Caught between these two thoughts, Cheng Xiran was extremely puzzled and could only secretly feel annoyed.
She was so useless, always thinking about Helian Duo.
Since Helian Duo had made his stance clear, the Empress Dowager didn't feel it appropriate to say more. So she started to help Helian Zheng choose a princess consort. After all, his harem was rather empty, and it needed to be filled to continue the royal bloodline.
Cheng Xiran sat there for a while. Feeling bored, she wanted to go out for a stroll.
But seeing the Empress Dowager chatting happily with them, she was afraid that they might mention her later. In short, there were many rules in the palace. After much thought, she decided to endure it. Finally, it was time for lunch. But then a maid took her out of the Qinxue Pavilion.
After coming out, she saw Helian Duo waiting for her under a plum tree, a rare white plum tree.
"How beautiful!" Cheng Xiran couldn't help but exclaim.
This drew a teasing remark from Helian Duo: "Are you talking about me?"
Cheng Xiran spat and said, "I'm talking about the plum blossoms. The plum blossoms can bloom so well at this season. It shows that they must be carefully taken care of every day."
"But these plum blossoms don't belong to this season. No matter how beautiful they are, it's of no use."
Seeing that Cheng Xiran just stood there without saying a word, Helian Duo took the initiative to start a conversation with her again. "After lunch, call Liyin and let's go out of the palace together."
Hearing his lukewarm tone, Cheng Xiran retorted in the same manner. "But I heard from a maid earlier that there will be another event this afternoon. I heard there will be many wealthy young masters."
Helian Duo gave her a sidelong glance. "Do you really want to settle your marriage in a hurry today?"
Cheng Xiran didn't know where she got the courage to confront him. She pouted and held her head high. "Yes. It's not easy to have a chance to come out and see the world. I definitely have to enjoy myself to the fullest before going back."
Before Helian Duo could reply, she said seriously, "Grandmother also said that if I meet someone suitable and I like them, I should seize the opportunity in time, or I'll regret it later."
Helian Duo frowned tightly, and his tone sounded a bit urgent. "Did the old lady really say that to you? Didn't she say anything else? Didn't she mention me?"
"Why would she mention you?" Cheng Xiran was very confused.
She wanted to ask further, but Helian Duo's expression had returned to normal, as if that moment just now was just an illusion or a hallucination for Cheng Xiran.
"It's nothing. I just advise you not to stay this afternoon. Don't end up being someone's plaything without even realizing it."
With these words, Helian Duo turned around and left. Soon, his tall and slender figure disappeared into the mist.
"What a pity. I was still planning to take a good stroll."
She murmured to herself and returned to her seat.
It had to be said that the food in the palace was really different from that outside. Even the most ordinary dish could be cooked in a unique way and taste different. Cheng Xiran enjoyed the meal very much...
After lunch, she originally wanted to ask Chu Liyin to take her around. But unexpectedly, under Helian Duo's instigation, this girl greeted the Empress Dowager and then dragged her towards the palace gate.
Helian Duo was already waiting there, and Xue Lianyu was beside him.