Though Qiao Nian had feigned it,
In the eyes of others, she was carried into the Marquis's residence, into Fragrant Lotus Garden, just like Xiao Qingnuan!
Yet, why at this moment did Lin Ye pity Lin Yuan, worry about Xiao Qingnuan, but forget about her, his once-sister?
Hadn't he always cared for her the most?
Didn't he seek out the best things in the world for her?
Wasn't he ready to fight anyone for her?
Why now does he care for everyone but her?
Lin Ye's heart trembled at Qiao Nian's light, probing question.
For a moment, he was too guilty to meet her gaze, unsure of how to respond.
But beside him, Lin Yuan was crying pitifully, almost leaning her whole body against him, sobbing with such grievance.
Thinking about how Lin Yuan was insulted by her best friend because of Qiao Nian, Lin Ye's guilt towards Qiao Nian vanished.
He glared at Qiao Nian fiercely, "Looking at how vigorous you are, it doesn't seem like you're in any trouble! Otherwise, how could you have the energy to stir up trouble! I warn you, Yuan has always been pure and kind; if she gets a bad reputation because of this, I won't let you off! Yuan, let's go!"
With that, Lin Ye embraced Lin Yuan as they left.
Qiao Nian stood there, watching coldly, not understanding why, even after experiencing and understanding so much, her heart could still feel cold, could still ache.
Ning Shuang appeared at some point, draping a cloak over Qiao Nian's shoulders, and scoffed at the departing figures of Lin Ye and Lin Yuan, "Now they don't care about reputation?"
Men and women should keep their distance, so Lin Ye and Xiao Heng couldn't save Xiao Qingnuan.
But because Lin Yuan was crying pitifully, Lin Ye could embrace her and leave?
What kind of logic was this?
Hearing Ning Shuang's words, Qiao Nian couldn't help but laugh, though her laughter was bitter.
She turned to head back inside, unwilling to waste another glance on those two.
Ning Shuang followed her into the room, saying, "Miss, I just saw Prince Ming."
At this, Qiao Nian paused, "Just now?"
"Yes!" Ning Shuang nodded, "He was on the stone bridge, but for some reason, he didn't come over!"
Qiao Nian frowned; she had been too focused on the drama between Xiao Qingnuan and Lin Yuan to notice anyone on the bridge.
However, when Xiao Qingnuan ran out, she clearly saw there was no sign of Prince Ming.
Had he left?
Qiao Nian thought for a moment, then dismissed it with a wave of her hand, "Let him be!"
She didn't have the energy to deal with Prince Ming anymore.
Yet, her mind inadvertently recalled Xiao Qingnuan's warning: never go to the west of the city!
The next day, Qiao Nian was summoned to the palace.
It was Consort De who wanted to see her.
Following the eunuch leading the way to Consort De's palace, Qiao Nian was naturally curious about why Consort De suddenly wanted to meet her.
Perhaps because of Xiao Qingnuan's vague warning, Qiao Nian felt an inexplicable chill.
Just then, the eunuch guiding her stopped suddenly, "Greetings, General Xiao."
Qiao Nian was taken aback to see Xiao Heng blocking her path.
A wave of displeasure crossed her heart, but she still respectfully bowed, "Greetings, General Xiao."
"You go ahead, I have words for Miss Qiao." Xiao Heng spoke coldly, his dark eyes staring at her with an unsettling chill.
The young eunuch obediently acknowledged and left.
Qiao Nian took a deep breath, thinking that Xiao Heng was blatantly stopping her—perhaps because of Xiao Qingnuan?
Had something happened to Xiao Qingnuan after she left yesterday?
Or was it because of Lin Yuan?
Was he warning her not to bully Lin Yuan in the future?
Qiao Nian felt the latter was more likely.
She didn't speak, waiting for Xiao Heng to start, her eyes fixed on the ground, avoiding his gaze.
Unexpectedly, a pair of boots suddenly appeared in her line of sight.
That familiar scent enveloped her; Qiao Nian was startled, looking up to find Xiao Heng had approached her.
Very close!
She instinctively tried to move away, stepping back several paces.
Suddenly, a sharp pain tugged at her earlobe.
Qiao Nian quickly covered her ear, shocked to find an earring now hung there.
She had dressed simply for the palace today, without any ornaments on her ears.
So, was this earring put on by Xiao Heng just now?
This thought sent a chill through her; looking at Xiao Heng, she saw he was holding another earring.
The dark red carnelian pendant swayed gently in his fingers.
It was the pair she had thrown into the lake with the wooden box yesterday!
Qiao Nian looked at Xiao Heng in confusion, "What does the General mean by this?"
He had retrieved the earrings she threw into the lake?
Faced with Qiao Nian's astonishment and questioning, Xiao Heng maintained his icy demeanor.
"This was a gift from me." His voice was low, carrying an inexplicable pressure, "By discarding it publicly, you've insulted me."
Qiao Nian furrowed her brow.
He had even started referring to himself as 'this General' in front of her, indicating how much her public act of discarding the earrings had humiliated and angered him!
Then, Xiao Heng reached out, presenting the other earring in front of her, his tone commanding, "Put it on."
Qiao Nian glanced at the earring, then removed the one from her left ear, "Since I threw it away, I no longer want it. If the General likes it, take it back!"
With that, she placed the earring in his hand.
But Xiao Heng quickly turned his wrist, his large hand grabbing hers.
In the turn, the pair of earrings were now in his grip, and hers too.
In broad daylight, he actually held her hand like this!
Qiao Nian was startled, trying to pull her hand away, but his grip was solid, giving her no chance to resist.
His cold, handsome face was even more chilling, "Whether Miss Qiao wears these earrings or discards them is up to her. I need to visit the old lady at the Marquis's residence, so I'll take my leave."
With that, he let go, leaving the earrings in Qiao Nian's hand.
Qiao Nian understood; Xiao Heng was threatening her!
He knew she cared most about her grandmother, knew that she only had her grandmother!
Yet, he used her grandmother to threaten her!
If she didn't wear them, what would he say to her grandmother?
That she fell into the water again yesterday?
Or that Prince Ming was a cripple, and marrying him would be a disaster?
No matter what, if her grandmother learned of it, it would certainly affect her health...
Seeing Qiao Nian standing there, motionless, Xiao Heng's lips curled into a cold sneer, "Miss Qiao is here to meet Consort De, right? Wearing these earrings would be quite fitting."
Just right for Prince Ming to see.