She did not love the blue and pink colors or the soft red gauze, yet she wore such makeup daily. She disliked overly bright things, but her Autumn Hall was filled with vibrant colors. All of this was due to her “resemblance.” She loved Long Hanxie but couldn’t connect with him. She would continue to “resemble” until her dying day. She knew this was her life. This Hengyong City was her home, battlefield, and grave.
Nothing here was to her liking, except fighting – that she loved. Even if she couldn’t be the ultimate winner, she would never fall.
As she was lost in thought, she heard soft footsteps and the pearl curtain rippling. Cang Yue, who had just left, returned, knowing everything about palace affairs, big or small.
Xu Qiu’er slightly opened her eyes, seeing her approach gracefully, holding a golden glass tray with several booklets. She approached Xu Qiu’er without speaking.
Xu Qiu’er lazily extended her leg, and Ning, understanding her glance, collected her rod, curtsied, and quietly left the hall. The previous events disappeared like dust, leaving no trace in Xu Qiu’er’s heart or those of her palace servants.
“Why bother taking this matter upon yourself, Your Highness?” Ning’er asked carefully.
“The hat has already been placed on my head, so I must accept it. Anyway, I have to take it on for myself. I’ll have Xiao Fu’zi paint their portraits and send them over – who knows, they might soar high one day! Some things can’t be done personally, so you have to plant a few eyes and ears,” Xu Qiu’er replied with a light laugh.
“This plan is too risky,” Cang Yue cautioned. “Since the Empress Dowager has been removed from the external records, she doesn’t want the Crown Prince to see. If you bring them in, wouldn’t that be opposing the Empress Dowager?”
“Who said anything about bringing them in? If the Crown Prince encounters them outside the palace, how is that my fault? Whether it succeeds or not depends on them. I’m just letting them remember my kindness,” Xu Qiu’er said, casually handing the hairpin to Cang Yue. Although the Crown Prince said he personally selected them, he was busy with official duties and had no time to remember such trivial matters.
