Jin Yu wondered why the Crown Prince chose Xu Qing’er over the more talented and attractive Xu Qiu’er. He had limited interaction with Xu Qiu’er and remained uncertain about her character, especially after the puzzling events at the Emperor’s birthday banquet, including the swift promotion of her maid to concubine.
Rong Jun Wang drank heavily and, with the support of Emperor Ye Zha Yi’s concubine, retired early. The empress, claiming poor health, followed suit, and the crown prince, concerned for her, also accompanied her.
Left at the table were Qing Ya, Qiu’er, Qing’er, and Rong Jun Wang. Qing Ya was drunk and lying on the table, shouting loudly. Rong Jun Wang laughed while looking at Xu Qiu’er, who sensed his inexplicable fondness for her. She was startled.
“Is your father’s health well?”
Relieved, she realized he was an old friend of her father, explaining his special care for her. Before she could respond, Xu Qing’er asked, “Royal Uncle Hao Nan, is my father doing well?”
Rong Jun Wang looked surprised at Xu Qing’er and replied, “Which young lady of the Xu family are you?”
Xu Qing’er replied, “Royal Uncle, I am the third.”
Rong Jun Wang was speechless. Xu Qiu’er sensed his hostility towards Xu Liang Yi and wondered why her father’s old friend treated her and her third sister differently.
Noticing Rong Jun Wang’s indifference, Xu Qing’er stood up with a smile, “Please forgive me, Royal Uncle. My body does not allow me to sit longer.”
Rong Jun Wang’s face turned cold.
After Xu Qing’er left and Long Han Jie returned, he saw Qing Ya passed out on the table and sighed, ordering the palace maids to send her back.
Xu Qiu’er stood up to send her sister home, a proposal that Long Han Jie agreed to.
Once Xu Qiu’er and Qing Ya left, Rong Jun Wang’s expression darkened. Long Han Jie cautiously asked his uncle, “Did Qiu’er say something to upset you?”
Rong Jun Wang responded, “The crown prince’s favoritism is obvious to me. How can the world not know? The crown prince will regret this someday,” and left before Long Han Jie could reply.
Confused, Long Han Jie wondered what Qiu’er and the royal uncle had discussed.
