CFSSIR

‧₊˚ 55 ‧₊˚

As soon as the words fell, Shen Qingyao understood it herself.

Princess Yonghe indeed liked Xiao Jing, but leaving aside whether they have mutual feelings, the fact remains that one is the son of an Emperor while the other is the daughter of a hereditary prince. Despite being distant relatives through marriage, they cannot be together.

Princess Yonghe's sincerity was repeatedly taken advantage of by Xiao Jing. Without needing Lu Zhao to explain, Shen Qingyao could guess that Xiao Jing's manipulation must be involved in this marriage alliance. She just didn't know what he had done to make the King of Nanzhao cooperate like this. In the capital with so many noble ladies, why did he specifically choose Yonghe?

Shen Qingyao lowered her eyes, suddenly feeling sorry for Princess Yonghe.

Three days later, the Nanzhao envoy entered the city. It was said that they were here to welcome the princess, led by the king of Nanzhao's younger brother. However, for some reason, after entering the city, they did not go to the inn first but instead detoured to the Lu residence. Lu Zhao didn't bother Shen Qingyao with this; he went alone to meet them.

Shen Qingyao sat in the courtyard, pondering the purpose of the Prince of Nanzhao's visit. Unfortunately, she lacked the mind for political intrigue. After thinking for a long time, she gave up in confusion.

Bored, she was suddenly informed that someone from the envoy wanted to see her, and Lu Zhao agreed.

Shen Qingyao stood up in surprise and suspicion. She had no connection whatsoever with Nanzhao, so why would someone specifically seek her out? It was even more strange that Lu Zhao agreed.

When the tall figure walked in, Shen Qingyao's eyes brightened. Wasn't this the girl she had met before?!

The girl today was dressed in a formal blue and white palace dress of Nanzhao style, soft colors suppressed some of her youthful vigor and revealed a gentleness not seen before.

Shen Qingyao was somewhat surprised. She never expected that the person looking for her would be the handsome girl she had briefly met in the silver jewelry shop that day.

"Why is it you?" Shen Qingyao was pleasantly surprised and quickly invited her in, asking, "So you're from the Nanzhao envoy?"

Since coming in, the girl had not been reserved at all. She lazily smiled. Shen Qingyao let her sit and eat. Now, hearing Shen Qingyao's question, she suddenly raised her head and gave her a strange look.

"Do you... really not recognize me?"

Shen Qingyao was stunned. Should she recognize her?

The two stared at each other silently for a while. The girl turned her head and smiled, pushing a cup of tea toward Shen Qingyao. As Shen Qingyao picked it up, the girl tapped her fingers rhythmically on the table, resting her chin on her hand.

"Come on, when did you come over?"

"Cough! Cough cough... What... what?" Shen Qingyao choked on the tea she had just drunk. The girl's words exploded in her mind like thunder on a clear day. What was she saying? When did she come over?

Shen Qingyao widened her eyes in shock.

"You... you are..." She finally managed to catch her breath, tremblingly pointing a finger at the person in front of her, a figure slowly emerging in her mind.

"Mm-hmm." The girl smiled lightly, making two syllables with her nose, calmly assessing her. "You don't even recognize me? Don't tell me you've lost your memory again. That excuse is outdated."

Shen Qingyao froze, suddenly understanding where her flaw lay. The original owner had amnesia, but that was at the age of ten. Even if they weren't close afterward, she should still recognize her Second Sister. After all, Shen Qinglin had only been away from home for two years.