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Qiao Xuan couldn’t suppress a chuckle as the scene played out in her mind. The level of craftsmanship displayed had taken her by surprise.

Truly a remarkable display of skill!

Regrettable that she lacked a camera to capture its beauty.

They stood near Chang’e’s area, captivated by the lanterns, when a soft, melodious voice reached their ears. “Officer Shao, Madame Shao!”

Both of them instinctively turned around. The woman before them resembled a living painting—graceful and serene, her smile a gentle curve.

It was none other than He Zhiqing!

Qiao Xuan felt a surge of repulsion.

How audacious of her to cast such an innocent gaze! The shamelessness knew no bounds!

Was her confidence in Qiao Wei so unshakable? Qiao Wei was hardly adept at keeping secrets. Though Qiao Xuan had inquired with just a few people, Qiao Wei had unhesitatingly implicated He Zhiqing to save herself from the consequences.

Recalling Qiao Wei’s distorted explanation for He Zhiqing’s actions, both Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan felt a sense of revulsion.

But with no concrete evidence and He Zhiqing’s association with the Fourth Prince’s mansion, silence was their only recourse.

Could it be that He Zhiqing remained oblivious to their knowledge?

The couple maintained a stony silence, their expressions far from welcoming. Yet, He Zhiqing carried herself as if all was well. Her smile grew even warmer as she spoke, “What a coincidence! Are you here to admire the lanterns as well? Officer Shao is truly attentive to Madame Shao. I can’t help but envy you.”

Qiao Xuan offered a wry half-smile. “Is that so, Madame He? Envious, are you?”

He Zhiqing faltered for a moment, her smile becoming strained.

Jealousy was not a sentiment she was entitled to.

After all, she was just a concubine!

Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan were officially married.

If she dared to voice her envy, it would imply a desire to supplant the current wife and ascend as the Fourth Prince’s true spouse. However, the incumbent wife would never pardon such audacity.

Qiao Xuan’s smile took on a mischievous edge as she fanned the flames. “It appears Madame He acknowledges it. After all, every woman wishes for her husband’s affection.”

“I…”

“Darling, shall we move on?”

Before He Zhiqing could utter another word, Shao Yunduan departed alongside Qiao Xuan.

With a smiling nod, Qiao Xuan and her companion melted into the bustling crowd, leaving He Zhiqing behind.

He Zhiqing held the title of the Fourth Prince’s concubine, while they were under the patronage of the Crown Prince. If they were spotted exchanging pleasantries with He Zhiqing, it could invite unwelcome speculation.

Clenching her teeth, He Zhiqing’s glare followed the path the couple took. The low light cast sharp shadows across her visage, intensifying her fierce expression.

“You’re oblivious to your own best interests!”

Reserving a private chamber at the nearby Yiping Teahouse, He Zhiqing had intended to extend an invitation for them to join her. However, they slipped away without a word.

“Their manners are utterly lacking!”

In frustration, He Zhiqing vented her ire and proceeded towards the Yiping Teahouse, accompanied by her maid.

A sense of perplexity settled in. Despite hailing from the same hometown, forging a connection seemed elusive. What would the Fourth Prince make of this? How could she prove her intelligence and utility to him?

He Zhiqing teetered on the edge of despair.

The reality of the capital had caught her off guard.

Hailing from a prestigious lineage, she held her talents and beauty in high regard. Girls of her own age, including her cousins from the Xie Family, held no sway in her estimation. In her eyes, they were all mere simpletons.